GB2372978A

GB2372978A - Coupling

Info

Publication number: GB2372978A
Application number: GB0105575A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steve Mather; Kennith Hedin
Original assignee: Mastermover International Ltd
Current assignee: Mastermover International Ltd
Priority date: 2001-03-07
Filing date: 2001-03-07
Publication date: 2002-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 2021-03-07
Also published as: GB0105575D0; GB2372978A8; GB2372978B

Abstract

A coupling for connecting a load to a load transporting apparatus (10, Fig 2A) comprises a coupling having a first member 40 mounted on the load transporting apparatus and a second member (42, Fig 2) for mounting on the load. A coupling plate 44 of the first member is received by a channel member 70 of the second member, and a coupling plate 62 of the second member is received by a channel member 48 of the first member. The first and second members are brought into and out of engagement by relative movement and once engaged, relative movement in a horizontal direction is not limited. Means may be provided to allow upward movement only of the first coupling member when engaged. Guide means 66 may be provided on the second member to assist engagement of the two members.

Description

nil Coupling The invention relates to a coupling for connecting a load to a load transporting apparatus. The coupling is particularly but not exclusively for use with a load transporting apparatus such as that described in U. K. Patent GB 2279934.

GB 2279934 (of which the present applicants are the proprietors) describes a load transporting apparatus which may be coupled to a load in such a way that a proportion of the weight of the load is transferred onto a drive wheel of the apparatus. The apparatus is designed such that when this load transfer takes place, the drive wheel is the only wheel of the apparatus in contact with the ground. The apparatus is thus highly manoeuvrable and is also able to convey far heavier loads that would be the case if the loads were merely towed.

The above apparatus is conventionally coupled to heavy industrial loads as follows. A female coupling member in the form of a hollow square tube is attached to the load to be transported and a male coupling member in the form of an elongate arm extends from the load transporting apparatus. When the load transporting apparatus is to be coupled to the load, an end of the arm is inserted into the tube. The end of the arm and the tube are provided with aligned, transversely extending holes through which a locking pin may be inserted. Once the pin is in place, relative horizontal movement of the arm and the tube is prevented and the apparatus may be used to convey the load.

The above coupling suffers from various disadvantages. The arm must be manoeuvred to the right height before it can be inserted into the tube. The internal size of the tube is a few millimetres larger than the external size of the end of the arm, to reduce the precision required in engaging the coupling.

However, this allows a certain amount of relative rotation to occur between the arm and the tube, as the weight of the load is transferred. The weight transfer between the tube and the arm tends to occur over a relatively small region, rather than over the whole length of the tube. Further, because the tube must protrude significantly from the load in order to be engaged by the arm, the region of weight transfer is spaced from the load, and the bending moments applied when the weight of the load is partially transferred to the load transporting apparatus are significant. Relatively large forces are exerted on the tube and the arm and this can eventually cause buckling of the material.

According to the invention there is provided a coupling for connecting a load to a load transporting apparatus, the coupling including a first member for mounting on the load transporting apparatus and a second member for mounting on the load, wherein a part of the first member may be received by the second member and a part of the second member may be received by the first member, when the members are in an engaged relationship, and the members may be brought into and out of the engaged relationship by relative movement therebetween.

Preferably the first and second members are brought into engagement by relative movement in a first direction and when in the engaged relationship relative movement of the members in a perpendicular direction is limited.

Preferably such movement is substantially prevented. However, relative movement of up to about 10mm, or preferably up to about Smm, may be permitted.

Preferably the first member includes a coupling plate, a part of which is received by the second member when the members are in the engaged relationship. Preferably the first member further includes at least one channel member for receiving the part of the second member. The channel member may be attached to or formed integrally with the coupling plate. The coupling plate may be substantially planar and may be substantially rectangular. The coupling plate may have a thickness of about 10mm.

Preferably the first member is adapted to be mounted on the load transporting apparatus such that the coupling plate is normally oriented substantially vertically, when the load transporting apparatus rests on a horizontal surface. Preferably when the first member is so mounted, the channel member protrudes from a lower part of the coupling plate in a direction away from the load transporting apparatus. Preferably the channel member includes a base part extending from the coupling plate, preferably substantially perpendicularly thereto, and a lip protruding upwardly from a distal edge of the base part, spaced from the coupling plate. Preferably the part of the second member received by the first member is received between the coupling plate and the lip of the channel member, in a channel formed therebetween. Preferably the width of the channel is between 10mm and 20mm, and most preferably between 13mm and 17mm.

The first member may further include a mounting plate oriented substantially parallel to the coupling plate and attached to the coupling plate by an elongate strut. The mounting plate may be substantially planar and may be substantially rectangular. The strut is preferably at least 150mm long and most preferably about 225mm long.

The first member may include means for mounting the member on the load transporting apparatus such that limited pivotal movement out of its normal vertical position is permitted.

The first member may include means for mounting the member on the load transporting apparatus such that upward movement above a normal position is permitted but downward movement below the normal position is not permitted. These means may include one or more gas springs.

Preferably the second member includes a coupling plate, a part of which is received by the first member when the members are in the engaged relationship. Preferably the second member further includes at least one channel member for receiving the part of the first member. The channel member may be attached to or formed integrally with the coupling plate. The coupling plate may be substantially planar and may be substantially rectangular.

The coupling plate may have a thickness of about 10mm.

Preferably the second member includes a mounting plate for attachment to the load in use. The mounting plate may be attached to a rear of the coupling plate such that it lies adjacent and parallel to the coupling plate. The mounting plate is preferably planar and may be generally rectangular. The mounting plate preferably extends only over a part of the coupling plate which is not received by the first member.

The second member may further include side members extending from two long side edges of the coupling plate, substantially perpendicular to the coupling plate. The second member may include guide members extending angularly away from one another, from the long side edges of the coupling plate. The guide members may extend at an angle of between 300 and 700 to the coupling plate and preferably extend at an angle of between 400 and 500 to the coupling plate. The guide members may be mounted on the side members.

Preferably the second member is adapted to be mounted on the load such that the coupling plate is normally oriented substantially vertically when the load rests on a horizontal surface. Preferably when the second member is so mounted the channel member protrudes from an upper part of the coupling plate in a direction away from the load. Preferably the channel member includes a top part extending from the coupling plate, preferably substantially perpendicular thereto, and a lip protruding downwardly from a distal edge of the top part, spaced from the coupling plate. Preferably the part of the first member received by the second member is received between the coupling plate and the lip of the channel member, in a channel formed therebetween. Preferably the width of the channel is between 10mm and 20mm, and most preferably between 13mm and 17mm.

In use, the first and second members are preferably brought into the engaged relationship by relative linear, and preferably relative vertical, movement therebetween. Preferably when the members are in the engaged relationship relative horizontal movement therebetween is limited. Such relative horizontal movement may be substantially prevented. However relative movement of up to about 10mm, or preferably up to about 5mm, may be permitted.

According to the invention there is further provided a load transporting apparatus provided with a coupling as previously defined.

According to the invention there is further provided a load transporting apparatus incorporating a coupling member including a coupling plate and at least one channel member for receiving a part of a further coupling member for connecting to a load.

The coupling plate may be substantially planar and may be substantially rectangular. The coupling plate may have a thickness of about 10mm.

Preferably the coupling member is mounted on the load transporting apparatus such that the coupling plate is normally oriented substantially vertically, when the load transporting apparatus rests on a horizontal surface.

Preferably when the coupling member is so mounted, the channel member protrudes from a lower part of the coupling plate in a direction away from the load transporting apparatus. Preferably the channel member includes a base part extending from the coupling plate, preferably substantially perpendicular thereto, and a lip protruding upwardly from a distal edge of the base part, spaced from the coupling plate. Preferably the part of the further coupling member is received between the coupling plate and the lip of the channel member.

The coupling member may further include a mounting plate substantially parallel to the coupling plate and attached to the coupling plate by an elongate strut. The mounting plate may be substantially planar and may be substantially rectangular. The strut is preferably at least 150mm long and most preferably about 215mm long.

The coupling member may be mounted on the load transporting apparatus such that limited pivotal movement out of the normal vertical position is permitted.

The coupling member may be mounted on the load transporting apparatus such that upward movement above its normal position is permitted but downward movement below its normal position is not permitted. These means may include one or more gas springs.

According to the invention, there is further provided apparatus for transporting a load, the apparatus including: a base; a drive means mounted on the base; a wheel mounted for rotation on a first end portion of the base, the wheel which is steerable being drivable by the drive means; a pair of wheels mounted for rotation on a second end portion of the base; a lifting means, mounted generally at the first end portion of the base, comprising a coupling member including a coupling plate and at least one channel member for receiving part of a further coupling member for connecting to the load, the coupling member being moveable in a generally vertical plane and being adapted to engage and bear the load, the device being constructed such that in use when the coupling member is bearing the load, the pair of wheels are lifted from the ground.

Embodiments of the invention will be described for the purpose of illustration only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figs. lA and IB are diagrammatic side views of a load transporting apparatus incorporating a prior art coupling, in a disengaged and an engaged position respectively; Figs. 2A and 2B are diagrammatic side views of a load transporting apparatus including a coupling according to the invention, in a disengaged and an engaged position respectively; Figs. 3A to 3C are perspective views illustrating various stages in the engagement of the coupling according to the invention; Figs. 4A to 4C are side views illustrating various stages in the engagement of the coupling according to the invention; and Figs. SA and SB are perspective views of a part of a coupling according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figs. lA and 1B, an apparatus 10 for transporting load includes a wheel base on which three wheels are mounted for rotation. A large, drive wheel 14 is disposed at a forward end of the wheel base and a pair of smaller, stabilising wheels (not visible in the drawings), are disposed at a rearward end of the wheel base. The apparatus 10 also includes a drive means which is operable under the control of an operator to drive the large wheel 14.

The drive means may for example be in the form of an electrical drive.

The control of the apparatus 10 by an operator is effected by a control means which is operable to permit the operator to control the drive means and move the drive wheel 14 so as to steer the apparatus 10.

The load transporting apparatus 10 further includes a lifting means in the form of a jack 24 which is disposed generally at the forward end of the wheel base. The jack 24 includes an upstanding member 26 on which is mounted a coupling member 28. The coupling member 28 may be moved manually, electrically or hydraulically up and down under the control of the operator.

The coupling member 28 includes an elongate arm which extends in a forward direction away from the upstanding member 26. The elongate arm is able to pass into and engage a hollow tubular female coupling member 30 attached to a load mounted on a wheeled support (not shown).

In use, the load transporting apparatus 10 is manoeuvred by an operator into a position adjacent to the load. The vertical position of the coupling member 28 is adjusted until the arm is aligned with the tubular coupling member 30 on the load. In such position, the apparatus 10 may be driven towards the load such that the arm of the coupling member 28 passes into and engages the tubular coupling member 30 mounted on the load (see Fig. 1B). A pin may then be inserted through suitable transverse holes in the coupling member 28 and the tubular coupling member 30 to prevent relative movement therebetween. In this position the drive wheel 14 and the stabilising wheels of the load transporting apparatus are all in contact with the ground.

Next, the coupling member 28 is raised so that a proportion of the weight of the load is transferred onto the coupling member. Once a sufficient proportion of the load is transferred onto the coupling member, the construction of the apparatus 10 is such that the apparatus 10 pivots about the drive wheel 14 until the stabilising wheels are lifted from the ground. This leaves the drive wheel 14 as the sole load bearing and ground engaging wheel.

The coupling may be further raised until enough weight has been transferred from the load to the apparatus 10, more particularly the drive wheel 14, to provide sufficient friction between the drive wheel 14 and the ground that the apparatus 10 may move the load.

There are certain problems associated with the transfer of weight between the coupling member 28 and the coupling member 30. As the coupling member 28 is lifted, some relative pivotal movement takes place between its arm and the tubular coupling member 30 and the load transfer takes place over a relatively small area spaced from the edge of the load. This causes significant, potentially damaging forces to be applied to the coupling members 28 and 30.

Figs. 2A and 2B illustrate a load transporting apparatus 10 which is as described in Fig. 1 except that it utilises a coupling according to the invention.

The coupling is illustrated in more detail in Figs. 3A to 4C.

The coupling according to the invention includes a first coupling member 40 for attachment to the load transporting apparatus 10 and a second coupling member 42 for attachment to the load.

Referring in particular to Figs. 3A to 4C, the first coupling member 40 includes a planar, rectangular coupling plate 44 made for example from hardened steel and having a thickness of about 10mm. Attached to a bottom part of the plate 44 is a channel member 48 which is generally L shaped in section. The channel member 48 includes a base 50 which extends from the bottom part of the coupling plate, perpendicularly thereto, and a lip 52 which extends upwardly from a distal edge of the base 50, parallel to the coupling plate. The lip is about 40 to 50mm high. A channel 53 is thus formed between the lip 52 and the plate 44, the bottom of the channel being defined by the base SO. The width of the channel 53 is about 15mm 2mm.

The first coupling member 40 further includes a mounting plate 54 connected to the coupling plate 44 by a strut 56. The coupling plate 44 and mounting plate 54 are generally parallel to each other and the strut 56 is oriented so as to be generally perpendicular to each of the coupling plate and the mounting plate. Strengthening fillets 58 may be provided to reinforce the joints between the strut 56 and the coupling and mounting plates.

In use, the mounting plate 54 is attached via bolt holes 60 to the load transporting apparatus 10.

The second coupling member 42 includes a planar, rectangular coupling plate 62 made for example from steel, around 10mm thick. Extending from each long side of the coupling plate 62 is a generally rectangular side member 64. Each side member 64 extends generally perpendicularly to the plane of the coupling plate 62 and is about 10mm 2mm in width. Attached to each side member 64 and extending for most of its length is a guide member 66. The two guide members 66 are angled so as to flare outwardly away from one another at an angle of about 450 to the side members 64. The internal distance between the guide members is 3mm to 5mm wider than the first coupling member.

Attached to a rear part of the coupling plate 62 is a planar mounting plate 63 which may also be made from approximately 12mm thick steel. The mounting plate extends over most of the rear of the coupling plate, but not right to its base, for reasons which are explained below.

Attached to a top part 68 of the coupling plate 62 is a channel member 70 which is generally L shaped in section. The channel member includes a top 72 which extends from a top part of the coupling plate 62, perpendicularly to the coupling plate 62, and a lip 74 which extends downwardly from a distal edge of the top 72, perpendicularly to the top 72 and parallel to the coupling plate 62. The lip 74 extends downwardly about 40 to 50mm. A channel 75 is thus formed between the coupling plate 62 and the lip 74, the top of the channel being defined by the top 72 of the channel member 70. The channel 75 is about 15mm 2mm in width.

In use, the second coupling member 42 is bolted via the mounting plate 63 to the load to be transported.

Figs. 3A to 4C illustrate the use of the coupling. Referring to Figs. 3A and 4A, the first and second coupling members 40 and 42 are initially spaced apart, with the second coupling member 42 being attached to the load and the first coupling member 40 being attached to or provided as part of the load transporting apparatus. The first coupling member 40 is mounted on the upstanding member 26 of the load transporting apparatus 10, such that the height of the first coupling member 40 may be adjusted.

Initially, the height of the first coupling member 40 is adjusted so that the coupling plate 44 is approximately parallel to and somewhat lower than the coupling plate 62. The load transporting apparatus 10 is then manoeuvred so that the first coupling member 40 moves towards the second coupling member 42. The first coupling member must be positioned sufficiently low that the lip 52 of its channel member 48 is able to pass under the bottom of the coupling plate 62, but sufficiently high that its coupling plate 44 does not pass completely under the coupling plate 62. However, this allows significant freedom in the positioning of the coupling member. Eventually the channel member 48 passes under the coupling plate 62, and the respective coupling plates 44 and 62 come into contact with one another, preventing further movement of the first coupling member 40. If the coupling plate 43 is not exactly aligned with the coupling plate 62, the guide members 66 ensure that the coupling plate 44 is guided correctly into contact with the coupling plate 62.

Once the plates are in contact, the apparatus 10 may be adjusted to raise the first coupling member 40. This brings a top part 76 of the coupling plate 44 into the channel 75 formed between the channel member 70 and the coupling plate 62 of the second coupling member 42. This also brings a bottom part 77 of the coupling plate 62 into the channel 53 formed between the coupling plate 44 and the channel member 48 of the first coupling member 40.

Once the coupling plate 44 engages the top of its respective channel, further upward movement of the first coupling member 40 raises the second coupling member 42, thus transferring some of the weight of the load onto the apparatus 10 as previously described.

Once sufficient weight has been transferred the apparatus 10 may be used to transport the load.

Once the first and second coupling members 40 and 42 are in the engaged relationship, relative horizontal movement between the two members is very limited. The lips 52 and 74 prevent significant movement of the plates retained within their respective channels (although a certain amount of"play" is allowed, in case one of the coupling plates is not truly vertically oriented). Thus, horizontal movement of the first coupling member 40 results in movement of the second coupling member 42 and allows the load to be conveyed.

The narrowness of the second coupling member 42 enables it to be mounted onto the load in such a way that the coupling plate 44 of the first coupling member may be brought very close to the load. Because the mounting plate 63 does not extend right to the bottom of the coupling plate 62, this allows room for the lip 52 of the channel member 48, as illustrated clearly in Fig. 4C. This ensures that the weight of the load is lifted at a point near to the load thus resulting in relatively low bending moments. The load is also transferred in a positive way through engagement of the coupling plate 44 with the channel member 70, thus minimising the risk of damage to the coupling.

The small amount of"play"allowed between the coupling members allows some limited relative rotation to take place, but this does not detract significantly from the positive weight transfer.

Various modifications may be made to the above described embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention. Figs. 5a and 5b illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the strut 56 of the first coupling member 40 is attached to the mounting plate 54 via a pivotal connection 78. A limited amount of pivotal movement of the coupling plate 44 is permitted by pivotally mounted bars 80. If the load is to be conveyed over uneven ground, such pivotal movement is sometimes necessary to keep the coupling plate 44 aligned with the coupling plate 62 mounted on the load.

The heights of the lips 52 and 74 are such that the coupling should not disengage when the load is conveyed over rough ground. However, in one modification a locking pin is used to prevent relative vertical movement of the first and second members, thus keeping them in engagement. The locking pin may be manually or automatically activated. Use of such a locking pin would allow the heights of the lips 52 and 74 to be reduced, thus easing the initial coupling operation. However, the loss of the"play"permitted by the small relative vertical movements of the coupling plates increases the forces applied to the coupling members and thus increases the likelihood of damage to the coupling members.

An alternative modification (not illustrated) involves the connection of the coupling plate 44 to the load transporting apparatus via gas springs or an alternative means for allowing limited upward movement of the coupling plate 44 relative to the apparatus 10. Such a connection would allow upward movement of the coupling plate 44 if the effective weight of the load suddenly became significantly less i. e. if the load travelled over higher ground momentarily. Thus, the use of such gas springs could prevent the first coupling member from disengaging with the second coupling member if the load had to be conveyed over rough terrain.

Although the coupling of the invention has been described in use with the load transporting apparatus of GB2279934, it is obviously suitable for use in other coupling applications.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

Claims L A coupling for connecting a load to a load transporting apparatus, the coupling including a first member for mounting on the load transporting apparatus and a second member for mounting on the load, wherein a part of the first member is receivable by the second member and a part of the second member is receivable by the first member, when the members are in an engaged relationship, and the members are brought into and out of the engaged relationship by relative movement therebetween.
2. A coupling according to Claim 1 wherein the first and second members are brought into engagement by relative movement in a first direction and when in the engaged relationship relative movement of the members in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is limited.
3. A coupling according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the first member includes a coupling plate, a part of which is received by the second member when the members are in the engaged relationship, and the first member further includes at least one channel member for receiving the part of the second member.
4. A coupling according to Claim 3 wherein the channel member is attached to or formed integrally with the coupling plate.
5. A coupling according to Claim 3 or 4 wherein the first member is adapted to be mounted on the load transporting apparatus such that the coupling plate is oriented substantially vertically, when the load transporting apparatus rests on a horizontal surface, and when the first member is so mounted, the channel member protrudes from a lower part of the coupling plate in a direction away from the load transporting apparatus.
6. A coupling according to Claim 5 wherein the channel member includes a base part extending from the coupling plate, and a lip protruding upwardly from a distal edge of the base part, spaced from the coupling plate.
7. A coupling according to Claim 6 wherein the part of the second member received by the first member is received between the coupling plate and the lip of the channel member, in a channel formed therebetween.
8. A coupling according to any of Claims 3 to 7 wherein the first member further includes a mounting plate oriented substantially parallel to the coupling plate and attached to the coupling plate by an elongate strut.
9. A coupling according to any preceding Claim wherein the first member includes means for mounting the first member on the load transporting apparatus such that limited pivotal movement out of a vertical position is permitted.
10. A coupling according to any preceding claim wherein the first member includes means for mounting the member on the load transporting apparatus such that upward movement above its initial mounting position is permitted but downward movement below said position is not permitted.
11. A coupling according to any preceding claim wherein the second member includes a coupling plate, a part of which is received by the first member when the members are in the engaged relationship, and the second member further includes at least one channel member for receiving the part of the first member.
12. A coupling according to Claim 11 wherein the channel member is attached to or formed integrally with the coupling plate.
13. A coupling according to Claims 11 or 12 wherein the second member includes a mounting plate for attachment to the load in use, the mounting plate being attached to a rear of the coupling plate such that it lies adjacent and parallel to the coupling plate.
14. A coupling according to Claim 13 wherein the mounting plate extends only over a part of the coupling plate which is not received by the first member.
15. A coupling according to any of Claims 11 to 14 wherein the second member further includes side members extending from two long side edges of the coupling plate, substantially perpendicular to the coupling plate.
16. A coupling according to Claim 15 wherein the second member includes guide members extending angularly away from one another, from the long side edges of the coupling plate.
17. A coupling according to Claim 16 wherein the guide members extend at an angle of between 300 and 700 to the coupling plate.
18. A coupling according to Claim 17 wherein said angle is between 40 and

50".
19. A coupling according to any of Claims 11 to 18 wherein the second member is adapted to be mounted on the load such that the coupling plate is oriented substantially vertically when the load rests on a horizontal surface, and when the second member is so mounted the channel member protrudes from an upper part of the coupling plate in a direction away from the load.
20. A coupling according to any of Claims 19 wherein the channel member includes a top part extending from the coupling plate, and a lip protruding downwardly from a distal edge of the top part, spaced from the coupling plate.
21. A coupling according to Claim 20 wherein the part of the first member received by the second member is received between the coupling plate and the lip of the channel member, in a channel formed therebetween.
22. A coupling according to any preceding Claim wherein in use, the first and second members are brought into the engaged relationship by relative linear, and relative vertical, movement therebetween, and when the members are in the engaged relationship relative horizontal movement therebetween is limited.
23. A load transporting apparatus provided with a coupling as claimed in any preceding claim.
24. A load transporting apparatus incorporating a coupling member including a coupling plate and at least one channel member for receiving a part of a further coupling member for connecting to a load.
25. A load transporting apparatus according to Claim 24 wherein the coupling plate is substantially planar and is substantially rectangular.
26. A load transporting apparatus according to Claim 24 or 25 wherein the coupling member is mounted on the load transporting apparatus such that the coupling plate is oriented substantially vertically, when the load transporting apparatus rests on a horizontal surface, and when the coupling member is so mounted, the channel member protrudes from a lower part of the coupling plate in a direction away from the load transporting apparatus.
27. A load transporting apparatus according to Claim 26 wherein the channel member includes a base part extending from the coupling plate, thereto, and a lip protruding upwardly from a distal edge of the base part, spaced from the coupling plate, and the part of the further coupling member is received between the coupling plate and the lip of the channel member.
28. A load transporting apparatus according to Claim 26 or 27 wherein the coupling member is mounted on the load transporting apparatus such that limited pivotal movement out of the normal vertical position is permitted.
29. A load transporting apparatus according to Claim 26, 27 or 28 wherein the coupling member is mounted on the load transporting apparatus such that upward movement above its initial mounting position is permitted but downward movement below its normal position is not permitted.
30. A load transporting apparatus according to any of Claims 24 to 29 wherein the coupling member further includes a mounting plate substantially parallel to the coupling plate and attached to the coupling plate by an elongate strut.
31. A load transporting apparatus according to Claim 30 wherein the mounting plate is substantially planar and is substantially rectangular.
32. Apparatus for transporting a load, the apparatus including: a base; a drive means mounted on the base; a wheel mounted for rotation on a first end portion of the base, the wheel which is steerable being drivable by the drive means; a pair of wheels mounted for rotation on a second end portion of the base; a lifting means, mounted generally at the first end portion of the base, comprising a coupling member including a coupling plate and at least one channel member for receiving part of a further coupling member for connecting to the load, the coupling member being moveable in a generally vertical plane and being adapted to engage and bear the load, the device being constructed such that in use when the coupling member is bearing the load, the pair of wheels are lifted from the ground.
33. A coupling substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 2A to 4C of the accompanying drawings.
34. A coupling substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 5A and 5B of the accompanying drawings.
35. A load transporting apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 2A and 2B of the accompanying drawings.
36. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.