EP1173345A1

EP1173345A1 - Apparatus for use in the transportation of goods

Info

Publication number: EP1173345A1
Application number: EP00919087A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Daniel John Hall
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-04-30
Filing date: 2000-04-26
Publication date: 2002-01-23
Also published as: AU3983400A; WO2000066393A1

Abstract

The invention provides apparatus (10) for use in the transportation of goods. The apparatus (10) includes a base (12) and a container (14) mounted on the base (12) for displacement relative thereto between a rest position and a discharge position. The apparatus (10) further includes displacement means in the form of hydraulic rams (44) for displacing the container (14) relative to the base (12). In addition, the apparatus (10) includes a guide arrangement in the form of a pair of guide channels (48) and rollers (50) mounted on the container (14) for displacement along the channels (48). The guide arrangement is configured such that as the container is displaced laterally by the rams (44) it is caused to tilt to permit the discharge of the contents of the container through an open side wall thereof.

Description

APPARATUS FOR USE IN THE TRANSPORTATION OF GOODS

THIS INVENTION relates to the transportation of goods. More particularly it relates to apparatus for use in the transportation of goods.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for use in the transportation of goods which includes a base; a container mounted for displacement relative to the base, the container including an elongate bottom, a pair of end wails and a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom, at least one of the side walls being displaceable between a closed position and an open position; displacement means for displacing the container laterally relative to the base between a rest position in which goods can be contained within the container and a discharge position in which goods contained within the container can be discharged therefrom; and a guide arrangement configured such that as the container is displaced laterally from its rest position towards its discharge position the container is caused to tilt to permit discharge of the contents of the container when said one side wall is in its open position.

Said one side wall may be split into an upper portion which is pivotally displaceable about a first pivot axis and a lower portion which is pivotally displaceable about a second pivot axis.

The first pivot axis may be positioned adjacent to and spaced laterally inwardly from an upper edge of said one side wail and said second pivot axis may be positioned adjacent to and spaced laterally inwardly from a lower edge of said one side wall. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for use in the transportation of goods which includes a base; and a container mounted on the base for displacement relative to the base between a rest position in which goods can be contained within the container and a discharge position in which goods contained within the container can be discharged therefrom, the container including an elongate bottom, a pair of end walls and a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom, at least one of the side walls being displaceable between a closed position and an open position said at least one side wall comprising an upper portion which is pivotally displaceable between its open and closed positions about a first pivot axis and a lower portion which is pivotally displaceable between its open and closed positions about a second pivot axis.

The first pivot axis may be spaced laterally inwardly from the upper edge of said one side wall. This arrangement results in the upper portion of the side wall being displaced between its open and closed positions underthe influence of gravity.

The bottom of the container may comprise a major portion and an edge portion which is pivotally connected along an inner edge thereof to the major portion for displacement about the second pivot axis between a rest position and a discharge position and to an outer edge of which the lower portion of the side wall is connected.

According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for use in the transportation of goods which includes a base; and a container mounted on the base for displacement relative to the base between a rest position in which goods can be contained within the container and a discharge position in which goods contained within the container can be discharged therefrom, the container including an elongate bottom, a pair of end walls and a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom, at least one of the side walls being displaceable between a closed position and an open position and the bottom of the container comprising a major portion and an edge portion which is pivotally connected to the major portion for displacement about a pivot axis between a rest position and a discharge position.

The apparatus may include a support arrangement configured to facilitate displacement of and support the edge portion of the bottom.

The support arrangement may be configured such that when the container is displaced from its rest position towards its discharge position the support arrangement serves to retain the edge portion of the bottom in its rest position until the displacement of the container has progressed beyond a certain point after which the support arrangement permits the edge portion of the bottom to move towards its discharge position. The support arrangement may include a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart lever arms pivotally mounted intermediate their ends to the base adjacent an edge thereof.

The apparatus may include displacement means for displacing the container laterally relative to the base between its rest and discharge positions and a guide arrangement configured such that as the container is displaced laterally from its rest position towards its discharge position the container is caused to tilt to permit discharge of the contents of the container when said one side wall is in its open position. The guide arrangement may include shock inducing means configured to transmit a shock to the container as it is displaced from its rest position towards its displaced position. The transmission of a shock to the container as it is being displaced from its rest position towards its displaced position will serve to loosen the contents of the container and facilitate discharge thereof.

The guide arrangement may be configured such that initially as the container is displaced away from its rest position towards its displaced position it is displaced laterally and subsequently it is tilted so that the bottom is inclined downwardly towards said one side wall.

The guide arrangement may include at least one guide member mounted on one of the base and the container and a complementary follower mounted on the other of the base and the container. Preferably, the guide arrangement includes a pair of guides mounted on the base adjacent the ends of the container and a complementary follower mounted on each end of the container.

Each guide may be in the form of a channel with the associated follower being in the form of a roller which is snugly received within and which is displaceable along the channel. The channel may include a generally horizontal end portion and an inclined portion extending upwardly from an inner end of the horizontal portion. The inclined portion of the channel may be curved such that its angle of inclination decreases away from the horizontal portion for at least part of its length.

The inclined portion of the channel may include a point of inflection.

The inclined portion of the channel may include a lower section which extends upwardly from the horizontal portion and which has an angle of inclination which decreases away from the horizontal portion and an upper section which extends upwardly from the upper end of the lower section and which has an angle of inclination which decreases away from the lower section. Hence, the point of inflection is defined at the intersection of the lower section and upper section of the inclined portion of the channel. Further, the point of inflection serves as shock inducing means since the roller which is being displaced along the channel is caused to change direction.

The apparatus may include friction reducing container support means so facilitate displacement of the container between its rest position and its discharge position. The friction reducing container support means may include a plurality of rollers positioned to support the container.

The container support means may include a plurality of longitudinally spaced parallel transversely extending tracks on which rollers run, the rollers and tracks being positioned beneath the bottom of the container.

Typically the rollers are connected to the bottom of the container and the tracks are fixed to the base, each roller having an annular recess therein within which a portion of the associated track is receivable to locate the roller laterally relative to the track.

In one embodiment of the invention, the other side wall may also be displaceable between a closed position and an open position. Preferably, the other side wall is pivotally displaceable about a pivot axis between its closed and open positions, the apparatus including side wall displacement means whereby the other side wall is displaceable between its open and closed positions. The side wall displacement means may include a pressurised fluid operated piston and cylinder assembly.

In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may be in the form of a bulk transportation container of which the base then forms an integral part.

In another embodiment of the invention, the base may be part of a load carrying vehicle on which the container is mounted. The container may be permanently mounted on the load carrying vehicle. Instead, the container may be dismountably mounted on the load carrying vehicle.

At least one of the side walls may be pivotally displaceable about its lower edge in the manner of a drop side.

At least one of the side walls and/or end walls may be removable. The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

In the drawings,

Figures 1 to 7 shows sequentially an end view of apparatus for use in the transportation of goods in accordance with the invention illustrating sequentially the displacement of the container of the apparatus from its rest position (Figure 1 ) to its discharge position (Figure 7), in Figures 2 to 7 the guide channel has been omitted for the sake of clarity;

Figure 8 shows, on an enlarged scale, part of a guide arrangement of the apparatus of Figures 1 to 7;

Figure 9 shows an end view of part of a base of the apparatus; Figure 10 shows, on an enlarged scale, an edge portion of the base of Figure 9 incorporating a support arrangement for the bottom of the container;

Figure 1 1 shows a plan view of the support arrangement of Figure 10; Figure 1 2 shows an end view of a track mounted on the base;

Figure 1 3 shows an end view of a roller which is receivable on the track of Figure 1 2

Figures 14 to 1 8 shows sequentially an end view of another apparatus for use in the transportation of goods in accordance with the invention illustrating sequentially the displacement of the container of the apparatus from its rest position (Figure 14) to its discharged position (Figure 1 8) ; and

Figure 1 9 shows an end view of the apparatus in Figures 14 to 1 8 with the container in its rest position and with both side walls in their open positions.

In the drawings, reference numeral 10 refers generally to apparatus for use in the transportation of goods in accordance with the invention. The apparatus 10 includes a base, generally indicated by reference numeral 1 2 and a container, generally indicated by reference numeral 14 mounted on the base 1 2 for displacement relative thereto between a rest position, shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, and a discharge position, shown in Figure 7 of the drawings. In the embodiment shown, the base 12 is in the form of the chassis of a vehicle such as a motor vehicle.

The container 14 includes a rectangular bottom 16, a pair of end walls

18 extending upwardly from opposed ends of the bottom 16 and a pair of side walls 20, 22 extending between the end walls 18. The side wall 22 is displaceable between a closed position and an open position as described in more detail herebelow.

The apparatus 10 includes displacement means 24 for displacing the container 14 between its rest and discharge positions. In addition, the apparatus 10 includes a guide arrangement, generally indicated by reference numeral 26 configured to guide the container as it is displaced between its rest and discharge positions as described in more detail herebelow.

The side wall 22 includes an upper portion 28 and a lower portion 30.

The upper portion 28 is connected via a pair of inwardly directed arms 32 (one of which is shown in the drawings) which extend inwardly from the upper edge of the upper portion 28 to lugs 34 mounted on and protruding upwardly from the end walls 18 by means of pivot pins 36 which define a first pivot axis.

The bottom 16 of the container 14 comprises a major portion 38 which extends laterally inwardly from the side wall 20 and an edge portion 40 which is pivotally connected via a hinge arrangement 42 to the edge of the major portion 38 remote from the side wall 20. The lower portion 30 of the side wall 22 is connected to the outer edge of the edge portion 40 and is pivotally displaceable together with the edge portion 40 about a second pivot axis defined by the hinge arrangement 42.

The displacement means 24 includes a pair of elongate drive elements in the form of pressurised fluid operated, typically hydraulic, rams 44 (one of which is shown in the drawings) which are positioned below the container 14 and extend between the base 12 and the bottom 16.

As can best be seen in Figures 1 and 8 of the drawings, the guide arrangement 26 includes a support structure 46 supporting a guide channel 48 on the base 12 adjacent each end of the container 14. In addition, the guide arrangement 26 includes a roller 50 fast with each end of the container and snugly and slidably received in the channel 48. The channel 48 includes a generally horizontal end portion, generally indicated by reference numeral 52 which extends horizontally inwardly from a position adjacent a lateral edge of the base 12 and a curved portion 54 which extends upwardly and inwardly from an inner end of the end portion 52. When the container is in its rest position, the roller 50 is positioned at the outer end of the end portion 52.

With reference to Figures 12 and 13 of the drawings, the apparatus 10 includes friction reducing container support means, generally indicated by reference numeral 56 to facilitate displacement of the container between its rest position and its discharged position.

The friction reducing container support means 56 includes a plurality of parallel longitudinally spaced apart transversely extending tracks 58 mounted on the base 12 and complementary rollers 60 mounted on the container 14. Reinforcing ribs in the form of top hat sections 62 are connected to the under side of the bottom 16 and the rollers 60 are rotatably mounted on the ribs 62. Each track 58 includes an inverted T-section 64 to which a rod 66 is secured. Each roller 60 has an annular recess 68 therein within which a portion of the rod 66 is receivable to locate the roller 60 laterally relative to the track 58.

Referring now to Figures 9 to 1 1 of the drawings, the apparatus 10 includes a support arrangement, generally indicated by reference numeral 80 to facilitate displacement of and support the edge portion 40 to the bottom and the lower portion 30 of the side wall 22 when being displaced between their rest and discharged positions as described in more detail herebelow.

The support arrangement 80 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart lever arms 82 (one of which is shown) pivotally mounted via a pivot pin 84 to the base 12 adjacent an edge thereof. An inner roller 86 is connected to the lever arm 82 adjacent one end thereof and an outer roller 88 is connected to the lever arm 82 adjacent the other end thereof. In the rest position of the container, the lever arm 82 is in the position shown in Figure 10 of the drawings with the rollers 86, 88 generally horizontally aligned.

In use, as illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings, when the container

14 is in its rest position the rollers 50 are positioned in the ends of the end portions 52 of the channels 48 which are remote from the curved portions 54 as illustrated in Figure 1 . In this position, both the upper and lower portions 28, 30 of the side wall 22 are in their closed positions and goods such as grain, wheat, coal or the like can be introduced into the top of the container 14 and transported in a conventional manner.

When it is desired to discharge the goods from the container 14, the container is positioned next to an off loading point and the rams 44 are caused to extend. The initial extension of the rams causes a lateral displacement of the container 14 and each roller 50 moves along the end portion 52 of the associated channel 48 towards the curved portion 54. During the initial displacement, the centre of gravity of the edge portion 40 and lower portion of the side wall 22 is positioned laterally inwardly of the pivot pin 84 which results in the lever arm 32 remaining in the position shown in Figure 10 of the drawings thereby retaining the edge portion 40 in its rest position.

As the extension of the rams 44 continues, the rollers 50 enter the curved portions 54 of the channels 48 which results in an initial tilting of the container 14 together with further lateral displacement thereof as illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings.

When the displacement of the container 14 reaches the position shown in Figure 5 of the drawings the centre of gravity of the edge portion 40 of the bottom 16 and the lower portion 30 of the side wall 22 which is connected thereto passes the pivot pin 84 which causes the pivot arm 82 to pivot about the pivot pin 84 and the edge portion 40 to pivot about the second pivot axis in the direction of arrow 70. When the goods contained within the container are flowable, e.g. in the form of grain, wheat or the like, they begin to flow through the discharge opening defined between the lower edge of the upper portion 28 of the side wall 22 and the upper edge of the lower portion 30 of the side wall 32.

Further displacement of the rams 44 results in the container being displaced through the position shown in Figure 6 of the drawings where the upper portion 28 of the side wall 22 pivots relative to the rest of the container 14 in the direction of arrow 72 towards its open position and thereby increase the size of the discharge opening defined between the upper portion 28 and lower portion 30 of the side wall 22. Further extension of the rams 44 eventually results in the container 14 being displaced to its discharge position illustrated in Figure 7 of the drawings, in which the discharge opening is at a maximum.

Once the contents of the container 14 have been discharged therefrom, the rams are caused to retract which in turn serves to return the container 14 to its rest position shown in Figure 1 of the drawings. The upper portion 28 of the side wall 22 returns to its closed position under the influence of gravity and the lower portion 30 of the side wall 22 and the edge portion 40 of the bottom 16 are returned to their rest position shown in Figure 1 of the drawings by the action of the rollers 86, 88 mounted on the lever arm 82.

Instead of the base 12 being part of a vehicle as shown in the drawings, the apparatus 10 could be in the form of a bulk transportation container of which the base 12 forms an integral part. Such a bulk transportation container could include its own power source thereby rendering the apparatus 10 self- contained, i.e. permitting its displacement between its rest and discharge positions at a location and time which is convenient.

Further, the Inventor believes that by controlling the displacement of the container 14 particularly between the positions shown in Figures 5 and 7 of the drawings, the rate of discharge of the contents of the container can be easily controlled.

In addition, the Inventor believes that the apparatus 10 will be suitable for use in transporting relatively dense substances and that the provision of the tracks 58 and rollers 60 as well as the guide arrangement 26 will permit the displacement of the container 14 between its rest and discharge positions using a relatively light displacement means since the displacement means 24 in effect displaces the container laterally relative to the base 12 the tipping effect being achieved by the guide arrangement 26. This in turn, the Inventor believes, will lead to a reduction in the weight of the container and hence an increase in the load that can be transported therein.

Reference is now made to Figures 14 to 19 of the drawings, in which reference numeral 100 refers generally to another apparatus for use in the transportation of goods in accordance with the invention and, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used above are used to designate similar parts.

One of the differences between the apparatus 100 and the apparatus 10 is that, in the case of the apparatus 100, the side wall 22 is of a one piece construction. Further, displacement of the side wall 22 between its closed position and open position is effected by a pair of piston and cylinder assemblies 102 (one of which is shown) connected between the end walls and the side wall 22. Naturally, if desired, the side wall 22 could be in two pieces as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 1 3 and the upper portion 28 could be displaced between its open and closed positions by means of a piston and cylinder assembly.

In addition, in the apparatus 100, the side wall 20 is pivotally connected via a pivot pin 1 04 for pivotal displacement between a closed position 5 and an open position. Further, displacement of the side wall 20 between its closed position and open position is achieved by means of a pair of pressurised fluid operated piston and cylinder assemblies 106 acting between the end walls 18 and the side wall 20.

Further, the bottom 1 6 of the container 1 4 of the apparatus 100 is 10 of one piece construction. Once again, however, use could be made of the two piece construction described above.

The channel 48 of the apparatus 100 includes a generally horizontal end portion 52, and an inclined portion generally indicated by reference numeral 108. The inclined portion 108 includes a lower section 1 1 0 and an upper section

1 5 1 1 2. The lower section 1 10 extends upwardly from the inner edge of the horizontal portion 52 and has an angle of inclination which decreases away from the horizontal portion 52. The upper section 1 1 2 extends upwardly from the upper end of the lower section 1 10 and has an angle of inclination which decreases away from the lower section 1 10. The intersection between the lower section 1 10 and

20 upper section 1 1 2 defines a point of inflection, generally indicated by reference numeral 1 14.

In use, the apparatus 100 is used in similar fashion to the apparatus 10 described above. Hence, when the container 1 4 is in its rest position, the rollers 50 are positioned in the ends of the end portions 52 of the channels 48. 25 Further, the side walls 20, 22 are in their closed positions and goods such as grain, wheat, coal or the like can be introduced into the top of the container 14 and transported in a conventional manner. When it is desired to discharge the goods from the container 14, the container is positioned next to an off loading point and the door 22 is displaced to its open position by extending the piston and cylinder assemblies 102. The rams 44 are then caused to extend. It will be appreciated that the extension of the piston and cylinder assemblies 102 and of the rams 44 could take place simultaneously. The initial extension of the rams causes a lateral displacement of the container 14 and each roller 50 moves along the end portion 52 of the associated channel 48 towards the lower section 1 10 of the curved portion 108. As the extension of the rams 44 continues, the rollers 50 enter the lower section 1 10 which results in an initial tilting of the container 14 together with further lateral displacement thereof as illustrated in Figure 15 of the drawings.

As the extension of the rams 44 continues, the rollers 50 move along the lower sections 1 10 until they reach the point of inflection 1 14 as illustrated in Figure 16 of the drawings. It will be appreciated, that the extension of the ram 44 will be more or less continuous. As a result, when the rollers 50 reach the point of inflection 1 14 they are caused to change direction to enter the upper sections 1 12 of the channels 48. This induces a shock in the container 14 and serves to loosen the goods within the container to facilitate discharge thereof from the container. As the extension of the rams 44 continuous, the container is displaced through the position illustrated in Figure 17 of the drawings to its discharge position shown in Figure 18 of the drawings.

Once the contents of the container 14 have been discharged therefrom, the rams 44 are caused to retract which in turn serves to return the container 14 to its rest position shown in Figure 13 of the drawings. The side wall 22 can then be displaced to its closed position by retracting the piston and cylinder assembly 102.

A fresh load of goods can then be introduced into the container through the top in the manner described above. Instead, when it is desired to transport palletised goods or the like, the side wall 20 and/or 22 can be displaced to its open position thereby permitting the goods to be introduced into the container through a side thereof. Similarly, when the goods are to be off loaded, one or both of the side walls 20, 22 can be displaced to their open positions to permit the off loading of the goods.

The Inventor believes that this arrangement will further enhance the versatility of the apparatus 100.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . Apparatus for use in the transportation of goods which includes a base; a container mounted for displacement relative to the base, the container including an elongate bottom, a pair of end walls and a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom, at least one of the side walls being displaceable between a closed position and an open position; displacement means for displacing the container laterally relative to the base between a rest position in which goods can be contained within the container and a discharge position in which goods contained within the container can be discharged therefrom; and a guide arrangement configured such that as the container is displaced laterally from its rest position towards its discharge position the container is caused to tilt to permit discharge of the contents of the container when said one side wall is in its open position.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , in which said one side wall is split into an upper portion which is pivotally displaceable about a first pivot axis and a lower portion which is pivotally displaceable about a second pivot axis.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the first pivot axis is positioned adjacent to and spaced laterally inwardly from an upper edge of said one side wall and said second pivot axis is positioned adjacent to and spaced laterally inwardly from a lower edge of said one side wall.

4. Apparatus for use in the transportation of goods which includes a base; and a container mounted on the base for displacement relative to the base between a rest position in which goods can be contained within the container and a discharge position in which goods contained within the container can be discharged therefrom, the container including an elongate bottom, a pair of end walls and a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom, at least one of the side walls being displaceable between a closed position and an open position said at least one side wall comprising an upper portion which is pivotally displaceable between its open and closed positions about a first pivot axis and a lower portion which is pivotally displaceable between its open and closed positions about a second pivot axis.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the first pivot axis is spaced laterally inwardly from the upper edge of said one side wall.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, in which the bottom of the container comprises a major portion and an edge portion which is pivotally connected along an inner edge thereof to the major portion for displacement about the second pivot axis between a rest position and a discharge position and to an outer edge of which the lower portion of the side wall is connected.

7. Apparatus for use in the transportation of goods which includes a base; and a container mounted on the base for displacement relative to the base between a rest position in which goods can be contained within the container and a discharge position in which goods contained within the container can be discharged therefrom, the container including an elongate bottom, a pair of end walls and a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom, at least one of the side walls being displaceable between a closed position and an open position and the bottom of the container comprising a major portion and an edge portion which is pivotally connected to the major portion for displacement about a pivot axis between a rest position and a discharge position.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, which includes a support arrangement configured to facilitate displacement of and support the edge portion of the bottom.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which the support arrangement is configured such that when the container is displaced from its rest position towards its discharge position the support arrangement serves to retain the edge portion of the bottom in its rest position until the displacement of the container has progressed beyond a certain point after which the support arrangement permits the edge portion of the bottom to move towards its discharge position.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 9, inclusive, which includes displacement means for displacing the container laterally relative to the base between its rest and discharge positions and a guide arrangement configured such that as the container is displaced laterally from its rest position towards its discharge position the container is caused to tilt to permit discharge of the contents of the container when said one side wall is in its open position.

1 1 . Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 , 2, 3 and 1 0, in which the guide arrangement is configured such that initially as the container is displaced away from its rest position towards its displaced position it is displaced laterally and subsequently it is tilted so that the bottom is inclined downwardly towards said one side wall, the guide arrangement including shock inducing means configured to transmit a shock to the container as it is displaced from its rest position towards its displaced position.

1 2. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 , 2, 3, 10 and 1 1 , in which the guide arrangement includes at least one guide member mounted on one of the base and the container and a complementary follower mounted on the other of the base and the container.

1 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 2, in which the guide arrangement includes a pair of guides mounted on the base adjacent the ends of the container and a complementary follower mounted on each end of the container.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, in which each guide is in the form of a channel with the associated follower being in the form of a roller which is snugly received within and which is displaceable along the channel.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, in which the channel includes a generally horizontal end portion and an inclined portion extending upwardly from an inner end of the horizontal portion.

16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, in which the inclined portion of the channel is curved such that its angle of inclination decreases away from the horizontal portion.

17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, in which the inclined portion includes a point of inflection.

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, in which the inclined portion includes a lower section which extends upwardly from the horizontal portion and which has an angle of inclination which decreases away from the horizontal portion and an upper section which extends upwardly from the upper end of the lower section and which has an angle of inclination which decreases away from the lower section.

19. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes friction reducing container support means so facilitate displacement of the container between its rest position and its discharge position.

20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19, in which the friction reducing container support means includes a plurality of rollers positioned to support the container.

21 . Apparatus as claimed in claim 20, in which the container support means includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced parallel transversely extending tracks on which rollers run, the rollers and tracks being positioned beneath the bottom of the container.

22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 , in which the rollers are connected to the bottom of the container and the tracks are fixed to the base, each roller having an annular recess therein within which a portion of the associated track is receivable to locate the roller laterally relative to the track.

23. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the other side wall is displaceable between a closed position and an open position.

24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 23, in which the other side wall is pivotally displaceable about a pivot axis between its closed and open positions, the apparatus include side wall displacement means whereby the other side wall is displaceable between its open and closed positions.

25. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is in the form of a bulk transportation container of which the base forms an integral part.

26. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24, inclusive, in which the base is part of a load carrying vehicle on which the container is mounted.

27. Apparatus as claimed in claim 26, in which the container is permanently mounted on the load carrying vehicle.

28. Apparatus as claimed in claim 26, in which the container is dismountably mounted on the load carrying vehicle.

29. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the side walls is pivotally displaceable about its lower edge in the manner of a drop side.

30. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the side walls and/or end walls may be removable.

31 . Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , claim 4 or claim 7, substantially as described and illustrated herein.

32. A new apparatus substantially as described herein.