AU2022215247B2 - Sheet Material Delivery System - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a support apparatus for supporting one or more sheets of construction material in a generally upright configuration. The apparatus comprises a base upon which the support apparatus can stand and upon which an in-use lower edge 5 of the one or more sheets can be supported when in the generally upright configuration. The apparatus also comprises an upright comprising a front, with the base extending orthogonally forwards from a lower part of the front of the upright such that the front of the upright extends orthogonally up from the base and along a rear edge of the base in use. The upright further comprises a back upon which the support apparatus is able to 10 be laid flat on a support surface. The apparatus further comprises a surface arranged with respect to the front of the upright. The surface is oriented to support an inwardly facing surface of an innermost sheet when supported at the base, such that the innermost sheet leans towards the upright. 11/08/22

Description

Sheet Material Delivery System

Technical Field A system is disclosed for the delivery of sheet material for construction, such as plasterboard. The system comprises a supporting apparatus for supporting the sheet material in a generally upright stack, as well as lifting apparatus for lifting the supporting apparatus to a generally upright configuration.

Background Art In some regions (e.g. Western Australia), buildings such as homes can be constructed of full brick, with sheet lining material (e.g. comprising board such as plasterboard) being used only on the ceilings. The delivery to site of sheet lining material may comprise the delivery of plasterboard sheets and lengths of cornice material. Sometimes there will be other accessories delivered such as beads for use at sheet joints, joining strips, packs of insulation, etc. In some regions (e.g. Western Australia), new constructions do not have concrete floors (e.g. in the garage) laid at the time the sheet lining material is delivered. Therefore, there is no clean/dry/flat surface to lay the sheet lining material on at the time of delivery. Tradesmen tend to prefer the sheet lining material to be delivered to the construction (e.g. into the garage) and out of the weather. Once inside, the sheet lining material is leant vertically against an internal (e.g. garage) wall, with the sheets facing out. This allows the tradesmen to measure and cut the sheets which are then carried inside ready for fixing (e.g. to the ceiling). Tradesmen and customers also tend to prefer the cornice, bead, etc to be delivered and placed behind the stack of vertically leaning sheet material, so that it is protected by the sheet stack and also less prone to theft. However, there are significant risks associated with unrestrained vertically leaning sheet material stacks that are stored on sites. For example, there are recorded incidents of children and adults being killed by falling stacks of plasterboard sheets. The above references to the background art do not constitute an admission that such art forms a part of the common and/or general knowledge of a person of ordinary

11/08/22 skill in the art. The above references are also not intended to limit the application of the system as disclosed herein.

Summary of the Disclosure The system as disclosed herein can comprise a support apparatus for supporting one or more sheets of construction material in a generally upright configuration (e.g. during transportation and when located at a construction site). The support apparatus can also support the sheet(s) of construction material in a laid-down orientation (e.g. during loading). The support apparatus may also support additional construction materials (e.g. cornice, beading, panel joining strips, etc), as set forth hereafter. The support apparatus finds particular, though not exclusive, application in supporting sheets of plasterboard. However, the apparatus can also support sheets of fibre cement, timber, etc. The support apparatus comprises a base upon which the support apparatus can stand. An in-use lower edge of the one or more construction material sheets can also be supported on the base (e.g. in a stack) and when in the generally upright configuration. Thus, the base can both support the support apparatus for standing and it can support thereon the one or more construction material sheets. The apparatus also comprises an upright that extends orthogonally up from the base in use (e.g. to form a backing part of the support apparatus). As set forth herein, the upright can comprise a front. The base can extend orthogonally forwards from a lower part of the front of the upright such that the front of the upright extends orthogonally up from the base and along a rear edge of the base in use. As also set forth herein, the upright can further comprise a back upon which the support apparatus is able to be laid flat on a support surface. The apparatus further comprises a surface which can be arranged with respect to the front of the upright. This surface can be oriented to support an inwardly facing surface of an innermost sheet when the sheet is supported at the base. Further, this surface can be oriented such that the innermost sheet leans towards the upright. This can cause other adjacent sheets to also lean towards the upright, providing for safety and security of a stack of sheets, as explained hereafter.

11/08/22

Each support apparatus unit can be packed with sheets, etc at a factory. Each support apparatus unit can be specified (i.e. packed according) to the requirements of a given site. As set forth below, each support apparatus unit may be packed in a laid down (load) orientation, with the upright located on its back. Multiple support apparatus units can be transported together (e.g. standing side by-side on the tray/flatbed of a truck, etc). Each unit may be arranged according to a sequence of delivery. Each support apparatus unit can be delivered to its given site to be located adjacent to a construction (e.g. to be crane-lifted from a truck that is parked next to a building, and to be located near an entry point to the building). Each sheet, etc may then be carried into the building as required. Optionally, a weatherproof cover or canopy may protect the construction material until it is ready to be used. Once the support apparatus unit sits adjacent to the construction (i.e. stands on its base), the orientation of the surface can support one or more sheets such that each extends generally vertically but leans inwardly of the apparatus (i.e. towards the upright). Thus, each sheet or a stack of sheets located on the unit is less prone to inadvertently fall outwards, and yet is easily accessible. The oriented surface of the support apparatus may form a part of the upright, or it may form part of a separate element which is arranged at (e.g. affixed or mounted to) the upright. Whilst the upright can take the form of a wall, in one embodiment the upright may comprise two or more discrete, spaced posts that each extend up from the base in use. For example, the upright may comprise four discretely spaced posts arranged out along the length of one side of the base. Two such central posts may comprise rectangular hollow section having a greater cross-sectional area than two such opposite end posts, which may comprise square hollow section. In one embodiment at least some, although typically each, of the separate elements may be provided with the oriented surface thereat. Each separate element may then be arranged at a respective upright post. When the upright comprises four posts, the separate elements arranged at the two central posts may be wider than the separate elements arranged at the two opposing end posts.

11/08/22

In another embodiment the oriented surface may form a part of at least some of, although typically of each, upright post. For example, each post may be tapered so as to provide the oriented surface as a sloping face of the post. Whilst the base can take the form of a panel, in one embodiment the base may comprise two or more discrete, spaced elongate feet that each extend orthogonally forwards in use from a lower part of the upright. In one embodiment respective feet are provided for and correspond to each such upright post. For example, when the upright comprises four posts, the base may comprise four corresponding feet. Two such central feet may be provided to correspond to the two central upright posts, and these central feet may also comprise rectangular hollow section. Two such end feet may be provided to correspond to the two end upright posts, and these end feet may also comprise square hollow section. In one embodiment the feet may each extend forwardly in use from (e.g. by being mounted, such as by being welded, fastened, etc to) an elongate connection member that defines one long side of the base. The connection member may be of square hollow section, such as may correspond to the square hollow section of the end feet and end upright posts. In this embodiment the upright posts may each extend upwardly in use from (e.g. by being mounted, such as by being welded, fastened, etc to) the elongate connection member. In one embodiment, two of the feet may be hollow, having a forward facing open end. For example, this may be the two central feet of e.g. rectangular hollow section. The spacing of said two feet and the size of the open ends may be such as to correspond with the spacing and size of forks/tines of a forklift, so that each fork/tine may be received into a hollow of a respective foot via its forward facing open end. In this way, the support apparatus may be conveniently lifted and manoeuvred by a forklift, such as when laden or unladen, and to and from transport, such as a tray/flatbed of a truck. In one embodiment, the support apparatus may further comprise an intermediate in-use horizontal surface. This surface may be spaced above the base and may extend out from the upright partway up its length. Such a surface can be configured to receive

11/08/22 thereon elongate construction elements such as cornice, beading, panel joining strips, etc. In one embodiment, the intermediate surface may be defined by, so as to be located on, two or more discrete, spaced elongate members that each extend orthogonally forwards in use from an intermediate part of the upright. Further, each of the two or more intermediate members may be secured (e.g. welded or fastened) to extend orthogonally forwards from an in-use horizontal support bar (e.g. of rectangular bar or circular rod) that is mounted at (e.g. welded or fastened to) an intermediate location of the upright (e.g. mounted to a front face of each upright post). Further, each intermediate member may comprise a discrete length of rod or bar that is mounted (e.g. welded or fastened) to project out and forwardly in use from the horizontal support bar. In one embodiment, the intermediate surface may be sufficiently spaced above the base such that the one or more construction sheets can be freely supported at the base so as to be located under the intermediate surface, and yet still be readily accessible. In one embodiment, the support apparatus may further comprise an upper surface that is spaced above the base and that extends out from a top of the upright. Such an upper surface can support a cover or canopy for the support apparatus (e.g. to protect the construction sheets, etc from the weather, from theft, from fall-off, etc). In one embodiment, the upper surface may be defined by, so as to be located on, two or more discrete, spaced elongate flanges that each extend orthogonally forwards in use from a top end of the upright. For example, a respective top flange of discrete length may be provided for and may correspond to each upright post. Thus, when the upright comprises four posts, the upper surface may comprise four corresponding top flanges. In one variation, two such central top flanges may be provided to correspond to the two central upright posts, and may also comprise rectangular hollow section. Further, two such end top flanges may be provided to correspond to the two end upright posts, and may also comprise square hollow section. In another variation, the central top flanges and the end top flanges may each comprise square hollow section.

11/08/22

In this embodiment, each of the two or more top flanges may be secured (e.g. welded or fastened) to extend orthogonally forwards from an in-use horizontal support member that is mounted to extend along and to define the top end of the upright. The horizontal support member may comprise square hollow section. Further, two crane lifting points may be provided at (e.g. welded or fastened to) the horizontal support member, such as where it connects to the two central upright posts. The crane lifting points can allow for crane lifting of a laden or unladen support apparatus (e.g. within a factory, onto or off a vehicle such as a truck, etc). In this embodiment, an in-use horizontal edge member may be secured to a distal end of each of the two or more top flanges so as to extend along and to further define the upper surface. The edge member may also comprise square hollow section. Further two additional crane lifting points may be provided at (e.g. welded or fastened to) the edge member, such as near where it connects to the two central top flanges. In one embodiment, the support apparatus may further comprise one or more deployable support legs. Each leg may be configured to be deployed so as to extend rearwardly from the upright. When deployed, a foot of each leg may be able to engage the ground in use to support the apparatus against rearward topple. Such leg(s) may be deployed selectively by a user, such as when the support apparatus is standing in a factory, awaiting transportation, or such as when the support apparatus is standing on site, being accessed by e.g. a tradesman. Such leg(s) may be length adjustable, e.g. able to be stored when in a contracted condition, and able to support the apparatus when in an extended condition. A canopy can also be provided for enclosing the support apparatus. The system as disclosed herein can also comprise a lifting apparatus for lifting the support apparatus as set forth above. The lifting apparatus can be used in e.g. a factory to assist with the handling of e.g. a fully laden support apparatus. The lifting apparatus can comprise a support surface (e.g. "table") that is deployable between load and unload orientations. In use, the upright of the support apparatus is able to lie on the support surface when in the load orientation (i.e. the support apparatus can be "laid on its back"). For example, an unladen support apparatus can be located on a generally flat, horizontal support surface when in its load

11/08/22 orientation, and may then be laden with a stack of construction sheets, etc, such as by a forklift at a factory. The lifting apparatus can also comprise a mechanism for causing the support surface to move between the load and unload orientations (e.g. once the support apparatus has been laden with a stack of construction sheets, etc). The mechanism can thus cause the support apparatus to be lifted so that its upright extends generally up (e.g. at or towards the vertical), whereby the support apparatus can then stand on its base. After use of the support apparatus, and once returned from a site to e.g. the factory, and with the support surface also in its unload orientation (e.g. in a generally upright position), the mechanism can be used to move the support apparatus back down into a "ready-to-reload" orientation. In one embodiment of the lifting apparatus, the deployable support surface may comprise a frame. The frame may be pivotally connected along a first side edge thereof to a base of the lifting apparatus. The mechanism can thus be oriented to cause the support surface to pivot about the lifting apparatus base so as to lift up the support apparatus after it has been located on the support surface (and e.g. after it has been laden). In one embodiment of the lifting apparatus, the base may comprise a framework that is configured to locate the deployable support surface in a spaced location from surrounding ground (e.g. above the factory floor). The base framework may be further arranged to support one or more actuators (e.g. to pivotally support one or more hydraulic or pneumatic rams) of the mechanism for moving the support surface between the load and unload orientations. In one embodiment of the lifting apparatus, the support surface may comprise one or more lifting lugs (e.g. each of a discrete length of hollow section, such as square hollow section). The one or more lifting lugs can ensure a safe and secure uplift of a fully laden support apparatus. Each lifting lug may be located at (e.g. to be spaced out along) a second side edge of the support surface that opposes the first side edge thereof. Each lifting lug may project orthogonally up from the support surface when in the load orientation. Further, each lifting lug may interact with and support the support apparatus during movement of the support surface from its load orientation to its unload orientation.

11/08/22

In one embodiment of the lifting apparatus, the support surface may comprise two or more discrete, spaced lifting lugs. Each lifting lug may locate adjacent to a bar that is located at an in-use top of the upright of the support apparatus (e.g. when the unladen support apparatus is positioned at the deployable support surface of the lifting apparatus). This bar can bear down on and be supported by the two or more lifting lugs during movement (e.g. pivoting) of the support surface between its load orientation and its unload orientation.

Also disclosed herein is apparatus for supporting one or more sheets of construction material in a generally upright configuration. The apparatus comprises a base upon which the support apparatus can stand and upon which an in-use lower edge of the one or more sheets can be supported, the base comprising two or more discrete, spaced elongate feet. The apparatus also comprises an upright extending orthogonally up from the base in use, wherein each of the two or more feet extend orthogonally forwards in use from a lower part of the upright; The apparatus further comprises a surface arranged with respect to the upright, the surface oriented to support an inwardly facing surface of an innermost sheet when supported at the base, such that the innermost sheet leans towards the upright. The apparatus can be otherwise as configured as in the system as set forth above.

Brief Description of the Drawings Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the system as set forth in the Summary, specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of support apparatus in accordance with the disclosure; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the support apparatus of Figure 1 when fully laden with a construction material, and when located on a first embodiment of lifting apparatus in accordance with the disclosure;

11/08/22

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the lifting apparatus of Figure 2 in an upright (unload) orientation; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the lifting apparatus of Figure 2 in an collapsed (load) orientation; Figures 5 & 6 respectively show front and end views of the support apparatus of Figure 1; Figures 7 & 8 respectively show front and end views of the lifting apparatus of Figure 2; Figures 9A to 9C respectively show front, end and perspective views of a second embodiment of support apparatus in accordance with the disclosure; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the support apparatus of Figure 9 when located on the lifting apparatus of Figure 2 in an upright (unload) orientation; Figures 11 to 13 show perspective views of a cover for the support apparatus in various modes of use, with: Figures 11A & 11B showing front and back views of the cover on the support apparatus in a closed condition; Figures 12A & 12B showing front and back views of the cover on the support apparatus in an open condition; Figures 13A & 13B showing back and front views of the cover in an open condition, with the support apparatus located on the lifting apparatus.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments Referring firstly to Figures 1, 2, 5 & 6, a first embodiment of a support apparatus, forming part of a sheet material delivery system as disclosed herein, is shown in the form of a delivery frame 10. The delivery frame 10 can support one or more sheets S of construction material in a generally upright configuration (see Figure 2), such as during transportation and when located at a construction site. The delivery frame 10 can also support the construction material sheets in a laid-down orientation (e.g. during loading). The delivery frame 10 can be prefabricated from steel sections, as will be explained in further detail hereafter.

11/08/22

The delivery frame 10 finds particular, though not exclusive, application in supporting multiple sheets of plasterboard. However, the delivery frame 10 can also be employed to support, handle and store sheets of fibre cement, timber, etc. The delivery frame 10 can be packed at a factory with the sheets, as well as related construction material (e.g. cornice, beads, joining strips, etc). Each delivery frame 10 can be packed according to the specified requirements of a given site (e.g. as may be pre-specified by a builder, plasterer, contractor, etc). As explained in further detail below, the delivery frame 10 can be packed in a laid-down (load) orientation (i.e. packed when "on its back"). Multiple packed delivery frames 10 can be transported together, such as in a standing, side-by-side, arrangement on the tray/flatbed of a truck, etc. Each packed frame can be arranged on the truck according to a delivery sequence (i.e. in order of delivery). Each packed delivery frame 10 can be delivered to a given site by the truck, and can then be unloaded (e.g. by a truck crane or by an on-site crane or forklift), to be lifted and located adjacent to a building, typically as close as possible to an entry point for the building. Each sheet, etc may then be carried into the building as required. Optionally, a weatherproof cover or canopy may protect the construction material until it is ready to be used, as described hereafter. The delivery frame 10 comprises an upright (back) portion that is generally designated by the reference number 12, and a base portion that is generally designated by the reference number 14. An in-use lower elongate edge of each construction material sheet S is supported on the base portion 14, typically in a close-facing stack as shown in Figure 2. The upright portion 12 extends up from the base portion 14 when the delivery frame 10 is in the orientation shown in Figures 1, 2, 5 & 6. During transportation and when in use at a construction site, the delivery frame 10 is arranged to stand on its base portion 14. However, during loading at e.g. a factory, the delivery frame 10 can lie on its back (i.e. on the upright portion 12), as will be explained in further detail hereafter. Whilst the base portion 14 can take the form of e.g. a panel, in the embodiment of Figures 1, 2, 5 & 6 the base portion 14 in fact comprises at least two but, as shown, four discrete, spaced elongate feet 16 and 18. Each of the feet 16 and 18 extends orthogonally forwards in use from a lower part of the upright portion 12.

11/08/22

The two feet 16A and 16B that are located at opposite ends of the base portion 14 each comprise discrete lengths of square hollow section. However, the two central feet 18A and 18B that are located intermediate the feet 16A and 16B each comprise discrete lengths of rectangular hollow section. With the two central feet 18A and 18B being of hollow section, each has a forward facing open end 26. The spacing of the central feet 18A and 18B, and the size of each open end 26, is such as to correspond with the spacing and size of the forks/tines of a forklift. Thus, each fork/tine can be received into the hollow of a respective foot 18A and 18B via the forward facing open end 26. In this way, the delivery frame 10 can be conveniently lifted and manoeuvred by the forklift, such as when laden or unladen with sheets S, and to and from transport, such as a tray/flatbed of a truck. Whilst the upright portion 12 can also take the form of e.g. a panel, in the embodiment of Figures 1, 2, 5 & 6 the upright portion 12 in fact comprises at least two but, as shown, four discrete, spaced elongate posts 20 and 22. Each of the posts 20 and 22 extends orthogonally upwards in use from a rear edge of the base portion 14. In the embodiment of Figures 1, 2, 5 & 6, respective end posts 20A and 20B of square hollow section are provided to correspond to respective end feet 16A and 16B. Likewise, respective central posts 22A and 22B of rectangular hollow section are provided to correspond to respective central feet 18A and 18B. Further, in the embodiment of Figures 1, 2, 5 & 6 the rear edge of the base portion 14, and the lower edge of the upright portion 12 are defined by an elongate base section 24, typically of square hollow section. The sizing of this section is such as to correspond to the square hollow section of the end feet 16A and 16B and the end posts 20A and 20B, as well as to the side-to-side (profile) width of the central posts 22A and 22B and central feet 18A and 18B. Typically each of the discrete lengths of square and rectangular hollow section is of steel of standard profiles, which can be welded together (or may be otherwise fastened together, such as bolted, riveted, etc). To further strengthen and brace the delivery frame 10, the top edge of the upright portion 12 is defined by an elongate top section 30, typically also of corresponding square hollow section (i.e. corresponding to the end posts 20A and 20B). The upper ends of each of the posts 20 & 22 can be welded to the top section 30 (or otherwise fastened together such as bolted, riveted, etc). Further, criss-cross (X-)

11/08/22 bracing 32A and 32B is employed between each pair of: end post 20A and central post 22A, and end post 20B and central post 22B. In accordance with the present disclosure, an oriented surface can be arranged with respect to the upright portion 12 (e.g. at a sheet-facing surface of each of the posts 20 and 22). This oriented surface can support an inwardly facing surface of an innermost construction material sheet S, when the sheet is supported at the base portion 14. Further, this surface can be oriented such that the innermost sheet is caused to lean towards the upright portion 12 when located thereat (i.e. extends generally vertically but leans inwardly towards the upright portion 12). This then causes adjacent sheets (e.g. in a close-facing stack, such as shown in Figure 2) to lean towards the upright portion 12. Thus, the delivery frame 10 is able to provide for better safety and security of a stack of sheets during transportation and when in use at a construction site (i.e. when standing on its base portion 12 inside a building), but still allow for their easy access. Further, this inward leaning can help to prevent incidents such as a falling stack of sheets, because each sheet or sheet stack is less prone to inadvertently falling outwards. The oriented surface of the upright portion 12 may form a part of (e.g. be incorporated into) each of the posts 20 and 22. For example, each post may be tapered so as to provide the oriented surface as a sloping face of the post. However, in the embodiment of Figures 1, 2, 5 & 6 the oriented surface OS forms part of a separate element which is affixed or mounted to the upright portion 12 (i.e. a separate "pre-oriented" element is affixed or mounted to each post 20 and 22). In this regard each separate element can take the form of a batten such as battens 40 and 42. Each batten is tapered inwardly in use (i.e. from its base to its top) to provide the oriented surface thereat. The end battens 40A and 40B take the form of strips which are each arranged at (i.e. affixed to) a respective upright end post 20A and 20B. The wider central battens 42A and 42B are each arranged at (i.e. affixed to) a respective upright central post 20A and 20B, although are not as wide as those posts. The delivery frame 10 can be provided with an intermediate in-use horizontal surface that is generally designated by the reference number 50. Intermediate surface 50 is spaced above the base portion 14 in use and extends orthogonally out from the upright portion 12, partway up its length (see e.g. Figure 6). The intermediate surface 50 is configured to receive thereon (i.e. to be retrained thereat in use) elongate

11/08/22 construction elements such as cornice, beading, panel joining strips, etc. The intermediate surface 50 is sufficiently spaced above the base portion 12 such that the one or more construction sheets S can be freely vertically supported at the base portion 12 along their longitudinal edges (i.e. so as to locate under the intermediate surface without interference, and yet remain readily accessible - see Figure 2). In the embodiment of Figures 1, 2, 5 & 6, the intermediate surface 50 is defined by (i.e. to be located on top of), two or more, and in this case seven, discrete, spaced elongate members in the form of circular rods 52. Each rod 52 extends orthogonally forwards in use from and with respect to an intermediate part of the upright portion 12. More particularly, each rod 52 is secured (e.g. welded or fastened) at a proximal end to extend orthogonally forwards from an in-use horizontal rectangular support bar 54 that is mounted at (e.g. welded or fastened to) the intermediate part of the upright portion 12 (i.e. the support bar 54 is mounted (e.g. welded or fastened) to a front face of each upright post 20, 22). In the embodiment of Figures 1, 2, 5 & 6, the support bar 54 also comprises four discrete U-shaped tie-rings 56 affixed (e.g. welded or fastened) thereto to project downwardly as shown. These correspond to four discrete U-shaped tie-rings 58 that are affixed (e.g. welded or fastened) to extend forwardly of the elongate base section 24. These tie rings provide tie-off points (e.g. for rope, strap, etc) to enable a cover or canopy (e.g. of flexible sheet material) to be affixed to the delivery frame 10 (e.g. once the frame has been loaded with material "on its back", but before standing it up). The delivery frame 10 can also be provided with an upper surface that is generally designated by the reference number 60. The upper surface 60 is spaced above the base portion 14 in use and extends out from a top of the upright portion 12 (i.e. orthogonally forwards from the elongate top section 30). The upper surface 60 can support thereon the cover or canopy for the delivery frame 10. Such a cover or canopy can protect the construction sheets, etc from the weather, from theft, from fall-off, etc. In the embodiment of Figures 1, 2, 5 & 6, the upper surface 60 is defined by (i.e. so as to be located on top of), two or more, and in this case four discrete, spaced elongate flanges 62 that each extend orthogonally forwards in use from a top end edge of the upright portion 12. A respective top flange 62 of square hollow section of discrete length is provided for and corresponds to each upright post 20, 22. In a

11/08/22 variation, the two central top flanges can correspond to the two central upright posts, and be provided of rectangular hollow section. A proximal end of each flange 62 is secured (e.g. welded or fastened) to the top section 30. In the embodiment of Figures 1, 2, 5 & 6, the upper surface 60 also provides for crane lifting points (i.e. for on-site lifting and delivery of the delivery frame 10). Two spaced crane lifting points 64A and 64B are provided at (e.g. welded or fastened to) the top section 30, at a respective location near to where section 30 connects to the two central upright posts 22A and 22B. The crane lifting points can allow for crane lifting of a laden or unladen delivery frame 10 (e.g. within a factory, onto or off a vehicle such as a truck, etc). To increase the structural integrity of the delivery frame 10, an in-use horizontal edge member 66 (e.g. of corresponding square hollow section) can be secured (e.g. welded or fastened) so as to tie together a distal end of each of the top flanges 62, the edge member 66 extending along and further defining the upper surface 60. Further, two additional spaced crane lifting points 68A and 68B are provided at (e.g. welded or fastened to) the edge member 66, at a respective location near to where edge member 66 connects to the two central top flanges 62. Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, a second embodiment of support apparatus in the form of a delivery frame 10' is shown. Like reference numbers are used to denote similar or like parts to the first embodiment of Figures 1, 2, 5 & 6, and will not be re described for the sake of brevity. In the second embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, the delivery frame 10' further comprises one or more, and in this case two, deployable support legs 70. Each leg 70 is configured to be deployed so as to extend rearwardly from the upright portion 12 as shown in Figure 9B. For example, when deployed, each leg can pivot back from a respective central post 22A or 22B (e.g. by around 25). In this orientation, a strut 72 of each leg is actuated to connect and support it with respect to a respective central post 22A or 22B. Further, a foot 74 of each leg can engage the ground in use to vertically support the delivery frame 10' against rearward topple. The legs 70 are able to be selectively deployed by a user, such as when the delivery frame 10' is standing in a factory, awaiting transportation, or when the delivery frame 10' is standing on site, and being constantly accessed by e.g. tradesmen. The legs

11/08/22

70 are length adjustable between a stored, contracted length (e.g. of around 1.2 m) and a deployed, extended length (e.g. of around 1.9 m). In the second embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, the delivery frame 10' comprises a crane lift superstructure 80 in place of the crane lifting points 66 & 68 of the first embodiment of Figures 1, 2, 5 & 6. The crane lift superstructure 80 comprises a series of support arms/struts 82 that are connected to extend up at an angle from the upper surface 60, centrally towards a crane lifting plate 84 having a single crane lifting point 86 attached thereto. Thus, only a single attachment to a crane is required. Otherwise, the construction and use of the delivery frame 10' of Figures 9 & 10 is much the same as the delivery frame 10 of Figures 1, 2, 5 & 6. Referring now to Figures 2-4, 7, 8 & 10, a first embodiment of a lifting apparatus forming part of a sheet material delivery system as disclosed herein is shown in the form of a lifting table 100. The lifting table 100 can be employed to lift delivery frames, such as those frames 10, 10' described above. More particularly, the lifting table 100 can be used in a factory to assist with the handling of a fully laden delivery frame. In this regard, the upright portion 12 of the delivery frame 10, 10' is able to lie (i.e. be "laid on its back") on the lifting table 100 when in a "load" orientation (see the table orientation of Figures 4 & 7). An unladen, empty delivery frame 10, 10' is first located (i.e. lifted, such as by a forklift) adjacent to an upright lifting table 100 when in the unload orientation. The empty delivery frame may have been returned from a building site. The lifting table is then "actuated" to move (pivot) the delivery frame 10, 10' into a generally flat, horizontal orientation, which may then be easily and readily loaded up (to become laden) with a stack of construction sheets, etc, such as by a forklift at a factory. Once the delivery frame 10, 10' has been laden with a stack of construction sheets, etc an actuator mechanism can now be actuated to cause the lifting table 100 to move back to an "unload" orientation (see Figures 2, 3, 8 & 10). The actuator mechanism can take the form of one or more (e.g. three, spaced) linear actuators 102 (such as hydraulic or pneumatic rams) that are arranged within the lifting table 100. The linear actuators 102 can be actuated to cause the lifting table 100 to move between the load orientation (see Figure 4) and unload orientation (see Figures 2, 3, 8 & 10).

11/08/22

The actuator mechanism is sufficiently powerful to cause a fully laden delivery frame 10, 10' to be lifted (pivoted up) so that its upright portion 12 extends generally up (e.g. at or towards the vertical), whereby the delivery frame 10, 10' is then able to freely stand on its base portion 12. In this regard, the lifting table 100 can further comprise a support surface in the form of a table frame 104 that is deployable between the load and unload orientations by the actuation of the linear actuators 102. The deployable table frame 104 comprises a braced framework having two longitudinal opposing side sections 106, two opposing end sections 108, three intermediate, spaced transverse sections 110, and four diagonal bracing sections 112. The table frame 104 is pivotally connected along a first side section 106A to a base of the lifting table in the form of a base framework 120. The linear actuators 102 are each arranged to act between the base framework 120 and a respective one of the intermediate transverse sections 110 of the table frame 104, to cause the latter to pivot about an upper elongate "edge" 122 of the base framework 120 at hinges 123 (Figures 7 & 8). When the delivery frame 10, 10' is located on the table frame 104 (and e.g. after it has been laden with construction materials), it is thus lifted up to the orientation as shown in Figures 2 and 10. The base framework 120 is configured to locate the deployable table frame 104 in a spaced location from surrounding ground (e.g. above the factory floor). The base framework 120 comprises a generally rectangular prism that is defined by elongate side sections 124 on one side, discrete side sections 125 on the other side, and interconnecting transverse sections 126. At this other side, two spaced regions 128 of the prism framework are "indented" to shorten the side-to-side distance of the base framework, and thereby enable the lifting table 100 to be lifted/carried by the forks/tines of a forklift. The linear actuators 102 are each pivotally connected to extend from a lower elongate edge member 130 that diagonally opposes the upper elongate edge 122 of the base framework 120. The table frame 104 further comprises one or more, and in this case six spaced lifting lugs 132, each of a discrete length of hollow section, such as square hollow section, and each in a respective grouping that defines three distinct lug pairs (see Figures 3 & 4). The lifting lugs 132 each extend up from a second opposite side section

11/08/22

106B of the table frame 104 and ensure a safe and secure uplift of a fully laden delivery frame 10, 10', and a safe and secure down-lift of an unladen delivery frame 10, 10'. Each lifting lug 132 projects orthogonally up from the table frame 104 when it is in the load (flat) orientation, and laterally forwards when the table frame 104 is in the unload (upright) orientation. Each lifting lug can interact with and support the delivery frame 10, 10' during pivotal movement of the table frame 104 from its flat, load orientation to its upright, unload orientation. In this regard, and in use, the table frame 104 is pivoted by the linear actuators 102 to its upright, unload orientation (see Figure 3). Then, a usually unladen (return) delivery frame 10, 10' is positioned adjacent to the table frame 104, such that each lifting lug 132 locates adjacent to but just under the top section 30 of upper surface 60 of the delivery frame 10, 10' (see Figure 10). The linear actuators 102 are re-actuated to cause the table frame 104 and delivery frame 10, 10' to pivot back down to the load orientation. During this movement the top section 30 bears down on and is supported by the lifting lugs 132. Once in its load orientation, the delivery frame 10, 10' is laden with construction material. The partially or fully laden delivery frame is then pivoted back up to its unload orientation and, during this movement, the top section 30 again bears down on and is supported by the lifting lugs 132, until the base portion 12 sits on the floor. The partially or fully laden delivery frame 10, 10' can now be lifted by a forklift (or crane) and onto the back of a truck, ready for delivery to site. After on-site use of the delivery frame 10, 10', and once returned from a site to e.g. the factory, and with the table frame 104 still in its unload (upright) orientation, the empty, unladen delivery frame 10, 10' is located again at the table frame 104, which is then re-pivoted back down into a "ready-to-reload" orientation. Referring now to Figures 11 to 13, a number of different views are shown of a cover in the form of a canopy 200 for the delivery frame 10, 10'. The canopy 200 may be fabricated from a tough plastics or canvass material and may be generally impervious to water, moisture, dust, sand, etc. Figures 11A and 1lB show the canopy 200 located on the delivery frame 10, 10' in a closed (enclosed) configuration. The canopy closed orientation can be used for transporting and on-site storage of the delivery frame 10, 10' when laden with sheet material. In the canopy closed configuration, when the delivery frame 10, 10' is

11/08/22 standing upright on its base portion 14, the sheet material is effectively enclosed off from the elements such water, moisture, dust, sand, etc. Figures 11A and 11B also show the canopy 200 as comprising an openable (roll-up) major front flap 202, and a series of (i.e. three) discrete, spaced upper flap portions 204 located at the rear of the canopy and towards an upper edge thereof. As also shown in Figure 1IB, the canopy 200 comprises two discrete, protruding rear portions 206. These portions 206 are located and shaped to receive and to enable the two, deployable support legs 70 of the delivery frame 10, 10' to be accommodated under the canopy 200. In this regard, in Figure 1IB, the protruding portions 206 are shown in a folded-, pinned-back 206A orientation, which corresponds to the non-deployed (folded-back) position of the support legs 70. However, when the legs 70 are swung out, the portions 206 can be unpinned to move with them, to also receive and accommodate the support legs 70 in their deployed (folded-out) position. Figures 12A and 12B show the canopy 200 in an open, accessible configuration. In this regard, as shown in Figure 12A, the front flap 202 has been rolled up to enable sheet and related material to be loaded into and removed from the delivery frame 10, 10'. The front flap 202 is maintained in the rolled up configuration by a series of (i.e. three) discrete, spaced ties 207. As shown in Figure 12B, the opening up (pivoting down) of the rear flap portions 204 enables the delivery frame 10, 10' to be lifted by a forklift, crane etc when in the upright position. In this regard, the tines of the forklift, etc can be inserted to protrude through the openings of the rear flap portions 204. Once so inserted, the forklift, etc tines can engage at an underside of the upper surface 60 to lift and carry an e.g. laden delivery frame 10, 10', such as onto or off the back of a truck tray, etc. It should be noted that side edges 208A and 208B of the front flap 202, as well as the arcuate edge 210 of each rear flap portion 204, can be provided with a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener (e.g. VelcroT M ), press-stud, or other-releasable fastening/sealing mechanism. This mechanism helps to further close-off the canopy 200 to the ingress of water, moisture, dust, sand, etc. Figures 13A and 13B show the canopy 200 in an open, accessible configuration, when the delivery frame 10, 10' is located on the lifting table 100. Figure13A shows the covered delivery frame 10, 10' in a partially reclined orientation. Figure13B shows the

11/08/22 covered delivery frame 10, 10' in a fully reclined, ready-to-be-loaded orientation. In this regard, the front flap 202 has been rolled back to enable sheet and related material to be easily loaded into the delivery frame 10, 10'. Once laden, the front flap 202 can be closed and the lifting table 100 can then lift the covered delivery frame 10, 10' to its upright position. A forklift, etc can then lift the covered, laden delivery frame 10, 10' onto e.g. a truck tray. Thereafter, the rear flap portions 204 can be closed, and the enclosed delivery frame is now ready for transport to a remote site. At the remote site, the rear flap portions 204 can be re-opened, ready for lifting of the laden delivery frame 10, 10' off the truck tray.

The delivery frame 10, 10' and lifting table 100 may each comprise galvanised, coated or painted square and rectangular hollow steel sections of standard dimension for ease of fabrication. The delivery frame, once fabricated, may have an unladen weight of less than 700 kg. In use, the system as described herein enables just one person to utilise purpose designed mechanical handling equipment that will allow for "single-person", mechanical unloading on sites. This can ensure that e.g. plasterboard and cornice, etc is stored vertically and face-out (a contractor's preference for fixing), as well as restrained and protected from the weather, such as by the canopy 200. The system allows for the delivery of loaded delivery frames containing all the requirements for that site (e.g. plasterboard, cornice, RondoTM beads, etc). The mechanical placement on site can avoid lifting-related injuries, and materials can be placed on site in a convenient location for the installers. A typical crane truck can be designed to carry three laden delivery frames. It can unload any of the three frames at any site, so if a frame cannot be delivered at a site for any reason the truck can simply carry on to the next site and return the undelivered load to a warehouse/factory. The delivery frames can be pre-loaded in the warehouse at night, before they are delivered the next day. In the morning, when the delivery crane trucks arrive, the already laden frames are now loaded by forklifts onto the trucks, or by the crane trucks themselves. This can dramatically reduce the turnaround time for the delivery trucks when they come back to reload for subsequent deliveries.

11/08/22

The delivery frames can be left on site and collected when the contractor notifies that all construction material has been removed. In the interim, the canopy 200 covering the delivery frame can protect the construction material from the weather and from theft, etc. The delivery frames can also utilise GPS tracking to ascertain where any and all frames are located around a given region, and so that unloaded or available trucks can be scheduled to pick them up and return them to the warehouse/factory for reuse. The delivery system as described herein can: • Reduce or eliminate the risk of leaving unrestrained, vertically stored (e.g. plasterboard) sheets on building sites, noting that builders, contractors and manufacturers have a vested interest in removing the risk of a load toppling over and crushing someone. • Reduce or eliminate manual handling of sheet construction materials (i.e. it is becoming increasingly difficult to find people willing and/or able to hand unload up to 16 tonne of product per day). • Deliver sheet construction materials safely across soft substructures (e.g. sand) to be safely stacked, leaning in against a wall. • Reduce delivery costs (for larger projects delivery cost may be as high as approximately 25% of the sheet construction material cost). • Provide a weather- and dust- etc proof delivery system.

Whilst specific embodiments of the system have been described, it should be appreciated that the system may be embodied in other forms. In the claims which follow, and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are 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 system as disclosed herein.

11/08/22

Claims (20)

1. A system for supporting one or more sheets of construction material, the system comprising:

a support apparatus for supporting the one or more sheets in a generally upright configuration, the support apparatus comprising:

a base upon which the support apparatus can stand and upon which an in-use lower edge of the one or more sheets can be supported when in the generally upright configuration;

an upright extending up from the base in use;

.0 a surface arranged with respect to the upright, the surface oriented to support an inwardly facing surface of an innermost sheet when supported at the base, such that the innermost sheet leans towards the upright; and

a lifting apparatus for lifting the support apparatus to a generally upright configuration, the lifting apparatus comprising:

.5 a support surface that is deployable between load and unload orientations, with the upright of the support apparatus able to lie on the support surface when in the load orientation; and

a mechanism for causing the support surface to move between the load and unload orientations such that the support apparatus can be lifted to cause the upright to extend generally up, whereby the support apparatus is then able to stand on its base.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the upright comprises a front, with the base extending orthogonally forwards from a lower part of the front of the upright such that the front of the upright extends orthogonally up from the base and along a rear edge of the base in use, the upright further comprising a back upon which the support apparatus is able to be laid flat on the support surface.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the oriented surface forms a part of the upright, or forms part of a separate element which is arranged at the upright.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upright comprises two or more discrete, spaced posts that each extend up from the base in use, and wherein the oriented surface forms part of each post, or forms part of a separate element which is arranged at each post.

5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises two or more discrete, spaced elongate feet that each extend orthogonally forwards in use from a lower part of the upright.

.0 6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two of the feet are hollow, having a forward-facing open end, said two feet being spaced to correspond with the spacing of forks/tines of a forklift, each of which can be received into a hollow via a respective forward facing open end.

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an .5 intermediate in-use horizontal surface that is spaced above the base and that extends out from the upright partway up its length.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the intermediate surface is located on two or more discrete, spaced elongate members that each extend orthogonally forwards in use from an intermediate part of the upright.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein each of the two or more members is secured to extend orthogonally forwards from an in-use horizontal support bar that is mounted at an intermediate location of the upright.

10. A system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the intermediate surface is sufficiently spaced above the base such that the one or more sheets can be freely supported at the base and under the intermediate surface.

11. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an upper surface that is spaced above the base and that extends out from a top of the upright.

12. A system according to claim 11, wherein the upper surface is located on two or more discrete, spaced elongate flanges that each extend orthogonally forwards in use from a top end of the upright.

13. A system according to claim 12, wherein each of the two or more flanges is secured to extend orthogonally forwards from an in-use horizontal support member that is mounted to extend along and to define the top end of the upright.

14. A system according to claim 13, wherein an in-use horizontal edge member is secured to a distal end of each of the two or more flanges so as to extend along and to further define the upper surface.

.0 15. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more deployable support legs, each leg able to extend rearwardly from the upright whereby, when deployed, a foot of each leg is able to engage the ground in use to support the apparatus against rearward topple.

16. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a canopy .5 for enclosing the support apparatus.

17. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deployable support surface comprises a frame which is pivotally connected along a first side edge thereof to a base of the lifting apparatus, such that the mechanism causes the support surface to pivot about the lifting apparatus base so as to lift up the support apparatus after it has been located on the support surface.

18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the base of the lifting apparatus comprises a framework that is configured to locate the deployable support surface in a spaced location from surrounding ground, the base framework being further arranged to support one or more actuators of the mechanism for moving the support surface between the load and unload orientations.

19. A system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the support surface comprises one or more lifting lugs located at a second side edge that opposes the first side edge, each lug projecting orthogonally up from the support surface when in the load orientation, each lifting lug able to interact with and support the support apparatus during movement of the support surface from its load orientation to its unload orientation, the support surface optionally comprising two or more discrete, spaced lifting lugs, wherein each lug is able to locate adjacent to a bar located at an in-use top of the upright of the support apparatus, with the bar bearing down on and being supported by the two or more lifting lugs during movement of the support surface between its load orientation and its unload orientation.

20. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the upright of an unladen support apparatus lies on the support surface of the lifting apparatus when in the load orientation, the support apparatus is configured to be laden with the one or more sheets of construction material.

.0