GB2563378A

GB2563378A - Suspension device

Info

Publication number: GB2563378A
Application number: GB1707774.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Grahame Andrew; Brown Lewis
Original assignee: LEISURE BRANDS Ltd
Current assignee: LEISURE BRANDS Ltd
Priority date: 2017-05-15
Filing date: 2017-05-15
Publication date: 2018-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 2037-05-15
Also published as: GB2563378B; WO2018211248A1; GB201707774D0; EP3625083A1

Abstract

A suspension device 100 which is able to be coupled to a vehicle for suspending a load on that vehicle is provided. The suspension device 100 comprises an arm 40 which is arranged to receive the suspended load and which is rotatable about a first axis via a spherical bearing 20. A first end 44 of the arm is linearly translatable in a direction transverse to the first axis. The arm 40 is arrangeable in a first configuration, in which the arm 40 is in a rest position, and a second configuration in which the arm 40 is rotated relative to the rest position and the first end 44 is translated relative to the rest position. The suspension device 100 also comprises resilient biasing members, which may take the form of air cylinders 15A, 15B, arranged to urge the arm 40 towards the first configuration.

Description

Suspension Device

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to suspension devices, particularly suspension devices for suspending load on vehicles, more particularly for suspending food on vehicles for transport and delivery.

Background to the Invention

Food from a vendor, for example a takeaway food establishment, is frequently conveyed to customers by motorised vehicles, such as delivery scooter or a car. There is often pressure to deliver the food quickly, especially in the case of hot food which may cool undesirably during transport. However, the need for expedient delivery may have consequences for the quality of the product received by the customer.

In cases where the food is transported within a container such as a cardboard box, the forces applied to the food during transit - as a result of, for example, heavy braking or acceleration, or lateral forces caused by cornering - may lead to the food impacting the sides of the box or otherwise shifting. The result of such shifting can result in food that is visually unappealing, and may result in lower quality.

As well as traditional takeaway fare, there is increasingly a demand for high-quality fine dining food to be delivered to customers. The presentation of the dish is paramount to the quality perceived by the customer, and so it is essential that the plate reaches the customer without noticeable shifting of the contents. Equally, the fact that the food may be delivered on plates, rather than in a cardboard box or similar, may increase the above-mentioned difficulties associated with transport.

Example embodiments of the present invention aim to address at least one of the issues identified above, or related issues.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a suspension device for a suspended load on a vehicle, the suspension device being coupleable to the vehicle and the suspension device comprising:

an arm arranged to receive the suspended load;

wherein the arm is rotatable about a first axis;

wherein a first end of the arm is linearly translatable in a direction transverse to the first axis; and wherein the arm is arrangeable in:

a first configuration wherein the arm is in a rest position; and a second configuration wherein the arm is rotated relative to the rest position and the first end of the arm is translated relative to the rest position; and wherein the suspension device comprises a resilient biasing member arranged to urge the arm towards the first configuration.

In this way, the suspended load may be better isolated from movements of the vehicle. Particularly, the first end of the arm tends to behave as a pendulum about the first axis. The first end of the arm is preferably a lower end, or a downwardly-facing end, or a bottom end, of the arm.

For example, when subject to relatively higher applied forces such as during straightline acceleration (e.g. throttling) or deceleration (e.g. braking) of the vehicle, these applied forces may tend to dominate and hence the arm and hence the suspended load may tend to rotate about the first axis (i.e. a first degree of rotational freedom e.g. pitching), due to inertia of the arm and/or the suspended load.

For example, when subject to an upwards pitching external or unbalanced force (e.g. when accelerating or when ascending an incline), the suspension device tends to arrange in the second configuration in which the arm is rotated aftwards about the first axis, thus better maintaining an equilibrium position of the suspended load. For example, when subject to a downwards pitching force (e.g. when braking or when descending the incline), the suspension device tends to arrange in a second configuration in which the arm is rotated forwards about the first axis, thus better maintaining the equilibrium position of the suspended load.

Preferably the first end of the arm is translatable in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the arm, By translatable, it is meant that the first end of the arm is linearly moveable along a predetermined axis. Thus, the second configuration may be a configuration in which the arm is rotated relative to the rest position and the first end of the arm is translated relative to the rest position in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the arm.

Preferably, the arm is additionally rotatable about a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are mutually transverse, and wherein the arm is linearly translatable from the rest position in a direction transverse to the first axis and the second axis. Thus, in the second configuration, the arm may be relatively rotated about the first axis and/or the second axis. Particularly, the arm tends to behave as a pendulum about the first axis and the second axis.

For reference purposes, the first axis may be defined as x, the second axis may be defined as y and a third axis, parallel to the direction of extension of the arm, may be defined as z.

When subject to relatively higher applied forces such as during centripetal acceleration (e.g. cornering) or deceleration (e.g. straightening) of the vehicle, these applied forces may tend to dominate and hence the arm and hence the suspended load may tend to rotate about the second axis (i.e. a second degree of translational freedom e.g. rolling), due to unbalanced centripetal forces on the arm and/or the suspended load.

For example, when subject to a rolling force (e.g. turning towards port, leaning towards starboard), the suspension device tends to arrange in the second configuration in which the arm is rotated towards starboard about the second axis, thus better maintaining the equilibrium position of the suspended load. For example, when subject to a rolling force (e.g. turning towards starboard, leaning towards port), the suspension device tends to arrange in a second configuration in which the arm of the suspension device 1000 is rotated towards port about the second axis, thus better maintaining the equilibrium position of the suspended load.

For example, when subject to compound (i.e. two or more of rolling, pitching and yawing), external or unbalanced forces, such as when ascending a curved incline or descending a curved decline, the suspension device tends to arrange in the second configuration in which the first end of the arm is linearly translated (moved) away from the rest position, and the arm is rotated about the first axis and/orthe second axis, thus better maintaining the equilibrium position of the suspended load.

In this way, forces on the arm and hence the suspended load tend to be relatively more aligned with the acceleration or deceleration directions. For example, if the suspended load comprises food on a plate, forces during acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle on the food tend to urge the food into the plate’s surface, rather than urge the food laterally off the plate, as would tend to occur in an absence of rotation. Hence, an arrangement of the food on the plate tends to be maintained.

If rotation is permitted about only the first axis, then the arm will adopt the second configuration during either straightline or centripetal acceleration or deceleration, depending on the orientation of the first axis. If the present device is mounted on a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a motorbike, moped or bicycle, for example, the natural tilting of the vehicle around bends may compensate for centripetal acceleration so that the arrangement of food on the plate is naturally maintained, even though the arm is not rotatable about the second axis.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the arm is rotatable about a first axis and a second axis, the device may be arranged to compensate for both straightline and centripetal acceleration and deceleration. This may be particularly advantageous if the device is to be used in a four wheeled vehicle, such as a car, in order to maintain the arrangement of the load during cornering. As cars tend to cornerwithout tilting, centripetal acceleration may naturally urge the load towards the outside of the corner. In the present device, however, the arm may rotate about one or both of the first and second axes such that the arrangement of food is maintained in both of the straightline and centripetal acceleration or deceleration.

Additionally and/or alternatively, gravitational forces on the arm and/or the suspended load may tend to dominate such during as tilting (i.e. pitching and/or rolling) when ascending or descending an incline or during parking. Hence, the gravitational forces may tend to rotate the arm and hence the load, thereby tending to maintain the first configuration (e.g. a normal configuration and/or an at rest configuration) of the arm and hence the load. For example, if the arm is at rest oriented vertically (i.e. the normal configuration), during pitching and/or rolling the arm tends to remain oriented vertically since the arm tends to behave as a pendulum about the first axis and about the second axis. In this way, if the plate is at rest oriented horizontally, during pitching and/or rolling the plate tends to remain oriented horizontally, thereby maintaining the appearance of the food.

The first end of the arm is moveable from the rest position by translation, i.e. the arm is translatable in a direction transverse to the first axis and optionally in a direction transverse to the second axis. The first end of the arm may be translatable relative to the point at which the first axis passes through the arm. The first end of the arm is translatable along an axis which is transverse, or orthogonal, to the first axis.

The first end of the arm may be translatable from the rest position by extending the arm in a direction transverse to the first axis, and optionally transverse to the second axis. That is, the arm may be extensible (i.e. extensible and compressible) in a direction transverse to the first axis, and optionally the second axis. In this way, the arm may be variably-lengthed according to, for example, a weight and/or a relative movement of the suspended load.

Hence, if the suspension device is subject to external or unbalanced vertical forces such as an upwards vertical external or unbalanced force, the suspension device tends to arrange in the second configuration in which the first end of the arm is translated in a downwards direction relative to the rest position, thus better maintaining the equilibrium position of the suspended load. Alternatively, if the suspension device is subject to external or unbalanced vertical forces such as a downwards vertical external or unbalanced force, the suspension device tends to arrange in the second configuration in which the first end of the arm is translated in an upwards direction relative to the rest position, thus better maintaining the equilibrium position of the suspended load.

In addition, since the first end of the arm is translatable in the direction transverse to the first axis (i.e. a first degree of translational freedom e.g. heaving), and optionally in the direction transverse to the second axis, acceleration or deceleration of the arm and hence the suspended load is reduced relatively compared with acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. In this way, the forces during acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle on the food, for example, are reduced compared with an absence of translation transverse to the first axis. Hence, an arrangement of the food on the plate tends to be better maintained.

In addition, since the first end of the arm is translatable in the direction transverse to the first axis, and optionally the second axis, translation of the arm may better isolate the suspended load from, for example, vibrations or perturbations due to or on the vehicle e.g. engine-induced vibration of the vehicle, features such as holes or bumps in a road, etc.

Furthermore, since the resilient biasing member is arranged to urge the arm towards the first or normal configuration, rotation and/or translation of the arm and hence of the suspended load tends to be countered. Additionally, an equilibrium arrangement of the arm and hence the suspended load tends to be restored and/or maintained during, for example, movement of the vehicle.

In this way, the arrangement of the food on the plate, for example, may be better maintained during transportation of the food on the plate as the suspended load on the suspension device on the vehicle.

The first end of the arm is rotatable relative to the rest position. That is, the first end of the arm is moveable from the rest position by rotation, i.e. the first end of the arm is rotatable about the first axis and is optionally rotatable about the second axis. The first end of the arm may be rotatable about the first axis in a first plane, the first plane being orthogonal with respect to the first axis. The first end of the arm may be rotatable about the second axis in a second plane, the second plane being orthogonal with respect to the second axis.

In an example embodiment, the first axis and the second axis are coplanar. In an example embodiment, the first axis and the second axis are mutually orthogonal.

In an example embodiment, the first end of the arm is translatable, or preferably extensible, in a direction orthogonal to the first axis and the second axis.

In an example embodiment, the arm is rotatable about a third axis, wherein the third axis is transverse to the first axis and the second axis. In an example embodiment, the third axis is orthogonal to the first axis and the second axis. In an example embodiment, the first axis, the second axis and the third axis are mutually orthogonal. In an example embodiment, the first axis and the third axis are coplanar. In an example embodiment, the second axis and the third axis are coplanar. In an example embodiment, the first axis, the second axis and the third axis intersect at a point.

In this way, during centripetal acceleration (e.g. cornering) or deceleration (e.g. straightening) of the vehicle, the suspended load may tend to rotate about the third axis (i.e. a third degree of translational freedom e.g. yawing), due to inertia of the suspended load.

In an example embodiment, the first end of the arm is translatable from the rest position longitudinally with the third axis. In an example embodiment, the first end of the arm is translatable along the third axis. The arm may be extensible along the third axis.

In an example embodiment, the suspension device comprises a pair of hinges coupled to the arm, whereby the arm is rotatable about the axes of the pair of hinges. The pair of hinges may define the first and second axes, so that the arm is rotatable about the first axis and the second axis of the pair of hinges. In an example embodiment, the suspension device comprises a universal joint coupled to the arm, whereby the arm is rotatable about the first axis and the second axis of the universal joint.

In this way, the pair of hinges and the universal joint may provide the first axis and the second axis.

In an example embodiment, the suspension device comprises a spherical bearing (or a ball joint) arranged to receive the arm, whereby the arm is rotatable about the first axis and the second axis of the spherical bearing. Further, the arm may be rotatable about the third axis of the spherical bearing.

In this way, the spherical bearing may provide the first axis and the second axis. Further, the spherical bearing may provide the third axis.

In an example embodiment, the spherical bearing comprises a lower sphere mount and an upper sphere mount which partially enclose and retain a spherical pivot. In this way, the spherical pivot may rotate about the first axis, the second axis and the third axis, the axes being mutually orthogonal and intersecting at a point.

In an example embodiment, the spherical bearing is mechanically compensated for thermal expansion and/or water absorption.

In an example embodiment, the suspension device comprises an elastic member e.g. an elastomeric material, a mechanical spring such as an air spring or a coil spring, arranged to provide the resilient biasing member.

In an example embodiment, the suspension device comprises a plurality of resilient biasing members, arranged to urge the arm towards the first configuration by respectively urging against relative rotation of the arm about the first axis, and optionally the second axis, and urging against translation of the first end of the arm relative to the rest position. For example, the suspension device may comprise a first resilient biasing member arranged to urge against rotation of the arm about the first axis, a second resilient biasing member arranged to urge against rotation of the arm about the second axis and/or a third resilient biasing member arranged to urge against translation of the first end of the arm. In an example embodiment, the suspension device may comprise a plurality of such first, second and/or third resilient biasing members. In an example embodiment, the plurality of resilient biasing members are equispaced about the suspension device. In an example embodiment, the plurality of resilient biasing members are equispaced in a same plane about the suspension device. In an example embodiment, the plurality of resilient biasing members tend to urge the arm towards the first configuration by urging against rotation of the arm about the first axis and the second axis.

In an example embodiment, the spherical bearing is arranged to slideably receive a part of the arm, whereby the part of the arm is slideable in a direction transverse to the first axis and optionally the second axis.

In this way, for example, the part of the arm may be slideably received in a bore of the spherical bearing and the part of the arm may slide within the bore while the arm may rotate about the first axis and second axis of the spherical bearing. Further, the part of the arm may rotate about the third axis of the spherical bearing.

In an example embodiment, the arm comprises a resilient arm, whereby the arm is extensible and compressible. In an example embodiment, the arm comprises a resilient arm member, whereby the arm is extensible and compressible according to a resilience of the resilient arm member.

In an example embodiment, the arm comprises a telescopic arm, whereby the arm is extensible and compressible. In an example embodiment, the arm comprises a telescopic arm comprising a resilient arm member, whereby the arm is extensible and compressible.

In an example embodiment, the arm comprises a resilient biasing arm member, whereby the arm is extensible and compressible according to a resilience of the resilient biasing arm member and wherein the resilient biasing arm member provides the resilient biasing member.

In this way, the arm may be extended and compressed while an extension of the arm may be urged towards the first or normal configuration i.e. a normal or at rest extension.

In an example embodiment, the arm comprises an air (or pneumatic, or gas) cylinder whereby the first end of the arm is translatable relative to the rest position according to the air cylinder. The first end of the arm may be extensible and/or compressible according to the air cylinder. In an example embodiment, the air cylinder is adjustable. In an example embodiment, the air cylinder comprises a metering valve, arranged to provide adjustment (e.g. extensibility and/or compressibility) of the air cylinder. In this way, the air cylinder may be adjusted according to the suspended load.

In an example embodiment, the arm comprises a plurality of such air cylinders. The air cylinder may comprise a single rod air cylinder, a single rod double acting air cylinder, a spring return air cylinder or a single rod double acting spring return air cylinder, for example. A spring return air cylinder may provide the resilient biasing member.

In an example embodiment, the resilient biasing member is arranged to be damped. In this way, a number and/or amplitude of oscillations of the arm may be reduced. In an example embodiment, the resilient biasing member is arranged to be critically damped. In this way, a number and/or amplitude of oscillations of the arm may be minimized.

In an example embodiment, the suspension device comprises a damping member, arranged to damp the resilient biasing member. In an example embodiment, the suspension device comprises an adjustable damping member. In an example embodiment, the suspension device comprises a damping member, arranged to critically damp the resilient biasing member. In an example embodiment, the suspension device comprises a plurality of such damping members. In an example embodiment, the plurality of such damping members are equispaced about the suspension device. In an example embodiment, the plurality of such damping members are equispaced in a same plane about the suspension device. In an example embodiment, the plurality of such damping members provide damping that tends to damp rotation of the arm about the first axis, and optionally the second axis. The damping member may comprise a damper, a mechanical damper, a hydraulic damper or a pneumatic damper, for example.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a suspended housing for a load on a vehicle, the suspended housing comprising:

a housing arranged to receive the load and a suspension device coupled to the housing and coupleable to the vehicle, the suspension device comprising:

an arm arranged to suspend the housing;

wherein the arm is rotatable about a first axis;

Preferably the arm is additionally rotatable about a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are mutually transverse, and in which the first end of the arm is linearly translatable from the rest position in a direction transverse to the first axis and the second axis.

In an example embodiment, the housing is rigidly coupled to the suspension device. In an example embodiment, the housing comprises a cage assembly.

In an example embodiment, the housing comprises a shelf arranged to receive the load. In an example embodiment, the shelf is arranged to receive the load such that the load is substantially horizontal in the first configuration. In an example embodiment, the housing comprises a plurality of such shelves.

In an example embodiment, the housing comprises an enclosure, arranged to enclose the housing. In an example embodiment, the housing comprises an insulated enclosure, arranged to enclose the housing. In this way, an environment (e.g. a temperature) of the housing may be maintained. In an example embodiment, the enclosure may comprise a door, whereby the load may be inserted into or removed from the housing.

In an example embodiment, the housing comprises a means of controlling a temperature of the housing. In this way, the load may be heated or cooled e.g. food on a plate may be kept warm or cold.

In an example embodiment, the housing comprises a means of heating. In this way, the load may be heated e.g. food on a plate may be kept warm. In an example embodiment, the means of heating comprises an electrical heater, such as a heating plate or resistive heater elements. In this way, food on a plate may be placed on the heating plate. In an example embodiment, the housing comprises a plurality of such heaters. In an example embodiment, the housing comprises a thermal sensor and means of controlling the heating according to the thermal sensor. In this way, a temperature of the housing may be better maintained.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a suspension assembly for a suspended load on a vehicle, the suspension assembly comprising:

a frame mountable on the vehicle, a housing arranged to receive the load and a suspension device coupled to the frame and the housing, the suspension device comprising:

an arm arranged to suspend the housing;

wherein the arm is rotatable about a first axis;

In an example embodiment, the suspension assembly comprises a plurality of frame mounts, arranged to couple the suspension device to the frame. In an example embodiment, the plurality of frame mounts are equispaced about the suspension device.

In an example embodiment, the frame may comprise a frame enclosure, arranged to enclose the housing and arranged to permit movement (i.e. rotation and/or translation) of the housing within frame enclosure. In this way, the housing may be protected from an external environment, for example, weather, theft, etc.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a suspension assembly for a suspended load, the suspension assembly comprising:

a frame mounted on the vehicle, a housing arranged to receive the load and a suspension device coupled to the frame and the housing, the suspension device comprising:

an arm arranged to suspend the housing;

wherein the arm is rotatable about a first axis;

a first configuration wherein the arm is in a rest position; and a second configuration wherein the arm is rotated relative to the rest position and translated relative to the rest position; and wherein the suspension device comprises a resilient biasing member arranged to urge the arm towards the first configuration.

Preferably, the arm is additionally rotatable about a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are mutually transverse, and in which the arm is linearly translatable from the rest position in a direction transverse to the first axis and the second axis.

In an example embodiment, the vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle such as a moped, scooter, motorbike or bicycle. In an example embodiment, the vehicle is a three-wheeled vehicle such as a three-wheeled moped, three-wheeled scooter, three-wheeled motorbike or tricycle.

In an example embodiment of any of the above-mentioned aspects, the vehicle is a food delivery vehicle.

In an example embodiment of any of the above-mentioned aspects, the load is food.

In an example embodiment of any of the above-mentioned aspects, the suspension device is for transporting food on a vehicle, wherein the suspended load is the food. In an example embodiment of any of the above-mentioned aspects, the suspension device is a component of a food transport device, wherein the food transport device comprises the suspension device, and wherein the suspension device is for a suspended load of food on a vehicle.

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows. Features described in relation to the first aspect of the invention may equally be applied to the second, third and fourth aspects of the invention.

Brief Introduction to the Drawings

Fora better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a suspension device according to an example embodiment;

Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the suspension device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a detailed rear cross sectional view of the suspension device of Figure 1, arranged in a suspension assembly according to an example embodiment;

Figure 4 shows a rear cross sectional view of the suspension assembly of Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a side cross sectional view of the suspension assembly of Figure 3;

Figure 6 shows a rear elevation view of the suspension assembly of Figure 3;

Figure 7 shows a side elevation view of the suspension assembly of Figure 3;

Figure 8 shows a plan view of the suspension assembly of Figure 3;

Figure 9 shows a rear perspective view of another suspension assembly according to an example embodiment, in use;

Figure 10A & 10B show rear perspective views of the suspension assembly of Figure 9, in use;

Figure 11A & 11B show rear perspective views of the suspension assembly of Figure 9, in use;

Figure 12A & 12B show rear perspective views of the suspension assembly of Figure 9, in use; and

Figure 13A & 13B show rear perspective views of the suspension assembly of Figure 9, in use;

Description of Example Embodiments

Figures 1 - 3 show a suspension device 100 according to an example embodiment, arranged to better isolate a suspended load from movements of a vehicle. The suspension device 100 comprises an arm 40, including a suspension shaft 4 and two air cylinders 15A & 15B, slideably coupled to a spherical bearing 20. In this way, the suspension device 100 behaves as a pendulum, pivoted about a centre of the spherical bearing, in which the first end 44 of the arm 40 is slideably translatable relative to the spherical bearing according to a weight and/or a relative movement of the suspended load.

In the rest position shown in Figure 1, a portion including the first end 44 of the arm 40 protrudes below the spherical bearing 20. By translating (linearly moving) the first end of the arm relative to the spherical bearing 20, the length of the portion of the arm 40 which protrudes below the spherical bearing may be varied. Thus translation of the first end 44 of the arm 40 away from the spherical bearing extends, or lengthens, the portion of the arm protruding below the bearing 20, while translation of the first end 44 of the arm 40 towards from the spherical bearing shortens the portion of the arm that protrudes below the bearing 20. Thus, relative to the spherical bearing 20, the arm 40 may be described as being extensible and compressible from its rest position, although the overall length of the arm 40 is fixed.

The suspension shaft 4 is a solid cylindrical rod, tapering to a threaded part 440 at its first end 44, to receive a suspended load. Proximal this end are four flats on the outer diameter of the suspension shaft 4, allowing tightening of a nut (not shown) on to the threaded part 440 without twisting the suspension device 100. The other end of the suspension shaft 4 also tapers to a threaded portion 45, such that the suspension shaft 4 may be coupled to a top hub 10 with a washer 12 and a nut 13. Top hub 10 is circular, having a bored boss to receive the suspension shaft 4 and a flange having two holes to receive the two air cylinders 15A & 15B. The two air cylinders 15A & 15B are C85 ISO standard air cylinders, standard type double acting single rod arranged parallel to and on opposed sides of the suspension shaft 4. The two air cylinders 15A & 15B have SMC metering valves with silencers 17A & 17B respectively, permitting adjustment of the air cylinders 15A & 15B according to, for example, the load. The two air cylinders 15A & 15B are coupled at one end to the top hub 10 with nuts 11. The other ends of the two air cylinders 15A & 15B are coupled to a suspension mounting flange 109, through which the suspension shaft 4 extends centrally. Hence, the first end 44 of the suspension shaft 4 to which the suspended load may be attached (i.e. at the threaded part 440) is extensible towards or away from the suspension mounting flange 109 while the air cylinders 15A & 15B provide resilient biasing members that tend to urge the suspension shaft 4 towards an equilibrium position (i.e. a normal configuration) by urging against extension or compression of the suspension shaft 4 relative to the suspension mounting flange 109. The air cylinders 15A & 15B provide soft air suspension with quasi-elastic air damping.

The suspension mounting flange 109 is a substantially square plate, having a central circular bore through which the suspension shaft 4 extends. Clearance is provided between this bore and the suspension shaft 4. Four equispaced coupling points 29 are arranged on peripheral edges of the suspension mounting flange 109 to receive four hydraulic dampers 129. Four equispaced coupling points 105 are arranged on the peripheral edges of the suspension mounting flange 109 to receive four tension springs 113A - 113D. Four equispaced coupling points 21 are arranged on a face of the suspension mounting flange 109 to receive four cover mounts 120A - 120D (i.e. frame mounts), by which the suspension mounting flange 109 is coupled to a frame, as described below. The suspension mounting flange 109 is coupled to the spherical bearing 20.

The low friction spherical bearing 20 comprises a spherical pivot 2, having a cylindrical bore through which the suspension shaft 4 extends. Received in this bore is a double flanged tubular sphere bearing hub 7 from one end of the bore, the sphere bearing hub 7 being coupled to the suspension mounting flange 109. A 25 mm tandem round flanged ball bearing bush 3 is inserted into a bore of the sphere bearing hub 7 from the other end of the pivot bore 2. The suspension shaft 4 extends through a bore of the ball bearing bush 3, in which the suspension shaft 4 is slideable axially. The spherical bearing 20 further comprises a lower sphere mount 1 and an upper sphere mount 5 which partially enclose and retain the spherical pivot 2 and within which the spherical pivot 2 may rotate about a first axis X, a second axis Y and a third axis Z, the axes being mutually orthogonal and intersecting at a point. The suspension shaft 4 is slideable axially along the third axis Z. The sphere mounts 1,5 are cup-shaped, having central bores through which the suspension shaft 4 extends and flanges for coupling together with four bolts 31 and four nuts 28, the bolts being spring-loaded by compression springs 30. The spherical bearing 20 is mechanically compensated for thermal expansion and water absorption.

The suspension device 100 further comprises the four tension springs 113A - 113D, coupled to the suspension mounting flange 109 and that radiate from the suspension mounting flange 109 and are coupled to the frame attheirdistal ends, as described below. The fourtension springs 113A - 113D provide resilient biasing members that tend to urge the suspension shaft 4 towards the equilibrium position (i.e. the normal configuration) by urging against rotation of the arm 40 about the first axis X and the second axis Y.

The suspension device 100 further comprises the four HB-15-100 hydraulic dampers 129A - 129D, coupled to the suspension mounting flange 109 and that radiate from the suspension mounting flange 109 and are coupled to the frame at their distal ends, as described below. The four hydraulic dampers 129A - 129D provide damping that tend to damp rotation of the arm 40 about the first axis X and the second axis Y.

Figures 4-8 show a suspension assembly 300 according to an example embodiment, which is mountable on a vehicle. The suspension assembly 300 comprises a frame 101 having a vehicle mount 301 for mounting the suspension assembly 300 to the vehicle. The suspension device 100 is coupled to the frame 101 and a housing 200 is suspended from the suspension device 100 i.e. the third axis Z is vertical in the first configuration.

The frame 101 is generally cuboidal, having a length of about 1077 mm, a width of 693 mm and a height of 822 mm, fabricated from square section tubing, arranged along edges of the frame 101. The vehicle mount 201, fabricated from folded sheet, is bolted to a base of the frame

101.

The suspension device 100 is coupled to the frame 101 such that the suspension mounting flange 109 is substantially coplanar with an upper face of the frame 101, in which the suspension device 100 is arranged centrally. Hence, a part of the suspension device 100 (i.e. the end of the suspension device 100 including the air cylinders 15A & 15B) protrudes vertically outwardly from the frame 101 while the first end 44 of suspension shaft 4 extends vertically inwardly towards a centre of the frame 101. The four hydraulic dampers 129A - 129D are coupled to the frame 101. The four tension springs 113A - 113D are coupled to the frame 101.

The upper face of the frame 101 is covered by a top cover 118, that slopes from a centre of the upper face towards upper edges of the frame 101. A part of the suspension device 100 (i.e. the end of the suspension device 100 including the air cylinders 15A & 15B) protrudes outwardly from the frame 101, through a central hole in the top cover 118. A rubber cylinder cover 116, formed as flexible bellows, covers protruding sides of the suspension device 100 and a top hat cover 119, coupled to the cylinder cover 116, covers the outward end of the suspension device 100. The cylinder cover 116 is bolted to the top hub 10 of the suspension device 100. Hence, the cylinder cover 116 flexes as the suspension device 100 moves. The four tension springs 113A - 113D, coupled to the suspension mounting flange 109, are coupled to the frame 101.

The housing 200 is coupled to the suspension device 100 at the inwardly extending first end 44 of the suspension shaft 4 by the threaded part 440. The housing 200 comprises a generally cuboidal open cage assembly 102 that is dimensioned to be received entirely within the frame 101, including during relative movement of the cage assembly 102. The cage assembly 102 comprises two shelves 201A & 201B, arranged to receive a load e.g. plates 401A - 401D such that the plates 401A - 401D are substantially horizontal in the equilibrium position (i.e. the first configuration).

Figures 9 - 13B show a suspension assembly 3000 according to an example embodiment, in use, such as mounted as a back box on a moped, for transportation of food i.e. a food transportation means. The suspension assembly 3000 is generally similar to the suspension assembly 300 described above and includes a suspension device 1000 and a housing 2000

Figure 9 shows the suspension device 1000 in an equilibrium position (i.e. a first or normal configuration), for example, at rest i.e. the third axis Z is vertical. An arm of the suspension device 1000 is thus partly extended downwardly due to a weight of the housing 2000 while a resilient biasing member of the suspension device 1000 urges against the weight of the housing 2000.

Figures 10A and 10B show the suspension assembly 3000 subject to external or unbalanced vertical forces. In Figure 10A, subject to an upwards vertical external or unbalanced force U on the suspension assembly 3000, the suspension device 1000 is arranged in a second configuration in which the arm of the suspension device 1000 is extended, thus better maintaining the equilibrium position. In Figure 10B, subject to a downwards external or unbalanced force D on the suspension assembly 3000, is arranged in a second configuration in which the arm of the suspension device 1000 is compressed, thus better maintaining the equilibrium position. The resilient biasing member of the suspension device 1000 urges against the external or unbalanced forces and restores towards the first or normal configuration when the external or unbalanced forces are removed.

Figures 11A and 11B show the suspension assembly 3000 subject to external or unbalanced pitching forces or when inclined. In Figure 11 A, subject to an upwards pitching external or unbalanced force A on the suspension assembly 3000 (e.g. accelerating) or when ascending an incline, the suspension device 1000 is arranged in a second configuration in which the arm of the suspension device 1000 is rotated aftwards about the first axis, thus better maintaining the equilibrium position. In Figure 11B, subject to a downwards pitching force F on the suspension assembly 3000 (e.g. braking) or when descending the incline, the suspension device 1000 is arranged in a second configuration in which the arm of the suspension device 1000 is rotated forwards about the first axis, thus better maintaining the equilibrium position. The resilient biasing member of the suspension device 1000 urges against the external or unbalanced forces and restores towards the normal configuration when the external or unbalanced forces are removed.

Figures 12A and 12B show the suspension assembly 3000 subject to external or unbalanced rolling forces or when leaning e.g. when a vehicle is parked. In Figure 12A, subject to a rolling force P on the suspension assembly 3000 (e.g. turning towards port, leaning towards starboard), the suspension device 1000 is arranged in a second configuration in which the arm of the suspension device 1000 is rotated towards starboard about the second axis, thus better maintaining the equilibrium position. In Figure 11B, subject to a rolling force S on the suspension assembly 3000 (e.g. turning towards starboard, leaning towards port), the suspension device 1000 is arranged in a second configuration in which the arm of the suspension device 1000 is rotated towards port about the second axis, thus better maintaining the equilibrium position. The resilient biasing member of the suspension device 1000 urges against the external or unbalanced forces and restores towards the normal configuration when the external or unbalanced forces are removed.

Figures 13A and 13B show the suspension assembly 3000 subject to compound external or unbalanced forces C and K respectively, such as when ascending a curved incline or descending a curved decline. The suspension device 1000 is arranged in a second configuration in which the arm of the suspension device 1000 is extended and rotated about the first axis and the second axis, thus better maintaining the equilibrium position. The resilient biasing member of the suspension device 1000 urges against the external or unbalanced forces and restores towards the normal configuration when the external or unbalanced forces are removed.

The housing 200 may further comprise heating means (not shown), configured to provide heat to, for example, food in the housing 200. Accordingly, the food contained therein can be kept at a suitable temperature, so that it is still hot when delivered to the customer. Heating means may be provided for the shelves 201A & 201B.

The housing 200 may further comprise thermally insulated walls and a thermally insulated door.

The frame 101 may further comprise a frame enclosure (not shown) comprising walls and a door. The frame 101 may further comprise thermally insulated walls and a thermally insulated door.

It will be appreciated that the suspension assembly described herein advantageously provides a means fortransporting a load which prevents the undesirable movement of the load which may occur during transportation by providing a suspension device arranged to suspend the load and to isolate the load from movements during transportation. For example, the suspension assembly provides a food transportation means as a back box for a moped, that permits food to be more conveniently transported while reducing transportation-induced degradation of the food. In this way, a presentation of the food may be better maintained during transportation.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in any appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A suspension device for a suspended load on a vehicle, the suspension device being coupleable to the vehicle and the suspension device comprising:

an arm arranged to receive the suspended load;

wherein the arm is rotatable about a first axis;

2. A suspension device according to claim 1, in which the arm is additionally rotatable about a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are mutually transverse, and wherein the arm is linearly translatable from the rest position in a direction transverse to the first axis and the second axis.

3. A suspension device according to claim 2, in which the arm is configured to behave as a pendulum about the first axis and about the second axis.

4. A suspension device according to claim 2 or 3, in which the first axis and the second axis are coplanar.

5. A suspension device according to claim 2, 3 or 4, in which the first axis and the second axis are mutually orthogonal.

6. A suspension device according to any of claims 2 to 5, in which the arm is translatable in a direction orthogonal to the first axis and the second axis.

7. A suspension device according to any of claims 2 to 6, in which the arm is rotatable about a third axis, wherein the third axis is transverse to the first axis and the second axis.

8. A suspension device according to claim 7, in which the third axis is orthogonal to the first axis and the second axis.

9. A suspension device according to claim 7 or 8, in which the first axis, the second axis and the third axis are mutually orthogonal

10. A suspension device according to any of claims 7 to 9, in which the first axis and the third axis are coplanar, and/or the second axis and the third axis are coplanar.

11. A suspension device according to any of claims 7 to 10, in which the first axis, the second axis and the third axis intersect at a point.

12. A suspension device according to any of claims 7 to 11, in which first end of the arm is translatable longitudinally with the third axis.

13. A suspension device according to any of claims 7 to 12, in which the first end of the arm is translatable along the third axis.

14. A suspension device according to any preceding claim, in which the suspension device comprises a pair of hinges coupled to the arm, whereby the arm is rotatable about the axes of the pair of hinges.

15. A suspension device according to any of claims 2 to 14, in which the suspension device comprises a universal joint coupled to the arm, whereby the arm is rotatable about the first axis and the second axis of the universal joint.

16. A suspension device according to any of claims 2 to 15, in which the suspension device comprises a spherical bearing arranged to receive the arm, whereby the arm is rotatable about the first axis and the second axis of the spherical bearing.

17. A suspension device according to claim 16, in which the arm is rotatable about the third axis of the spherical bearing.

18. A suspension device according to claim 16 or 17, in which the spherical bearing comprises a lower sphere mount and an upper sphere mount which partially enclose and retain a spherical pivot.

19. A suspension device according to claim 16, 17 or 18 in which the spherical bearing is mechanically compensated for thermal expansion and/or water absorption.

20. A suspension device according to any preceding claim, in which the suspension device comprises an elastic member arranged to provide the resilient biasing member.

21. A suspension device according to any preceding claim, in which the suspension device comprises a plurality of resilient biasing members, arranged to urge the arm towards the first configuration by respectively urging against relative rotation of the arm about the first axis and urging against relative translation of the first end of the arm.

22. A suspension device according to any preceding claim, in which the suspension device comprises a first resilient biasing member arranged to urge against rotation of the arm about the first axis.

23. A suspension device according to any of claims 2 to 22, comprising a second resilient biasing member arranged to urge against rotation of the arm about the second axis.

24. A suspension device according to any preceding claim, comprising a third resilient biasing member arranged to urge against translation of the first end of the arm in a direction transverse to the first axis.

25. A suspension device according to any of claims 22, 23 or 24, comprising a plurality of such first, and/or second and/or third resilient biasing members.

26. A suspension device according to any of claims 21 to 25, in which the plurality of resilient biasing members are equispaced about the suspension device.

27. A suspension device according to any of claims 16 to 19, in which the spherical bearing is arranged to slideably receive a part of the arm, whereby the part of the arm is slideable in a direction transverse to the first axis and the second axis.

28. A suspension device according to any preceding claim, in which the arm comprises a resilient arm, whereby the arm is extensible and compressible.

29. A suspension device according to any preceding claim, in which the arm comprises a telescopic arm, whereby the arm is extensible and compressible.

30. A suspension device according to any preceding claim, in which the arm comprises a resilient biasing arm member, whereby the arm is extensible and compressible according to a resilience of the resilient biasing arm member and wherein the resilient biasing arm member provides the resilient biasing member.

31. A suspension device according to any preceding claim, in which the arm comprises an air, or pneumatic, cylinder whereby the arm is translatable according to the air cylinder.

32. A suspension device according to claim 31, in which the air cylinder is adjustable.

33. A suspension device according to claim 32, in which the air cylinder comprises a metering valve, arranged to provide adjustment of the air cylinder.

34. A suspension device according to any of claims 31 to 33, in which the arm comprises a plurality of such air cylinders.

35. A suspension device according to any preceding claim, in which a spring return air cylinder provides the resilient biasing member.

36. A suspension device according to any preceding claim, in which the resilient biasing member is arranged to be damped.

37. A suspension device according to any preceding claim, in which the resilient biasing member is arranged to be critically damped

38. A suspension device according to any preceding claim, in which the suspension device comprises a damping member, arranged to damp the resilient biasing member.

39. A suspension device according to any preceding claim, in which the suspension device comprises an adjustable damping member.

40. A suspension device according to any preceding claim, in which the suspension device comprises a damping member, arranged to critically damp the resilient biasing member.

41. A suspension device according to any of claims 38 to 40, in which the suspension device comprises a plurality of such damping members.

42. A suspension device according to claim 41, in which the plurality of such damping members provide damping that tends to damp rotation of the arm about the first axis and optionally the second axis.

43. A suspended housing for a load on a vehicle, the suspended housing comprising:

an arm arranged to suspend the housing;

wherein the arm is rotatable about a first axis;

44. A suspended housing according to claim 43, in which the arm is additionally rotatable about a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are mutually transverse, and in which the first end of the arm is linearly translatable from the rest position in a direction transverse to the first axis and the second axis.

45. A suspended housing according to claim 43 or 44, in which the housing is rigidly coupled to the suspension device.

46. A suspended housing according to claim 43, 44 or 45, in which the housing comprises a cage assembly.

47. A suspended housing according to any of claims 43 to 46, in which the housing comprises a shelf arranged to receive the load.

48. A suspended housing according to claim 47, in which the shelf is arranged to receive the load such that the load is substantially horizontal in the first configuration.

49. A suspended housing according to claim 47 or 48, in which the housing comprises a plurality of shelves.

50. A suspended housing according to any of claims 43 to 49, in which the housing comprises an enclosure, arranged to enclose the housing.

51. A suspended housing according to claim 50, in which the housing comprises an insulated enclosure, arranged to enclose the housing

52. A suspended housing according to any of claims 43 to 51, in which the enclosure may comprise a door, whereby the load may be inserted into or removed from the housing.

53. A suspended housing according to any of claims 43 to 52, in which the housing comprises a means of controlling a temperature of the housing.

54. A suspended housing according to claim 53, in which the housing comprises a means of heating.

55. A suspended housing according to claim 54, in which the means of heating comprises an electrical heater, such as a heating plate or resistive heater elements.

56. A suspended housing according to claim 54 or 55, in which the housing comprises a plurality of such heaters.

57. A suspended housing according to any of claims 43 to 56, in which the housing comprises a thermal sensor and means of controlling the heating according to the thermal sensor.

58. A suspension assembly for a suspended load on a vehicle, the suspension assembly comprising:

a frame mountable on the vehicle, a housing arranged to receive the load and a suspension device coupled to the frame and the housing, the suspension device comprising: an arm arranged to suspend the housing;

wherein the arm is rotatable about a first axis;

59. A suspension assembly according to claim 58, in which the arm is additionally rotatable about a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are mutually transverse, and in which the first end of the arm is linearly translatable from the rest position in a direction transverse to the first axis and the second axis.

60. A suspension assembly according to claim 58 or 59, in which the suspension assembly comprises a plurality of frame mounts, arranged to couple the suspension device to the frame.

61. A suspension assembly according to claim 60, in which the plurality of frame mounts are equispaced about the suspension device.

62. A suspension assembly according to any of claims 58 to 61, in which the frame comprises a frame enclosure, arranged to enclose the housing and arranged to permit movement of the housing within frame enclosure.

63. A vehicle comprising a suspension assembly for a suspended load, the suspension assembly comprising:

an arm arranged to suspend the housing;

wherein the arm is rotatable about a first axis;

64. A vehicle according to claim 63, in which the arm is additionally rotatable about a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are mutually transverse, and in which the arm is linearly translatable from the rest position in a direction transverse to the first axis and the second axis.

65. A vehicle according to claim 63 or 64, in which the vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle such as a moped, scooter, motorbike or bicycle.

66. A suspension device according to any of claims 40 to 42, in which the suspension device is a component of a food transport device, wherein the food transport device comprises the suspension device, and wherein the suspension device is for a suspended load of food on a vehicle.