GB2558962A

GB2558962A - Vehicle transportation apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2558962A
Application number: GB1705097.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mangnall Lee
Original assignee: Indespension Ltd
Current assignee: Indespension Ltd
Priority date: 2016-12-16
Filing date: 2017-03-30
Publication date: 2018-07-25
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-30
Also published as: GB2589208C; GB201705097D0; GB2589208A; GB2589208B; GB201621488D0; GB202016308D0; GB2558962B

Abstract

A vehicle transportation apparatus 1 (e.g. trailer) for transporting a vehicle 2 (e.g. construction vehicle, such as a mini excavator digging machine). The apparatus 1 comprises a platform 3 for receiving the vehicle 2 and one or more equipment storage units for storing equipment, e.g. safety and traffic management equipment such as barriers, traffic cones 18, signs and posts. At least one of the storage units is an enclosure 6, 7 for stowing one or more barriers 10 and is arranged longitudinally with respect to the axis of the apparatus 1. The storage units and/or enclosures 6, 7 may be mounted on the platform 3 at a side of the vehicle 2. An access panel 11 for permitting and preventing unloading of the enclosure may be provided. At least one enclosure may comprise a first gate 15 for user access to a driver cab of the transported vehicle 2. Preferably, a lockable chain or a bar is provided for retaining the barriers 10 in the enclosure 6, 7. Since the equipment 10, 18 can arrive at the work site at the same time as a mini-excavator 2, work can begin immediately, reducing delays and costs.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Indespension Limited (Incorporated in the United Kingdom)

Paragon Business Park, Chorley New Road, Horwich, BOLTON, BL6 6HG, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

B60P 7/08 (2006.01) B60P3/06 (2006.01) E01F 9/70 (2016.01) (56) Documents Cited:

US 7178848 B1 AU 2015202594 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL B60P, E01F Other: EPODOC, WPI

B60P 3/00 (2006.01) B60P 7/135 (2006.01)

US 20110260488 A1 (72) Inventor(s):

Lee Mangnall (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Wilson Gunn

5th Floor, Blackfriars House, The Parsonage, MANCHESTER, M3 2JA, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Vehicle transportation apparatus

Abstract Title: Vehicle transportation apparatus comprising equipment storage units (57) A vehicle transportation apparatus 1 (e.g. trailer) for transporting a vehicle 2 (e.g. construction vehicle, such as a mini excavator digging machine). The apparatus 1 comprises a platform 3 for receiving the vehicle 2 and one or more equipment storage units for storing equipment, e.g. safety and traffic management equipment such as barriers, traffic cones 18, signs and posts. At least one of the storage units is an enclosure 6, 7 for stowing one or more barriers 10 and is arranged longitudinally with respect to the axis of the apparatus 1. The storage units and/or enclosures 6, 7 may be mounted on the platform 3 at a side of the vehicle 2. An access panel 11 for permitting and preventing unloading of the enclosure may be provided. At least one enclosure may comprise a first gate 15 for user access to a driver cab of the transported vehicle 2. Preferably, a lockable chain or a bar is provided for retaining the barriers 10 in the enclosure 6, 7. Since the equipment 10, 18 can arrive at the work site at the same time as a mini-excavator 2, work can begin immediately, reducing delays and costs.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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VEHICLE TRANSPORTATION APPARATUS

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to vehicle transportation apparatus such as trailers.

Background to the Invention

It is well known to transport construction vehicles (including excavator digging machines and other tracked vehicles) on a vehicle transportation apparatus such as a trailer in order to improve safety and decease transportation time.

Since such vehicles are often operated in hazardous environments, their use typically requires the provision of safety and traffic management equipment such as barriers, cones, signs and/or posts.

Workers are not allowed to start work until all of their necessary safety and traffic management equipment has been delivered and set up, which means that workers can be left waiting to start a job after arriving at the work site until the equipment has been delivered.

Equipment may therefore be attached to conventional vehicle transportation apparatus by using a plurality of lashing tensioning straps or other such attachment means. However, this method increases the time taken to load and unload the vehicle transportation apparatus, which consequently increases the time taken for the workers to perform the required work.

In addition, any equipment must be secured in an arrangement that does not cause the vehicle transportation apparatus to exceed a width of 2.5m in order to comply with legal requirements.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a solution to the above problem by providing an improved vehicle transportation apparatus.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle 5 transportation apparatus comprising: a platform for receiving a vehicle to be transported; wheels provided on one or more axles; and one or more equipment storage units for stowing equipment, wherein at least one of the equipment storage units is an enclosure for stowing one or more barriers and is arranged longitudinally with respect to the axis of the trailer.

In this way, the present invention provides a vehicle transportation apparatus with an integral storage solution for transporting and stowing equipment such as safety equipment and/or traffic management equipment, whilst still being able to comply with legal requirements regarding the width of the apparatus. This reduces the time taken for workers to unload and load equipment to and from the apparatus. Furthermore, since all of the required equipment is delivered to the work site at the same time as the vehicle, workers are able to start setting up the equipment immediately, which reduces delays due to workers having to wait for delivery of the equipment before starting the work.

In addition, when the vehicle transportation apparatus is loaded with a vehicle and loaded with equipment in an equipment storage unit, the loaded equipment assists in preventing easy access to the loaded vehicle, which improves security.

The vehicle transportation apparatus may comprise a plurality of equipment storage units. One or more of the equipment storage units may be mounted to the trailer. One or more of the equipment storage units may be mounted to the platform.

One or more of the enclosures may be mounted to the trailer. One or more of the enclosures may be mounted to the platform. The vehicle transportation apparatus may comprise a plurality of enclosures for stowing one or more barriers. The or each enclosure may be mounted in a position adjacent the vehicle to be transported when the vehicle is received on to the platform. The or each enclosure may be mounted in a position at a side of the vehicle to be transported when the vehicle is received on to the platform.

Each enclosure may comprise an access panel for permitting and preventing unloading of the enclosure. Each access panel may be moveable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position the access panel may permit a user to unload the enclosure. In the closed position the access panel may prevent a user from unloading the enclosure. The access panel may be pivotable between its open and closed positions. Thus, the access panel may be pivotably mounted to the enclosure. The access panel may be pivotably mounted to the enclosure by using one or more hinges.

Each enclosure may comprise one or more access panel locking members for locking the access panel in its closed position. Each access panel locking member may comprise any conventional locking mechanism.

Each enclosure may comprise a first gate for permitting and preventing user access to a driver cab of the vehicle when received onto the platform. Each first gate may 20 be moveable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position the first gate may permit user access to a driver cab of the vehicle when received onto the platform. In the closed position the first gate may prevent user access to a driver cab of the vehicle when received onto the platform. The first gate may comprise an arm. The first gate may be pivotable between its open and closed positions. Thus, the first gate may be pivotably mounted to the enclosure. The first gate may be slidable between its open and closed positions. Thus, the first gate may be slidably mounted to the enclosure.

Each enclosure may comprise a first gate locking member for locking the first 5 gate in its closed position. The first gate locking member may comprise any conventional locking mechanism such as a shoot bolt that engages with an aperture formed in the first gate.

Each enclosure may comprise a second gate for permitting and preventing access to an internal cavity of the enclosure. Each first gate may be moveable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position the second gate may permit user access to an internal cavity of the enclosure. In the closed position the second gate may prevent user access to an internal cavity of the enclosure. The second gate may be pivotable between its open and closed positions. Thus, the second gate may be pivotably mounted to the enclosure. The second gate may be pivotably mounted to the enclosure by using one or more hinges.

Each enclosure may comprise a second gate locking member for locking the second gate in its closed position. The second gate locking member may comprise any conventional locking mechanism such as a shoot bolt that engages with an aperture formed in the trailer.

The first and second gates may be arranged such that the opening of the first gate permits opening of the second gate.

The enclosure may have closed/closeable sides and closed/closeable ends.

Alternatively, the enclosure may be open at one end (or indeed at one side).

The enclosure may have a closed or closeable top.

The enclosure may be truncated relative to the length of the barriers to be stored within. This is particularly useful if the enclosure is open at one end, for access to the barrier(s) housed within. The enclosure may then be provided without an openable access panel, with barriers simply extracted through the open end (or side).

The enclosure may have an inner and an outer side, and the inner side may be further truncated than the outer side.

The enclosure may be formed of a framework, the framework forming a front end, an inner side and an outer side. The framework may comprise horizontal and vertical members.

The enclosure may comprise one or more barrier retaining means. The barrier retaining means may extend from one (longitudinally extending) side of the enclosure to the other so as to retain the barrier(s), for example by extending through an aperture in the barrier(s) and hold the barrier(s) against a closed end of the enclosure.

This is particularly useful where the enclosure is open, since access to the barriers will not be prevented by the provision of an access panel/gate.

The barrier retaining means may be a chain lockable to a part of the enclosure, or another part of the vehicle transportation apparatus, for example to horizontal or vertical members of a framework forming the enclosure.

Alternatively, the barrier retaining means may be a bar, which may similarly be lockable to part of the enclosure or the vehicle transportation apparatus, for example to horizontal or vertical members of a framework forming the enclosure.

The barrier retaining means may be provided with a locking member for locking the barrier retaining means in its retaining position. The locking member for the barrier retaining means may comprise any conventional locking mechanism such as a shoot bolt that engages with an aperture formed in the barrier retaining means, or suitably arranged apertures co-operating with a separable lock, such as a padlock. Alternatively an integral lock may be provided.

The vehicle transportation apparatus may be a trailer.

The vehicle may be a work vehicle or a construction vehicle. The vehicle may be an excavator. The vehicle may be a mini-excavator.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a trailer according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the trailer of Figure 1, in which an access panel has been pivoted to an open position to create an opening that allows equipment to be removed from the trailer;

Figure 3 is an isometric view of the trailer of Figure 2, in which the equipment has been removed from the trailer through the opening;

Figure 4 is an enlarged isometric view of the trailer of Figure 3, showing a first gate locking member securing a first gate in its closed position;

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13 is an isometric view of the trailer of Figure 3, in which the first gate locking member has been released and the first gate has been moved to its open position;

is an enlarged isometric view of the trailer of Figure 5, showing a second gate locking member securing a second gate in its closed position;

is an isometric partial view of the trailer of Figure 5, in which the second gate locking member has been released and the second gate has been moved to its open position;

is an isometric view of the trailer of Figure 7, showing a path that allows a driver to enter the construction vehicle;

is an isometric view of the trailer of Figure 7, in which a driver has driven the construction vehicle off of the trailer;

is an isometric view of the trailer of Figure 1, in which the first and second gates have been opened but the equipment is still stowed;

is a rear isometric view of a trailer according to a second embodiment of the invention, in which equipment is stowed in one enclosure and removed from a second enclosure;

is a rear isometric view of the trailer of figure 11 in which equipment is stowed in both enclosures; and is a front isometric partial view of the trailer of figures 11 and 12.

Referring to figures 1 to 10 of the drawings, a vehicle transportation apparatus for transporting a construction vehicle is shown in the form of a trailer 1, which includes many conventional features (such as ramps 9 and so forth) which will not be described in detail.

The trailer 1 is of the twin-axle variety, having a platform 3 which in use supports a construction vehicle, in this case a mini-excavator 2, and four wheels 4, arranged two on each side and attached to a chassis via suspension assemblies. The trailer 1 is provided with a pair of vehicle retaining means in the form of cowls. The cowls are provided on each side of the trailer 1 and arranged to receive the tracks 5 of the mini-excavator 2.

The trailer 1 comprises a plurality of equipment storage units connected and/or mounted to the trailer 1 and/or the platform 3 and arranged around, but not intruding into, the area of the platform 3 that supports the mini-excavator 2. Each equipment storage unit is arranged to stow one or more pieces of equipment such as traffic management equipment and safety equipment (including barriers, cones, signs and the like).

Specifically, the trailer 1 comprises first and second equipment storage units, each for stowing a plurality of traffic barriers 10. The first and second equipment storage units are each provided in the form of cuboidal enclosures 6, 7 arranged longitudinally with respect to the trailer 1 and mounted to the trailer 1 so that they are positioned at the sides of the mini-excavator 2 when the mini-excavator 2 is loaded on to the trailer 1.

The enclosures 6, 7 will now be described with respect to the first enclosure 6 only. The first enclosure 6 is formed from metal rectangular tubing arranged essentially in the form a cage to secure the barriers 10 in a stowed position.

The first enclosure 6 comprises a pivotably mounted access panel 11 provided in a side wall of the first enclosure 6. The access panel 11 is substantially the whole length of the first enclosure 6 and substantially half of its height. The access panel 11 comprises a mesh covering 12. The access panel 11 is pivotable between a first, closed, position that prevents the barriers 10 from being easily unloaded from being stowed in the first enclosure 6, and a second, open, position that provides an opening to permit the barriers 10 to be easily unloaded from the first enclosure 6 so that they can be put into use. The access panel 11 further comprises two access panel locking members for engaging with corresponding locking members formed on the first enclosure 6 in order to secure the access panel 11 in its closed position. Each access panel locking member comprises an aperture 13 that is engageable with a protuberance 14 formed on the first enclosure 6. A lock such as a padlock is then engageable with the protuberance 14 to lock the access panel 11 in its closed position.

The first enclosure 6 further comprises a first gate arranged to permit or prevent user access to the mini-excavator 2 loaded onto the trailer 1. In this embodiment, the first gate is provided in the form of an arm 15 pivotably mounted to the side wall of the first enclosure 6 opposing the side wall in which the access panel 11 is provided. The arm is pivotable from a first, open, position where it permits user access to the driver cab of the mini-excavator 2, and a second, closed position where it prevents (easy) user access to the driver cab of the mini-excavator 2. In other embodiments, many other first gate arrangements are possible to permit and prevent access to the driver cab. Such arrangements include but are not limited to an arm that is slidably mounted to and/or with respect to the first enclosure 6.

The first enclosure 6 further comprises a second gate 16 arranged to permit or prevent user access to the internal cavity of the first enclosure 6 (once the equipment has been removed from the first enclosure 6). In this embodiment, the second gate 16 is hingedly mounted to the first enclosure 6 and is pivotable from a first, open, position where it permits user access to the internal cavity of the first enclosure 6, and a second, closed position where it prevents (easy) access to the internal cavity of the first enclosure

6.

A first gate locking member is provided in order to lock the arm 15 in its closed 5 position. The first gate locking member comprises a shoot bolt 17 mounted towards the top of the second gate 16 and oriented substantially horizontally. The shoot bolt 17 is engageable with an aperture 19 formed in the arm 15 to lock the arm in its closed position. In other embodiments, other suitable locking mechanisms may be used as the first gate locking member.

A second gate locking member is also provided in order to lock the second gate in its closed position. The second gate locking member comprises a shoot bolt 20 mounted towards the bottom of the second gate 16 and oriented substantially vertically. The shoot bolt 20 is engageable with an aperture 21 formed in the trailer 1 to lock the second gate 16 in its closed position. In other embodiments, other suitable locking mechanisms may be used as the second gate locking member.

The second enclosure 7 is substantially identical to the first enclosure 6.

The trailer 1 also comprises third and fourth equipment storage units, each for stowing a plurality of traffic cones 18. The third and fourth equipment storage units are each provided in the form of vertically oriented protuberances (not shown) mounted to the trailer 1 in a substantially vertical orientation and so that they are positioned in front of the mini-excavator 2 when the mini-excavator 2 is loaded on to the trailer 1.

In use, the trailer 1 is hauled to a work site by a suitable vehicle with its equipment stowed in the equipment storage units and with the mini-excavator 2 loaded on to the platform 3. When the trailer arrives at the work site, the vehicle is disconnected and the unloading operation begins (see Figure 1).

A user unlocks and removes the padlocks from the protuberances 14 and moves the access panel 11 on the first enclosure 6 to its open position to form an opening in the first enclosure 6. This permits removal of the barriers 10 stowed within the first enclosure 6 (see Figure 2).

The user then unloads the barriers 10 from the first enclosure 6 and uses them as desired (see Figure 3).

The user then unlocks the shoot bolt 17 from the aperture 19 in the arm 15 and 10 pivots the arm 15 to its open position, opening the first gate and permitting access to the driver cab of the mini-excavator 2 from the internal cavity of the first enclosure 6 (see

Figures 4 and 5).

The user then unlocks the shoot bolt 20 from the aperture 21 in the trailer 1 and pivots the second gate to its open position, permitting access to the internal cavity of the first enclosure 6 from outside of the first enclosure 6. This, in combination with the prior opening of the first gate, permits user access to the driver cab of the mini-excavator 2 from outside of the first enclosure 6 (see Figures 6, 7 and 8).

A user then lowers the ramps 9 provided on the trailer 1. As the path from the outside to the driver cab of the mini-excavator 3 is now clear and open, and the ramps 9 are down, a user can now enter the driver cab of the mini-excavator 2 and unload it from the trailer 1 by driving down the ramps 9 (see Figure 9).

Optionally, if additional barriers 10 are required then these can be unloaded from the trailer 1 by opening the second enclosure 7 following the above steps.

Further, if cones 18 are required then these can be unloaded from the protuberances to which they are mounted. In addition, further safety equipment and/or traffic management equipment stored in the trailer 1 can now be safely unloaded from the trailer 1.

Since the equipment arrives at the work site at the same time as the workers and the mini-excavator 2, work can begin immediately, which reduces delays and thus costs.

The mini-excavator 2 and the equipment (included the barriers 10) can then be loaded back onto the trailer 1 by reversing the above steps, which would be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

Referring now to figures 11 and 12, a modified vehicle transportation apparatus for transporting a construction vehicle is shown, again in the form of a trailer 101, which includes many conventional features (such as ramps 109 and so forth) which will not be described in detail.

The trailer 101 is of the twin-axle variety, having a platform 103 which in use supports a construction vehicle, such as a mini-excavator, and four wheels 104, arranged two on each side and attached to a chassis via suspension assemblies. The trailer 101 is provided with a pair of vehicle retaining means in the form of cowls 100. The cowls 100 are provided on each side of the trailer 101 and arranged to receive the tracks of a miniexcavator.

The trailer 101 comprises a plurality of equipment storage units connected and/or mounted to the trailer 101 and/or the platform 103 and arranged around, but not intruding into, the area of the platform 103 that supports the mini-excavator. Each equipment storage unit is arranged to stow one or more pieces of equipment such as traffic management equipment and safety equipment (including barriers 110, cones 105, signs and the like).

Specifically, the trailer 101 comprises first and second equipment storage units, each for stowing a plurality of traffic barriers 110. The first and second equipment storage units are each provided in the form of cuboidal enclosures 106, 107 arranged longitudinally with respect to the trailer 101 and mounted to the trailer 101 so that they are positioned at the sides of the mini-excavator when the mini-excavator is loaded on to the trailer 101.

The enclosures 106, 107 will now be described with respect to the first enclosure 10 106 only. The first enclosure 106 is formed from metal rectangular tubing arranged in a framework essentially in the form a cage to secure the barriers 110 in a stowed position.

The framework of the first enclosure 106 extends along both longitudinal sides (left and right), to provide side walls and the front end to form an end wall. Each side wall comprises vertical members 111 of the framework at each end and one intermediate vertical member spaced along the walls between the end vertical members 111. The outer sidewall is longer than the inner sidewall, with the outer sidewall being slightly shorter than the length of the barriers 110 that it is intended to receive, and the inner sidewall being substantially shorter, approximately half the length of the barriers it is intended to receive.

Horizontal members 112 make up the framework, with the enclosure 106 comprising longitudinally extending horizontal members 112 at the top of the vertical members (at a height slightly higher than that of the barriers they are intended to receive), and part way up the height of the vertical members. Laterally extending horizontal members 112 are also provided, extending across the top of the framework and between the vertical members at the front end of the enclosure, both at the top and part way up.

This framework prevents the barriers 110 from being removed from the first enclosure 106 through the sides or the front end.

The short nature of the inner side wall is arranged to permit user access to the mini-excavator loaded onto the trailer 101 provided the barriers 110 have been removed.

The outer side wall can act as a handrail.

The first enclosure 106 further comprises a chain 116 as a barrier retaining means arranged to permit or prevent a user from removing the barriers stored within. The chain 10 is permanently attached (e.g. welded) to a horizontal member 112 part way up the inner sidewall in a position aligned with the front of an opening through the barriers 110 that it is intended to retain. The chain 116 is arranged to be locked to the outer sidewall by a locking means for example by passing it over/under the corresponding horizontal member 112 part way up the outer wall, then back into the enclosure, and locked in position, for example by passing a padlock (not shown) through chain rings to tie the chain to the outer horizontal member 112. The outer horizontal member 112 may be provided with one or more apertures (not shown) to which the chain can be padlocked.

The second enclosure 107 is substantially identical to the first enclosure 6, with the exception that as a barrier retaining means, it comprises a bar 117 which engages with 20 brackets 114 provided on the intermediate longitudinally exending horizontal members

112 of the inner and outer side walls in a position best suited to engaging with the front of apertures through the barriers 110, so as to hold them against the front end wall of the enclosure 107.

A barrier retaining means locking member is provided in order to lock the arm bar

117 in its closed position. The locking member comprises a shoot bolt (not shown) mounted on the outer longitudinally extending intermediate horizontal member 112 and oriented substantially horizontally. The shoot bolt is engageable with an aperture (not shown) formed in the bar 117 to lock the bar in its closed position. In other embodiments, other suitable locking mechanisms may be used as the locking member. In particular, the shoot bolt may be replaced with a padlock to engage with apertures in or associated with the horizontal member and apertures in or associated with the bar 117, or integral locking means, such as a lockable bolt may be provided on the horizontal member 112 to attach to a suitable formation (such as an aperture) in the bar 117.

Of course, in practice, it is likely that trailers will be built with just one type of barrier retaining means 116, 117, and that choice might be determined by a customer as an option provided by the manufacturer. Similarly, the manufacturer could offer a choice of locking mechanism and the option (if any) can be at the customer’s discretion, depending on the likely use of the vehicle transportation apparatus and the customer’s opinion of the likelihood of theft. Note that with the barriers 110 in place and locked, easy access to the doors of the excavator is also prevented, so this additional protection for the excavator, not just the barriers, may be borne in mind by the customer in specifying the trailer 101

The trailer 101 also comprises third, fourth, fifth and sixth equipment storage units, each for stowing a plurality of traffic cones 105. The third and fourth equipment storage units are each provided in the form of vertically oriented protuberances 118 mounted to the trailer in a substantially vertical orientation and so that they are positioned in front of the mini-excavator when the mini-excavator is loaded on to the trailer 101.

In use, the trailer 101 is hauled to a work site by a suitable vehicle with its equipment stowed in the equipment storage units and with the mini-excavator loaded on to the platform 103. When the trailer arrives at the work site, the hauling vehicle is disconnected and the unloading operation begins.

A user unlocks any locking mechanisms such as padlocks from the barrier retaining means 116, 117 of one or both enclosures and moves/removes the barrier retaining mechanisms 116, 117 so that they no longer hold the barriers against the front end of the enclosures 106, 107. This permits removal of the barriers 110 stowed within the respective enclosure 106, 107 (see Figure 11, with the barriers removed from the right hand enclosure 107 and its bar 117 replaced).

This removal is made simple by the truncated nature of the outer side walls, that allow easy access to the rear of the barriers 110 so that they can be pulled out.

To gain access to the mini excavator the user then simply walks along the floor of the enclosure, in the region where the inner sidewall is substantially truncated, and in view of that truncation can walk straight on to the excavator.

This is much more straightforward than the technique required in the trailer 1 of the first embodiment, and of course, convenience and security can be balanced by the manufacturer, or customer if both types of trailer 1, 101 are offered.

If cones 105 are required then these can be unloaded from the protuberances 118 20 to which they are mounted.

Since the removal process and process of entering the mini-excavator is easier than in the first embodiment, and as in the first embodiment equipment arrives at the work site at the same time as the workers and the mini-excavator, work can begin immediately, and delay and thus costs are even further reduced.

The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

11 17

Claims

1. A vehicle transportation apparatus comprising: a platform for receiving a vehicle to be transported; wheels provided on one or more axles; and one or more equipment storage units for stowing equipment, wherein at least one of the equipment 5 storage units is an enclosure for stowing one or more barriers and is arranged longitudinally with respect to the axis of the vehicle transportation apparatus.

2. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of equipment storage units.

3. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein one 10 or more of the equipment storage units is mounted to the platform.

4. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein one or more of the enclosures is mounted to the platform.

5. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a plurality of enclosures for stowing one or more barriers.

15

6. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the or each enclosure is mounted in a position adjacent the vehicle to be transported when the vehicle is received on to the platform.

7. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the or each enclosure is mounted in a position at a side of the vehicle to be transported when the 20 vehicle is received on to the platform.

20 11 17

8. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the or each enclosure comprises an access panel for permitting and preventing unloading of the enclosure.

9. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 8 wherein each 5 access panel is moveable between an open position and a closed position.

10. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the access panel is pivotable between its open and closed positions.

11. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the access panel is pivotably mounted to the enclosure by using one or more hinges.

10

12. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 11 wherein each enclosure comprises one or more access panel locking members for locking the access panel in its closed position.

13. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the or each enclosure comprises a first gate for permitting and preventing

15 user access to a driver cab of the vehicle when received onto the platform.

14. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 13 wherein each first gate is moveable between an open position and a closed position.

15. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the first gate comprises an arm.

20

16. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 15 wherein the first gate is pivotable or slideable between its open and closed positions.

20 11 17

17. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 16 wherein each enclosure comprises a first gate locking member for locking the first gate in its closed position.

18. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the first 5 gate locking member comprises a shoot bolt that engages with an aperture formed in the first gate.

19. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 18 wherein each enclosure comprises a second gate for permitting and preventing access to an internal cavity of the enclosure.

10 20. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the second gate is pivotable between open and closed positions.

21. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 19 or 20 wherein each enclosure comprises a second gate locking member for locking the second gate in its closed position.

15 22. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the second gate locking member comprises a shoot bolt that engages with an aperture formed in the vehicle transportation apparatus.

23. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any of claims 19 to 21 wherein the first and second gates are arranged such that the opening of the first gate

20 permits opening of the second gate.

24. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claims wherein the or each enclosure has closed/closeable sides and closed/closeable ends.

20 11 17

25. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 23 wherein the or each enclosure is open at one end or at one side.

26. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the enclosure may have a closed or closeable top.

5

27. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the enclosure is truncated relative to the length of the barriers to be stored within.

28. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the enclosure has an inner and an outer side, and the inner side being further

10 truncated than the outer side.

29. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the or each enclosure is formed of a framework, the framework forming a front end, an inner side and an outer side.

30. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the 15 framework comprises horizontal and vertical members.

31. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the enclosure comprises one or more barrier retaining means.

32. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 31 wherein the barrier retaining means extends from one longitudinally extending side of the enclosure

20 to the other so as to retain the one or more barriers within.

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33. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 32 wherein the barrier retaining means is arranged to extend through an aperture in the one or more barriers and hold the one or more barriers against a closed end of the enclosure.

34. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 33 wherein the 5 barrier retaining means comprises a chain lockable to a part of the enclosure, or another part of the vehicle transportation apparatus.

35. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 33 wherein the barrier retaining means comprises a bar, which is lockable to part of the enclosure or the vehicle transportation apparatus.

10

36. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 35 wherein the barrier retaining means is provided with a locking member for locking the barrier retaining means in its retaining position.

37. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 36 wherein the locking member for the barrier retaining means comprises a shoot bolt that engages with

15 an aperture formed in the barrier retaining means, or wherein the locking member comprises suitably arranged apertures co-operating with a separable lock, such as a padlock.

38. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 36 wherein an integral lock is provided.

20

39. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim which is a trailer.

40. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the vehicle is a work vehicle or a construction vehicle.

41. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 40 wherein the vehicle may be an excavator.

5 42. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 41 wherein the vehicle is a mini-excavator.

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Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB 1705097.2 Examiner: Mr Ilya Gribanov