GB2348865A

GB2348865A - A movable platform

Info

Publication number: GB2348865A
Application number: GB0009296A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Bolderson
Original assignee: WHEELBASE ENGINEERING Ltd
Current assignee: WHEELBASE ENGINEERING Ltd
Priority date: 1999-04-16
Filing date: 2000-04-17
Publication date: 2000-10-18
Also published as: GB9908719D0; GB0009296D0

Abstract

A movable platform 2 for use in loading and unloading goods in a storage body such as a trailer is pivotable between a level operational position and an upright position, either laterally in a direction towards one side 8 of the storage body or longitudinally towards one end of the storage body. In a preferred embodiment, one side of the platform is pivotally connected to one or more pivot members 12 about which the platform can pivot both longitudinally and laterally. The platform may be connected so that in the level operational position it can extend from the interior of the storage body, and pivotable so that the or each pivot member may pivot through at least 90{ in the longitudinal and lateral directions. The height of the platform relative to the storage body may be adjustable, and the platform may be movable along one or more tracks 4,6 attached to the side or sides of the storage container via track engagement members (Figure 2). The movable platform may further comprise a wheeled auxiliary support structure 3 to support the platform in the level position and a locking mechanism operable to secure the platform in a chosen position relative to the storage body. A locking mechanism operable to secure the loading device within the storage body is also claimed.

Description

MOVABLE PLATFORM The invention relates to a movable platform for use in loading and unloading goods in a storage body, particularly but not exclusively a vehicular storage body such as a trailer or van body.

Loading and unloading of goods in a vehicular storage body such as a trailer body is now partly mechanised by various types of lifting and loading apparatus introduced in response to health & safety legislation which restricts manual lifting.

It is known to provide such apparatus permanently mounted within the trailer body but this gives rise to the problem that the apparatus may intrude unduly into the load storage space and therefore expensively reduce the amount of space available for load carrying purposes.

An object of the present invention is to provide a manually operable loading device which can be used to move goods within a storage body such as a trailer body and which can be stowed in the body in a compact but readily accessible form.

According to a first aspect of the invention therefore there is provided a movable platform for use in a storage body, the platform being pivotable either laterally in a direction towards one side of or longitudinally in a direction towards one end of the storage body between a level position and an upright position.

With this arrangement the platform can be manually pivoted to an operational level position and used as a stand-on platform to facilitate for example unloading from the upper reaches of a fully loaded storage body.

It may also be used to transport goods within the storage body by moving the level platform within the body.

The platform can also be manually pivoted from the level position into an upright position in which it may be stowed against one side of the body, thus allowing more room for storing goods.

In an upright position the platform may function as a load restraint, acting in a longitudinal direction to retain goods in position within the storage body.

The storage body may be any kind of body suitable for storing goods but preferably it is a vehicular storage body such as a road-going van body or a road-going trailer body which may be fixed to or demountable from the trailer, or a rail storage body.

The platform may take any suitable form and may, for example, be a solid member or a shell of any shape but preferably it is either rectangular or square.

The platform may be any suitable size but preferably it is dimensioned so that in a level operational position it extends across only a part of the width of the storage body.

This allows operators more room to move within the storage body when the platform is in an operational position.

Preferably, the platform incorporates a non-slip loading surface.

The platform may pivot in any suitable way, but preferably one side of the platform is pivotally connected to one or more pivot members about which the platform can pivot longitudinally in a direction towards one end of the body and with which it can pivot laterally in a direction toward one side of the body.

Preferably the platform is pivotally connected to the or each pivot member so that in a level operational position it can extend from the interior of the storage body, i. e. it could project externally from the body e. g from the rear opening of a trailer body. This means the platform can be used to unload goods from the upper reaches of a fully loaded body.

The or each pivot member may take any suitable form, but preferably the arrangement incorporates a single elongate arm which may be of any suitable cross section. Preferably, the arm is disposed substantially parallel to the mid plane of the platform so that when the platform is pivoted with the arm, both members are oriented in a common direction.

Alternatively, the platform may be connected to a pivot member (or members) about which it may pivot both laterally and longitudinally.

Preferably the or each pivot member is pivotable through a first position in which it is substantially perpendicular to the trailer side wall to a second position in which it is substantially parallel with the trailer side wall.

In the first position the platform may rotate about the pivot longitudinally in a direction towards one end of the body and in the second position the platform may rotate about the pivot laterally towards one side of the body.

The platform may be pivotably connected to the or each pivot member in any way, for example using any suitable hinge arrangement.

The platform may be pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the or each pivot member.

With regard to the longitudinal pivoting, the platform may be pivotable about the or each pivot member to allow any degree of rotation but preferably the platform can pivot through at least 90 , and further preferably through 180 which may be from a first upwardly directed upright position through said level position to a second downwardly directed upright position.

Where the lateral pivoting of the platform is also effected by pivoting of the platform about the or each pivot member, the platform may be laterally pivotable in a similar manner as described above with regard to the longitudinal pivoting.

The or each pivot member may be pivotable by any means and may be pivotally connected to a support structure or frame, by, for example, a pivot pin arrangement.

With regard to the lateral pivoting of the platform with the or each pivot member, the pivot members may be pivotable in any way, but is/are preferably pivotable through at least 90 degrees and further preferably through 180 degrees, which may be from an upright position. For example, the or each pivot member (and, therefore the platform) may pivot from a first upwardly directed upright position through a level operational position to a second downwardly directed position.

Preferably, pivoting of the platform with and about the pivot member can be effected manually although, it could be power assisted using any suitable means, for example, it could be driven hydraulically, pneumatically or by an electric motor etc.

The height of the platform relative to the storage body may be fixed or ajustable using any suitable means such as a rack or pinion arrangement. Preferably, the height-adjustable platform is securable in any position.

Height adjustment may be effected manually or may be power assisted, for example, it may be driven hydraulically, pneumatically or by an electronic motor, etc.

Where the platform pivots about a pivot member, height adjustment of the platform may be effected by adjusting the height of the pivot member relative to the storage member.

In embodiments where the platform is connected to a support frame or structure, the height of the platform may be adjusted by adjusting the position of the platform relative to the support structure.

The platform may be movable within the storage body in any way and preferably it is movable manually, although such movement may, if desired, be power assisted.

The platform may be movable using any suitable mechanism, for example, by means of one or more wheels or rollers.

In embodiments where the platform is pivotally connected to a support structure, preferably the support structure is movable.

The platform or support structure, as the case may be, may be movable along one or more tracks which is/are attached to one or more sides of the storage body.

The track (s) may extend along a part or a whole of the length of the or each side (including the base) of the body.

Where more than one track is provided, these may be fixed to the or each side in any arrangement, for example, spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other.

The platform (or support structure) may be movable along the or each track by any suitable means, for example, by a rack or pinion, pulley system, etc.

The platform (or support structure) may incorporate one or more track engagement members which can engage the or each track to effect movement of the platform within the storage body.

Preferably the or each track and the or each respective track engagement members are configured for mutual (e. g. sliding) engagement to effect said movement.

The or each track may be in the form of a channel configured for receipt of the or each track engagement member.

Preferably, the or each channel restricts movement of the member to be in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel (s).

Alternatively or additionally, the or each track may be in the form of a support member for example an elongate bar attached to the storage body to support the or each track engagement member. There may be any combination of tracks.

Preferably, where more than one track is used, respective track engagement members are inter-connected for example, by an elongate column. The track engagements may be connected to such a column at spaced apart locations on its length.

The platform may incorporate an auxiliary support structure to support the platform in the level position.

The auxiliary support structure may take any suitable form and may be configured to provide one or more support steps. This would help operators climb on and off the platform.

The auxiliary support structure may be attached to the platform in any way for example it may be attached to one side or the underneath of the platform and may be removed from or folded substantially parallel to the platform when this is in a upright position.

The auxiliary support structure may incorporate one or more wheels or rollers disposed for rotation to allow the structure to move relative to the base of the body.

Where the platform is movable with the storage body the platform may incorporate a locking mechanism which is operable to secure the platform in position relative to the body or, as the case may be, to the track (s).

The locking mechanism may comprise any suitable arrangement as described below.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a locking mechanism for securing the movable platform of the first aspect of the invention in position relative to the storage body.

Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be used with other loading devices or load restraining devices, in order to secure such devices in position relative to a storage body or tracks provided therein.

Accordingly, in a further aspect the invention provides a locking mechanism for use with a loading device and/or a load restraining device movable within a storage body wherein the locking device is operable to secure the locking device is operable to secure the said device (s) in position relative to the body.

The locking mechanism may, for example, incorporate a pair of members e. g. disc members configured for mutual locking engagement.

Such engagement may be effected by a handle or lever.

The engaging members may be rotatable relative to each other to secure the devices in position.

The engaging members may incorporate respect mating surfaces which abut each other in a locking position.

The mating surfaces may be inclined or generally parallel to the plane of the engagement member, or a combination of both.

In a preferred embodiment, there is a plurality of respective mating surfaces on each member, and these an configured for engagement in two positions, a locking position in which the device (s) is/are secured in position relative to the storage body and a release position in which the device (s) is/are free to move relative to the storage body.

Alternatively or additionally the locking mechanism may incorporate a rotary cam mechanism.

The rotary cam mechanism may incorporate a cam which is rotated to urge a iocking member between a locking position and a release position.

The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a movable platform according to one form of the invention, installed in a trailer body, the platform disposed in a level operational position; Figure 2 is an enlarged part-sectional side view of the movable platform of figure 1, the platform not shown; Figure 3 is an enlarged side view of a stud; Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view of a locking pad of the platform of figure 1; Figure 5 is an enlarged side view of the locking pad of figure 4; Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view of a cam of the platform of figure 1 ; Figure 7 is an enlarged side view of the cam of figure 6; Figure 8 is a plan view of another form of platform according to the invention; Figure 9 is an enlarged section along the line A-A of figure 8; Figure 10 is an enlarged section taken along the line B-B of figure 8; Figure 11 is a an enlarged side view of a locking pad of the platform of figure 9; Figure 12 is an enlarged plan view of the locking pad of figure 11; Figure 13 is an enlarged side view of a friction pad of the platform of figure 12; Figure 14 is an enlarged plan view of the friction pad of figure 13; Figure 15 is a side view of the support structure of the platform of figure 8; and Figure 16 is a second side view of the structure of figure 15.

Referring to the figures 1 to 7, a trailer body 10 is mounted on a chassis (not shown) of a road-going trailer. The trailer body 10 is a rectangular box construction having a level floor 7 and in which long upright side walls 8 (only one shown) are disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chassis. Rear doors 5 (only one shown) provide access to the trailer body interior for loading and unloading goods into/from the trailer body 1.

In this first embodiment elongate tracks 4 and 6 are fixed to the side wall 8 at spaced apart positions: an upper track 4 at mid height and a lower track 6 at the base of the wall 8 (at floor level). The tracks 4 and 6 extend along the entire length of the wall 8, the tracks being parallel to each other and the longitudinal axis of the trailer body 10.

The upper track 4 comprises an elongate channel 42 of rectangular cross section having a flat base 46 fixed parallel to the wall 8 and a longitudinal opening 44 opposite the channel base 46.

The lower track 6 comprises an elongate bar which is rectangular in cross section having upper and side surfaces, 6a and 6b respectivety.

The trailer incorporates a movable platform 2 which has a rectangular frame 2a and which is open on the underside when the platform is in a level operational position which supports, on the upper side, a panel having an anti-slip loading support surface 2c. The platform is shown disposed in a level operational position, supported partly by an auxiliary support structure in the form of support step 3 which is connected to the frame 2. of the platform by hinges (not shown) so as to be foldable within the open underside of the platform. The support 3 has a central rung or support step 3a.

The platform 2 is hinged at one side 2k to a pivot member in the form of an arm 12 by hinge members 14 and 16.

The arm 12 is a straight elongate member being circula in cross section, one end of which provides a handle portion 12b and an opposite end 1 2a which is fixed to a L-shaped bracket 18.

The bracket 18 is pivotally connected by a pivot pin 22 to a support frame comprising an elongate column 20 which is disposed in an upright position adjacent the wall 8.

The column 20 comprises two elongate bars 24 and 26 : a main bar 24 which has a laterally extending side flap and adjacent through-holes 30 all located midway along the length of the column ; and a second shorter bar 26. The bars are fixed parallel to each other along respective sides, the second bar located towards the lower end of the main bar, so that the lower end 20a of the column is L-shaped and thereby providing a track engagement member which is configured to engage the lower track 6, this member, also being slidably interengageable with the surfaces 6a and 6b.

The opposite end 20b of the column 20 has a pivotable U-shaped retaining bracket.

The column 20 incorporates a second track engagement member for engagement with the upper track 4. This track engagement member 32 comprises a carriage 34 (shown more clearly in figure 2) which is an elongate bar being T-shaped in cross section and which is fixed to the column 20 perpendicular thereto.

The carriage supports three disc-shaped rollers 36 fixed by bolts 38 at spaced apart positions along its length. Each bolt 38 extends through a respective hole in the carriage 34 and is screwed into a threaded central recess of a corresponding roller 36.

One roller 36a is located in line with the column hole 30 by a stud 38. which (shown in figure 3) has threaded opposite end portions and an intermediate portion which is not threaded. One threaded end portion of the stud is screwed into the central threaded recess of the roller 36a and the stud extends therefrom through the column hole 30 to connect the roller 36a and T-shaped carriage 34 to the column 20.

The T-shaped carriage 34 and rollers 36 are located internally of the channel, the carriage 34 being disposed parallel to the channel with the base of the'T'protruding from the channel opening 44 and the rollers 36 located between the carriage 34 and the channel base 46. The rollers 36 are slidable relative to the base 46 (whilst being restricted to slide along an axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the channel by means of the channel shape).

The movable platform also incorporates a lockable locking mechanism 42 comprising a handle (referenced 45) operated rotary cam 43 and locking plate 46 both being generally disc-shaped members located in alignment with the roller 36a, by means of the stud 38a which extends from the roller 36a, carriage and column through aligned central holes in the cam 43 and locking plate 46. The locking plate 46 engages the carriage 34 by means of a slot 46a which is configured to receive the portion of the carriage which protrudes from the channel opening 44, thus preventing rotation of the locking plate about the stud 38a. The cam is, however, rotatable about the stud 38a. The arrangement of roller 36a, carriage 34, cam 44, locking plate 46 and column 20 is secured by means of a washer 41 and self locking nut 40a, which is secured on the other threaded end portion of the stud 38a and thereby restricts axial movement of components along the stud 38a.

The cam 43 and locking plates 46 (more clearly shown in figures 47) are generally disc-shaped but have respective inclined mating surfaces 50 and 52. The mating surface of the cam is divided into three sections comprising an inclined flat mating surface 51 disposed between two flat mating surfaces 50 and 50a. Likewise the locking pad mating surface is divided into two halves comprising a flat mating surface 53 and an inclined mating surface 52.

In a first release position as shown in figure 2 the respective inclined surfaces 50 and 51 abut so that the pad 46 and cam 43 closely interfit and the carriage is free to travel along the track.

In the release position, the rollers and carriage can slide along the track 4 to allow movement of the platform along the trailer body wall 8.

Movement of the platform (in the level or upright position) along the length of the trailer body on the tracks 4 and 6 can be effected manually by pushing the column in the desired direction which slides the track engagement members along the respective tracks 4 and 6.

Upon rotation of the handle 45 through 180 the cam 43 is rotated relative to the locking pad 46 into the locking position. This brings the inclined surface 50 of the cam out of alignment with the inclined surface 51 of the locking pad 46 and forces the flat mating surfaces 50a and 53 to abut so that the thicker sections of the two components are aligne. As a result, the locking pad 46 is forced in the direction of the track 4 and into contact with the outer wall thereof. The carriage 34 is thereby forced to contact the inner wall of the track 4, thus camping the column 20 to the track 4 and preventing movement of the carriage 32 along the track.

Adjustment of the locking mechanism can be made by adjustment of the axial positions of the cam 43 and locking pad 46 on the stud 38a which can be made by rotating the self locking nut 40a.

The platform 2 is pivotable laterally in a direction toward one side of the trailer body 10, or longitudinally in a direction toward one end of the body 10 between the level operational position, as shown in figure 1, and one or more upright positions.

The platform can be pivoted laterally by rotating the arm 12 in the directions indicated by the arrow X, about the pivot pin 22, the platform pivoting with the arm 12.

The arm can move through 180 from a first upwardly directed upright position in which the handle is adjacent the column end 20b, through a level position in which it is perpendicular to the column 20 and a second downwardly directed upright position in which the handle is adjacent the other column end 20a. The arm is held in the first position by the bracket 28 which is pivoted to enclose the free end of the arm 12k.

The platform 2 can be pivoted longitudinally by pivoting the platform on the hinges 14 and 16 about the longitudinal axis of the arm 12 which acts as a fulcrum for the pivoting platform.

The platform 2 itself can pivot about the arm through 180 so that when the arm is in a level position (as shown) the platform can be pivoted from a first upwardly directed upright position in which it is adjacent and parallel to the upper 20b part of the column 20, through a operational level position in which it is shown, to a second downwardly directed upright position in which it is adjacent and perpendicular to the lower part 20a of the column 20.

The support step 3 supports the platform in the level operational position and also provides an auxiliary locking for the platform by restraining movement of the carriage relative to the tracks. When the platform is pivoted to an upright position the step 3 is pivoted within the depth of the platform.

The level rung 3a of the support step 3 also provides a convenient step to facilitate ascent of an operator on to the platform to reach the upper spaces of the trailer body.

The support step 3 further provides support for the weight imposed on the platform when this is loaded with goods or supporting a person.

Thus in the level operational position the platform can be used as a stand-on platform to facilitate access to the upper reaches of the trailer body 10. When the body 10 is fully loaded the platform can extend from the rearmost part of trailer of the fully loaded body.

Also, in the level position goods may be transported along the length of the trailer body 10, whilst supported on the platform 2.

From the level position the platform may be pivoted into an upright position and stowed against the side wall 8. Alternatively, it may be used as a load restraint acting longitudinally on goods stacked in the trailer body 10, preventing them moving whilst the trailer is in transit.

Referr, ng now to Figures 8-16, another form of platform 200 is shown, which is constructed as hereinabove described except that this embodiment incorporates a single floor mounted track 201 and an alternative platform supporting structure and locking mechanism which are adapted to this track arrangement.

The floor mounted track 201, track engagement carriage 234 and rollers 236 are constructed as described for the wall mounted track in the previous embodiment.

The carriage is attached to rollers 236 by two spaced apart bolts 211.

A hinge bracket 230 is attached to the carriage 234 by bolts 209 and pivotally attached to this bracket is a floor level, rectangular pivot arm 232 which extends parallel to and adjacent the body floor 207. A third bolt 211a. couples a roller 236a, carriage 234 and bracket 230.

The platform 200 incorporates a platform support structure 202 comprising a foldable framework of pivot arms comprising a H-shaped support arm 210 pivotally attached to the underside of the platform 200 at its midpoint and a main support arm 212 pivotally attached to one side of the underside of the platform. The H-shaped arm 210 and main support arm 212 are pivotally linked by the linkage 214 (shown in figure 14) which is itself pivoted at 214a to provide convenient folding and unfolding of the support structure 202.

The base portions 204 of the support structure 202 which contact the floor carry wheels 205 (which could also be castors, or rollers etc.) for ease of movement of the structure along the body floor 207.

The pivot arm 232 is connected to the lower end portion of the main support arm 212 of the platform which is thus able to pivot with the pivot arm 232 relative to the bracket 230 longitudinally toward one end of the body in a plane substantially parallel to the floor 207 of the trailer.

The platform is pivoted laterally only when the base pivot arm 232 is disposed parallel to the trailer side wall 208. The members of the support structure 202 pivot relative to each other so as to provide for movement of the support structure as the platform rotates relative to the main arm 212 between level and upright positions.

The platform is movable along the length of the trailer body by pushing the platform in the desired direction which effects movement of the track engagement member 234 along the track 201 (as for the previous embodiment).

The wheels 205 allow the platform to move easily along the length of the body whilst in the operational position.

The locking mechanism comprises an upright rotary cam mechanism 240, which is pivotally attached to the bracket 210, adjacent the bolt fixing 21 la, and extends between an upper arm 246 and a lower arm 248 which extends from the bracket 230.

The cam mechanism 240 comprises a cylindrical camshaft 242 which has an outer sieeve 241 on its lower end, the sleeve 241 being stepped in diameter to provide an axially offset cylindrical section defining a cam 244 (with cam nose 245) on the lowermost portion of the shaft 242. The sleeve is fixed in position relative to the camshaft by pins 216 and 218.

The opposite end of the camshaft 242 incorporates a handle 254 which can be used to rotate the camshaft and cam relative to the bracket 230.

Between the cam 244 and the carriage 234 is a locking pad 256 and friction pad 258 axially aligned and shown more clearly in figures 11-14.

The locking pad 256 comprises a short stepped shaft having a central bore 260 therethrough and a slot 262 extending transversely to the bore 260. The slot 262 is configured for receipt of the protruding portion of the carriage (much in the same way as the slot of the locking plate 46, of the previous embodiment, receives the protruding portions of the carriage).

The friction pad 258 is also a short stepped shaft, the narrow shaft 264 being configured for insertion into the bore 260 in the locking pad 256.

In use, free travel of the carriage 234 along the track 304 is permitted with the cam 244 positioned as shown in figure 9. To apply the locking mechanism the cam 244 is rotated by rotating the handle 254. This brings the cam nose 245 into engagement with the friction pad 258 which forces the locking pad 256 into contact with the outer wall of the track 201. The force of contact brings the carriage 234 into contact with the inner wall of the track 201 thereby preventing any lateral movement of the carriage relative to the track 201. Adjustments to the locking mechanism can be made by the use of spacers between the locking pad 256 and the friction pad 258.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the embodiment which are described by way of example only.

Claims

Claims 1. A movable platform for use in a storage body, the platform being pivotable either laterally in a direction towards one side of or longitudinally in a direction towards one end of the storage body between a level position and an upright position.
2. A movable platform according to claim 1 in which the storage body is a vehicular storage body.
3. A movable platform according to any preceding claim in which one side of the platform is pivotalty connected to one or more pivot members about which the platform can pivot longitudinally in a direction towards one end of the body and with which it can pivot laterally in a direction towards one side of the body.
4. A movable platform according to claim 3 in which the platform is pivotally connected to the or each pivot member so that in a level operational position it can extend from the interior of the storage body.
5. A movable platform according to claim 3 or claim 4 which incorporates a single elongate arm disposed substantially parallel to the mid plane of the platform so that when the platform is pivoted with the arm, both members are oriented in a common direction.
6. A movable platform according to any of claims 3 to 5 in which the platform can pivot about the or each pivot member, to allow longitudinal pivoting of the platform through at least 90 .
7. A movable platform according to claim 6 in which the platform is longitudinally pivotable through 180 from a first upwardly directed upright position through said level position to a second downwardly directed upright position.
8. A movable platform according to any of claims 3 to 7 in which the or each pivot member is laterally pivotable through at least 90 .
9. A movable platform according to claim 8 in which the or each pivot member is laterally pivotable through 180 from an upright position.
10. A movable platform according to any preceding claim in which the height of the platform relative to the storage body is adjustable.
11. A movable platform according to any preceding claim in which the platform is movable along one or more tracks which is/are attached to one or more sides of the storage body.
12. A movable platform according to claim 11 incorporating one or more track engagement members which can engage the or each track to effect movement of the platform within the storage body.
13. A movable platform according to claim 12 in which the or each respective track engagement members are configured for mutual engagement to effect said movement.
14. A movable platform according to claim 12 or claim 13 in which the or each track is in the form of a channel configured for receipt of the or each track engagement member.
15. A movable platform according to any of claims 12 to 14, in which the or each track is in the form of a support member for example an elongate bar attached to the storage body to support the or each track engagement member.
16. A movable platform according to any preceding claim in which the platform incorporates an auxiliary support structure to support the platform in the level position.
17. A movable platform according to claim 16 in which the auxiliary support structure incorporates one or more wheels disposed for rotation to allow the structure to move relative to the base of the body.
18. A movable platform according to any preceding claim incorporating a locking mechanism which is operable to secure the platform in position relative to the body/track (s).
19. A movable platform according to claim 21 incorporating a rotary cam mechanism.
20. A locking mechanism for use with a movable platform as claimed in any preceding claim, the locking mechanism operable to secure the platform in position relative to a storage body.
21. A lock mechanism for use with a loading device and/or load restraining device movable within a storage body wherein the locking device is operable to secure the locking device is operable to secure the said device (s) in position relative to the body.
22. A movable platform substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
23. A locking mechanism substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.