GB2486169A

GB2486169A - Carrier devices for attachment to a quad-bike

Info

Publication number: GB2486169A
Application number: GB1020316.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Allingham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-12-01
Filing date: 2010-12-01
Publication date: 2012-06-13
Anticipated expiration: 2030-12-01
Also published as: IE20110534A1; GB201020316D0; GB2486169B

Abstract

Various carrier devices for attachment to a quad-bike are disclosed. A platform apparatus 10 for a quad-bike comprises a lower attachment element 12 for attachment to or adjacent to a suspension member of the quad-bike, an upper attachment element 14 for attachment to an upper chassis portion of the quad bike spaced from the suspension member, a back element 16 which in use extends substantially across a width of the quad-bike and a platform element 18, at least one of the attachment elements being slidably movable relative to the other, so that in use suspension movement of the quad-bike relative to the chassis is accommodated. Cage apparatus mountable to a quad-bike (figures 5, 6) comprises a foldable cage element (110), and a mounting element (114) for attaching the cage element to a mount of the quad-bike. Post-holder apparatus (figures 9, 10) for a quad-bike comprises an open ended channel element (212), a connector element (214) for connecting the apparatus to a quad-bike, and at least one length adjustable arm member (220) which is extendible and retractable relative to the channel element. The various carriers may be used to transport such items as fencing equipment, bales, small animals etc.

Description

Carrier Device The present invention relates to a carrier device for a quad-bike vehicle.

Quad-bike vehicles are well known, and are commonly referred to as simply quad-bikes' or quads'. A quad-bike has the general appearance of a motorbike, but with two wheels positioned fore and aft and outboard of the seat, instead of a single wheel fore and aft and in line with the seat.

These quad-bike vehicles are highly useful for farmers and others who work outdoors.

The vehicle is light and will easily traverse most-types of open terrain, without leaving furrows and ruts like a heavy tractor. The quad-bike vehicle is also far more fuel efficient than these other types of larger machinery.

However, a quad-bike only has relatively small front and rear racks mounted above the wheel axles on the body or chassis for carrying equipment and supplies. The racks are flat, stationary and fixed, enabling items to be tied down thereto, but larger items of farm equipment and fencing materials such as posts and bundles of fencing wire, as well as farm animals, cannot be easily transported using this type of vehicle without the use of a trailer. Unfortunately, a trailer hinders the manoeuvrability of the quad-bike vehicle, and also, whilst attached, prevents some functions, such as tensioning of fencing wire, from being performed.

Whilst the provision of additional storage containers and/or platforms mitigates these problems to an extent, transporting a small animal such as a lamb or sheep in this manner can be distressing and unsafe for the animal. Furthermore, there are only limited ways of securing the animal or equipment to the vehicle, which can become insufficient and dangerous as the vehicle passes over rugged terrain. Loss of the animal (or equipment) from the vehicle can be dangerous and harmful for both the animal (or equipment) and for the driver of the quad-bike.

Additionally, loading and unloading from the storage container and/or platform can be time consuming due to careful and extensive placement of ropes or straps, depending on the article to be transported.

Since there are only a limited number of mounting points available on the chassis, when the quad bike passes over rough tenain stresses can accumulate in the structure of the containers and/or platforms. Over time, structural weaknesses become the source of cracks and eventually, structural failure may occur. This limits the useful service life of the additional storage facility.

It is an object of the invention to provide a carrier device which reduces or substantially obviates the above mentioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a platform apparatus for a quad-bike, the platform apparatus comprising a lower attachment element for attachment to or adjacent to a suspension member of the quad-bike, an upper attachment element for attachment to an upper chassis portion of the quad-bike spaced from the suspension member, a back element which in use extends substantially across a width of the quad-bike and a platform element, at least one of the lower attachment element and the upper attachment element being slidably movable relative to the other, so that in use suspension movement of the quad-bike relative to the chassis is accommodated.

Preferable and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in dependent claims 2 to 17.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a cage apparatus comprising a foldable cage element, and a hitch mounting element for attaching the foldable cage element to a hitch of the quad-bike.

Preferable and/or optional features of the second aspect of the invention are set forth in dependent claims 20 to 29.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a post-holder apparatus comprising an open ended channel element, a connector element for connecting the apparatus to a quad-bike, and at least one length adjustable arm member which is extendible and retractable relative to the channel element.

Preferable and/or optional features of the third aspect of the invention are set forth in dependent claims 32 to 56.

For a better understanding of the inventions, and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of platform apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and showing in particular a slider unit having a bracket slidably mounted in a housing, which is mounted in an upper portion of the back element; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of platform apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and showing in particular a telescopic slider unit; Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of platform apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and showing in particular a slider unit having a bracket slidably mounted in a housing, which is mounted in a lower portion of the back element; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an alternative form of a lower attachment element of the platform element of the invention mounted by means of a plurality of nuts and bolts to the back element; Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of cage apparatus in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, with the cage apparatus being in an in-use condition; Figure 6 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of the cage apparatus of Figure 5, mounted to a quad-bike; Figure 7a shows a front elevational view of a hinge used to pivotally connect the second back wall element to the top wall element; Figure 7b shows a hinge used to pivotally connect the top wall element to the front wall element; Figure 8 shows a schematic side view of a second foldable cage element forming part of the cage apparatus in a folded condition; Figure 9 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a first embodiment of post-holder apparatus in accordance with the third aspect of the invention; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the post-holder apparatus of Figure 9, mounted on a quad-bike, and having an extension arm extending therefrom for supporting a reel; Figure ii shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a post-holder apparatus mounted on a quad-bike, and shows in particular an upstanding post hook for supporting fence posts with an eyelet, mounted to one side of the channel element; Figure 12 shows an alternative perspective view of the post-holder of Figure 11, and shows in particular a substantially U-shaped support member extending generally horizontal from a side of the channel element and supporting fence panels; Figure 13 shows a enlarged view of a plurality of metal fence panels mounted on a threaded support element extending from the channel element of Figure 12 and secured in place by a nut; Figure 14 shows a schematic side elevational view of the post-holder, and shows in particular a hook and latch arrangement used to attach the post-holder to a quad-bike; Figures ISa to 15c are a schematic sequence of steps showing how the post-holder is mounted on the fixed rack of a quad-bike using a hook and latch arrangement; Figure 16 shows a diagrammatic bottom plan view of a post-holder connector element, and shows in particular how the position of the latch may be altered with respect to the connector element; Figure 17 shows the post-holder mounted on the front of a quad-bike, and carrying the erected second foldable cage element forming a further front flat-bed carrier; and Figure 18 shows the post-holder mounted on the front of a modified quad-bike having a cockpit enclosure, and again showing the second foldable cage element when erected being hung from the post-holder to form a further front flat-bed carrier.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a first embodiment of a platform apparatus is indicated generally at 10. The platform apparatus comprises a lower attachment element 12 for attachment to or adjacent to a suspension member of the quad-bike, an upper attachment element 14 (shown in phantom) for attachment to an upper chassis portion of the quad-bike spaced from the suspension member, a back element 16 which in use extends substantially across a width of the quad-bike and a platform element 18. At least one of the lower attachment element 12 and the upper attachment 14 element is slidably movable relative to the other, so that in use suspension movement of the quad-bike relative to the chassis is accommodated.

A slider unit 20 is provided in an upper portion 22 of the back element 16 and is used to accommodate the relative movement of the lower and upper attachment elements 12, 14 in a sliding action. The slider unit 20 comprises a slider bracket 24 mounted within a guide 26 which limits horizontal movement of the slider bracket 24 such that the slider bracket 24 can only travel vertically. The slider guide 26 is a rectangular hollow housing 28 with a central aperture 30 extending vertically the length of the housing 28.

The slider bracket 24 has a central portion 32 flanked by two wing portions 34 (shown in phantom). Each wing portion 34 is slidably receivable in the housing 28. A ring 36 is mounted to a front face 38 of the slider bracket 24. The ring 36 is connectable, either directly or indirectly, to the upper attachment element 14.

The back element 16 includes a generally rectangular frame 40 and in use is typically oriented and mounted longitudinally across the width of a quad-bike. The length of the frame 40 is the same or substantially the same as the width of the vehicle to which it is mounted in use. Two struts 42 extend across an aperture 44 enclosed by the frame 40 of the back element 16, in parallel with the short sides of the frame 40, and are typically vertical in use. A further two struts 46 extend between the two vertical struts 42 and are typically horizontal in use. The two horizontal struts 46 divide the central portion of the frame 40 into three apertures. The upper aperture 48 is substantially square and contains the slider unit 20. The middle aperture 50 of the central portion of the frame 40 is also substantially square. The lower aperture 52 is smaller than the upper and middle apertures 48, 50 and is substantially rectangular. The lower aperture 52 contains a slider receiver 54 for receiving the lower attachment element 12. The slider receiver 54 is typically welded to the frame 40 and one of the horizontal struts 46. The back element 16 is pivotally connectable to the platform element 18 by a hinge 56.

The platform element 18 includes a substantially rectangular frame 58 with three struts 60 extending across the width of the frame 58. The three struts 60 are equally spaced within the frame. A generally U-shaped telescopic extension member 62 protrudes or extends from a longitudinal side 64 of the frame 58 and is shown in the fully extended position. The platform element 18 is pivotally connectable to the back element 16 by the aforementioned hinge 56. The peripheral dimensions of the back element 16 and the platform element 18 are substantially the same.

The lower attachment element includes a coupler 66 for mounting to a tow hitch, and a preferably rigid coupler link portion 68. The coupler 66 in this case is open ended, square in cross-section and tubular. It is mounted substantially normal to the coupler linkportion68.

In use, the coupler 66 is mounted to a tow hitch on a quad bike. The slider bracket 24 is connected to the upper attachment element 14 using the ring 36. The platform element 18 is folded into an in-use condition, as shown in Figure 1, which is substantially normal to the back element 16 and is useful for carrying tools, containers or bales of hay. As the quad-bike passes over rough terrain, the suspension movement of the quad-bike relative to the chassis is accommodated when the slider bracket 24 slides within the slider housing 28. This avoids an accumulation of stress in the back element 16, particularly in the vertical struts 42, thereby prolonging the useful service life of the platform apparatus 10. Furthermore, a constant ground clearance is retained between the platform element 18 and the rough terrain. When the platform element 18 is not required, it can be folded towards the back element 16 to adopt a storage condition. A catch or lock, which is not shown, may be provided for retaining the platform element 18 adjacent to the back element 16 in the storage condition.

Referring to Figure 2, a second embodiment of the platform apparatus 10 is shown. Like references refer to like parts, and further detailed description is therefore omitted.

A telescopic slider unit 70 is mounted to and spaced from the two vertical struts 42, and extends along a major portion of the back element 16. The telescopic slider unit 70 comprises inner 72 and outer elongate telescopic members 74 rigidly connected to a slider link portion 76. The slider link portion 76 is attachable, either directly or indirectly, to the upper attachment element 14 (shown in phantom). Each inner telescopic member 72 has a protrusion extending along its longitudinal extent and each outer telescopic member 74 has a corresponding internal recess for receiving an elongate protrusion extending along its longitudinal extent. The inner telescopic member 72 is slidable within the outer telescopic member 74. Each inner telescopic member 72 is connected at one end to the slider link portion 76, which is substantially normal to the inner telescopic member 72. Each outer telescopic member 74 is mounted at each end to one of the vertical struts 42.

A structural difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment is that the upper and lower apertures 48, 52 are significantly smaller than the middle aperture 50.

In use, the coupler 66 is mounted to a tow hitch on a quad-bike. The slider link portion 76 is connected to the upper attachment element 14. As the quad-bike passes over rough terrain, the suspension movement of the quad-bike relative to the chassis is accommodated by each outer telescopic member 74 sliding over the corresponding inner telescopic member 72. The platform element 18 and the back element 16 move relative to the upper attachment element 14. This again avoids an accumulation of stress in the back element 16, particularly in the vertical struts 42, thereby prolonging the useful service life of the platform apparatus 10. Furthermore, a constant ground clearance is still retained between the platform element 18 and the rough terrain.

Referring to Figure 3, a third embodiment of the platform apparatus 10 is shown. Again like references refer to like parts, and further detailed description is therefore omitted.

A slider unit 78 is provided in a lower portion 80 of the back element 16 and is used to accommodate the relative movement of the lower 12 and upper 14 attachment elements in a sliding action. The slider unit 78 comprises a rigid slider receiver 82 mounted within a guide 26 which limits horizontal movement of the slider receiver 82 such that the slider receiver 82 can primarily only travel vertically. Again, the slider guide 26 is a rectangular hollow housing 28 with a central aperture 30 extending vertically the length of the housing 28. The slider receiver 82 has an open end and a closed end. The rigid link portion 68 of a lower attachment element 12 is receivable in the open end of the slider receiver 82. The closed end is fixed to a backing plate 84 which is flanked by two wing portions 34 (shown where possible in phantom). As described previously, each wing portion 34 is slidably receivable in the housing 28.

A structural difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiments is that the middle and lower apertures 50, 52 are significantly larger than the upper aperture 48.

In use, typically the upper attachment element 14 (shown in phantom) is connected to an upper portion of the frame 40 of the back element 16. The coupler 66 is mounted to a tow hitch on a quad-bike. As the quad-bike passes over rough tenain, the suspension movement of the quad-bike relative to the chassis is accommodated when the platform element 18, the back element 16 and the slider guide 26 move relative to the tow hitch, coupler link portion 68 and slider receiver 82. As before, this avoids an accumulation of stress in the back element 16, particularly in the vertical struts 42. The useful service life of the platform apparatus 10 is consequently prolonged. This construction is advantageous as deflection of the platform element 18 is reduced compared with the first and second embodiments.

A lock-out device may be provided as part of the slider unit for preventing relative movement between the first and second slider elements. The lock-out device renders the platform apparatus suitable for use on a quad-bike with no relative movement between the upper and lower attachment elements, for example, on a quad-bike with independent suspension.

Refening to Figure 4, an alternative form of coupler is indicated generally at 86. The coupler 86 is a combination of a conventional tow hitch 88, which is attachable to a variety of tow bars (also known as tow balls and trailer hitches) and a plate 90 mounted substantially at a right angle to the tow hitch 88. The coupler 86 is mounted to a back element using four nuts 92 and bolts in a conventional manner.

Refening now to Figures 5 and 6 one embodiment of cage apparatus is indicated generally at 110. The cage apparatus 110 is preferably formed of metal, such as aluminium, or plastics and comprises a foldable cage element 112 and a hitch mounting element 114 which is used to mount the foldable cage element 112 to a hitch of a quad-bike.

The foldable cage element 112 comprises a first foldable cage element 116, a second cage foldable element 118 which is foldable independently of the first foldable cage element 114, two cage doors 120 and a plurality of connectors 122 for interconnecting the unfolded first and second foldable cage elements 114, 116 to form an enclosure with the cage doors 120.

The first foldable cage element 114 has a first back wall element 124 and a platform element 126 which is foldable to and away from the first back wall element 124. The first back wall element 124 is planar and substantially rectangular. The platform element 126 and the first back wall element 124 are of a similar size, and may include a continuous opaque surface. The platform element 126 is pivotally connected to the first back wall element 124 by means of a hinge arrangement 128 extending along a longitudinal side of the platform element 126 and first back wall element 124. Without the second foldable cage element 118 attached, the platform element 126 can adopt a storage condition when folded towards the first back wall element 124. A clasp, for example, retains the platform element 126 in the storage condition. When unfolded, the platform element 126 adopts an in-use condition and extends substantially at right angles from the first back wall element 124. The range of fold is limited by a stop (not shown) positioned underneath the platform element 126, proximate the hinge 128.

The second foldable cage element 118 comprises a second back wall element 130, a top wall element 132 and a front wall element 134. The second back wall element 130 is pivotally connected to the top wall element 132 and the top wall element 132 is pivotally connected to the front wall element 134. The top wall element 132 may include an openable access cover, which may be pivotable or fully removable. The second back wall element 130, the top wall element 132 and the front wall element 134 are all planar, substantially rectangular and include a mesh surface. In its in-use condition, the second foldable cage element 118 is connectable to the first foldable cage element 114.

As best seen in Figure 7a, the second back wall element 130 is pivotally connected to the top wall element 132 by a pair of hinges 136 mounted to an external surface of the top wall 132 and second back wall 130 elements. The outer angle between the top wall element 132 and second back wall element 130 is obtuse. As best seen in Figure 7b, the top wall element 132 is pivotally connected to the front wall element 134 using a further pair of hinges 138. The hinges 138 are disposed on an inner surface of the top wall element 132 and front wall element 134. The inner angle between the top wall element 132 and front wall element 134 is acute, typically being substantially normal. The internal and external surfaces are defined with reference to the second foldable cage element 118 when erected to provide an enclosure. Typically two internal and two external hinges 138, 136 are provided, although it is envisaged that three or four hinges of each type may be used. A combination of internal 138 and external hinges 136 is advantageous as it renders the transport container or enclosure structurally rigid. It is not important if the hinges 136 are mounted internally or externally between the second back wall element 130 and the top wall element 132 as long as the hinges 138 mounted between the top wall element 132 and the front wall element 134 are mounted externally or internally respectively.

As the quad-bike or other vehicle passes over rough terrain, collapse of the internal hinge 138 is prevented by the support of the external hinge 136 and vice versa. For the safety of any animals being transported within, complete collapse of the enclosure is prevented.

The second foldable cage element 118 is preferably detachably mounted to the first foldable cage element 114. The second foldable cage element 118 is foldable independently of the first foldable cage element 114, as shown in Figure 8, and folds compactly into a flat or substantially flat storage condition when not required, for example during transportation between a farm and a showground. By way of example only, in a folded condition the second foldable cage element is 885mm long by 73mm wide. The folded second cage element may then be strapped to the first foldable cage element 114 or other structure for transportation or storage.

Each connector 122 is a split pin that is inserted into a hole on the first and second foldable cage elements 114, 118. However, other suitable connectors may be used.

Although preferably demountable, the second foldable cage element 118 may be permanently engaged, for example, by welding.

The two cage doors 120 are hingably mountable on the second foldable cage element 116 and make the enclosure suitable for carrying animals such as sheep, lambs or birds.

Each cage door 120 is substantially rectangular and is demountably attached to the second foldable cage element 118 by a pair of clockwise rising butt hinges 140. The benefit of clockwise rising butt hinges 140 is that when the cage doors 118 are in place on the second foldable cage element 118, each cage door 120 opens outwards. This makes it easier to handle animals such as sheep or lamps into and out of the cage apparatus 110, especially for weaker and/or more elderly farmers. Use of the rising butt hinges 140 also means that each cage door 120 can be removed from the second foldable cage element 118 to make the second foldable cage element 118 easier to fold.

The cage apparatus 110 may comprise at least one partitioning element, such as a screen or door, for partitioning the enclosure. This partition element is useful for retaining animals, particularly birds, in the enclosure when the cage doors 120 are being opened and closed. The partition element may be slidably moveable relative to the enclosure.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the cage apparatus 110 is mounted to a quad-bike 141 using the hitch mounting means 114. With little or no adaptation, the cage apparatus may be mounted on other agricultural vehicles. As best seen in Figure 5, the hitch mounting means comprises a coupler 142 and a rigid coupler link portion 144. The coupler 142 is a tubular and has a substantially square lateral cross-section. It is open ended and suitable for receiving a tow hitch. The coupler link portion 144 is also substantially square in lateral cross-section and connects to the coupler 142 with a square eyelet 146 at a first end. The coupler 142 is mounted within the square eyelet 146 and held in place with a pin. The relative position of the coupler 142 with respect to the coupler link portion 144 is adjustable. An alternative form of hitch mounting means 114 may be used, such as the one shown in and described with respect to Figure 4, without departing from the scope of the invention. The rigid coupler link portion 144 is rigidly connected to the first back wall element at the second end.

In use, the cage apparatus is mounted to the rear of a quad-bike using the coupler 142.

The cage apparatus 110 may be pre-assembled, i.e. the second foldable cage element 118 attached to the first foldable cage element 114, and the cage doors 120 mounted on the second foldable cage element 118, or the cage apparatus 110 may be assembled piece by piece on the quad-bike. With both cage doors 120 in place on the second foldable cage element 118, the enclosure is particularly suitable for transporting small animals such as sheep or lambs. When not required, the cage apparatus 110 is disassembled and the second foldable cage element 118 detached from the first foldable cage element 114 to be folded or otherwise stored. The first foldable cage element 114 is fully operable as a platform element independently of the second foldable cage element 118.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10, there is shown a post-holder apparatus is indicated generally at 210. The post-holder apparatus comprises an open ended channel element 212, a connector element 214 for connecting the apparatus to a rack 216, for example, a bale rack, on a quad-bike 218, and at least one length adjustable arm member 220 which is extendable and retractable relative to the channel element 212.

As best seen in Figure 10, the post-holder apparatus 210 is suitable for attachment to front or rear fixed racks 216 of a quad bike 218.

The channel element 212 is elongate and is preferably part-arcuate in lateral cross-section. Other forms of cross-section may be used, for example a substantially square or rectangular cross-section, as shown in Figure 11. The channel element 212 includes a plurality of shaped support struts 222, some of which curve to define the lateral extent of the channel element 212, and a continuous support surface 224 which extends on or between the support struts 222. The continuous surface 224 may be chequer plate as shown in Figures 10 and 11 or alternatively it can be a wire mesh. At least one side of the channel element 212 may be foldable inwards or outwards with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the channel element 212. When the support struts 222 are folded outwards, the support surface 224 provides a lip upon which a bucket may be supported. The channel element 212 is connectable to the connector element 214 on an external surface in or adjacent to a base region 226 of the channel element 212.

Two lateral support members in the form of pegs 228 extend laterally outwards away from a longitudinal edge 230 of the channel element 212. Each peg has a shaft and a distal head or stop and is useful for carrying items such as fence panels.

At least one extension element 232 (shown in phantom in its extended position on Figure 9) may be provided which is extendible upwards from a side of the channel element 212. Although shown as a support post, the extension element may alternatively be planar and be extendible upwardly along the entire length of the channel element wall.

The connector element 214 is a generally rectangular frame 234 with a single support strut 236 extending across the width of the rectangular frame 234 in a central region.

The connector element 214 is mounted to the quad bike 218 using attachment means. In the enlarged portion of Figure 9, the attachment means is a split pin arrangement 236a but alternative means of attachment can be used, as described later.

The length adjustable arm member 220 is telescopic and comprises an outer portion (not shown) fixed to an external side surface of the channel element 212 and an inner portion 238 that is slidably mounted within the outer portion. The length of the ann member 220 is adjustable. A lock arrangement may be provided to set the length of the arm member 220 with respect to the channel element 212. A reel 240 for carrying wire, rope or the like is mounted at the free or outboard end of the telescopic inner portion 238.

Although only one arm member 220 is shown, additional arm members may be provided. In such a case, it is preferable that two arm members be mounted to one side of the channel element 212 and a further two aim members 220 be mounted to the opposing side of the channel element 212.

A second embodiment of the post-holder apparatus is shown in Figure 11. Like parts are denoted by like references and therefore further detailed description of the similar parts has been omitted.

An upstanding post hook 242 is mounted at a first end 244 to the channel element 212 and is free at a second end 246. The upstanding post hook 242 is useful for carrying small or pig-tail fence posts 248, in this case having insulated ends for electrified wiring, with the fence posts 248 typically being carried between the resilient strut 242 and the channel element 212. Fence posts with a ring or loop 250 at one end can be carried with the loop 250 placed over the upstanding post hook 242 to help prevent accidental slippage from the quad bike 218.

As an alternative to the pegs 228 shown in Figure 10, Figures 11 and 12 shows a U shaped lateral bracket support member 252 extending from a longitudinal edge 228 of the channel element 212. The U-shaped lateral support member 252 is useful for supporting fence panels or sheep hurdles 254 during transportation. The fence panels 254 are secured to the channel element 212 using a bolt 256 which passes through an eyelet 258 in each fence panel 254, as best shown in Figure 13. The bolt 256, which extends laterally outwards from the channel element 212, and nut secures the fence panels 254 to the channel element 212 for safe and easy transportation over rough terrain.

Figure 14 shows an alternative means of connecting the channel element 212 to a fixed rack of a quad-bike. The connector element 214 includes a frame 232 (not shown in this Figure) as described previously, a hook 260 and a spring loaded latch or bolt 262, with the hook 260 and the latch 262 mounted on an underside of the frame 232. The hook 260 is received on a strut of the rack of the quad-bike, and the sprung latch or bolt 262 is released to extend under a further strut of the rack 216, thereby releasably securing the post-holder in place.

As shown in Figure 15, in order to connect the post-holder 210 of this embodiment to the fixed rack 216, the channel element 212 is first tilted towards the fixed rack 216 to engage the hook 260 underneath a strut on the fixed rack 216. The channel element 212 is then made level. The post-holder 210 is then slid so that the attachment means engages the strut 236 and the split pin arrangement 236a can be used to secure the post-holder 210 in place.

Optionally, as indicated in Figure 16, the spring loaded latch 262 of Figure 14 may be mounted to a rail 264 on the underside of the frame 216 for varying the position of the latch 262 relative to the frame 216. This arrangement is beneficial as it means that the post-holder 210 may be adapted to fit a variety of sizes of fixed racks on quad bikes or other agricultural vehicles such as a tractor.

The versatility of the post-holder is exemplified in Figures 17 and 18 which show the post-holder 210 mounted on the front fixed rack of a quad-bike 218 and the front fixed rack of a modified agricultural vehicle 266 respectively. The post-holder 210 may be used in combination with other externally mounted devices such as containers 268, baskets 270 and foldable platforms 272.

Although the post-holder has been described as being fixed relative to the connector element, the post-holder may alternatively be angularly adjustable relative to the connector element. A tiltable post-holder is advantageous for ease of loading and unloading heavy and/or bulky items from the post-holder.

The post holder may alternatively be connected via a connector element comprising two plates which sandwich a strut or struts of the rack of the quad-bike. An upper plate of the connector element extends from a lower edge of a lateral side of the channel element as a wing, and the lower plate is receivable beneath the respective strut. Screw-threaded fasteners, for example, can then be used to interengage the upper and lower plates, thereby trapping the strut therebetween. The post holder is thus firmly and releasably held in place.

Although the channel element is shown in the drawings as being generally upright with respect to the connector element, the channel element may be fixed at an angle relative to the connector element. For example, the angle of tilt may be between 30 and 40 degrees from the vertical.

Although the length adjustable aim member has been described as being telescopic, the arm member may be foldable between an extended position and a retracted position.

Although the cage apparatus is preferably mounted to the quad-bike using the hitch, any suitable mount on the quad-bike can be utilised. For example, the cage apparatus can be hung using suitable mounting means from a front or rear bale rack, or from the post holder. Both of these elements can therefore be considered as a suitable mount.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the inventions as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. Platform apparatus for a quad-bike, the platform apparatus comprising a lower attachment element for attachment to or adjacent to a suspension member of the quad-bike, an upper attachment element for attachment to an upper chassis portion of the quad-bike spaced from the suspension member, a back element which in use extends substantially across a width of the quad-bike and a platform element, at least one of the lower attachment element and the upper attachment element being slidably movable relative to the other, so that in use suspension movement of the quad-bike relative to the chassis is accommodated.
2. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a slider unit, said slider unit comprising first and second slider elements, wherein at least one of the first and second slider elements is slidably moveable relative to the other.
3. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the slider unit is disposed in or adjacent to the back element.
4. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the slider unit is disposed in or adjacent to an upper portion of the back element.
5. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the slider unit is disposed in or adjacent to a lower portion of the back element.
6. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the slider unit extends along a major portion of the back element.
7. Platform apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first slider element is a bracket and the second slider element is a hollow housing having an elongate aperture extending along a face of the housing, said bracket being slidably moveable in the aperture of the housing.
8. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a ring mounted to the bracket and extending radially therefrom for connection to the upper attachment element.
9. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8, further comprising a slider receiver mounted to the bracket and extending longitudinally therefrom for receiving the lower attachment element.
10. Platform apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first and second slider elements are inner and outer telescopic elements, said telescopic elements being telescopically slidable relative to each other.
11. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the inner and outer telescopic elements are elongate.
12. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the inner and outer telescopic elements are arranged longitudinally vertically along the back element.
13. Platform apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the inner and outer telescopic elements are spaced apart from the back element.
14. Platform apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform element is foldable between a storage condition, which is parallel or substantially parallel with the back element, and an in use condition, which is normal or substantially normal to the back element.
15. Platform apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower attachment element is a coupler for mounting to a tow hitch on the quad-bike.
16. Platform apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the back element is a framework having a substantially rectangular frame extending around the periphery of the back element and at least one support strut for supporting the slider unit, said at least one support strut being connected to the frame and extending at least partially across the aperture bounded by the frame.
17. Platform apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lock-out device for preventing or substantially preventing relative movement between the first and second slider elements.
18. Platform apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 or 3 of the accompanying drawings.
19. Cage apparatus mountable to a quad-bike, the cage apparatus comprising a foldable cage element, and a mounting element for directly or indirectly attaching the foldable cage element to a mount of the quad-bike.
20. Cage apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the foldable cage element comprises a first foldable cage element, a second foldable cage element which is foldable independently of the first foldable cage element, two cage doors, and a plurality of connectors for interconnecting the unfolded first and second foldable cage elements to form an enclosure with said cage doors.
21. Cage apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the first foldable cage element includes a first back wall element and a platform element which is foldable to and away from the first back wall element.
22. Cage apparatus as claimed in claim 20 or 2 i, wherein the first foldable cage element is releasably connectable to the second foldable cage element.
23. Cage apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the second foldable cage element includes a second back wall element, a top wall element which is pivotally connected to the second back wall element, and a front wall element which is pivotally connected to the top wall element.
24. Cage apparatus as claimed in claim 23, further comprising at least one hinge mounted on the second foldable cage element to pivotally connect the top wall element to the second back wall element.
25. Cage apparatus as claimed in claim 24, further comprising at least one further hinge mounted on the second foldable cage element to pivotally connect the top wall element to the front wall element.
26. Cage apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the cage doors are hingably mountable on the second foldable cage element.
27. Cage apparatus as claimed in claim 26, further comprising a pair of rising butt hinges for connecting each cage door to the second foldable cage element.
28. Cage apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein each cage door is adapted to open outwardly towards the user.
29. Cage apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 28, further comprising a lock for securing each cage door in a closed position with respect to the enclosure.
30. Cage apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.
31. Post-holder apparatus for a quad-bike, the post-holder apparatus comprising an open ended channel element, a connector element for connecting the apparatus to a quad-bike, and at least one length adjustable arm member which is extendible and retractable relative to the channel element.
32. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the length of the or each arm member is selectively adjustable.
33. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in claim 31 or 32, wherein the length of the or each arm member is settable.
34. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the arm member is telescopically extendible and retractable.
35. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein a plurality of ann members are provided.
36. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein four arm members are provided, at least two of said four arm members being disposed to one side of the channel element.
37. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 36, further comprising a reel for carrying a windable flexible elongate element, said reel being mountable on an outboard end of the arm member.
38. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 37, wherein a lateral extent of the channel element is at least in part arcuate.
39. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein a lateral extent of the channel element is at least in part substantially rectangular.
40. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 39, wherein at least one side of the channel element is foldable.
41. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 40, wherein the channel element includes at least in part a mesh surface.
42. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 40, wherein the channel element includes at least in part a continuous surface.
43. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in claim 42, wherein the continuous surface is chequer plate.
44. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 43, further comprising at least one extension element which is extendable upwards from the channel element.
45. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in claim 44, wherein said at least one extension element extends upwardly from a side of the channel element.
46. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in claim 45, wherein the or each extension element is substantially planar.
47. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in claim 45, wherein the or each extension element is a support post.
48. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 47, wherein said connector element is mountable to or adjacent to an exterior base portion of the channel element.
49. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in claim 48, wherein the connector element is a framework which includes a substantially rectangular frame.
50. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in claim 48 or 49, further comprising at least one hook adjacent to an edge of the connector element, and at least one spring loaded latch adjacent to an opposing edge of the connector element, said hook and latch in use engaging with the quad-bike to hold the post-holder apparatus in place.
51. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in claim 50, wherein the latch is movably mounted to the connector element for varying the position of the latch with respect to the connector element.
52. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to SI, further comprising at least one upstanding post hook for receiving a post with an eyelet, said post hook passing through the eyelet in use to retain the post on the quad-bike.
53. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in claim 52, wherein a pair of upstanding post hooks is provided, each upstanding post hook being disposed proximate an open end of the channel element.
54. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 53, further comprising at least one lateral support member which extends laterally from a side of the channel element.
55. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in claim 54, in which the or each lateral support member is substantially U-shaped.
56. Post-holder apparatus as claimed in claim 54, in which the or each lateral support member is a peg having a shaft and a distal head.
57. Post-holder apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 8, 9 or 12 of the accompanying drawings.