AU638576B2 - Transfer means - Google Patents

Description

638576

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION For a Standard Patent

ORIGINAL

TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT S. S

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Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: rsrrlnhr, n~ r-n (0ASHLEY LEAD ASHLEY LEADER =1 0 V. 1 rs 0 r- 1 !A WRAY ASSOCIATES, Primary Industry House, Terrace, Perth, Western Australia, 6000.

239 Adelaide Attorney code: WR .0 ga S 555 Invention Title: "Transfer Means" Details of Associated Provisional Applications: Nos: PK0408.

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 1 2 THIS INVENTION also relates to transfer means for transferring a load between two levels. The invention also relates to means for loading and supporting a load.

The invention has been devised particularly, although not solely, for transferring a portable shelter between ground level and a load carrying area on a motor vehicle.

Where a load, such as a collapsible shelter for camping purposes, is to be transported by a motor vehicle, it is often convenient to carry the load on the roof of the vehicle. There may, however, be some difficulty in transferring the load onto and from a load carrying area on the vehicle roof, particularly in cases where the load is bulky or ,,.avy.

The present invention seeks to provide a novel and useful means for transferring a load between two levels, such as between ground level and a raised area on a motor vehicle.

9:00 fee A transfer means for transferring a load between lower and :upper levels, comprising a track adapted to extend between the two levels with the upper end of the track mounted for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal axis, the fee track comprising an upper track section and a lower track section interconnected for selective articulated movement between a first condition in which the lower end of the lower track section is supported on the lower level and in 0 25 which the track sections provide an inclined ramp between the two levels for transportation of the load therealong and a second condition in which in use of the transfer means the upper track section swings upwardly about said horizontal axis into a transfer position such that the load can be 30 transferred between the upper track section and the upper *a level and the lower track section pivots inwardly to move S A 3 along and contilr'ue to be supported on the lower level as the upper track section swings towards the transfer position.

By swinging the upper track section upwardly into the transfer position when the load is supported on it, the load can be presented to the second level for easy transference onto that level.

Preferably, the upper track section assumes a generally horizontal position when swung upwardly in the transfer position.

Preferably, the track section is collapsible for storage in association with a load carrying portion mountable on the vehicle for receiving and supporting the load. For preference, the collapsible nature of the track section is accomplished by a telescopic construction.

fe.: 15 Preferably, the lower end of the lower track section comprises ground engaging means for engaging the lower level 000: to facilitate movement therealong as the lower track section is pivoted inwardly. For preference, such ground engaging means comprises one or more wheels.

0*o 20 Preferably, the track provides a path along which rollers mounted on the load can travel to facilitate movement of the load between the two levels.

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0 The transfer means according to the invention is not limited to transferring a portable shelter between the ground and a 25 motor vehicle and may have applications in any suitable area where it is necessary to transfer a load between two levels.

In another form the invention resides in means for loading 00 and supporting a load comprising a support structure for s!'pporting the load at an upper level and transfer means as 4 set forth hereinbefore for transferring the load between said upper level and a lower level.

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of one specific embodiment thereof which is directed to means for loading and supporting a portable shelter on a motor vehicle. The embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of the embodiment supporting a portable shelter on a motor vehicle; Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 with the exception that a track has been positioned to facilitate unloading of the portable shelter from the motor vehicle; Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing the portable shelter unloaded from the motor vehicle and in an erected condition; Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 with the exception that the portable shelter is shown at the upper end of 20 a ramp provided by the trazk; Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 with the exception that the lower bection of the track has been swung inwardly and the upper section of the track has been swung upwardly to align the portable shelter with a supporting structure mounted on the motor vehicle; Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 with the exception that the portable shelter is now shown supported on the o supporting struc'ture prior to storage of the track; Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the supporting structure with the track in position to provide a ramp; Fig. 8 is a schematic end view of the supporting structure; .structure; *oo 5 Fig. 9 is a detailed view showing the connection between the upper and lower sections of the track; and Fig. 10 is an end view showing the track sections and the connection therebetween.

The embodiment shown in the drawings is directed to means 11 for loading and supporting a portable s" iter 13 in a collapsed condition on a roof of a motor vehicle The portable shelter 13 includes a grid casing 17 comprising two sections namely a bottom section 18 and a top section interconnected by hinge means for movement between open and closed conditions. Each section 18, 20 has a substantially flat central region and a raised peripheral rim which cooperate to define a cavity within the section.

The hinge between the two sections 18, 20 allows the top 15 section 20 to pivot between a closed condition in which it overlies the bottom section in such a way that the two rims o. 21 are in engagement and the cavities co-operate to define oI e o. o an enclosed storage space, and an open position (as shown in Fig. 3) in which the top section 20 is positioned beside the 20 bottom section ±8.

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"The bottom section 18 is provided with wheels 19 to facilitate transportation of the casing over the ground 16 when it is in a closed position. The top section 20 of the casing is provided with feet which rest on the ground when 25 the casing is in the open condition.

.o 2 The portable shelter further includes a flexible covering 22

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which is receivable for storage in the casing when the latter is in the closed condition. The flexible covering is S "adapted to co-operate with the casing to define a sheltered S ee 09 9 0 So 0 O 30 region when the casing is in the open condition, as shown in 6 Fig. 3. The flexible covering 22 includes a panel which provides a door for access to the internal sheltered region.

Windows (not shown) are also provided in the flexible covering.

The flexible covering can be constructed of any suitable fabric such as canvas and is attached to each section of the casing along the free edge of the rim thereof.

The two sections 18 and 20 of the casing provide the floor for the sheltered region. The floor area defined by the bottom section 18 of the casing could be used to accommodate bedding and the floor area defined by the top section 20 of the casing could be used for other activities.

A collapsible frame structure is provided for supporting the flexible covering 22 in a manner which defines the sheltered region in association with the casing. In this regard, the Se,^ collapsible frame structure includes a plurality of frame members 24 which are attached to the flexible covering in 4 0 0 such a way that as the top casing section is pivoted from 6 the closed position to the open position, the flexible 20 covering is drawn out of the casing together with the support members 24 attached thereto. Bracing means are provided for releasably maintaining the support members in spaced apart relationship so as to cause the flexible covering to assume the taut condition.

25 The loading and supporting means 11 comprises a supporting structure 21 and a transfer means 23 co-operating with the supporting structure.

The supporting structure 21 is adapted to be removably mounted on the roof of the motor vehicle and comprises a 30 cradle 25 haviig a pair of spaced longitudinal members of e 7 angular cross-section. One face 39 of each longitudinal member provides a support surface of the cradle and the other side 31 provides a side wall. The two longitudinal members 27 are connected together at one end by a transverse rod 33 extending between the sides 31 and at the other end by a transverse rod 35 extending between the sides 29 on the underside thereof so as to not obstruct the supporting surfaces. The rod 33 also functions as a stop for the cradle. Two supporting rollers 37 are mounted on the rod for the purpose of assisting movement of the portable shelter onto and removal of the portable shelter from the cradle, as will be explained later.

The two longitudinal members 27 are each supported on a longitudinally extending channel 41 which faces inwardly, as best seen in Fig. 8 of the drawings. The two channels 41 are supported on spaced transverse members 43 each of which is adjustably supported at its ends on support posts 0 00 Each support post 45 is provided with clamping means 47 of oo, conventional form for engagement with the roof gutter of the 0 20 motor vehicle in the manner of a conventional roof rack.

@0 00 00 0 0 The transfer means 23 comprises a track 49 is provided to give assistance in moving the portable shelter onto and off 00 00 o of the cradle. The track 49 comprises an upper track section 51 and a lower track section 53. A connection means 55 is provided for interconnecting the two track sections in ,.so a manner which in one mode locks the two track sections o o 0 o. together to provide a ramp while allowing limited SO articulated movement between the track sections, as will be explained later.

0000 The upper track section 51 comprises a pair of longitudinal members 57 of angle cross-section, one side 59 of which 0 provides a track surface and the other side 61 of which eo I~ 8 provides a guide wall. The longitudinal edge of the side 59 is upturned to provide a guide lip 63.

The lower track section 53 comprises a pair of longitudinal members 71 of angle cross-section.

Each longitudinal member 71 has a first side 73 which defines a track surface and a second side 75 which defines a guide wall. The free longitudinal edge of the first side 73 is upturned to provide a guide lip 77. The longitudinal members of the upper and lower track sections are dimensioned such that each longitudinal member 57 is telescopically receivable in the corresponding longitudinal member 71, as best shown in Fig. 10 of the drawings. The upper edge of the side 75 of the longitudinal member 71 is tu:ned back on itself to create a retaining lip 79, which prevents separation of the telescopic members.

The longitudinal members 71 are interconnected at their •:00 upper ends by a transverse member 81. Similarly, the *Go: longitudinal members 71 are interconnected at their lower S 000 *ends by a transverse member 83 on which there is also mounted a pair of wheels 85, the purpose of which will be explained later.

The telescopic relationship between the upper and lower track sections allows the two sections to be telescoped together and then stored in the storage cavity defined 25 between the two inwardly facing channels 41 which form part of the cradle. For this purpose the upper track section 51 is pivotally and slidably supported at its upper end by the channels 41 such that the track can pivot about a generally horizontal axis at its upper end and also slide along the 30 channels 41.

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"TyOC 9 As previously mentioned, a connection means 55 is provided for locking the upper and lower track sections in the extended position and providing a pivotal connection therebetween. The connection means comprises a locking pin 87 adapted to be received in locking holes 89 which are formed in the longitudinal members of the track sections and which are in alignment when the track sections are in the extended position. The locking pin is biassed into an engaging position by a spring 91. The locking pin is provided with a protrusion 93 which provides a finger grip to facilitate manipulation of the locking pin as required.

A stop means 95 is provided to limit the outer extent of telescopic movement between the upper and lower track sections. The stop means 95 comprises an inturned portion 97 which has been formed from the lip 77 of the longitudinal member 71 of the lower track section and an upturned portion 99 which has been formed from the side 59 of the longitudinal member 57 of the top track section. Creation G. of the upturned portion 99 results in formation of a recess i20 101 in the longitudinal member 57 through which recess the inturned lip 97 can pass upon articulated movement between the upper and lower track sections when they are in the extended position.

*00 The pin 87 provides a pivot about which the upper and lower track sections can articulate when in the fully extended position; it is only in this position that articulation is 66:6 possible. Additionally, the construction of the two track sections and the connection therebetween is such that the lower track section 53 can only swing downwardly and inwardly relative to the upper track section 21; it is not possible for the lower track section to swing in the reverse direction.

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10 Unloading of the portable shelter from the vehicle and subsequent loading back onto the vehicle will now be described.

Once the site for erection of the portable shelter 13 has been selected, the motor vehicle 15 is parked adjacent the site and the upper and lower track sections are withdrawn from the storage space defined within the channels 41 of the cradle. The upper and lower track sections are extended and locked together with the connection means 55. At this stage, the wheels at the bottom end of the lower track section rest on the ground 16 and the track sections provide a ramp down which the portable shelter can travel. The rollers 19 on the casing 17 run along the track surfaces 29 within the cradle as the casing approaches the ramp. As the casing moves towards the ramp it is engaged by the support rollers 37 which facilitate movement of the casing from the cradle onto the ramp. Once on the ramp, the rollers 19 of Sthe casing 17 run along the track surfaces 59 provided by bo the upper track section and thereafter the track surfaces 73 eQ 20 provided by the lower track section, until such time as the casing is at ground level where it then can be moved to the

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S.desired location. It will of course be understood that the bo user guides the casing as it moves down the ramp.

The portable shelter is then erected'for use.

25 After use, the portable shelter is collapsed and the casing is moved towards and then up the ramp until such time as it •is supported entirely on the upper track sections 53. A releasable retaining means (not shown) is provided for r• retaining the casing in this position. The lower track section is then pivoted inwardly such that the wheels roll along the ground in the direction towards the car. As 4 N consequence of this inward movement of the lower track section, the upper track section is caused to pivot upwardly 11 and assume a transfer position in which it is generally horizontal and in alignment with the track surfaces 39 of the cradle, as shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings. At this stage, the lower track section has moved through an overcentre position and is locked in such position by virtue of the over-centre arrangement. The retaining means can then be released and the casing rolled over support rollers 37 and onto the cradle where it is subsequently secured in position. The upper and lower track sections are then returned to the storage position within the region defined between the channels 41.

From the foregoing, it is evident that the track 49 provides a very simple and easy way of loading the portable shelter 13 onto, and removing the portable shelter from, the cradle 25 on top of the motor vehicle It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is (*0g not limited to the scope of the embodiment described. In particular, it should be understood that the track structure need not be limited to handling of portable shelters and may 20 have application in any area where it desired to move a load between two levels.

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Claims (9)

1. A transfer means for transferring a load between lower and upper levels, comprising a track adapted to extend between the two levels with the upper end of the track mounted for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal axis, the track comprising an upper track section and a lower track section interconnected for selective articulated movement between a first condition in which the lower end of the lower track section is supported on the lower level and in which the track sections provide an inclined ramp between the two levels for transportation of the load therealong and a second condition in which in use of the transfer means the upper track section swings upwardly about said horizontal axis into a transfer position such that the load can be transferred between the upper track section and the upper level and the lower track section pivots inwardly to move along and continue to be supported on the lower level as the upper track section swings towards the transfer position.

2. A transfer means according to claim 1 wherein the upper track section assumes a generally horizontal position when swung upwardly. eS.. 3. A transfer means according to clain 1 or 2 wherein the lower end of the lower track section comprises ground engaging means for engaging the lower level to facilitate movement therealong as the lower track section is pivoted inwardly.

4. A transfer means according to claim 3 wherein said ground engaging means comprises at least one wheel. 0 55 0 S S 13 A transfer means according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the track section is collapsible for storage in association with a load carrying portion mountable on the vehicle for receiving and supporting the load.

6. A transfer means according to claim 5 wherein the track section is of telescopic construction.

7. Means for loading and supporting a load comprising a support structure for supporting the load at an upper level and transfer means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims for transferring the load between said upper level and a lower level.

8. Means according to claim 7 wherein the track is pivotally mounted on said support structure for rotation about said horizontal axis.

9. A means according to claim 7 or 8 wherein said track is slidably with respect to said supporting structure for storage in a storage cavity within said supporting structure. A means according to claim 11 wherein said storage cavity is defined between a pair of inwardly facing channel members which slidably support the upper track section. "11. A means according to claim 7, 8, 9 or 10 wherein said supporting structure is adapted for mounting on the roof of a motor vehicle.

12. A transfer means substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A 0400 O OS 14

13. A means for loading and supporting a load substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this TWENTY-SECOND day of APRIL 1993 ASHLEY LEADER Applicant WRAY ASSOCIATES Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for Applicant 0 e.g. S *606 S S 'SOS 5* S S 6 S 00 0 66* 0 S. S 00g C 6 0 6 5.55 50 55 S 'SO. S *005 50 0 SO 6* 0 S SO O SO 1 15 ABSTRACT A transfer means for transferring a load between lower and upper levels. The transfer means (23) has a track adapted to extend between the two levels with the upper end (49) of the track mounted for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal axis. The track (49) comprises an upper track o-~-ion (51) and a lower track section (53) O* S. interconnected by joint (55) for selective articulated movement between a first condition in which the track sections provide an inclined ramp between the two levels for transportation of the load therealong and a second condition in which the upper track section can swing upwardly about said horizontal axis while the lower track section pivots inwardly. The lower track section (53) moves along and is continued to be supported on the lower level (16) as it pivots inwardly. S 4S 6