GB2471850A - Support device for use with a vehicle or personnel - Google Patents

Abstract

A support device, particularly for assisting movement of vehicles over a range of surfaces, comprising first and second elongate support modules 10, 12 and coupling elements 14 to couple an end part of each of the support modules together. The coupling elements comprises first and second releasable couplings which each define a pivot axis around which relative movement between the support modules can occur, the pivot axes being spaced apart from each other. There may be further coupling elements so that additional modules can be connected. Each module may consist of a pair of support beams interconnected and spaced apart by support elements which may be a series of cross-bars. There may also be a tie bar arrangement comprising a strut 34 perpendicular to the modules and tie bars 36, 38 connecting the free end of the strut to the modules. Each releasable coupling may comprise flanges associated with the first and second modules, the flanges may contain openings which can be aligned and a pivot pin inserted.

Description

Suiort Device This invention relates to a support device, and in particular to a support device suitable for use in assisting the movement of a vehicle or personnel across or over a range of terrain surfaces, such as over soft sand or mud and/or across gulleys, ditches, watercourses or the like.

When a vehicle is being driven across rough ground, for example where no suitable road or the like is present, where the vehicle is forced off the road or where a vehicle is travelling over a poorly surfaced, unsurfaced or damaged road, difficulties are sometimes faced. For example, where the ground surface over which the vehicle is to be moved is of soft sand or mud, the vehicles drive wheels may sink into the ground surface, spinning and dislodging the ground surface rather than driving the vehicle forwards. Where gaps, channels or the like are encountered, the vehicle may be unable to cross the gap or channel.

Currently, vehicles that expect to cross and or mud often carry lengths of matting which can be positioned under the drive wheels of the vehicle to provide support for the vehicle, spreading its weight over a larger area and providing a firm surface upon which the wheels can grip to allow the vehicle to be driven forwards.

The matting is typically in the form of a steel sheet. However, the lengths of matting are relatively short in length and if used incorrectly there is a tendency for the vehicle to dislodge and drive the matting rearwardly of the vehicle rather than resulting in forward movement of the vehicle. The matting is thus of only limited assistance in aiding movement of the vehicle over soft terrain. It is also of insufficient load bearing capability, and insufficient length, to allow it to be used in forming a temporary crossing to allow a vehicle to be driven across a small gap, drainage channel or the like.

It is an object of the invention to provide a support device suitable for use in such applications and which is of simple and convenient form.

According to the present invention there is provided a support device comprising a first elongate support module and a second elongate support module, and coupling means to permit coupling of an end part of the first support module to an end part of the second support module, wherein the coupling means comprises a first releasable coupling defining a first pivot axis about which relative movement can occur between the support modules and a second releasable coupling defining a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis and about which relative movement can occur between the support modules.

With such an arrangement, when one of the first and second couplings is engaged the first and second modules can adopt a concave configuration and when the other is engaged they can adopt a convex configuration. When both couplings are engaged, the modules are fixed in a straight, load bearing configuration. The device is thus able to be configured to lie upon the ground, conforming to the surface upon which it is laid, where appropriate, or extending over and across gaps or channels.

Preferably, further coupling means are provided to allow the connection of additional modules and thereby form a longer support surface.

Each module preferably comprises a pair of support beams interconnected with one another by support means conveniently in the form of a series of cross-bars although potentially the support means could take the form of a solid or perforated surface or a number of other forms.

The support beams are conveniently spaced apart from one another by a distance such that each support device carries the wheels located to one side of a vehicle, two support devices being used parallel to one another and in conjunction with one another, in use, to support a typical four (or more) wheeled vehicle.

Where the support device is used to carry a vehicle across a gap, channel or the like, a tie bar arrangement may be provided to enhance the load bearing capability of the support device. The tie bar arrangement preferably comprises a strut arranged to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the modules, and tie bars connecting the free end of the strut to each of the modules.

The invention will further be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 and 2 are side and plan views of a support device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figures 3, 4 and 5 are diagrammatic views illustrating three different modes of operation; Figure 6 is a view illustrating the support device in another mode of operation; and Figure 7 is a view to an enlarged scale illustrating part of the support device.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2 there is illustrated a support device intended for use in assisting a vehicle in passing over a range of terrains, for example over soft surfaces such as sand and mud, or to pass over gaps, gulleys, channels or the like. The support device comprises a first elongate support module 10 releasably securable to a second elongate support module 12 by a coupling arrangement 14.

The support modules 10, 12 are substantially identical to one another, and each comprises a pair of support beams 16 interconnected by support means in the form of a series of cross-bars 18. The support beams 16 and cross-bars 18 are conveniently of box or channel section, and are conveniently constructed of aluminium so as to be of relatively low weight whilst able to carry significant loads.

Although aluminium is the currently preferred construction material, it will be appreciated that a number of other materials could be used. Further, the invention is not restricted to the specific design of support module illustrated but rather a number of modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

The first support module 10 is connected, in use, at one end thereof to an end of the second support module 12 by the coupling arrangement 14. The coupling arrangement 14 comprises a first coupling 20 defining a first pivot axis 21 located adjacent the upper surfaces of support modules 10, 12, in the orientation illustrated, and a second coupling 22 defining a second pivot axis 23 located adjacent the lower surfaces of the support modules 10, 12.

As best shown in Figure 7, each support beam 16 of each of the support modules 10, 12 carries at its end a coupling bracket 24. Each bracket 24 extends around the end of the associated support beam 16 thus providing some protection against impact damage to the end of the support beam 16, and carries a pair of upstanding flanges 26 in which openings 30 are formed. The orientation of each bracket 24 is such that one of the flanges 26 thereof is located adjacent the upper surface of the associated support module and so forms part of the first coupling 20 whilst the other flange 26 is located adjacent the lower surface of the associated support module and so forms part of the second coupling 22.

In order to connect the first and second modules 10, 12 to one another, the openings 30 of either the first coupling 20 or the second coupling 22, or both, are aligned with one another and pivot pins (not shown) are introduced through the aligned openings 30.

The pivot pins could take a range of forms. For example it is currently preferred that the pivot pins should be of the detent type so as to ensure that, once correctly inserted, accidental release is resisted. However, other forms are possible.

For example they could take the form of a simple bolt and a retaining nut. Further, no retaining mechanism may be provided in some arrangements. Conveniently the pivot pins are tethered to the support modules 10, 12 to minimise their risk of loss.

Figures 3 to 5 illustrate the device in three different modes of operation. In Figure 3, the couplings 20 are engaged but the couplings 22 are released. As a result, the modules 10, 12 are able to pivot about the axis 21 to take on a concave configuration. The device is thus able to conform to the shape of, for example, the bottom of a valley floor, the valleys between sand dunes or other areas of concave form. Figure 4 illustrates the case where the couplings 20 are released and the couplings 22 are engaged. In this configuration convexly shaped ground surfaces can be accommodated.

It will be noted from Figures 1 and 2 that additional support modules can be connected to the ends of the support device to extend the overall length of the device. Depending upon the form of the surface upon which the device is used, only the couplings 20 may be engaged at some points, and only the couplings 22 engaged elsewhere. As a result, many different surface forms can be accommodated.

When used in any of these configurations, it will be appreciated that the support device provides a firm surface over which a vehicle can be driven, thereby assisting in moving a vehicle over, for example, soft sand, mud or other difficult or problematic ground surfaces.

Where small gaps are encountered which the vehicle would have difficulty crossing, then both couplings 20, 22 maybe engaged as shown in Figure 5 to rigidly interconnect the modules 10, 12 and thereby form a rigid structure that can be used to form a temporary bridge or the like. Unless the gap to be crossed is very small, or the load to be carried by the bridge is relatively light, it may be desired to enhance the load bearing capability of the device in this mode of operation by using tie bar arrangements 32 as shown in Figure 6.

The tie bar arrangements 32 each comprise a strut 34 which is connected, at one end, to the coupling 22 using the pivot pin thereof, and is pivotally connected at its opposite end to a pair of tie bars 36, 38. The tie bars 36, 38 are secured, at their free ends, to mounting brackets 40 secured to the undersides of the support beams 16.

It will be appreciated that the use of such tie bar arrangements 32 enhances the load bearing capability of the support device, particularly at the points at which the modules 10, 12 are secured to one another.

When not in use, it is envisaged that the tie bar arrangements 32 can be folded and stored within are alongside the support beams 16.

It will be appreciated that the support device is advantageous in that it allows a vehicle to cross a wide range of terrains. It is of relatively low weight and relatively easy to handle, whilst of sufficient strength to allow the carriage of significant loadings. It can be assembled and dismantled rapidly without requiring the use of special tools. As well as being used to carry vehicles, it can be used to carry persons on foot or may be used as a ladder if desired.

A number of modifications and alterations may be made to the arrangement described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. CLAIMS: 1. A support device comprising a first elongate support module and a second elongate support module, and coupling means to permit coupling of an end part of the first support module to an end part of the second support module, wherein the coupling means comprises a first releasable coupling defining a first pivot axis about which relative movement can occur between the support modules and a second releasable coupling defining a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis and about which relative movement can occur between the support modules.
2. 2. A device according to Claim 1, wherein further coupling means are provided to allow the connection of additional modules and thereby form a longer support surface.
3. 3. A device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein each module comprises a pair of support beams interconnected with one another by support means.
4. 4. A device according to Claim 3, wherein the support means is in the form of a series of cross-bars.
5. 5. A device according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the support beams are spaced apart from one another by a distance such that each support device carries the wheels located to one side of a vehicle, in use.
6. 6. A device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a tie bar arrangement to enhance the load bearing capability of the support device.
7. 7. A device according to Claim 6, wherein the tie bar arrangement comprises a strut arranged to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the modules, and tie bars connecting the free end of the strut to each of the modules.
8. 8. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each releasable coupling comprises flanges associated with the first and second modules, the flanges including openings which can be aligned with one another and through which a pivot pin can be introduced.
9. 9. A device according to Claim 8, where a flange of the first coupling and a flange of the second coupling are secured to a common mounting bracket.
10. 10. A device according to Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein the pivot pin is a detent pivot pin.