AU2015202594B2

AU2015202594B2 - Barrier Assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2015202594B2
Application number: AU2015202594A
Authority: AU
Inventors: John Krueger
Original assignee: KRUEGER TRANSP EQUIPMENT Pty Ltd; Krueger Transport Equipment Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Krueger Transport Equipment Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-05-13
Filing date: 2015-05-13
Publication date: 2021-04-22
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-13
Also published as: AU2023285955A1; AU2021205096A1; AU2015202594A1; AU2021205096B2

Abstract

In summary, the invention provides a barrier assembly for a storage enclosure, the storage enclosure having a floor for supporting items and a track arranged above the floor such that the floor and the track define an opening for receiving items therein, the barrier assembly comprising: a barrier having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion engagable with the floor; a flexible support member mounted to the track from which the barrier is supported, an actuator movable between a first position and a second position, the actuator pivotally connected between the barrier and the flexible support member, wherein movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position raises the barrier above the floor, whilst maintaining the orientation of the barrier. 64907751 (GHMatters) P99614.AU NADIA 13/05/15 N6 4 /10 if)z N8 - -- - A .x ......... to .. .... .8. . . .. . . . - ...... .... .. ..... ........g

Description

N6 4 /10

N8

- - - - if)z A x .

......... to .8. . . .. ... . ... .

- ..........g ....... ........ .

A BARRIER ASSEMBLY TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a barrier assembly for securing items in a storage enclosure. The invention further relates to a barrier for securing cargo in the cargo enclosure of trucks and curtain-side trailers.

BACKGROUND

Curtain sided trailers are used for transporting palletised cargo and provide good access to all areas of a cargo enclosure without the limitation of removing all cargo from the rear of a trailer.

A typical trailer floor is approximately 2500mm wide and therefore adapted to receive two approximately 1170mm square pallets across the width of the trailer. The internal cargo carrying space of certain trailers is about 13700mm long by about 2695mm high. Typically the floor includes a coaming rail along each of its long edges. Some trailers include a rope rail suspended under each respective coaming rail.

Typically a roof is suspended above the floor of the trailer and in combination with side mounted curtains serves to protect the cargo from the weather. Each curtain is typically suspended from a track running along the roof, allowing the curtain to be slid along the track to selectively open and close portions of the side of the trailer. The track and the floor thereby define an opening through which cargo may be accessed from the side of the trailer.

Conventional curtains are formed of a heavy PVC woven fabric and include vertical, reinforcing members in the form of webbing straps along the length of the curtain. The upper end of each reinforcing strap is typically connected to a carriage which in turn engages in the track.

During transport inertial forces associated with manoeuvring of the vehicle, e.g. resultant from travelling too fast around a corner, winding road or sharp bend, can

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21 cause the load to move about within the trailer (hereinafter 'load shift'). Load shift is highly undesirable. Load shift can damage cargo due to impacts within the trailer. Unloading shifted cargo is slow and dangerous. Furthermore, load shift can lead to undesirable handling characteristics of the trailer, thereby providing a safety hazard for drivers and other road users. In extreme cases load shift can contribute to vehicle roll over.

Typically shifted cargo is disorderly and can fall away when the curtain is opened. Load shift therefore leads to both efficiency and safety issues when unloading. Load shift can also lead to cargo items projecting from the footprint of the vehicle and striking fixed objects or other vehicles.

Conventionally cargo is restrained using webbing straps extending from a ratchet mechanism mounted under a coaming rail at one side of the trailer, passing over the load, and being fastened to a coaming rail at the other side of the trailer, the ratchet mechanism being operable to tighten the tie-downs to clamp down the cargo to the trailer floor.

A more recent approach to load restraint involves using movable gates carried between the cargo and the curtain. These gates are typically about 25mm thick. When in the operative condition the plurality of gates form a 25mm thick wall along the length of the trailer. These gates provide a rigid barrier for restraining cargo against shifting loads. Accordingly, these gates are heavy and somewhat cumbersome and therefore cause both efficiency and safety issues for operators.

In light of the above, it is desirable to provide an improved cargo barrier or at least address some of the known drawbacks associated therewith.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a barrier assembly for a storage enclosure of a truck, a trailer or the like, the storage enclosure having a floor for supporting items and a track arranged above the floor such that the floor and the track define an opening for receiving items therein, the barrier assembly comprising: a barrier having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion engagable with the floor; a flexible support member mounted to the track from which the barrier is supported in an upright orientation; an actuator movable between a first position and a second position, the actuator moveably connected between the barrier and the flexible support member, and a guide member located towards an upper periphery of the barrier engaged with the flexible support member that is configured to constrain relative movement of the flexible support member with respect to the barrier to a direction extending between the floor and the track; wherein movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position raises the barrier above the floor, with the guide member restraining the flexible support member close to the barrier to thereby maintain the upright orientation of the barrier.

The barrier assembly of the present invention provides a safe and effective means of disengaging the barrier from the floor of a storage enclosure or trailer. The invention further provides full support for the weight of the barrier, to allow an operator to manually lift and manipulate the barrier while reducing the chance of personal injury.

The barrier assembly further reduces the opportunity for storage items to be damaged as the barrier is constrained in alignment between the floor and the track. When the invention is installed in a side-curtain trailer, the barrier is constantly maintained in a substantially vertical orientation relative to the storage enclosure, whether engaged with the floor of the trailer, or hanging from the track of the trailer suspended from the flexible support member.

The actuator may be pivotally connected between the barrier and the flexible support member such that a connection point is defined between the flexible support member and the barrier.

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21

The actuator may be height adjustable in relation to the barrier, namely, the actuator can be raised or lowered on the barrier to allow more comfortable access and use by an operator. In one embodiment the actuator may be mounted on a brace that is bolted to the barrier such that the brace may be raised or lowered along the height of the barrier. In another embodiment, the brace may be mounted to the barrier on a sliding mechanism that allows the brace to be moved through a range of alternative mounting positions on the barrier. In another embodiment the brace may be welded to the barrier in a fixed position.

Once the barrier is disengaged from the floor the barrier is essentially suspended from the track of the trailer by the flexible support member. The barrier can be pivoted by a few degrees about the connection point to urge the barrier out of alignment with the floor of the trailer and to ease the motion of the barrier along the track and into the vicinity of a subsequent barrier. The barrier is maintained in a parallel orientation between the floor and the track.

Once suspended, the barrier's mass is constrained from rotating about the flexible support member or actuator by a restraining point between the barrier and the flexible support member. The restraining point is spaced from the actuator in a vertical direction. The restraining point constrains the flexible support member close to the barrier at a point above the actuator, and allows movement of the flexible support member relative to the barrier in a direction extending between the floor and the track. The restraining point may be a guide. The guide may be mounted to the barrier to provide a closed aperture through which the flexible support member slides. The barrier may be free to move along the flexible support member. Both the connection point and the restraining point are in alignment with the flexible support member. Both the connection point and the restraining point are in vertical alignment with the flexible support member. The restraining point may be located towards an upper periphery of the barrier. The restraining point may be located towards an outer edge of the barrier. The restraining point is located between the connection point and the track. The connection point may be located anywhere along the vertical centre line of the barrier. The connection point and the secondary restraining point are aligned with the track such that the mass of the barrier does not cause the barrier to rotate about the flexible support member.

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21

By restraining the barrier from free rotation about the actuator or the flexible support member, the risk of both storage items being knocked and damaged is greatly reduced. Furthermore, the risk of operator injury is also reduced whether loading or unloading storage items. Often an operator is near or on a road side when loading or unloading storage items. Accordingly, a barrier that is not balanced and prone to swinging and rotating when suspended, could cause personal injury due to impact or worse, knock an operator into or onto a public road.

The height of the floor of a trailer is between 600mm and 1500mm, depending on the model of the trailer. This operating height introduces a risk of physical injury to an operator attempting to manually raise a movable cargo barrier. This risk is compounded by the weight of typical cargo barriers, which is between 13kg and 30kg. The risk of injury is further increased by the dimensions of a typical barrier (2850mm x 1980mm) making them awkward and cumbersome to control.

Repeated lifting of these loads above waist height and potentially closer to shoulder height, depending on the height of the operator, provides a significant risk of back, neck and shoulder strains. From both efficiency and a health and safety perspective the invention provides an advantageous alternative to typical cargo restraints. By keeping the weight of the barrier low, and the actuator low and in good ergonomic reach of an operator, the risk of physical injury when operating the barrier assembly is reduced.

The actuator may be mounted centrally across the width of the barrier. The actuator may be mounted mid-way along the height of the barrier.

The actuator may comprise a coupling pivotally mounted to at least one of the barrier and the flexible support member. The coupling may be pivotally mounted to both of the barrier and the flexible support member. Rotation of the coupling may load the flexible support member and rotates the barrier about the actuator, thereby raising the barrier relative to the flexible support member. Rotation of the coupling may form a rotational axis of the barrier between the coupling and the flexible support member.

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21

The rotational axis may provide a fulcrum about which the weight of the barrier is counteracted to raise the barrier above the floor.

The coupling may further comprise a lever for manual activation of the actuator. The lever may be configured to reduce the operator load required on the lever to counteract the weight of the barrier.

As discussed above, the barrier assembly may further comprise a restraining point that constrains the flexible support member close to the barrier at a point above the actuator, and allows movement of the flexible support member relative to the barrier in a direction extending between the floor and the track. The restraining point may be guide mounted to the barrier to provide a closed aperture through which the flexible support member slides. The guide may be mounted towards an upper periphery of the barrier. The guide may be mounted in alignment with the actuator, such that the flexible support member is centred in relation to the barrier.

The guide may be openable to receive the flexible support member therein, and closable to constrain the flexible support member thereto. The guide may be of one piece construction having an aperture therethrough to threadingly receive the flexible support member.

The lower portion of the barrier may comprise engagement members for engaging the barrier with the floor of the storage enclosure. The engagement members may be rigidly mounted to the barrier. The engagement members may be movably mounted to the barrier. The engagement members may engage the floor of the storage enclosure via an intermediary structure.

The barrier assembly as described above wherein the flexible support member may comprise any one of the following: a strap, a rope, a chain, a chord, a cable, a rod and a combination thereof.

The flexible support member may be movably mounted to the track. The flexible support member may be slidably mounted to the track.

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21

In accordance with the present invention there is further provided a method of securing items in a storage enclosure of a truck, a trailer or the like, the storage enclosure having a floor for supporting items and a track arranged above the floor such that the floor and the track define an opening for receiving items therein, the method comprising the steps of: i. disengaging a barrier assembly with the floor of the storage enclosure; ii. raising the barrier assembly above the floor by moving an actuator between a first position and a second position, the actuator movably connected between the barrier and a flexible support member from which the barrier is supported in an upright orientation, such that the weight of the barrier is supported by the track overlying the floor of the enclosure, relative movement of the flexible support member with respect to the barrier being constrained to a direction extending between the floor and the track by a guide member that is engaged with the flexible support member and located towards an upper periphery of the barrier, such that when raised an orientation of the barrier is maintained, with the guide member restraining the flexible support member close to the barrier; and iii. translating the barrier assembly, relative to the track to provide access to the storage enclosure, wherein storage items are placed within the storage enclosure before the steps (i) to (iii) are repeated in reverse order to thereby secure the items within the storage enclosure.

The barrier may be raised in a parallel orientation between the floor and the track.

The barrier may be disengaged with the floor by an actuator. The actuator may be ergonomically located on the barrier for ease of operator access.

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in further detail below, wherein like reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout the several views. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a frontal view of a cargo barrier according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a photographic illustration of the cargo barrier of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is frontal view of a cargo barrier engagement member, for engaging the barrier with the floor of a cargo enclosure;

Figure 4 is frontal view of a cargo barrier movable engagement member, for engaging the barrier with the floor of a cargo enclosure;

Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of an over-centre hinge arrangement of the cargo barrier of Figure 2;

Figure 5A is a frontal view of the over-centre hinge arrangement of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the cargo barrier being raised above a cargo enclosure of a trailer;

Figure 7 is a photographic illustration of the cargo barrier of Figure 2 in a fully raised position;

Figure 8 is a photographic illustration of a top portion of the cargo barrier of Figure 2;

Figure 9 is a frontal view of a cargo barrier according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9A is a frontal view of a securing point according to one embodiment of the invention, that secures a handle to the barrier when not in use;

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21

Figure 9B is a side view of the securing point of Figure 9A;

Figure 9C is a frontal view of an embodiment of a barrier assembly, illustrating an actuator configured to rotate in plane with the barrier;

Figure 10 is a side view of the cargo barrier of Figure 7 in a closed configuration;

Figure 11 is a side view of the cargo barrier of Figure 7 in a fully open configuration;

Figure 12 is a side view of the cargo barrier of Figure 7 in a slidable configuration;

Figure 13 is a side view of the cargo barrier according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13A is an enlarged view of the top portion of the cargo barrier of Figure 11;

Figure 14 is a side view of the cargo barrier according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14A is an enlarged view of the top portion of the cargo barrier of Figure 12;

Figure 15 is frontal view of trailer having a plurality of movable barrier assemblies, uniformly spaced along the length thereof; and

Figure 16 is frontal view of the trailer of Figure 15, wherein the plurality of moveable barrier assemblies are displaced along the length of the trailer to provide access to a storage enclosure within the trailer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments, although not the only possible embodiments, of the invention are shown. The invention may be embodied in many

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21 different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described below.

While the invention is described herein in relation to a barrier assembly for use with a curtain-side trailer of a truck, it is understood that the barrier assembly can be applied to various cargo enclosures, for example, warehouses, docking bays and the like.

The invention provides a barrier assembly 1 for a storage enclosure 5, the storage enclosure 5 having a floor 10 for supporting items and a track 15 arranged above the floor 10 such that the floor 10 and the track 15 define an opening for receiving items therein, the barrier assembly 1 comprising: a barrier 20 having an upper portion 22 and a lower portion 24, the lower portion 24 engagable with the floor 10; a flexible support member 25 mounted to the track 15 from which the barrier 20 is supported, an actuator 30 movable between a first position and a second position, the actuator 30 pivotally connected between the barrier 20 and the flexible support member 25, wherein movement of the actuator 30 from the first position to the second position raises the barrier 20 above the floor 10, whilst maintaining the orientation of the barrier 20, as illustrated in Figure 1.

In a first aspect of the invention, illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, the barrier 20 is a rigid gate comprising; a perimeter frame 11; a plurality of longitudinal members 26; and a cross-member 27 that is arranged to bisect the longitudinal members 26 around their midpoint. The barrier 20 can have a plurality of cross-members 27 spaced along the length of the longitudinal members 26 to restrain dynamic items within the storage enclosure 5. The longitudinal members are spaced apart in intervals of about 250mm.

The barrier 20 can be made from a metal e.g. steel or iron. The barrier can also be made from similarly strong materials having sufficient strength and load bearing capacity to restrain items within the storage enclosure 5. The barrier 20 can be comprised of solid bars of material. Alternatively, the barrier 20 can be made from rolled or tubular sections, to reduce the mass thereof, as illustrated in Figure 2.

The barrier 20 can be made from a sheet of material for restraining smaller items e.g. items that would fit through a "gate" style barrier as described above. The barrier 20

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21 can also be formed in a cage-like configuration, having a plurality of longitudinal members 26 and a plurality of cross-members 27 configured to provide a metallic mesh wherein the items in the storage enclosure 5 remain visible from outside of the storage enclosure 5. In this manner an operator, that is to say a person opening the barrier assembly 1, can visually check whether storage items have shifted within the storage enclosure 5 during transit of the trailer 40.

The barrier 20 dimensions can be adjusted to fit predetermined standard trailer 40 dimensions. The Barrier 20 of Figure 1 is 1830mm in height and 1930mm in length. These dimensions leave a gap of about 800mm between the periphery 11 of the barrier 20 and the track 15 of the trailer 40. Typically stored items are packed onto pallets and the like and; therefore, are not free to pass over the top portion 22 of the barrier 20. The longitudinal members 26 are spaced at approximately 50mm intervals across the width of the barrier 20.

The barrier 20 can be taller than 1830mm to reduce the gap between the top portion 22 of the barrier 20 and the track 15. As the actuator 30 is positioned within the perimeter 11 of the barrier 20 there are few limitations to extending the height of the barrier 20. The barrier 20 can be extended to within 180mm of the track 15.

The barrier 20 is supported on a support member, illustrated in Figure 1 as a flat strap 25. The strap 25 is strong and capable of supporting the full weight of the barrier 20, to allow the barrier 20 to be raised and the weight of the barrier 20 to be fully supported by the strap 25. In Figure 2, the strap is formed from a woven mesh of fibres. In alternative embodiments the support member can be a steel cable, a fibre rope, a solid bar, a rod or a chain.

The strap 25 connects the barrier 20 to the track 15, which is arranged above the floor 10 of the trailer 40. The strap 25 is illustrated in Figure 1 terminating in a D-ring 52 which is in-turn attached to a wheel or roller 29. The roller 29 is received and retained on the track 15 and constrained to travel in a linear fashion along the track 15. The roller 29 provides a low friction arrangement for translating the weight of the barrier 20 along the track 15.

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21

For heavy duty and heavy barriers 20 the strap 25 can be engaged with a plurality of rollers 29, or a dolly (not illustrated) that supports and groups the plurality of rollers 29, thereby supporting a greater load on the strap 25. It is further contemplated that for large barriers 20, a plurality of straps 25 and respective actuators 30 can be interconnected to move a single barrier 20.

At a lower portion 24 of the barrier 20, there are engagement members, illustrated as spades 34, for retaining the lower portion 24 of the barrier 20 in engagement with the floor 10 of the trailer 40. The spades 34 can be fixed or moveable, as further illustrated and described in relation to Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 3 illustrates a fixed spade 34. A single spade 34 can be located at each corner of the lower portion 24 of the barrier 20. However, it is contemplated that additional spades 34 can be spaced along the entire length of the lower portion 24 of the barrier 20, to provide additional retaining points for the barrier 20. This enables the barrier 20 to restrain increased forces from shifting items in the storage enclosure 5. The spades 34 can be integrally formed with the barrier 20 as extensions to the longitudinal members 26 or extensions to the periphery 11 of the barrier 20. Alternatively, the spades 34 can be manufactured separately, and subsequently welded or bolted to the periphery 11 of the barrier 20. It is contemplated that the spades 34 can be engaged with a coaming rail 55 or rope rail of the trailer 40 as an alternative to engaging the floor 10 of the trailer 40 directly.

Figure 4 illustrates a movable spade 34' arranged to rotate into and out of the cooperating recess 35 in the floor 10 of the trailer 40. The movable spade 34' includes a pivot axis 31 and a lever 32 for pivoting the spade 34' about the pivot axis 31. The spade 34' is illustrated to be elongate with a slightly chamfered end 34a'for ease of location in the recess 35. However, it is contemplated that the spade 34' can be curved or otherwise shaped to engage with the coaming rail 55 or rope rail of the trailer 40 as illustrated in Figures 10 to 12. During operation of the barrier assembly 1, the barrier 20 is lifted to clear the coaming rail 55 and then lowered outside of the coaming rail 55, such that the suspended barrier 20 can be easily slide along the length of the track 15 without the need for the operator to continuously apply load to the handle 36

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21 to keep the barrier 20 raised. The barrier 20 is then aligned with the coaming rail 55 and raised again to reengage the spades 34 with the floor 10.

The floor 10 of the trailer 40 is provided with cooperating structure, such as recesses 35 disposed at predetermined intervals along the length of the trailer 40, into which the spades 34 are received and retained. Where the spades 34 are fixed to the barrier 20 the spades 34 can be retained by the mass of the barrier 20 being acted upon by gravity. Where the spades 34 are movable a hook or latch mechanism can be employed to removable affix the spade 34 to the cooperating structure of the floor 15.

The barrier 20 is engaged with the track 15 through strap 25. The strap 25 is engaged to the barrier 20 by the actuator 30. The actuator 30 is pivotally connected between the barrier 20 and the strap 25 such that a connection point is defined between the strap 25 and the barrier 20.

The actuator 30 comprises a handle 36 and a rigid hinge 37. The handle 36 is used to activate the actuator 30. As illustrated in Figure 5 the handle 36 is a steel bar that is grasped by an operator and rotated downwardly in relation to the barrier 20. It is contemplated that the handle 36 can extend downwardly along the barrier 20 and be rotated upwardly with respect to the barrier 20. It is further contemplated that the actuator 30 can be replaced with any number of automated mechanisms, such as a series of ratchets, pulleys, cams or over-centre toggles that could be electrically operated or mechanically operated or manually operated.

The handle 36, as illustrated in Figure 5, is connected to the rigid hinge 37, the hinge 37 being pivotally mounted to both of the barrier 20 and the strap 25. The rigid hinge 37 has a first attachment point 38 that is rotatably connected to the strap 25 such that the rigid hinge 37 can rotate relative to the strap 25. Where the support member is not strap 25 but an alternative support i.e. a chain, a rope or a steel cable, the support member need not be pivotally attached to the rigid hinge 37.

The rigid hinge 37 further comprises a second attachment point 39 that is pivotally connected to the barrier 20 such that the rigid hinge 37 can pivot relative to the barrier 20, illustrated in more detail in Figure 5A.

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21

The second attachment point 39 is connected to a brace beam 42 that is permanently affixed to the barrier 20. The brace 42 is illustrated in Figures 5 and 5A as an elongate steel bar centrally located on the barrier 20 in the horizontal direction and disposed between two central longitudinal members 26. It is contemplated that the second attachment point 39 can be mounted directly onto the cross-member 27.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention the handle 36 can be mounted on the front of the barrier 20 such that operation of the handle 36 involves rotating the handle 36 in plane of the barrier 20, illustrated in Figure 9C. The arrow in Figure 9C denotes the direction of movement of the handle 36 to raise the barrier 20.

The brace 42 is not intended to be affixed to the barrier 20 at the barrier 20 centre of gravity but instead to an ergonomically determined height. It is contemplated that positioning the actuator 30 around shoulder height of an average operator reduces the potential for operator injury. The height of the actuator 30 is; therefore, determined relative to the height of the floor 10 of the trailer 40 to which the barrier assembly 1 is installed and not determined relative to the height of the barrier 20.

The brace 42 can be welded to the barrier 20. Alternatively, the brace 42 can be bolted to the barrier 20 between a pair of longitudinal members 26. A pair of fixing bolts 42a is used to secure the brace 42 to the barrier 20, as illustrated in Figure 1. Each longitudinal member 26 can be configured to provide a plurality of space mounting holes (not illustrated) such that the brace 42 can be raised or lowered in relation to the barrier 20. The brace 42 can be located in proximity to the centre of gravity of the barrier 20. The brace 42 can be located substantially mid-way of the barrier 20.

It is further contemplated that the brace 42 can be slidably mounted to the two central longitudinal members 26 such that the attachment point 39 can be slid up and down relative to the barrier 20, thereby adjusting the centre of mass of the barrier 20 as supported on the strap 25 (this embodiment is not illustrated). The fixing bolts 42a can then be used to secure the brace 42, and thus the actuator 30 in a pre-determined position along the vertical centreline of the barrier 20.

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21

There are a number of advantages to positioning the actuator 30 towards the centre of the barrier 20. The operator is not forced to operate the actuator 30 above their head. Furthermore, there is minimal strain or exertion of the operator above the height of their shoulders which can result in back and neck injuries.

Where a trailer floor 10 is lower than a typical trailer 40, the operator is not bending over to operate or raise the lever 36 of the actuator 30. This reduces the risk of lower back injury and makes operation of the barrier assembly 1 more comfortable.

A further advantage of the moving brace 42 is that the actuator and thus the connection point between the actuator 30 and the strap 25 can be moved closer to the barrier 20 centre of gravity, thereby further stabilising the barrier 20 when in operation i.e. being raised or lowered to gain access to the storage enclosure 5.

In Figure 5A, the handle 36 and rigid body 37 of the actuator 30 are integrally formed although they need not be (an alternative handle 36' is illustrated in Figure 9). The handle 36 extends away from a second end of the body 37b, the second attachment point 39 being disposed at a first end of the body 37a. The first attachment point 38 for the strap 25 can be arranged anywhere between the second attachment point 39 and a distal end 36a of the handle 36. The offset between the first attachment portion 38 and the second attachment portion 39 defines the maximum height through which the barrier 20 can be raised, illustrated in Figure 11 as "X".

The first attachment point 38 is offset from the attachment point 39, such that as the handle 36 is rotated, the rigid hinge 37 rotates about the second attachment point 39. Simultaneously, the strap 25 supporting the weight of the barrier 20 rotates about the first attachment point 38, offset from the rotation movement about attachment 39 which urges the barrier 20 to rise above the floor 10, thereby disengaging the spades 34 with the cooperating recesses 35 in the floor 10. The height by which the barrier 20 is raised is proportional to the length of the rigid hinge 37 between the first attachment point 38 and the second attachment point 39.

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the cargo barrier 20 being raised above the floor 10 of the trailer 40, by an operator rotating the handle 36 of the actuator 30 in a first direction.

Operating the barrier 20 in this manner, uses the first attachment point 38 as a fulcrum about which to rotate and lever the mass of the barrier 20. The longer the handle 36 of the actuator, the less effort required by the operator to raise the mass of the barrier 20, as the turning force is equal to the force applied multiplied by the distance at which the force is applied. In this manner, the load required by the operator to raise the barrier 20 is significantly reduced, thereby reducing the opportunity for strains and other workplace injuries.

Figure 7 illustrates the barrier 20 in a fully raised position above the floor 10 of the trailer 40. The spades 34 have been fully disengaged from the floor 10 of the trailer 40. At this time the full weight of the barrier 20 is supported by the strap 25 attached to the track 15, as illustrated in Figure 11. The barrier 20 is easily manipulated in a lateral direction with little effort. This allows the operator to misalign the spades 34 with their cooperating recesses 35, pulling the lower portion 24 of the barrier 20 away from the floor 10 of the trailer 40. While at this fully raised position, the barrier 20 is not free to rotate about either of the first 38 or second 39 attachment points and is maintained in a substantially vertical orientation, in line with the floor 10 and the track 15.

The barrier 20, once misaligned with the recesses 35, is lowered by rotating the handle 36 of the actuator 30 in a second direction (the second direction is in opposition to the first direction) in this case rotating upwardly towards the barrier 20. The barrier 20 is then freely hanging from the strap 25 and is slidable along the track 15, as illustrated in Figure 12. This provides uninhibited access to the storage enclosure 5 within the trailer 40.

Figure 7 is a photographic illustration of the cargo barrier of Figure 2 in a fully raised position. The operator must maintain a force on the actuator 30 to keep the barrier 20 in a raised position.

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21

Once storage items have been loaded or unloaded from the trailer 40, the barrier 20 is slid along the track 15 to realign with the cooperating recesses 35 in the floor 10 of the trailer 40. The barrier 20 is again lifted by virtue of the actuator 30 and the spades 34 aligned with the respective recesses 35 within the floor 10. The alignment is easily managed by manual operation of the operator, as the mass of the barrier 20 is fully supported by the strap 25. The operator uses one hand to load the handle 36 keeping the barrier 20 raised and a second hand to urge the barrier 20 suspended from the flexible strap 25 over the recesses 35. Once the spades 34 are aligned with the recesses 35, the barrier 20 is gently lowered back into engagement with the floor 10 and no longer free to slide, as illustrated in Figure 10.

Figure 8 shows a top portion 22 of the cargo barrier 20 including a restraining point, illustrated as a guide 45. The guide 45 comprises a U-shaped body 47 and a movable retaining element, illustrated as a retaining pin 49. The body 47 is rigid and made from a metal, preferably steel, although other suitably rigid materials can be used. The centre of the body 47 is welded or otherwise attached (bolted, integrally formed, clipped, glued etc) to an outer perimeter of the barrier 20. The body 47 is attached centrally across the width of the barrier 20 on the outer perimeter 11 thereof. The body 47 is attached in alignment with the actuator 30, to guide the strap 25 smoothly down the centre of the barrier 20. The body 47 is disposed along the strap 25 between the second attachment point 39 and the D-ring 52 from which the barrier 20 is suspended from the track 15. Essentially, the strap 25, the guide 45 and the actuator 30 are all in vertical alignment along the centreline of the barrier 20.

The body 47 comprises two parallel extending shoulders 48, which are upturned and extend away from the body 47 to receive and guide the strap 25 therebetween. The retaining pin 49 is secured through the shoulders 48 and held in place by a nut 50 at each end thereof. Either nut 50 can be loosened or fully removed, to allow the pin 49 to be slid or removed from the shoulders 48. In turn, this allows the strap 25 to be placed or threaded between the shoulders 48. The pin 49 is then replaced in the shoulders 48 and the nut 50 or nuts 50 are then reattached to the retaining pin 49 to constrain the strap 25 in the guide 45. The guide 45 thus constrains the strap 25 to a central, peripheral location on the barrier 20. The strap 25 remains free to slide

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21 through the shoulders 48 of the guide 45 to allow the actuator 30 to raise the barrier 20 on the strap 25.

Once the strap 25 passes through the guide 45, the strap 25 extends upwardly to engage the D-ring 52. In one embodiment, the strap 25 terminates at the D-ring 52, illustrated in Figures 13 and 13A. As the handle 36 is rotated downwardly and away from the barrier 20, the strap 25 is restrained by the guide 45 and the strap 25 is tensioned by the mass of the barrier 20. The strap 25 and D-ring 52 thereby act as a pulley system to support and lift the mass of the barrier 20.

The guide 45 can also be formed as a one piece U-Shaped bracket, such that the strap 25 can be threaded through the bracket before attachment with the actuator 30 (this embodiment is not illustrated).

In an alternative embodiment, the strap 25 is threaded through the D-ring 52 and extends back towards the barrier 20, to be secured thereto, as illustrated in Figures 14 and 14A. As the handle 36 is rotated downwardly and away from the barrier 20 the strap 25 slides downwardly through the body 47 of the guide 45. The strap 25 and D ring 52 thereby act as a pulley system to support and lift the mass of the barrier 20.

The strap 25 is at all times engaged with the actuator 30 and the guide 45. As such, even when the strap 25 is forced away from the barrier 20 by virtue of movement of the actuator 30, the mass of the barrier 20 is always reacted in a substantially vertical direction. This reduces the ability of the barrier 20 to rotate about either the first attachment point 38 or the second attachment point 39, and stops the barrier 20 from freely rotating about a barrier centre of gravity when disengaged from the floor 10 of the trailer 40.

Should the barrier 20 be free to rotate either inwardly or outwardly of the storage enclosure 5 there is the risk of damage to any storage items within the enclosure 5, or alternatively the risk of harm to the operator, or both. When an operator is manipulating the barrier 20, they may be in a loading area but equally likely to be on a road side. Accordingly, the consequence of being hit or knocked by an outwardly swinging barrier 20 could have dire consequences.

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21

The guide 45 further reduces the risk of the strap 25 interfering with subsequent barriers as the barrier 20 is slid along the track 15. Loose straps 25, not restrained to the barrier 20 can provide a hazard as there is the potential to become caught or snagged on subsequent barriers or features of the trailer 40 or even items within the storage enclosure 5.

Figure 9 is a frontal view of a cargo barrier illustrating an alternative embodiment of a handle 36'. The handle 36 extends away from the rigid body 37. At the distal end of the handle 36a', there is provided a gripping portion 36b'. The gripping portion 36b' can be ergonomically formed for ease of use. The gripping portion 36b' can be coated in rubber or foam or other resilient material for improved grip and comfort of use. The gripping portion 36b' can be coated to improve wear resistance and increase life span of the handle 36'.

In one embodiment of the invention, the handle 36' is additionally provided with a securing point to the barrier 20, to prevent the handle moving inwardly of the barrier 20 during transit and rubbing against storage items within the storage enclosure 5. This can lead to damage to the handle 36' and can also cause damage to the storage items. It is also advantageous to prevent the handle 36'from moving outwardly of the barrier 20 and rubbing against the inner surface of the trailer side-curtain (not illustrated) and this can cause wear or even damage to the curtain. The ability to secure the handle 36' to the barrier 20 further reduces the risk of the handle 36' snagging other barriers 20 when being slide along the track 15.

Figures 9A and 9B illustrate one embodiment of the securing point for handle 36'which comprises a fastener 28 movably mounted to a longitudinal member 26 of the barrier 20. The fastener 28 comprises a body 28a which at least partially wraps around the longitudinal member 26 and allows the fastener 28 to slide back and forth along the longitudinal 26. The longitudinal member 26 provides a detent 7 or a plurality of detents 7 for holding the fastener 28 in a predetermined position on the longitudinal member 26. The detent 7 can comprise a bolt or pin that protrudes from the longitudinal member 26 and prevents the fastener 28 from sliding along the longitudinal 26. The detent 7 in some embodiments can comprise a spring loaded ball bearing, or

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21 similar, that protrudes sufficiently from the longitudinal member to stop the fastener 28 sliding but is easily displaced by an operator to allow adjustment of the fastener 28.

The fastener 28 further comprises a canopy 33 which receives and retains the gripping portion 36b' of the handle 36'. The canopy 33 is U-shaped and is permanently affixed to the body 28a of the fastener 28 such that as the fastener is slid downwards along the longitudinal 26, the U-shaped canopy 33 is slid over the griping portion 36b' of the handle 36', trapping the gripping portion 36b' therein. In this manner the fastener 28 secures the handle 36'to the barrier 20 when not in operation.

Figure 15 illustrates a curtain side trailer 40 housing a storage enclosure 5 therein. The trailer comprises a plurality of movable barrier assemblies 1 uniformly spaced along the length of the trailer 40. Each barrier assembly 1 is configured according to an embodiment of the invention as described herein.

Each barrier assembly 1 is independently supported by the track 15 and independently moveable along the tack 15. The plurality of barriers 20 are disposed between the storage enclosure 5 and a side-curtain (not illustrated), wherein the curtain seals the storage items and barriers 20 within the trailer 40. The arrangement of barrier assemblies 1 can be duplicated on each side of the trailer 40 to improve access and cargo retention in dual, side-curtain trailers 40.

Figure 16 illustrates the plurality of the moveable barrier assemblies 1, where a number of the assemblies 1 have been disengaged with the floor 10 and translated along the track 15 to provide access to the cargo enclosure 5 of the trailer 40.

According to the invention, there is further provided a method of securing items in a storage enclosure, the storage enclosure having a floor for supporting items and a track arranged above the floor such that the floor and the track define an opening for receiving items therein, the method comprising the steps of: i. disengaging a barrier assembly with the floor of the storage enclosure; ii. raising the barrier assembly above the floor such that the weight of the barrier is supported by the track overlying the floor of the enclosure; and

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21 iii. translating the barrier assembly, relative to the track to provide access to the storage enclosure, wherein storage items are placed within the storage enclosure before the steps (i) to (iii) are repeated in reverse order to thereby secure the items within the storage enclosure. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the scope of the following claims. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

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.

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21

Claims

THE CLAIMS:

1. A barrier assembly for a storage enclosure of a truck, a trailer or the like, the storage enclosure having a floor for supporting items and a track arranged above the floor such that the floor and the track define an opening for receiving items therein, the barrier assembly comprising: a barrier having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion engageable with the floor; a flexible support member mounted to the track from which the barrier is supported in an upright orientation; an actuator movable between a first position and a second position, the actuator movably connected between the barrier and the flexible support member; and a guide member located towards an upper periphery of the barrier and engaged with the flexible support member that is configured to constrain relative movement of the flexible support member with respect to the barrier to a direction extending between the floor and the track; wherein movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position raises the barrier above the floor, with the guide member restraining the flexible support member close to the barrier to thereby maintain the upright orientation of the barrier.

2. The barrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator is mounted centrally across the width of the barrier.

3. The barrier assembly of any one of claims 1 or claim 2, wherein the actuator is mounted mid-way along the height of the barrier.

4. The barrier assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuator comprises a coupling pivotally mounted to at least one of the barrier and the flexible support member.

5. The barrier assembly of claim 4, wherein the coupling is pivotally mounted to both of the barrier and the flexible support member.

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21

6. The barrier assembly of any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the coupling further comprises a lever for manual activation of the actuator.

7. The barrier assembly of claim 6, wherein the lever is configured to reduce the operator load required on the lever to counteract the weight of the barrier.

8. The barrier assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the guide member provides a closed aperture through which the flexible support member slides.

9. The barrier assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the guide member is mounted in alignment with the actuator, such that the flexible support member is centred in relation to the barrier.

10. The barrier assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the guide member is openable to receive the flexible support member therein, and closable to constrain the flexible support member thereto.

11. The barrier assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lower portion of the barrier comprises engagement members for engaging the barrier with the floor of the storage enclosure.

12. The barrier assembly of claim 11, wherein the engagement members are rigidly mounted to the barrier.

13. The barrier assembly of claim 11, wherein the engagement members are movably mounted to the barrier.

14. The barrier assembly of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the engagement members engage the floor of the storage enclosure via an intermediary structure.

15. The barrier assembly of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the flexible support member comprises any one of the following: a strap, a rope, a chain, a chord, a cable, a rod and a combination thereof.

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21

16. The barrier assembly of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the flexible support member is movably mounted to the track.

17. The barrier assembly of claim 16, wherein the flexible support member is slidably mounted to the track.

18. A method of securing items in a storage enclosure of a truck, a trailer or the like, the storage enclosure having a floor for supporting items and a track arranged above the floor such that the floor and the track define an opening for receiving items therein, the method comprising the steps of: i. disengaging a barrier assembly with the floor of the storage enclosure; ii. raising the barrier assembly above the floor by moving an actuator between a first position and a second position, the actuator movably connected between the barrier and a flexible support member from which the barrier is supported in an upright orientation, such that the weight of the barrier is supported by the track overlying the floor of the enclosure, relative movement of flexible support member with respect to the barrier being constrained to a direction extending between the floor and the track by a guide member that is engaged with the flexible support member and located towards an upper periphery of the barrier, such that when raised the upright orientation of the barrier is maintained, with the guide member restraining the flexible support member close to the barrier; and iii. translating the barrier assembly, relative to the track to provide access to the storage enclosure, wherein storage items are placed within the storage enclosure before the steps (i) to (iii) are repeated in reverse order to thereby secure the items within the storage enclosure.

17544017_1 (GHMatters) P99614.AU 29/03/21