GB2291026A - A movable load supporting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a movable, load supporting apparatus including a first, upwardly extending member (160); a plurality of vertically spaced load carriers (167) movable at least vertically relative to the first member; and surface or ground engaging means e.g. castors (164) secured on the apparatus, which is formed as a framework, whereby movably to support the apparatus on the ground, the means for supporting the load carriers (167) including a chain, train or belt including elements (168) engageable by the load carriers; and a channel or track in which the chain, train or belt is movable. An advantage of the apparatus lies in the great variability of load supporting arrangements and the movability of the apparatus on the castors. <IMAGE>

Description

A MOVABLE, LOAD SUPPORTING APPARATUS his invention relats to a movable, load supporting & taratus - uch an apparatus is knoin from OB 9226878.8, and is used in the field of, for example, factory and warehouse materials and product handling.

The apparatus of GB 9226878.8 is of considerable utility, but it has been found that under certain circumstances greater versatility of such apparatus is required.

According to the invention there is provided a movable, loadsupporting apparatus comprising: a first, upwardly extending member; a plurality of vertically spaced load carriers constrained to move at least vertically relative to the first member; surface or ground engaging means secured on the apparatus in a spaced arrangement whereby movably to support the apparatus on a surface or the ground; and means whereby the vertical height of a load carrier on the apparatus may selectively be altered.

An advantage of this apparatus is that a plurality of load carriers, such as load platforms or support/gripping arms, may readily be indexed to a convenient, comfortable height for loading and unloading. Typically, such a height is the waist height of an operator of the apparatus.

A further advantage of the apparatus of the invention is that different types of load may conveniently be segregated onto respective load carriers. This may be of advantage, for example, in the food industry, or in supermarkets, wherein it is frequently required to transport foodstuffs 6f different types without the risk of the different types contaminating one another. The advantage of segregation of loads carried may also be of utility, for example, in the chemical, biochemical and pharmaceutical industries; and also in many other fields of industry.

Convenientl the apparatus includes means movably captive on the upwardly tending member for supporting the plurality of cad carriers, whereby the load carriers are movable relative te the first member.

This arrangement constitutes an advantageously economical means by which load carriers may be movably retained on the upwardly extending member.

It is also preferable that the load carriers are releasably securable on the supporting means therefor. In certain embodiments, this feature is advantageous for example because consumable load carriers may be provided. An example of the use of this feature may occur in retailing environments such as supermarkets.

In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention the means for supporting the load carriers includes a chain, train or belt comprising elements engageable by the load carriers, and the first member includes longitudinally extending channel or track means in which the chain, train or belt is movable to support the load carriers at alterable levels on the apparatus.

A chain of elements or a belt is particularly advantageous because it may conveniently include further elements such as counterbalance weights and/or counterbalance springs, and may also conveniently be manufactured in such a way as to be dismantleable if required.

When the apparatus includes a chain or belt as aforesaid, the chain or belt preferably is endless and the upwardly extending member is configured substantially to contain the chain or belt in a loop around which the chain or belt is movable.

In such embodiments, the apparatus is advantageously robust and the balancing of loads supported on load carriers incorporated into the chain or belt is readily achieved.

alternative embodiments, qflen the onain or belt is endless -fle loop of the chain or belt may pass through one or more further members in addition to the first upwardly extending member. The advantages of this arrangement are similar to those of the arrangement in which the loop is contained entirely within the first upwardly extending member; and in addition, the construction of the apparatus in a selfsupporting manner is facilitated.

In the foregoing embodiments, the upwardly extending member and/or the further member or members may optionally include an aperture, e.g. a closeable aperture, whereby a user of the apparatus may gain access to the interior of the loop, thereby to gain access to the chain, train or belt. This feature is of utility in embodiments where the chain, train or belt is dismantleable. It would then be a comparatively easy task for a user to replace or modify elements in the chain, train or belt.

Preferably, the apparatus includes means for moving the chain, train or belt along the channel or track means. In preferred embodiments, such means may take the form of, e.g., a manually operable drive element and a drive train operatively connected to move the chain, train or belt. Alternatively, powered motors such as electric or hydraulic motors may be provided.

In some embodiments, the load carriers themselves may constitute the means for moving the chain, train or belt along the track channel or track means. It is further possible that some elements of or attached to the chain, train or belt, such as springs, may be responsible for moving the chain train or belt along the channel or track means.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the loop followed by the chain, train or belt may be configured to be generally circular. In an alternative embodiment, the loop may be generally oval. Many other shapes of loop, such as irreguiar shapes, may also be devised.

Partc'larly preferred forms of the chain include a pluralitv of discrete elements interconnected by a flexible member. The flexible member may be, for example, a cable to which the chain elements are securable, e.g. by clamp means or other means of equivalent function such as welds, detents and clamps.

In a preferred embodiment, the surface or ground engaging means include means, e.g. wheels, adapted to run on one or more rails or in one or more tracks for supporting the apparatus. Such rails or tracks may be incorporated into the apparatus and movably secured to a further structure relative to which the apparatus is movable. In particular, embodiments of the invention running on and/or incorporating rails may be adapted to be movable in mutually orthogonal directions relative to the further structure. Such an arrangement is advantageous when the apparatus is configured to be installed in a vehicle such as a truck.

It is preferable that the apparatus includes a further, upwardly extending member spaced laterally from the first such member and adapted to constrain the load carriers to said at least vertical movement. In practical embodiments of the invention, the two such upwardly extending members may be positioned to constrain opposite ends of an elongate load carrier to a common path of movement, whereby the load carrier as a whole is constrained to move in such a path.

Conveniently, the first and further upwardly extending members are rigidly interconnected by at least one bracing member, thereby making the apparatus incorporating two such upwardly extending members a discrete item.

Preferably, the upwardly extending and bracing members appear generally L-shaped when viewed in plan; alternatively, such members may appear generally rectangular or U-shaped when viewed in plan.

S:bodiments in which the members appear --shaped in plan are of particular benefit wnen Ir Is recurred to minirse the solace occupied by the apparatus and also to provide -e apparatus in a fcr that interangages neatly a plurality further such apparatuses. The emoociments in which the members are rectangular in plan may be configured to carry greater loads, and additionally may include means not present in the L-shaped versions.

The load carriers may preferably include shelf means for carrying loads; alternatively and/or additionally the load carriers may each include a plurality of laterally spaced support arms. The apparatus per se may optionally include a container (such as a box) supportable on such shelf means or one or more support arms. Further possibilities for supporting loads on the apparatus include the provision of webbing, netting or other flexible supports, mounted for example in the manner of a sling on the apparatus.

Conveniently, at least one support arm of such a plurality is movable laterally relative to the apparatus. This feature advantageously allows the support arms (when present) to be opened and closed to grip about an object to be carried or supported by the apparatus; additionally, this arrangement allows the effective load-supporting width of the load carriers to be altered.

The support arms may be removable from the apparatus. It is possible to devise embodiments in which the support arms are removable integrally with the chain elements to which they are secured. However, it is equally possible tp construct embodiments in which the support arms are removable from the chain elements, which latter would remain in situ after removal of the support arms.

In preferred embodiments, the apparatus includes a container means integral with a support arm.

The invention also relates to apparatus as aforesaid when movably secured on a vehicle, e.g. a delivery truck. In such embodiments, the apparatus may be adapted selectively to move from a first position generally within the plan outline of the vehicle to a second position substantially or partially protruding therefrom.

There now follows a description of preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of example, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of the apparatus having a generally rectangular plan; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment similar to that of Figure 1 disposed beneath a second embodiment adapted for movable securing in a delivery truck; Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the arrangement shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a basic embodiment of the apparatus that is generally L-shaped in plan; Figure 5 is a perspective, partially cut-away view of a variant on the embodiment of Figure 4; Figures 6a to 6g show the typical use of embodiments such as those shown in Figures 4 and 5 in a supermarket or other retailing environment;; Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the invention in which the path in which the chain is constrained to move is circular; Figure 8 shows a version of the Figure 7 embodiment including a first option for driving the chain thereof; Figures 9 and 10 show details of the Figure 8 embodiment; Figure 11 shows an alternative option for driving the Figure 7 embodiment; Figure 12 shows a detail of part of the Figure 11 apparatus; Figure 13 shows an arrangement for supporting the load supporting means of the embodiments of the invention; and Figure 14 shows yet a further embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figure 1, there is shown a rudimentary form of apparatus 10 according to the nention. In the Figure 1 embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of upwardly extending frame members 13, 1 secured to and extending upwardly from the corners of a Ushaped or rectangular base 12 constituted by a plurality of horizontally extending, interconnected members.

In the embodiment shown, there are four vertical members 13, 14, respectively extending from the front and rear corners of the base 12. The upper ends of the vertical members 13, 14 terminate in a further, generally horizontal, rectangular structure 11 constituted by a further plurality of interconnected frame members. The base 12, the rectangular structure 11 and the vertical frame members 13, 14 between them constitute an open-sided, open-ended, hollow, rectangular prism.

The base 12 is supported from below (at its respective corners in the embodiment shown) on swivelable castors 16, 17. The apparatus 10 is movable on the castors 16. Other arrangements of floor or ground supporting members are possible. For example, the apparatus 10 may be supported by planetary, ground engaging wheels rotatably secured on rotatable star wheels, whereby the apparatus may readily negotiate kerbs and steps.

A superstructure is secured on the structure 11 enclosing a drive means (described below). The superstructure comprises a plurality of upwardly, horizontally and inclinedly extending members 17, 18, 19 forming an open-sided, cage-like structure overlying the structure 11.

An endless drive belt indicated schematically as the component 20 extends around and between pulleys 22, 23 respectively mounted on the apparatus above the structure 11 and below the base 12. Each pulley 22, 23 is rotatably mounted in suitable means such as a pillow block 24 secured relative to the structure 11 or the base 12 as appropriate by means of mounting plates 25, bolts, screws and/or shims in a conventIonal manner.

Rotational movement of the pulleys 22, 23 causes movement of the belt 20 around the loop thereby defined.

The spindle 25 of pulley 22 is integral with or drivingly connected to the output shaft of a simple gearbox that may optionally be integral with upper pillow block 24 as shown.

The input shaft 27 of the gearbox extends perpendicular to pulley spindle 25, and protrudes on the forward face of the gearbox/pillow block 24. The gearbox is such as to transfer drive input to the shaft 27 through 90 , to be output as rotation of pulley spindle 26.

The forward end of input shaft 27 terminates in a collar 28 connected in turn to one end of a drive shaft 29. Collar 28 is such as to provide a bi-directional, rotational connection between the shafts 27 and 29.

The forward end of drive shaft 29 is journalled in a bearing 30 secured to or integral with the rectangular structure 11 and/or the superstructure. The free end of shaft 29 terminates in a handwheel 31 having an offset turning handle 32. The arrangement of the components 22 and 24 to 32 is such that rotation of handwheel 31 in one direction causes movement of belt or chain 20 around the loop thereby defined in a first direction, and rotation of handwheel 31 in the opposite direction causes movement of belt 20 in the reverse direction.

Belt or chain 20 has releasably secured thereto a plurality of horizontally extending load supporting shelves 34. The shelves are releasably securable at intervals on the belt 20 (by means described below) so that the load supporting shelves are vertically spaced from one another by generally equal distances and extend forwardly of the belt 20 between the forward, upwardly extending members 13. In an alternative embodiment, the arrangement may be such as to allow spacing the shelves from one another by irregular distances.

or maximum utility, the apparatus is constructed so that rectangular structure 11 is disposed at or slightly below waist height of a typical operator. Operation of the apparatus involves rotating handwheel 31 (optionally by means of turning handle 32) until a position on the belt 20 is presented at a comfortable working height for the operator. The operator then attaches a shelf 34 at said position on the belt, and loads items onto the shelf. When the shelf 34 is adequately full, the handwheel 31 is rotated in such a direction as to lower the attached shelf 34 on the apparatus towards base 12, with the result that a further place on the belt for attachment of a shelf 34 is presented at a comfortable height for the operator.The operator may then repeat the procedure of securing a shelf 34 to the belt 20, loading the shelf and rotating the handwheel 31 to index the newly attached shelf to a lower position and bring a further attachment point on the belt 20 to a comfortable height.

The procedure may be repeated until a maximum number of shelves 34 is thus installed, the maximum number being determined by the height of the apparatus, the spacing between attachment points on the belt 20 and the load supporting capacity of the belt 20.

The apparatus 10 may then be moved on castors 16 to a further location if required. Unloading of the apparatus 10 is a reverse of the above described procedure, with the shelves 34 being brought one by one to a convenient height for unloading and removal.

Alternatively, since the shelves 34 are removably attached to the belt 20, it is possible to unload the apparatus without having to raise the shelves to a comfortable height for an operator. For example, the lower shelves can be engaged by the tines of a fork lift truck to remove the shelves 34 or to remove the items stowed thereon. If the items on the shelves 34 are to be removed directly by, eg, fork lift tines, it may be necessary for the items to be on suitable pallets providing clearance between the items and the shelves 34 to enable engagement by the fork lift tines without damaging the items.

The belt 2Q may take a number of configurations, and some exemplary embodiments are described below. The belt 20 may be enclosed within a casing if desired. The casing may include guide channels or slots to ensure that the belt runs smoothly between the pulleys 22, 23. Optionally, the channels or slots may further be engageable by, e.g. protrusions on the shelves 34 to ensure that the shelves 34 are guided satisfactorily in the apparatus 10.

Brake or lock means may be provided to lock the belt 20 in a desired position; alternatively or additionally, there may be provided a counterweight and/or counterbalance spring to oppose the loads supported by the apparatus.

Referring now to Figure 2, there are shown two further embodiments of the invention similar to the Figure 1 embodiment, in use to unload a delivery truck 35. In Figure 2 there is shown an apparatus 10 similar to the apparatus 10 of Figure 1 that is adapted by means of the conventional castors 16 to be movable at ground level. Apparatus 10 of Figure 2 includes the rectangular structure 11 and a U-shaped base 12 present in the embodiment of Figure 1, and is modified present in Figure 1 means that the overall height of the apparatus 10 of Figure 2 is reduced, and there is no need for the superstructure shown in Figure 1 to protect the drive train components. The apparatus 10 of Figure 2 is sized to permit loading of the uppermost shelf 34 of a set thereof at a level e.g. slightly below the tail deck of the delivery truck 35.

Delivery truck 35 incorporates a modified apparatus 10A according to the invention movably secured thereto. Apparatus 10A as shown differs from apparatus 10 of Figure 2 in that the castors 16 are dispensed with, although embodiments adapted for mounting on other vehicles may be constructed including the castors 16, especially if the embodiments are arranged to be demountable. The apparatus 10A is adapted (by means of, eg, rollers) to move in the direction of the arrows A into and out of the rear of the truck 35 on suitable guide rails 38.

The guide rails 38 extend laterally of the apparatus 10A at the base thereof, and they are retained captive relative to the truck 35. The apparatus 10A may be supported, for example, on rollers adapted to run in channels 38' formed in the upper edges of the rails 38, whereby the apparatus 10A may selectively be retracted into the truck 35 or extended outwardly therefrom on the rails 38 as desired.

If the apparatus 10A is movable on the rails 38, it will be necessary for the rails 38 to be releasably securable in the back of the truck 35, otherwise the rails 38 would protrude therefrom when the apparatus 10A is retracted within the truck 35.

Accordingly, as an alternative, the apparatus 10A may be fixed relative to the rails 38 that may themselves be movable in the direction of the arrows A into and out of the rear of the truck. This may be achieved by providing a longitudinally extending channel or slot in the underside of each rail 38, the channels or slots being captively retained over suitable bearing members captive in the floor of the truck 35.

firstly in that a pair of chains or belts 20 is disposed respectively on opposite sides of the rear of the apparatus.

Each chain or belt 20 is endless and looped around a respective upper and lower pulley 22, 23. The chains or belts 20 extend upwardly adjacent to the vertical members 14 at the rear of the apparatus, so that there is a chain or belt 20 adjacent each rear corner of the plan view of the apparatus.

Thus the shelves 34, which in the embodiment of Figure 2 are mounted by means of triangular brackets 36, are supported at each end on a respective chain or belt 20.

Instead of the gearbox 24, and the components between the handwheel 31 and the gearbox 24, rotation of the pulleys 22, 23 is effected in the apparatus 10 of Figure 2 by means of direct driving of one or more of the pulleys 22, 23, eg by means of a turning handle such as handle 32 secured offset from the rotational axis thereof.

The rotation of the pulleys 22, 23 may alternatively be effected by means of a motor such as an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic motor drivingly engaged (eg by means of a gear train) with one or more of the pulleys 22, 23.

If the chains or belts 20 are suitably guided in the apparatus (for example by virtue of being enclosed within respective housings), it may only be necessary to drive one of the four pulleys shown in the apparatus 10 to cause smooth raising and lowering of the shelves 34 on the apparatus.

The apparatus 10 of Figure 2 additionally includes a pair of handles of which one, 37 is visible in Figure 2 adjacent the upper end of a forward frame member 13. A similar handle 37 is disposed on the corresponding forward frame member 13 on the opposite side of the apparatus 10, and both handles may be used conveniently to assist in wheeling the apparatus 10 about.

The absence of the pillow block and drive train components In each of the forms of support of the apparatus 10A, the rails 38 may optionally be movable laterally relative to the truck 35, in the direction of the arrows B. This permits the apparatus 10A to be positioned at any convenient place between the side walls at the rear of the truck 35. The lateral moveability of the rails 38 may be achieved by the provision of a pair of spaced bearing members such as rollers extending downwardly from the undersides of the respective rails 38 and movably engageable in tracks or slots 39 extending transversely across the load bed of the truck 35.

Suitable retention means for the apparatus 10A may be provided In the truck 35. Such retenton means may take the form of, g, locks or brakes operative between the apparatus l0A and the rails 38; and/or such locks or brakes operative between the rails 38 and the tracks 39. Alternatively, clips, hooks or straps may be provided inside the truck 35 that are releasably securable to or about the apparatus l0A, thereby to secure it against unwarranted movement while the truck 35 is travelling. So-called "bungee straps" may serve this purpose, as may, for example, webbing belts having adjustable buckles that may be tightened around the apparatus 10A to secure it in place.

As is apparent from Figure 2, the apparatus 10A is adapted to carry a plurality (4 in the embodiment shown) of articles such as boxes 41. If space within the truck 35 is at a premium, the apparatus 10A can be loaded with the boxes 41 before it is locked in position within the truck, thereby maximising the load carrying capacity of a truck 35 incorporating the apparatus 10A.

When the truck 35 reaches its destination, an operator may release the apparatus 10A and move it to the position shown in Figure 2 on the rails 38. The rails 38 can be moved laterally on the truck bed to any convenient position between the side walls of the truck 35. A further apparatus 10 may be wheeled into position beneath the apparatus l0A. This operation is illustrated in Figure 3 which is a plan view of the truck shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 also illustrates the chosen U-shape of the base 12 of apparatus 10, and the L-shape of the base 12 of apparatus l0A.

An operator would remove the lowermost box or other item 41 from the apparatus 10A, and transfer it to a load shelf 34 at the top of the apparatus 10 disposed below apparatus 10A. The shelf 34 formerly occupied by the lowermost box 41 would then be removed and stored, either within the truck 35 or elsewhere. The operator could then actuate the drive means for the chain 20 of apparatus 10A to index the next lowermost shelf 34 to a convenient height for unloading. Subsequently or simultaneously, the chain 20 of apparatus 10 would be actuated to index a further attachment position for a shelf 34 adjacent the top of the apparatus, thereby lowering the filled shelf 34. The next lowermost box 41 could then be transferred from the bottom of the apparatus 10A to the top of the apparatus 10.

This procedure may be repeated until all the boxes present on apparatus 10A have been transferred to apparatus 10 which latter could then be wheeled away for unloading or processing elsewhere.

If the items to be unloaded from the truck 35 are more than can be carried in one go by apparatus 10, the apparatus 10 could be returned to its position beneath apparatus 10A; alternatively, a fresh apparatus 10 may be so positioned.

The brackets 36 of the apparatuses 10 and 10A are, as aforesaid, removable from the belts or chains 20. In some circumstances, it may be expedient for the load transfer between the two sets of apparatuses to take place by virtue of the boxes and the associated brackets 36 being disconnected from one set of chains or belts 20 (eg in apparatus 10A) and reconnected to a further such set of belts or chains 20 (eg in apparatus 10). The boxes 41 may be formed integrally with the brackets 36 for this purpose.

Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a further embodiment of the invention. Instead of having a substantially U-shaped base, the apparatus 110 of Figure 3 has a substantially Lshaped base 112 as shown. The base is constructed from a first member 112' extending transversely across the apparatus and rigidly or hingeably secured to a further member 112'' extending generally perpendicular thereto.

The apparatus 110 is supported on castors 116 disposed respectively at the ends of the members 112' and 112''.

At each end of member 112' there is disposed an upwardly extending, generally oval hoop containing a drive chain 120 for the apparatus 110. Each hoop 142 is constructed from a rigid material (eg steel), and the drive chain 120 disposed therein is substantially continuous. Drive chain 120 is constituted as a flexible cable 121 to which are serially secured a plurality of chain elements 122 in mutually adjoining relationship. The cable 121 is discontinuous at two places, that are each occupied instead by a spring 123 the ends of which are secured to ends of cable 121. In addition, at or adjacent one of the discontinuities there is a counterbalance weight 124 secured in series with the cable 121 and the adjacent spring 123.

As is best seen in Figure 4, in effect the springs constitute resiliently deformable parts of the chain 120.

Each chain element 122 incorporates a recess accessible by means of a slot 125 disposed on the forward face thereof. The respective hoops 142 each have a longitudinally extending slot formed in the edge thereof that faces an operator of the apparatus in the position shown in Figure 4. The slots in the hoops 142 permit access to the slots 125 and hence to the recesses formed in the chain elements 122. As can be seen in Figure 4, as a result it is readily possible to insert support brackets 143 into aligned chain elements 122 on opposite sides of the apparatus. The free ends 143' of the brackets are Tshaped, to permit them to be releasably retained in the recesses formed in the chain elements 122.

The brackets 143 are thus arranged to protrude outwardly from the chain elements 122. Each support bracket 143 incorporates an inwardly extending, horizontal shelf part 143'' that is suitable for supporting eg a box 144.

It will thus be seen that it is possible to insert a series of brackets 143 into vertically spaced chain elements 122, whereby to support a plurality of loads one above the other.

The springs (which are arranged to be resilient both in tension and compression) permit the indexing of the chain elements 122 around the hoops 142 to allow insertion of brackets 143 at convenient heights, e.g. at the top of the apparatus.

The weight 124 is chosen to act as a counterbalance weight to the chain 120 and, optionally, certain loads expected to be carried thereby.

Thus, when a first set of brackets 143 and a load (eg 144) is secured to the apparatus, the part of chain 120 facing the operator in Figure 4 will initially move downwardly as the weight of the load 144 acts against the resilience of the springs 123 thereby bringing a fresh chain element 122 to a convenient height at the top of the longitudinal slot in each hoop 142. A further pair of brackets 143 may then be inserted into these chain elements 122, and, depending on the gross weight carried by the apparatus as a result, the chain 120 will then move further in the same direction either as a result of stretching/compression of the springs 123; or as a result of the entire chain (including the weight 124) moving around the hoop 142; or as a result of a combination of these actions.

The loading process may be repeated until a requisite number of loads is carried. As the overall load carried by the apparatus increases, the role of the springs 123 in permitting indexing of the chain 120 reduces, in the sense that less and less further extension and/or compression thereof takes place; and the movement of the chain 120 takes place more and more by virtue of the weight of the loads 144 acting in opposition to the force provided by the weights 124.

In embodiments of the Figure 4 apparatus that are repeatedly to be used for carrying specific articles of similar weights, the masses of the weights 124 and the rates of the springs 123 can be chosen accordingly to provide for smooth indexing of the chain 120.

The castors 116 provide three points of contact of the apparatus with the ground or a floor, thereby supporting the apparatus in a stable manner. A further member 113 extends upwardly of the free end of member 112'', and an L-shaped member 111 rigidly interconnects the upper ends of the hoops 142 and the member 113 at the top of the apparatus. Thus, the apparatus is constructed as a rigid and robust structure.

The member 112'', the member 113 and part of the member 111 may be hingeable to permit the apparatus to fold substantially flat. In such embodiments, suitable means (e.g. a lockable strut or a detent acting between e.g. the members 112' and 112'') may be provided to lock the apparatus in its erect configuration and, optionally, in its folded flat configuration.

The brackets 143 may be formed integrally with a box 144 adapted to receive loads to be carried by the apparatus.

Alternatively, the brackets 143 may be arranged in the manner of clamping jaws that are movable towards and away from one another, whereby to grip loads to be carried therebetween.

A further possibility is for the brackets 143 to be interconnected by a shelf (which may effectively be an extension of the two shelf portions 143'') on which loads may be placed.

Yet a further possibility is for the brackets 143 to be longitudinally extendable e.g. in the manner of a telescope.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the Figure 4 apparatus having shelves interconnecting the brackets 143, for use in a typical retail environment such as a supermarket.

Since the "footprints" of the apparatuses 110 are L-shaped, as shown in Figure 6A a very large number of the apparatuses can be stored interlocking together in a small space.

A user of the apparatus could wheel the apparatus on its castors 116 to a station in the supermarket where shelves 145 and cartons 146 and 146' of differing sizes are stored ready for use. As shown in Figure 6C, the user would insert a shelf 145 (which in the embodiment shown in the Figures 6 is constituted as a wire space frame) into the uppermost pair of chain elements 122 at the top of the apparatus 110. A suitably sized box 146, 146' may then be rested on the shelf and filled with produce as desired. The user would then move to a further location in the supermarket, acquire and insert a further shelf 145 from a suitable station and place a further box 146, 146' onto the uppermost shelf. The latter box could then be loaded with produce of a different type.The action of loading the produce into the boxes would automatically cause downward indexing of the shelves and boxes if the apparatus includes the spring and weight arrangement shown in Figure 4.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5 and in the Figures 6, the apparatus may be configured to include a handwheel 131 and a conventional chain drive for indexing the shelves and boxes to desired heights on the apparatus.

The user of the apparatus would make a journey around the supermarket adding shelves and boxes to the apparatus as desired. When the user has filled the apparatus, he or she would pass to a checkout as shown in Figure 6G. The apparatus llOA used by the shopper during his or her journey around the supermarket is stationed at the upstream end of the checkout.

The cashier would remove the uppermost box 146 from the apparatus 110A and sequentially pass the produce therein across a barcode reader 150 so that the purchase thereof may be accounted for. The produce would then be passed back to the shopper, who would load it on to the uppermost box of a further apparatus llOB positioned at the downstream end of the checllout. The checkout would include a store 180 of empty sexes 146, 146' of varying sides, so that the shopper can readily load the apparatus llOB in the same manner as the previous apparatus llOA.

Once the cashier has emptied the uppermost box 146, it would be transferred to the store 180 therefor, to be available for use by the shopper. The cashier would then remove the uppermost shelf 145 and stow it on a wheeled transporter frame 151 disposed adjacent the checkout.

The removal of the uppermost box and shelf from the apparatus 1l0A will allow or cause (depending on the chain drive arrangement present) the next uppermost box to be indexed towards the top of the apparatus. The cashier would then be able to repeat the unloading and pricing operation for the produce therein whilst the shopper repeats the loading operation onto apparatus llOB. The checkout operation would continue in this manner until the apparatus llOA is completely empty and all the shelves 145 therefrom have been stowed on the transporter frame 151. When full the transporter frame 151 could be wheeled to one of the box and shelf stowage stations about the supermarket, to enable the shelves to be made available for other shoppers.

When the checkout operation is complete, the shopper would wheel the apparatus 110B e.g. to the supermarket car park, for unloading of the produce. Depending on the cost and robustness of the boxes 146, the supermarket could optionally allow the shoppers to carry their produce home in such boxes.

The apparatus llOA formerly occupied by the shopper's purchases would be left at the checkout to become an apparatus such as apparatus llOB, for the next shopper to reach the checkout.

A further benefit of the Figure 6 apparatus, or indeed of any of the other embodiments is that advertising material could be incorporated into the panels defined by the upright and horizontal members.

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown yet a further embodiment of the invention in which the upwardly extending frame members are constituted as respective, hollow, circular hoops 161 disposed on opposite sides of a generally trapezoidal framework 160.

The hoops 161 are rigidly secured in the framework 160, and are rigidly interconnected at their uppermost point by a horizontally extending bar 162. Each hoop 161 includes a pulling/pushing handle 163 on each side thereof, whereby the apparatus may be pulled or pushed on castors 164 secured on the underside of framework 160 and serving movably to support the apparatus.

The edges of the circular hoops 161 are open towards the interior of the apparatus, and each hoop 161 has retained movably captive therein a chain 165 comprising a plurality of different types of chain elements interconnected by a flexible cable. Alternatively, the cable could be dispensed with and the chain elements could simply abut one another in the manner of bearings in a race.

In preferred embodiments, the cable (not visible in Figure 6) passes through the centre of each chain element, which is substantially circular or bead-like.

The majority of the chain elements are load-supporting elements 166 that are adapted releasably to receive sling-type shelf units 167 that may be inserted therein between the two hoops 161 eg by means of suitable recesses formed in the chain elements 166 and suitable protrusions or detents formed on the shelves 167.

Others of the chain elements may be constituted as counterweights such as the weights 168. This arrangement is particularly suitable if the apparatus is to be used predominantly carrying shelves 167 on only one side thereof.

Movement of the chain within the hoops 161 may be effected manually; alternatively, electric or other motor drives may be incorporated to drive the chain elements. If an electric motor drive is to be included, a battery shelf 169 may be included at an appropriate point, for example at the base of the trapezoidal frame.

The arrangement incorporating an electric (or, possibly, pneumatic or hydraulic) motor could, for example be configured according to the embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 12.

Figure 8 is a side elevation of an embodiment of apparatus similar to the apparatus of Figure 7, into which an electric motor drive is incorporated.

The apparatus includes an electric motor 220 mounted at the centre of the circle defined by one of the hoops 161 on a diametrically extending member 221. The output shaft motor 20 extends horizontally of the motor 220 and coincides with the axis 222 about which the chain of elements rotates. A drive rod 223 is rigidly secured to the output shaft of motor 220, and extends radially therefrom to a point adjacent the periphery of the hoop 161.

A slot 224 extends about hoop 161, and the end of rod 223 remote from motor 220 is cranked to protrude into slot 224.

The cranked end of rod 223 is rotatably secured to an element 225 of the chain 165, which element is designated a "drive bead".

The drive bead 225 is secured in the chain in the manner of the other elements thereof, and it will be apparent that rotation of the output shaft of motor 220 causes rotation of drive rod 223 about axis 222, thereby to drive the drive bead and hence the chain of elements.

Since the apparatus includes powered, moveable parts such as rod 223, there is provided a safety guarding 227 that covers the circle defined by the hoop 161. This prevents inadvertent access to the moveable parts.

The motor 220 is powered by means of a cable 228 extending from battery tray 169 inside the frame members. (The battery tray 169 can be replaced or augmented by an adaptor whereby mains power may be supplied to cable 228, although it is believed that the versatility of the apparatus would be greatest when a suitable battery is secured in battery tray 169 to provide a portable source of electric current.) In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the drive rod 223 and the motor 220 are disposed on the outermost edge of the apparatus.

Thus, the slot 224 extends around the outer face of the hoop 161. Since there is also a slot extending around the inner face of hoop 161 (whereby the load shelves may be secured to the elements of the chain), it will be necessary to provide members interconnecting the radially inner portion of the hoop 161 and the radially outer portion thereof. Otherwise, the structure would lack integrity.

As an alternative, the motor 220 and drive rod 223 may be disposed on the inner face of the hoop 161 and the cranked end of the rod 223 may pass into the interior of hoop 161 via the existing slot for supporting of the load supporting shelves.

It will be appreciated that since the chains in the respective hoops 161 are interconnected by the support rods of shelves 167 at periodic intervals, it is only necessary to drive the chain in one of the hoops 161. However, it may be desirable to drive the chains in both the elements. If so, a synchronous drive arrangement would have to be adopted. This may be achieved by having a single motor 220 and a common drive shaft that is connected to respective drive rods 223 for the respective hoops 161. Alternatively, two motors 220 may be provided, one for each hoop 161. A motor control circuit may also be provided to ensure synchronous running of the two motors. A further possibility is to position the components so that the drive rod 223 engages a rod (e.g. the suspension road of a shelf unit 167) interconnecting two elements of the chain 165.

Figure 11 shows an alternative drive arrangement for the chain of elements in a hoop 161.

As best seen in Figure 11, selected elements 266 of the chain are connected rigidly to a cable 267 running in a tube concentric with and disposed radially inwardly of hoop 161.

The interior of tube 268 communicates with the interior of hoop 161 to permit interconnection between the selected elements 266 and the cable 267.

The majority of the elements shown in Figure 11 are not connected to one another. In other words, the elements are constituted as a train (as opposed to a chain). (A train of elements could equally well be used instead of a chain in, for example, the Figure 8 embodiment.) A pair of capstans 269 is disposed at a suitable point on the periphery of hoop 161. The ends of cable 267 are respectively secured to the capstans 269, 270. Since the cable 267 passes around the tube 268, it will be apparent that the elements 266 may be driven by paying out cable 267 from one of the capstans (e.g. capstan 269) whilst simultaneously winding it onto the other capstan (e.g. capstan 270).

The capstans 269, 270 may be manually operable (e.g. by means of a Tirfor (trade mark) drive); alternatively, motor means such as an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motor may be provided.

The Figure 11 embodiment shows a suitable cable 228 interconnecting the battery tray 169 and the capstans 269, 270 to provide electric current for driving the capstans. Other drive arrangements are possible.

The Figure 11 embodiment has no externally accessible moving parts and consequently the safety guarding 227 of the Figure 8 embodiment is optional in the Figure 11 embodiment.

Figures 9, 10 and 12 show details of the chain elements such as the elements 166.

The elements are pastille-shaped, and have a longitudinally extending slot 166A for receiving a flexible cable to which the elements are secured in series when constituted as a chain.

The interiors of the hoops 161 are shaped to support the elements 166 in an aligned manner as shown in Figure 10, whilst also allowing sliding movement of the elements.

The support rods 170 of the shelf units 167 are receivable at either end in apertures 175 formed in the faces of the elements 166 adjacent the peripheral slot formed in the hoops 161. Each rod 170 includes collar 172 adjacent each free end thereof. A spring 173 is captive on each end of rod 170 with the end passing through the centre of the coil spring. Thus, the ends of the rod 170 may be resiliently retained in the apertures 175 formed in the chain elements 166 on each side of the apparatus.

Numerous alternative retaining arrangements are also possible.

The apparatus may include a suitable cam arrangement operable on a follower 179 (visible in Figure 12) slideably secured on the end of each spring 173.

The cam may be located on the apparatus at a point corresponding to the lowermost position of each rod 170 in its travel around the periphery of the hoops 161, so that at the lowermost point of the associated shelf the resilient securing of each rod 170 is released. This allows for automatic releasing of the loads carried by the apparatus when the loads reach a predetermined position on the path around the hoops 161.

The cam may be movable into and out of position, as a result of which the automatic release facility may be made an optional feature.

Figure 13 shows an alternative form of support rod 170 constituted as a sleeve 290 within which a composite rod 291 is slideably captive.

Rod 291 comprises a central rod portion 292 and two end portions 293, 294 secured to central portion 292 by respective springs 295.

The end portions 293, 294 protrude beyond the free ends of sleeve 290. Thus, the end portions are resiliently retractable into sleeve 290 and this arrangement allows the support rod 170 to be resiliently located in the apertures 175 in the elements 166.

The Figure 13 arrangement also shows respective hooks 296 secured to the sleeve 290 at the ends thereof. The hooks 296 are positioned and shaped to receive, e.g. load supporting trays or boxes having suitable slots formed therein for engagement by the hooks 296. It is envisaged that an arrangement as shown in Figure 13 would be particularly suitable for incorporation into the embodiments of the Figures 6. The use of such a support rod 291 together with boxes 146, 146' having suitably shaped slots or recesses could obviate the need for shelves such as the shelves 145 of the Figures 6, and also the transporter 151.

In the Figure 13 embodiment, one or more suitable cams can be provided on the apparatus to remove the load supporting trays from the hooks 296 at predetermined positions in the travel of the trays.

Figure 14 shows an embodiment of the apparatus similar to that shown in Figures 4 to 6, in which a chain 165 of elements 166 has been incorporated.

A steel cable 301 extends about the oval-shaped track interconnecting a series of elements 166. The cable 301 is flexible, and the elements 166 are rigidly secured thereto, thereby to create a flexible chain.

Suitable tension (302) and compression (303) springs space portions of the chain from one another, whereby to provide resilience previously referred to. The support rods 170 could be secured into the elememts 166 in one of the ways previously described.

The Figure 14 embodiment shows a further modification that could be incorporated into the embodiment of Figures 4 to 6.

The portion 304 of the apparatus normally at right angles to the track supporting the chain of elements 166 is hingeable relative to said portion by means of a generally vertically extending hinge 305.

In use, the apparatus is L-shaped in plan. However, for ease of storage the portion 304 could be hinged to lie parallel to the remainder of the apparatus thereby allowing for storage of the apparatus in a substantially flat configuration. Such an embodiment may be of particular benefit when adapted in the manner of the Figure 2 embodiment for mounting on a further vehicle.

Suitable, releasable bracing elements may be provided in order to secure the portion 304 rigidly at right angles (or some other preferred angle) to the remainder of the apparatus when required.

The side panels of the U-shaped embodiments may similarly be foldable in certain embodiments.

Optionally, the chain elements adapted for supporting the shelves 167 may be interconnected by spacer rods 170 that ensure synchronous movement of the two chains in the respective hoops 161.

Preferably, the arrangement is such that the shelves 167 are freely pivotable on the apparatus so that they tend to adopt a horizontal orientation regardless of their position on the apparatus.

The chain elements are releasably securable on the cable supporting them, eg by means of locking screws that pass through the walls of the chain elements releasably to grip the cable. The configuration of elements in a chain may thereby selectively be altered. The hoops 161 may include inspection/ access hatches for this purpose.

The apparatuses of the embodiments described herein may each be constructed from a variety of materials, for example, steel, plastics, timber. Moreover, the variants on the design and construction of the apparatus described in relation to one embodiment may equally be incorporated into any of the embodiments described herein.

In its simple form, the apparatus may be constituted as a single, upwardly extending member such as member 14 of Figure 2 provided with a means (such as belt 20) for vertically moveably supporting a plurality of load carriers such as the brackets 36 and shelves 34; a box unit for providing horizontally spaced points of support for the apparatus; and floor- or ground-engaging means such as castors for moveably supporting the apparatus. Optionally the castors could be replaced or augmented by further means, such as an aperture formed in for example a mounting block or plate, whereby the upwardly extending member may be supported, upright, in the manner of a rugby goal post or a flag pole.

Claims (32)

1. A movable, load-supporting apparatus comprising: a first, upwardly extending member; a plurality of vertically spaced load carriers constrained to move at least vertically relative to the first member; surface or ground engaging means secured on the apparatus in a spaced arrangement whereby movably to support the apparatus on a surface or the ground; and means whereby the vertical height of a load carrier on the apparatus may selectively be altered.

2. An apparatus according to Claim 1 including means movably captive on the upwardly extending member for supporting the plurality of load carriers, whereby the load carriers are movable relative to the first member.

3. An apparatus according to Claim 2 wherein the load carriers are releasably securable on the supporting means there for.

4. An apparatus according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the means for supporting the load carriers includes a chain, train or belt comprising elements engageable by the load carriers, and the first member includes longitudinally extending channel or track means in which the chain, train or belt is movable to support the load carriers at alterable heights on the apparatus.

5. An apparatus according to Claim 4 wherein the chain is endless and the upwardly extending member is configured substantially to contain the chain, train or belt in a loop around which the chain is movable.

6. An apparatus according to Claim 4 wherein the chain is endless and the apparatus includes one or more further members that with the first member constitute a loop within which the chain, train or belt is movably contained.

7. An apparatus according to Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein the member or members include an aperture, e.g. a closeable aperture, whereby a user may gain access to the interior of the loop, thereby to gain access to the chain, train or belt.

8. An apparatus according to any of Claims 4 to 7 including means for moving the chain, train or belt along the channel or track means.

9. An apparatus according to Claim 8 wherein the means for moving the chain or belt includes a drive shaft operable under the control of an operator of the apparatus and drivingly connected to a member, e.g. a gearwheel, in driving engagement with the chain.

10. An apparatus according to any of Claims 4 to 9 wherein the chain or belt includes weight means tending to counterbalance the mass of the load carriers and loads carried thereby.

11. An apparatus according to any of Claims 4 to 10 wherein the chain, train or belt includes spring means tending to oppose the mass of the load carriers and loads carried thereby.

12. An apparatus according to any of Claims 5 to 11 wherein the loop is generally oval.

13. An apparatus according to any of Claims 5 to 11 wherein the loop is generally circular.

14. An apparatus according to any of Claims 4 to 13 wherein the chain comprises a plurality of discrete elements interconnected by a flexible member.

15. An apparatus according to any of Claims 4 to 13 wherein the chain comprises a plurality of discrete elements flexibly interconnected by a plurality of discrete connector members.

16. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the surface or ground engaging means include means, e.g.

wheels, adapted to run on one or more rails for supporting the apparatus.

17. An apparatus according to Claim 16 wherein the apparatus includes rails engageable by said means, the rails being movably secured to a further structure relative to which the apparatus is movable.

18. An apparatus according to Claim 17 adapted to be movable in mutually orthogonal directions relative to the further structure.

19. An apparatus according to any preceding claim including a further, upwardly extending member spaced laterally from the first such member and adapted to constrain the load carriers to said at least vertical movement.

20. An apparatus according to Claim 19 wherein the first and further upwardly extending members are rigidly interconnected by at least one bracing member.

21. An apparatus according to Claim 20 wherein the upwardly extending and bracing members appear generally L-shaped when viewed in plan.

22. An apparatus according to Claim 20 wherein the upwardly extending and bracing members appear generally rectangular or U-shaped when viewed in plan.

23. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the load carriers include shelf means for carrying loads.

24. An apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 23 wherein the load carriers each include a plurality of laterally spaced support arms.

25. An apparatus according to Claim 23 or Claim 24 including a container supportable on a said shelf means or a support arm.

26. ' An apparatus according to Claim 24 including means whereby at least one support arm of a plurality is movable laterally relative to the apparatus.

27. An apparatus according to Claim 26 including means whereby the plurality of support arms is adapted selectively to grip an object therebetween.

28. An apparatus according to Claim 24 and optionally any of Claims 25 to 27 wherein the support arms are removable from the apparatus.

29. An apparatus according to Claim 28 including container means integral with a support arm.

30. An apparatus according to any preceding claim movably secured on a vehicle, e.g. a delivery truck.

31. An apparatus according to Claim 30 adapted selectively to move from a first position generally within the horizontal projection of the vehicle to a second position substantially or partially protruding therefrom.

32. An apparatus generally as herein described, with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.