AU2017265074A1 - Support arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

A support arrangement 10, including a platform 12 for supporting an object thereon. The platform 12 is adjustably mounted to an upstanding support 14; and a height adjustment mechanism 16 is provided to facilitate height adjustment of the platform 12 relative to the upstanding support 14. The height adjustment mechanism 16 includes a ratchet 18 pivotably mounted to the platform 12; and at least two vertically spaced ratchet engagement surfaces 28 associated with the upstanding support 14. The height of the platform 12 relative to the upstanding support 14 is selected by engaging the ratchet 18 with a desired ratchet engagement surface from the at least two vertically displaced ratchet engagement surfaces 28. Raising of the platform 12 relative to the upstanding support 14 causes the ratchet 18 to move in a ratcheting motion upon encountering each respective ratchet engagement surface 28. Lowering of the platform 12 relative to the upstanding support 14 requires initially raising the platform 12 to a position such that the ratchet 18 is vertically displaced between adjacent ratchet engagement surfaces 28; then lowering the platform 12 relative to the upstanding support 14 to activate a ratchet disengagement actuator 30, which displaces the ratchet 18 away from the ratchet engagement surfaces 28. The platform 12 is then lowered relative to the upstanding support 14 to a position where the ratchet 18 is located at least slightly below a desired ratchet engagement surface 28; following which the platform 12 is raised to deactivate the ratchet disengagement actuator 30. The platform 12 is then raised until the ratchet 18 engages the desired ratchet engagement surface 28. <filename> )0 Ft 4r. I tIh

Description

SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT

Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a freight vehicle, such as a truck or trailer, a freight container or rail car. The invention is particularly adapted for use on curtain sided semi-trailers and truck bodies, and will hereinafter be generally described in this context.

Background of Invention [0002] Conventional mezzanine decks are utilised in curtain sided freight trucks and trailers when two (or more) freight receiving levels within an existing space are desired. Mezzanine decks are particularly useful in receiving palletised freight, and can also be used for receiving a wide range of non-palletised freight.

[0003] Mezzanine decks can be useful in reducing the likelihood of over stacking freight, which can result in freight being crushed or otherwise damaged because of the weight of other freight stacked on top of it.

[0004] In many instances, the use of mezzanine decks leads to a height reduction of freight stacked on individual pallets, which may otherwise lead to instability issues and the potential for the stacked freight to topple over. It also reduces the likelihood of a crush injury to an operator due to an unstable freight pile toppling over.

[0005] While conventional mezzanine decks provide the above referred advantages, one noted problem exists when the deck (or platform) height needs to be altered. The heights of some decks rarely, if ever, require altering, but the height of other mezzanine decks do need to be altered on a more regular basis, depending on the mode of operation of the transport company. Regardless of the frequency with which the deck height needs to be altered, the process in doing so can be relatively labour intensive and subject the operator to OH&amp;S risks.

[0006] An operator must first lift the deck, which is usually undertaken using a forklift. The safest approach is to lift the deck with the forklift and remove the deck through an open side of the truck or trailer, and then place the deck on the ground.

Following this, the four deck saddles, each attached to a supporting post, are removed from their existing positions on the posts and repositioned to the new higher or lower position. Once the saddles have been repositioned and fixed in position to the posts, the forklift can be used to lift the deck back into its seated position on the four saddles. The above sequence is relatively labour intensive, as it requires an operator to (using a forklift) remove the deck from the truck or trailer and then manually reposition each of the saddles, before returning the deck to its seated position on the saddles. There are risks associated with this process. Lifting and removing the deck from the truck or trailer carries with it a risk of the deck slipping and falling. Decks typically weigh several hundred kilograms, and so a falling deck poses the risk of a significant crush injury or death. When shifting a deck, if the operator tries to save time by not removing the deck from the truck or trailer, but instead simply lifts the deck with the forklift and retains it in this raised positon while they or another operator works underneath the raised deck to reposition the saddles, they are exposed to greater risks. In this scenario, if the deck was to slip from its raised position or if the forklift were to fail then it could lead to a significant crush injury or death.

[0007] An alternative arrangement currently exists, which uses motorised automated mezzanine decks, operated by pneumatic, hydraulic or mechanical mechanisms, but these are options that are offered at a higher price.

[0008] It would therefore be desirable to provide an arrangement that at least partially addresses some of the issues referred to above that are associated with conventional mezzanine deck designs at a lower price than established automated mezz deck solutions.

Summary of Invention [0009] According to a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a support arrangement. The support arrangement includes a platform for supporting an object thereon. The platform is adjustably mounted to an upstanding support. The support arrangement also includes a height adjustment mechanism to facilitate height adjustment of the platform relative to the upstanding support. The height adjustment mechanism includes a ratchet pivotably mounted to the platform, and at least two vertically spaced ratchet engagement surfaces associated with the upstanding support. The height of the platform relative to the upstanding support is selected by engaging the ratchet with a desired ratchet engagement surface from the at least two vertically displaced ratchet engagement surfaces. Raising of the platform relative to the upstanding support causes the ratchet to move in a ratcheting motion upon encountering each respective ratchet engagement surface. Lowering of the platform relative to the upstanding support requires: - initially raising the platform to a position such that the ratchet is vertically displaced between adjacent ratchet engagement surfaces; - then lowering the platform relative to the upstanding support to activate a ratchet disengagement actuator, which displaces the ratchet away from the ratchet engagement surfaces; - then lowering the platform relative to the upstanding support to a position where the ratchet is located at least slightly below a desired ratchet engagement surface; - then raising the platform to deactivate the ratchet disengagement actuator; and - raising the platform until the ratchet engages the desired ratchet engagement surface.

[0010] It is possible that the final two platform raising steps referred to above may occur simultaneously or at least substantially simultaneously. In other embodiments, however, platform is raised to deactivate the ratchet disengagement actuator, and the platform is then further raised in order for the ratchet to engage the desired ratchet engagement surface.

[0011] Reference is made above to the support arrangement being suitable for supporting an object. The invention has been specifically, but not exclusively designed, for use in supporting freight in a freight vehicle such as a truck or trailer or freight container, and so the invention is to be understood at least in this exemplary form.

[0012] The support arrangement referred to herein can be used in place of conventional mezzanine deck designs.

[0013] It is to be appreciated that raising of the platform relative to the upstanding support involves the relatively simple task of lifting the platform until the desired platform height is reached, whereupon the ratchet ratchets into engagement with the desired ratchet engagement surface so as to securely and safely retain the platform at the desired height, and without the need for an operator to climb on the trailer to adjust any platform saddle or platform locking/securing arrangement. Accordingly, it would be generally necessary to raise the platform to the desired height using a forklift or other suitable lifting arrangement.

[0014] It is also to be appreciated that the platform may be lowered without the need for an operator to climb on the trailer again, resulting in a significant safety improvement when compared to conventional mezzanine deck adjustment techniques. Instead, the platform of the present invention can be lowered by an operator relatively safely while seated at the controls of a forklift. The platform lowering process merely requires the operator to slightly raise the platform above its current height, following which the platform is lowered to slightly below its new intended height, and then raised into position to its new intended height, whereupon the ratchet engages the new desired ratchet engagement surface to safely retain the platform in position.

[0015] The platform may be raised and lowered with the assistance of, for example, a forklift. In other embodiments, however, the support arrangement may be automated, such that the platform is able to be raised and lowered, as required, using an integrated raising and lowering arrangement. The integrated raising/lowering arrangement may be in any suitable form such as, for example, a pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical arrangement. It is to be appreciated that an automated arrangement would likely be more costly, but in an least some applications, the benefit of an automated arrangement may outweigh the added cost.

[0016] The ratchet is preferably biased towards the upstanding support. This provides added safety to the arrangement, as any unintended downward movement of the platform relative to the upstanding support will be limited by the ratchet as it will be biased into engagement with the next lowest ratchet engagement surface.

[0017] In a preferred form, the upstanding support includes at least two vertically displaced ratchet receiving apertures (or slots), with each ratchet receiving slot including a respective ratchet engagement surface. That said, it is to be appreciated that the greater number of vertically displaced ratchet receiving slots, the greater number of possible platform height positions provided. In most embodiments, it is envisaged that he upstanding support will be provided with multiple vertically displaced ratchet receiving slots.

[0018] In a preferred form, the ratchet disengagement actuator is separately enagageable with any one of at least two activation surfaces provided on (or otherwise associated with) the upstanding support so as to activate the ratchet disengagement actuator. Further, the ratchet disengagement actuator is preferably separately enagageable with any one of at least two deactivation surfaces provided on (or otherwise associated with) the upstanding support so as to deactivate the ratchet disengagement actuator.

[0019] In at least some embodiments, the ratchet disengagement actuator is separately receivable in at least two vertically displaced ratchet disengagement actuator slots provided in the upstanding support, with a respective activation surface and a respective deactivation surface associated with each ratchet disengagement actuator slot.

[0020] A plurality of ratchet disengagement actuator slots may be provided, together with a plurality of ratchet receiving slots. The precise shape of these slots may be selected as desired. The ratchet disengagement actuator slots may be linearly aligned. The ratchet receiving slots may also be linearly aligned, with the linearly aligned ratchet receiving slots and the ratchet disengagement actuator slots provided in parallel arrays along the upstanding support. Each ratchet disengagement actuator slot may be paired to and offset from a respective ratchet receiving slot. The precise size, shape and placement of each ratchet disengagement slot is to be selected to provide for activation and deactivation of the ratchet disengagement actuator at the appropriate moment during the platform lowering sequence.

[0021] In a preferred form, the ratchet disengagement actuator is pivotably attached to the platform, and biased towards a neutral position.

[0022] Preferably, the upstanding support includes a height indicator applied to at least one surface thereof. The platform also preferably has a height indicator associated with the height indicator provided on the upstanding support. These indicators are desirable because it potentially allows an operator seated at the controls of a forklift to establish (from their seated position) when the desired new platform height has been achieved, and that the platform has been retained in a horizontal orientation (which, it is assumed, will be the desired platform orientation in most, but perhaps not all, applications). Moreover, these indicators potentially avoid the need for the operator to climb on or under the platform during the height adjustment process, which is potentially very dangerous.

[0023] An activation indicator for indicating when the ratchet disengagement actuator is activated is preferably provided. A ratchet engagement indicator for indicating when the ratchet is engaged with a ratchet engagement surface is also preferably provided. Both these indicators further assist an operator in safely adjusting the height of the platform, without the need to climb on or under the platform while adjusting the height of the platform.

[0024] So far, the support arrangement has been described in the context of having a single upstanding support. The arrangement may include as few as one upstanding support, with the platform extending from or about the upstanding support. In other forms, the arrangement includes two upstanding supports, with the platform supported at least partially between the upstanding supports. In a particularly preferred form, the arrangement includes four upstanding supports, with the platform supported between the four supports. It is to be appreciated that, preferably, a respective height adjustment mechanism is associated with each upstanding support.

[0025] Each upstanding support is preferably in the form of a post, although other upstanding supports beside posts may also potentially be utilised.

[0026] The invention has been broadly described in the context of a support arrangement. More specifically, it is to be appreciated that the support arrangement is suitable for use in a freight vehicle, such as a truck or trailer, or for use in a freight container.

[0027] When configured for use in a truck, trailer or freight container, a respective upstanding support (and an associated height adjustment mechanism) may be provided in, at or towards each corner of the freight receiving space of the truck/trailer/container. In other arrangements, multiple support arrangements may be provided in an end-to-end configuration in the freight receiving space, and so two of the upstanding supports may be provided at or towards front or rear corners of the space, and the remaining two upstanding supports may be provided along or towards respective sides of the space. A support post located along the side of the space might support two platforms, one forward of the post, and one rearward of the post.

[0028] The invention also, therefore, pertains to a truck, trailer or freight container including a support arrangement according to any one or more of the embodiments broadly referred to above.

Brief Description of Drawings [0029] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying figures. The particularity of the figures is to be understood as not limiting the preceding broad description of the invention.

[0030] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a support arrangement according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is a plan view of one corner of the support arrangement illustrated in Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 3 is an upper perspective view of one corner of the support arrangement illustrated in Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of an upstanding support of the support arrangement illustrated in Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 5 is a corresponding lower perspective view of the corner of the support arrangement illustrated in Figure 3.

[0035] Figure 6 is a lower perspective view of the corner of the support arrangement illustrated in Figure 3, and similar to that of Figure 5, but shown at another step in the platform height adjustment sequence.

[0036] Figure 7 is a corresponding side view of the perspective view shown in Figure 6.

[0037] Figure 8 is a lower perspective view of the corner of the support arrangement illustrated in Figure 3, and similar to that of Figure 5, but shown at another step in the platform height adjustment sequence.

[0038] Figure 9 is an upper perspective view of the corner shown in Figure 8.

[0039] Figure 10 is a lower perspective view of the corner of the support arrangement illustrated in Figure 3, and similar to that of Figure 5, but shown at another step in the platform height adjustment sequence.

[0040] Figure 11 is a corresponding side view to the perspective view shown in Figure 10.

[0041] Figure 12 is a lower perspective view of the corner of the support arrangement illustrated in Figure 3, and similar to that of Figure 5, but shown at another step in the platform height adjustment sequence.

[0042] Figure 13 is a lower perspective view of the corner of the support arrangement illustrated in Figure 3, and similar to that of Figure 5, but shown at another step in the platform height adjustment sequence.

[0043] Figure 14 is a corresponding side view to the perspective view shown in Figure 13.

Detailed Description [0044] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a support arrangement 10.

[0045] The illustrated support arrangement 10 has been specifically configured for use as an alternative to conventional mezzanine decks used in freight trucks, and trailers and so the following description is provided in the context of these applications. Flowever, it is to be appreciated that the support arrangement 10 may be adapted for other applications, including for use in a freight container or as a vehicle lifting/hoist arrangement.

[0046] The support arrangement 10 makes it possible to configure the freight receiving space of a truck or trailer from an arrangement having a single freight support surface to one having two (or more) freight support surfaces. The support arrangement 10 has been designed to support freight of several thousand kilograms, and so is considered to be particularly strong and robust.

[0047] The support arrangement 10 includes a platform 12 (and may potentially include more than one platform) for supporting freight thereon; as well as four upstanding supports 14, each in the form of steel posts. The platform 12 may be suitable for receiving a palletised load two pallets wide and three pallets long (totalling six pallets), or may be provided in any other suitable dimensions for a given application. The upstanding supports 14 would typically be securely mounted in a substantially vertical orientation within the freight receiving space. The slots 15 (see Figure 4) provided in the upstanding supports 14 are not part of the invention, and are to be ignored.

[0048] The platform 12 is adjustably mounted to each of the upstanding supports 14.

[0049] The support arrangement 10 also includes a respective height adjustment mechanism 16 associated with each upstanding support 14. The height adjustment mechanisms 16 enable height adjustment of the platform 12 relative to the upstanding supports 14 in a manner that is considered unique to the applicant’s invention. Moreover, the height adjustment mechanisms 16 provide what is considered by the applicant to be a significantly simpler and safer height adjustment process when compared to that required for existing mezzanine deck arrangements.

[0050] The following description is provided in the context of a single height adjustment mechanism 16. However, it is to be understood that this description is relevant to each of the four height adjustment mechanisms 16.

[0051] The height adjustment mechanism 16 includes a ratchet 18, as best shown in Figures 5 to 8 and 10 to 13. The ratchet 18 is pivotably mounted about pivot axis 20 to the platform 12. The illustrated ratchet 18 is biased to rotate about the axis 20 in a clock-wise direction CW (indicated in Figures 7 and 11) by a compression spring 22. The compression spring is mounted between the ratchet 18 and a mounting plate 24 integrally provided on the platform 12. The provision of compression spring 22 ensures that any unintended downward movement of the platform 12 relative to the upstanding support 14 will be limited by the ratchet 18, as it will be biased into engagement with the next lowest ratchet engagement slot 26.

[0052] The height adjustment mechanism 16 also includes a plurality of vertically spaced ratchet engagement slots (or apertures) 26 provided in a vertically extending array in the surface of the upstanding support 14. The vertical alignment of the ratchet engagement slots 26 can be seen in Figures 1 and 4, while Figures 3 and 4 show that each slot 26 is of a generally square shape. The horizontal lower edge 28 of each slot 26 provides a support surface (or ratchet engagement surface) for supporting the ratchet 18 (and therefore also the platform 12) thereon. An operator can adjust the height of the platform 12 by selecting which slot 26 is to receive the ratchet 18.

[0053] When it is desired to raise the platform 12 to a new height, an operator (using a forklift or other suitable lifting device) simply raises the platform 12 relative to the upstanding support 14. This causes the ratchet 18 to move in a ratcheting motion (by virtue of compression spring 22) upon encountering each respective ratchet engagement slot 26, until a new desired height of the platform 12 relative to the upstanding support 14 is obtained, whereupon the raising process is completed and the ratchet 18 rests within the desired ratchet engagement slot 26. This lifting process is significantly simplified and safer when compared to that required for conventional mezzanine decks having saddles that must be manually repositioned - often requiring an operator to be within the freight space beneath a temporarily suspended platform, and having to work at height when repositioning the platform saddles.

[0054] Lowering of the platform 12 relative to the upstanding support 14 is also a process that an operator seated at the controls of a forklift can potentially complete without the need to leave the forklift (and without the assistance of another operator), thereby greatly simplifying the lowering process and improving operator safety when compared to the lowering process required of conventional mezzanine decks.

[0055] This lowering process involves initially raising the platform 12 to a position such that the ratchet 18 is vertically displaced between adjacent ratchet engagement slots 26. Once in this position, the platform 12 is lowered relative to the upstanding support 14. This lowering action activates a ratchet disengagement actuator 30 (in the form of a disengagement/retractor lever). Once activated, the ratchet disengagement actuator 30 displaces the ratchet 18 away from the upstanding support 14 and retains the ratchet 18 in this displaced position, thereby allowing the platform to be lowered without interference from the ratchet 18. In this mode, the platform may be lowered until such time as the ratchet disengagement actuator 30 is deactivated. The lowering process requires the platform 12 to be initially lowered to a position slightly below its intended new height, such that the ratchet 18 located slightly below the desired ratchet engagement slot 26. Raising the platform 12 from this position deactivates the ratchet disengagement actuator 30 immediately prior to (or possibly simultaneously with) the ratchet 18 engaging the desired ratchet engagement slot 26.

[0056] Again, it is to be appreciated that raising of the platform 12 relative to the upstanding support 18 involves the relatively simple task of lifting the platform until the desired platform height is reached, whereupon the ratchet 18 ratchets into engagement with the desired ratchet engagement slot 26 so as to securely and safely retain the platform 12 at the desired height. Unlike conventional mezzanine decks, this is done without the need for an operator to climb on or under the platform 12 to adjust any platform saddle or platform locking/securing arrangement, which is a very dangerous task. This danger is, in part, due the possibility of falling from the platform, and well as the platform itself falling and leading to a crush injury or death. In this regard, platforms often weigh several hundred kilograms (and significantly more when loaded with freight).

[0057] It is also to be appreciated that the platform 12 may be lowered without the need for an operator to climb on or under the platform 12 which, again, results in a significant safety improvement when compared to height adjustment techniques for conventional mezzanine decks. Instead, the platform 12 of the present invention can be lowered by an operator relatively safely seated at the controls of a forklift. The platform 12 lowering process merely requires the operator to slightly raise the platform above its current height, following which the platform 12 is lowered to slightly below its new intended height, and then raised into position to its new intended height, whereupon the ratchet 18 engages the new desired ratchet engagement slot 26 to safely retain the platform 12 in position.

[0058] Reference has been made above to the platform 12 typically being raised and lowered using a forklift. In other embodiments, the support arrangement 10 may be automated, such that the platform 12 is able to be raised and lowered, as required, using an integrated raising and lowering arrangement (not shown in the illustrated embodiment). The integrated raising/lowering arrangement may be in any suitable form such as, for example, a pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical arrangement.

[0059] The ratchet disengagement actuator 30 is pivotably mounted to the platform 12 about pivot axis 32.

[0060] The ratchet disengagement actuator 30 is biased into a neutral (horizontal) position by a tension spring 34 mounted between the ratchet disengagement actuator 30 and the platform 12. This neutral position is shown in Figures 5, 8, 12 and 13.

[0061] Referring especially to Figures 6 to 8 and 10 to 13, the ratchet disengagement actuator 30 is separately enagageable (upon downward movement of the platform 12) with any one of the activation surfaces 36 provided at the lower end of each actuator receiving slot (or aperture) 38. The slots 38 are provided in the surface of the upstanding support 14, and are vertically aligned. Moreover, it can be seen that the vertically extending array of slots 38 is parallel to the vertically extending array of ratchet engagement slots 26. This is perhaps most clearly evident from Figure 4.

[0062] The activation surfaces 36 are provided so as to contact and activate the ratchet disengagement actuator 30, causing it to rotate in the clockwise direction CW1 to the position shown in Figure 11. With the actuator 30 in this position it retains the ratchet 18 in a position such that it is not in contact with the support 14 or any of the ratchet receiving slots 26, thereby enabling the platform 12 to be lowered. In this position (and again referring to Figure 11), the ratchet 18 is displaced away from the upstanding support by a distance X.

[0063] The ratchet disengagement actuator 30 is also separately enagageable with any one of the deactivation surfaces 40 provided at the upper end of each actuator receiving slot. Contact by the actuator 30 with a deactivation surface 40 (such as shown in Figure 13) deactivates the ratchet disengagement actuator 30, causing the actuator 30 to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction CCW to the position shown in Figure 7, before returning to its neutral position, such as shown in Figure 12. This, in turn, causes the ratchet 18 to return (from its position shown in Figure 11) into its biased position (shown in Figure 13) wherein it returns into contact with the upstanding support 14. Once returned to this position, it can then be received in an appropriate ratchet receiving slot 26 for supporting the platform at a new, lowered height. The platform 12 must be raised a small amount once the actuator 30 has returned to its neutral position before the ratchet 18 can be received in its desired new ratchet receiving slot 26.

[0064] The upstanding support 14 includes a height indicator 42 applied to its surface. The platform 12 also has a height indicator 44 (in the form of an indicating arrow). An upward or downward adjustment of the platform 12 can been seen from these indicators, and the specific amount of movement can be relatively carefully controlled so that the desired platform 12 height is achieved by monitoring movement of the indicator 44 relative to the stationary indicator 42. The provision of indicators 42, 44 is desirable because it potentially allows a single operator seated at the controls of a forklift in establishing (from their seated position) when a desired new platform 12 height has been achieved. Given that similar indicators 42, 44 are provided at each corner of the platform, this also provides a useful reference for the operator to ensure that the platform 12 is retained in a horizontal orientation when platform height adjustment is required. (In saying this, it is assumed that the desired platform 12 orientation in all applications is horizontal, which may not necessary be the case). The indicators 42, 44 also potentially avoid the need for an operator to climb on or under the platform 12 during the height adjustment process, which would be potentially very dangerous.

[0065] An activation indicator 46 for indicating when the ratchet disengagement actuator is activated is provided. The indicator 46 is in the form of an arrow integrally formed on the actuator 30. The indicator 30 is visible when in the position shown in

Figure 11, by virtue of a viewing recess 48 provided in a cover plate 50. The cover plate is shown in, for example, Figures 10, 12 and 13, but has been removed in Figure 11 to better show the underlying arrangement of parts.

[0066] A ratchet engagement indicator 52 (not clearly shown) for indicating when the ratchet 18 is engaged with a ratchet engagement slot 26 is also preferably provided, and provides a visual means for the operator to confirm that the ratchet is securely engaged within a ratchet engagement slot 26. Both these indicators 46, 52 further assist an operator in safely adjusting the height of the platform 12, without the need to climb on or under the platform 12 while adjusting the platform 12 height.

[0067] Again the above description of the illustrated embodiment has been provided in the context of a single upstanding support 14 and its associated height adjustment mechanism 16. It is to be understood that this description is relevant to each upstanding support 14 and its associated height adjustment mechanism 16.

[0068] Desirably, the processes for raising and lowering the platform 10 is simplified when compared to that of conventional mezzanine deck designs. The design of the support arrangement 10 is such that an operator can potentially raise and lower the platform 12 from their relatively safely seated position at the controls of a forklift, and without the need for an operator to climb onto or under a suspended deck, or be required to work at a height while repositioning any saddles. The platform 12 does not need to be removed from the truck or trailer in order to alter the platform 12 height. Further, the supporting arrangement 10 is designed such that is devoid of separate saddles that require repositioning when altering the platform 12 height.

[0069] The applicant also considers that the invention may be adaptable for use in other applications where it is necessary to support objects, including relatively heavy objects. One such application is as a vehicle support, which may be used in place of a conventional vehicle hoist. In such an application, the support arrangement may be fitted with a self-lifting/lowering arrangement, so as to dispense with the need for a forklift or other external lifting device.

[0070] It is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the construction and arrangement of the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of this invention.

[0071] A reference herein to a patent document or other matter which is given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission or a suggestion that the document or matter was known, or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

Claims (21)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. A support arrangement, including: a platform for supporting an object thereon ; the platform adjustably mounted to an upstanding support; and a height adjustment mechanism to facilitate height adjustment of the platform relative to the upstanding support; the height adjustment mechanism including: a ratchet pivotably mounted to the platform; and at least two vertically spaced ratchet engagement surfaces associated with the upstanding support, with the height of the platform relative to the upstanding support selected by engaging the ratchet with a desired ratchet engagement surface from the at least two vertically displaced ratchet engagement surfaces; wherein raising of the platform relative to the upstanding support causes the ratchet to move in a ratcheting motion upon encountering each respective ratchet engagement surface; and lowering of the platform relative to the upstanding support requires: initially raising the platform to a position such that the ratchet is vertically displaced between adjacent ratchet engagement surfaces; then lowering the platform relative to the upstanding support to activate a ratchet disengagement actuator, which displaces the ratchet away from the ratchet engagement surfaces; then lowering the platform relative to the upstanding support to a position where the ratchet is located at least slightly below a desired ratchet engagement surface; then raising the platform to deactivate the ratchet disengagement actuator; and raising the platform until the ratchet engages the desired ratchet engagement surface.
2. 2. A support arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the ratchet is biased towards the upstanding support.
3. 3. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upstanding support includes at least two vertically displaced ratchet receiving slots, with each ratchet receiving slot including a respective ratchet engagement surface.
4. 4. A support arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the upstanding support includes a plurality of vertically displaced ratchet receiving slots.
5. 5. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratchet disengagement actuator is separately enagageable with any one of at least two activation surfaces associated with the upstanding support so as to activate the ratchet disengagement actuator.
6. 6. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratchet disengagement actuator is separately enagageable with any one of at least two deactivation surfaces associated the upstanding support so as to deactivate the ratchet disengagement actuator.
7. 7. A support arrangement according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the ratchet disengagement actuator is separately receivable in at least two vertically displaced ratchet disengagement actuator slots provided in the upstanding support, with a respective activation surface and a respective deactivation surface associated with each ratchet disengagement actuator slot.
8. 8. A support arrangement according to claim 7, wherein each ratchet disengagement actuator slot is paired to and offset from a respective ratchet receiving slot.
9. 9. A support arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the ratchet disengagement actuator is pivotably attached to the platform, and biased towards a neutral position.
10. 10. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upstanding support includes a height indicator applied to at least one surface thereof.
11. 11. A support arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the platform has a respective height indicator associated with the height indicator provided on the upstanding support.
12. 12. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, including an activation indicator for indicating when the ratchet disengagement actuator is activated.
13. 13. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, including a ratchet engagement indicator for indicating when the ratchet is engaged with a ratchet engagement surface.
14. 14. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform is adjustably mounted to at least two upstanding supports.
15. 15. A support arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the platform is adjustably mounted to four upstanding supports.
16. 16. A support arrangement according to claim 14 or 15, including a separate height adjustment mechanism associated with each upstanding support.
17. 17. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, where each upstanding support includes an upstanding post.
18. 18. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support arrangement is configured for use in a vehicle, such as a truck or trailer, or for use in a freight container.
19. 19. A support arrangement according to claim 18, when configured for use in a truck or trailer, with a respective upstanding support provided in a freight receiving space of the truck or trailer at or towards each corner or side of the freight receiving space.
20. 20. A support arrangement according to claim 18, when configured for use in a freight container, with a respective upstanding support provided in a freight receiving space of the freight container at or towards each corner or side of the freight receiving space.
21. 21. A truck, trailer or freight container including a support arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 17.