GB2568820A

GB2568820A - Load handling apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2568820A
Application number: GB1817125.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Jackson Mark
Original assignee: M J Products Ltd
Current assignee: M J Products Ltd
Priority date: 2017-11-06
Filing date: 2018-10-22
Publication date: 2019-05-29
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-22
Also published as: GB2568820B; GB201817125D0

Abstract

A load handling apparatus 10 comprises a lifting arrangement 12 for lifting a load and a support arrangement 14 to support the lifting arrangement. The lifting arrangement and the support arrangement include a releasable mounting assembly 16 for detachably mounting the lifting arrangement on the support arrangement. The lifting arrangement comprises a mast assembly for lifting the load. The mast assembly may comprise a fixed element 20 and a moveable element 22, these elements moving relative to each other in a telescopic manner. The apparatus may comprise a drive means for moving said movable mast, the drive means being hydraulic comprising a pedal 26 or a winch (112, see fig. 25) comprising a drum (114)

Description

LOAD HANDLING APPARATUS

This invention relates to load handling apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to load handling apparatus for use on vehicles.

Load handling apparatus for loading and unloading vehicles are available for handling goods which are too heavy for safe manual handling safely. Typically, loading and unloading of a vehicle requires suitable apparatus to be available at the loading and destination locations. Alternatively, vehicles can be fitted with loading and unloading apparatus to achieve this. However, this becomes less practical with smaller vehicles.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a load handling apparatus comprising: a lifting arrangement; a support arrangement to support the lifting arrangement; wherein the lifting arrangement and the support arrangement include a releasable mounting assembly for detachably mounting the lifting arrangement on the support arrangement.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a load handling apparatus comprising: a lifting arrangement for lifting a load; a support arrangement to support the lifting arrangement; wherein the lifting arrangement and the support arrangement include a releasable mounting assembly for detachably mounting the lifting arrangement on the support arrangement; and wherein the lifting arrangement comprises a mast assembly.

The embodiment described herein comprises a manual operated device for lifting loads which are too heavy for manual handling. The embodiment described herein is lightweight and can be dis-assembled rapidly, to allow portable use, for example, to load into a vehicle for remote unloading.

The support arrangement may comprise an engaging part for engaging the lifting arrangement. The support arrangement may further include a main part. The engaging part may extend across the main part.

The main part may comprise a frame. The frame may comprise front part and a rear part. The front part may comprise elongate front members. The elongate front members may be parallel to each other or may splay outwardly.

The frame may further include elongate rear members. The elongate rear members may be above the elongate front members. The elongate rear members may be parallel to each other. Alternatively, the elongate rear members may taper inwardly or splay outwardly.

The support arrangement may be provided with roller members, such as wheels or casters. The roller members may be provided on the main part.

The lifting arrangement may be elongate. The lifting arrangement may comprise a mast assembly. The mast assembly may comprise first and second elongate mast components. The mast assembly may comprise an elongate fixed mast component and an elongate movable mast component.

The movable mast component may be movable relative to the fixed mast component. Conveniently, the movable mast component is slidably movable relative to the fixed mast component. The movable mast component may be movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the fixed mast component. The movable mast component may be telescopically received by the fixed mast component.

The fixed mast component may comprise a pair of opposite side walls and a rear wall extending between the side walls.

The mounting assembly may comprise first and second mounting means cooperable with each other to mount the lifting arrangement on the support arrangement. The first mounting means may comprise a positioning boss.

The second mounting means may comprise a boss receiving member for receiving the positioning boss, thereby mounting the lifting arrangement on the support arrangement.

The lifting arrangement may include the first mounting means. The support arrangement may include the second mounting means. The positioning boss may be provided on the fixed mast component and may extend outwardly therefrom. The positioning boss may be provided on one of the side walls.

The boss receiving member may be provided on the engaging part. The boss receiving member may define a securing recess to receive the positioning boss. The securing recess may have an opening, which may be an upwardly facing opening.

The boss receiving member may project upwardly from the engaging part. The boss receiving member may receive the boss when the lifting arrangement is mounted on the support arrangement.

The first mounting means may comprise a pair of positioning bosses, which may extend in opposite directions. Each of the positioning bosses of said pair of positioning bosses may be provided on the fixed mast component. The positioning bosses may extend from the fixed mast component in opposite directions to each other. Each of the positioning bosses may be provided on a respective side wall.

The second mounting means may comprise a pair of the boss receiving members. Each of the boss receiving members of said pair of boss receiving members may be provided on the engaging part.

Each of the boss receiving members may project from the engaging part. Each of the boss receiving members may project upwardly from the engaging part. Each boss receiving member may receive a respective one of the bosses when the lifting arrangement is mounted on the support arrangement.

The first mounting means may further include a positioning recess defined by the lifting arrangement. The lifting arrangement may have a lower end. The positioning recess may be defined in said lower end of the lifting arrangement. The positioning recess may have an opening, which may be a downwardly facing opening.

The fixed mast component may have a lower end. The positioning recess may be defined in said lower end of the fixed mast component. The positioning recess may be configured to receive the engaging part when the lifting arrangement is mounted on the support arrangement.

The first mounting means may include a pair of said positioning recesses. Each of the positioning recesses of the pair of positioning recesses may be defined in the lower end of the lifting arrangement, desirably opposite each other.

The pair of positioning recesses may be defined in the lower end of the fixed mast component, desirably opposite each other. Each positioning recess may be configured to receive the engaging part when the lifting arrangement is mounted on the support arrangement.

The load handling apparatus may include a locking device to lock the support arrangement to the lifting arrangement. The locking device may be attached to the second mounting means.

The locking device may be pivotally attached to the second mounting means. The pivotal attachment of the locking device to the second mounting means may be a pivotal attachment to the boss receiving member.

The locking device may comprise a lever portion and a closing member on the lever portion. The lever portion may be pivotally attached to the second mounting means. The lever portion may be pivotally attached to the boss receiving member.

The locking device may be movable between a locking position and a released position. In the locking position, the closing member may extend over the securing recess to lock the positioning boss therein.

Desirably, the closing member may extend over the opening of the securing recess when the closing member is in the locking position.

When the locking device is in the released position, the closing member may be disposed away from the opening of the securing recess to allow the positioning boss to be removed from the securing recess or received therein.

The locking device may comprise a pair of the lever portions and closing members. Each lever portion may be pivotally attached to a respective boss receiving member. The locking device may comprise a handgrip to move the locking device between the securing and released positions.

The handgrip may extend between the lever portions of the aforesaid pair of lever portions.

The load handling apparatus may further include a carrying arrangement attachable to the lifting arrangement.

The carrying arrangement and the lifting arrangement may comprise an attaching assembly to attach the carrying arrangement to the lifting arrangement. The attaching assembly may comprise first and second attaching means cooperable with each other to attach the carrying arrangement to the lifting arrangement.

The first attaching means may comprise a lug formation. The second attaching means may comprise a retaining aperture to receive the lug formation.

The carrying arrangement may include the first attaching means. The lifting arrangement may include the second attaching means. The retaining aperture may be defined by the lifting arrangement.

The second attaching means may define a plurality of the retaining apertures to allow the lug formation to be received by the lifting arrangement in a selected one of a plurality of positions of the carrying arrangement. One of the retaining formations may be selected to receive the lug formation thereby allowing the lug formation to be received by the lifting arrangement in a selected one of a plurality of positions of the carrying arrangement. The plurality of retaining apertures may be defined by the lifting arrangement in a substantially straight line therealong.

The line of retaining apertures may be defined in a face member of the lifting arrangement. The line of retaining apertures may be defined in a front face member of the lifting arrangement. The line of retaining apertures may extend substantially vertically along the lifting arrangement.

A pair of lines of the retaining apertures may be defined by the lifting arrangement. Conveniently, the lines of retaining apertures are defined in a face member of the lifting arrangement. The lines of retaining apertures may be defined in a front face member of the lifting arrangement. The lines of retaining apertures may extend substantially vertically along the lifting arrangement. The lines of retaining apertures may be substantially parallel to each other.

Desirably, the, or each, retaining aperture is defined by the movable mast component. The, or each, retaining aperture may be defined in a face member of the movable mast component, conveniently a front face member thereof. As used herein, the phrase “front face member”, used in connection with the lifting arrangement or the movable mast component, is intended to mean a face member that faces the carrying arrangement.

The lug formation may comprise a fastening lug to fasten the carrying arrangement to the lifting arrangement. The fastening lug may extend downwardly.

The fastening lug may be received in the retaining aperture to engage the lifting arrangement and fasten the carrying arrangement thereto. The fastening lug may engage the lifting arrangement in a region adjacent the retaining aperture, desirably adjacent a lower region of the retaining aperture.

The lug formation may further include a retaining lug to retain the carrying arrangement on the lifting arrangement. The retaining lug may extend upwardly.

The retaining lug may be received in the retaining aperture to engage the lifting arrangement and retain the carrying arrangement thereon. The retaining lug may engage the lifting arrangement in a region adjacent the retaining aperture, desirably in a region adjacent an upper region of the retaining aperture.

The first attaching means may further include a locating lug, which may be receivable in a further retaining aperture. The locating lug may be disposed beneath the lug formation. The first attaching means may include a stabilising lug. The stabilising lug may be disposed beneath the aforesaid locating lug.

The second attaching means may comprise the further retaining aperture. Desirably, the further retaining aperture is defined by the lifting arrangement. Desirably, the further retaining aperture is defined by the movable mast component. The further retaining aperture may be defined beneath the first mentioned retaining aperture.

The locating lug may be receivable in the further retaining aperture to locate the carrying arrangement on the lifting arrangement.

The first attaching means may include a contact surface for contacting the lifting arrangement. The contact surface may be disposed beneath the lug formation. The contact surface may be disposed between the lug formation and the locating lug.

The contact surface may contact the lifting arrangement, desirably between the first mentioned retaining aperture and the further retaining aperture. The contact surface may contact the movable mast component.

The second attaching means may comprise a pair of the retaining apertures defined by the lifting arrangement. The first attaching means may comprise a pair of the lug formations. Each of the lug formations may comprise a respective one of the fastening lugs. Each of the lug formations may comprise a respective one of the retaining lugs.

Each of the fastening lugs may extend downwardly. Each of the fastening lugs may be received in a respective one of the retaining apertures to engage the lifting arrangement and fasten the carrying arrangement thereto.

Each of the fastening lugs may engage the lifting arrangement around the respective retaining aperture, desirably around a lower region of the respective retaining aperture.

Each of the retaining lugs may extend upwardly. Each of the retaining lugs may be received in a respective one of the retaining apertures to engage the lifting arrangement and retain the carrying arrangement thereon.

Each of the retaining lugs may engage the lifting arrangement around a respective one of the retaining apertures, desirably around an upper region of the respective retaining aperture.

The first attaching means may comprise a pair of the locating lugs. Each of the locating lugs may be receivable in a respective another retaining aperture. Each of the locating lugs may be disposed beneath the respective lug formation. The first attaching means may include a pair of the stabilising lugs. Each of the stabilising lugs may be receivable in a respective further retaining aperture. Each of the stabilising lugs may be disposed beneath the aforesaid locating lug.

The second attaching means may comprise two of the further retaining apertures. Desirably, each of the further retaining apertures is defined by the lifting arrangement. Desirably, each of the further retaining apertures is defined by the movable mast component. Each of the further retaining apertures may be defined beneath the first mentioned retaining aperture.

The first attaching means may include a pair of the contact surfaces for contacting the lifting arrangement. Each of the contact surfaces may be disposed beneath the respective lug formation. Each of the contact surfaces may be disposed between the respective lug formation and the respective locating lug.

Each of the contact surfaces may contact the lifting arrangement, desirably between the respective first mentioned retaining aperture and the respective further retaining aperture. Each of the contact surfaces may contact the movable mast component.

The carrying arrangement may be selected from a plurality of carrying arrangements.

The lifting arrangement may include a drive means for driving the mast assembly. The drive means may drive the movable mast component relative to the fixed mast component. The drive means may drive the movable mast component upwardly.

The lifting arrangement may include an operating member for operating the drive means. The operating member may extend through the fixed mast component.

In one embodiment, the drive means may comprise a hydraulic arrangement for driving the movable mast component. The hydraulic arrangement may comprise a hydraulic cylinder and ram.

The hydraulic arrangement may be disposed within the movable mast component. In this embodiment, the operating member may comprise a pedal for operating the hydraulic arrangement. Alternatively, the operating member may comprise a lever.

In a further embodiment, the drive means may comprise a winch arrangement. The winch arrangement may comprise a rotatable drum and a flexible elongate member that can be wound around the drum. The drum and the flexible elongate member may be disposed within the movable mast component. The drum may be rotatably mounted on the rear wall of the fixed mast component.

The flexible elongate member may comprise a belt. Alternatively, the flexible elongate member may comprise a strap, chain, wire rope or other flexible, tensionable member.

The operating member may be attached to the drum and may be operable to rotate the drum and wind the flexible elongate member around the drum. The operating member may comprise a handle mounted on the drum. The operating member may comprise a crank handle.

The flexible elongate member may be attached to the movable mast component. The flexible elongate member may have opposite first and second end regions. The first end region of the flexible elongate member may be attached to the movable mast component. The first end region may be attached to a lower end region of the movable mast component. The movable mast component may include a lower member to which the first end of the flexible elongate member may be attached.

The opposite second end region of the flexible elongate member may be attached to the drum.

The drum may be attached to the fixed mast component. Desirably, the drum may be attached to the fixed mast component at an upper region of the fixed mast component.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a load handling apparatus;

Figure 2 is a rear perspective exploded view of the load handling apparatus represented in Figure 1, showing two carrying arrangements;

Figures 3A and 3B are respectively rear and front perspective views of a lifting arrangement, being part of the load handling apparatus represented in Figure 1, showing a movable mast component in a lowered position;

Figure 4 is a close up view of the region marked IV in Figure 3B;

Figures 5A and 5B are similar views to Figures 3A and 3B, but showing the movable mast component in a raised position;

Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a support arrangement, being part of the load handling apparatus shown in Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a close up view of the region marked VII in Figure 6;

Figures 8A and 8B are respectively rear and front perspective views of a lower region of the lifting arrangement shown in Figures 3A to 5B;

Figures 9A and 9B are respectively rear and front perspective views showing a locking device in a locking position;

Figures 10A and 10B are respectively rear and front perspective views showing the locking device in a released position;

Figure 11 is a close up view of a carrying arrangement in the form of a fork lifter;

Figure 12 is a close up view of the region marked XII in Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a close up view of a carrying arrangement in the form of a drum handler

Figure 14 is a close up view of the region marked XIV in Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a close up view of a carrying arrangement in the form of a fork lifter being attached to the lifting arrangement;

Figure 16 is a close up view of the region marked XVI in Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the load handling apparatus shown in Figure 1 in use, with a carrying arrangement in the form of a drum handler;

Figure 18 is a rear perspective view of an alternative support arrangement;

Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the alternative support arrangement in use;

Figure 20 is a top plan view showing the alternative support arrangement in use;

Figure 21 shows a further carrying arrangement 18;

Figure 22 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a load handling apparatus;

Figure 23 is a side view of the load handling apparatus shown in Figure 22;

Figure 24 is a view along the line XXIV in Figure 23;

Figure 25 is a rear perspective view of a mast assembly, with a rear wall omitted, showing a winch arrangement;

Figure 26 is a rear plan view of the mast assembly shown in Figure 25;

Figure 27 is a close up view of the region marked XXVII in Figure 26;

Figure 28 is a close up view of the region marked XXVIII in Figure 26; and

Figure 29 is a front view of a drum forming part of the winch arrangement, the drum having a front cover omitted.

Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 show one embodiment of a load handling apparatus 10 which comprises a lifting arrangement in the form of a mast assembly

12. The load handling apparatus further includes a support arrangement 14 to support the mast assembly 12. A releasable mounting assembly 16 detachably mounts the mast assembly 12 on the support arrangement 14. The load handling apparatus 10 further includes a carrying arrangement 18 which can be attached to the mast assembly 12.

The mast assembly 12 comprises an elongate mast assembly in the form of an elongate fixed mast component 20 and an elongate movable mast component 22. The fixed mast component 20 defines an elongate channel 24 in which the movable mast component 22 is telescopically received.

The movable mast component 22 is slidably movable within the channel 24 between a lowered position and a raised position. Figures 3A and 3B show the movable mast component is a lowered position. Figures 5A and 5B show the movable mast component is a raised position.

In use, the movable mast component 22 is slidably movable up and down within the channel 24. A drive means in the form of a hydraulic arrangement 25 is provided in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 21 to drive the movement of the movable mast component 22 relative to the fixed mast component 20. The hydraulic arrangement 25 can be any suitable hydraulic arrangement known in the art.

An operating member in the form of a pedal 26 is provided at the lower end region of the fixed mast component 20. The pedal 26 is operatively connected to the hydraulic arrangement so that movement of the pedal 26 downwardly causes the hydraulic arrangement to move the movable mast component 22 upwardly.

Suitable valves are provided within the hydraulic arrangement to allow the hydraulic fluid to flow to appropriate conduits of the hydraulic arrangement to allow the movable mast component 22 to move downwardly.

The above description of the hydraulic arrangement and of its operation would be immediately understood by those skilled in the art.

The movable mast component 22 defines a plurality of retaining apertures 28 for retaining the carrying arrangement 18 in a desired position on the mast assembly 12. The plurality of retaining apertures 28 are defined in the movable mast component 22, along the side regions thereof.

The retaining apertures 28 are defined in two longitudinally extending substantially parallel lines in an elongate front face member 30 of the movable mast component 22. Two opposed elongate side face members 31 extend rearwardly from the front face member 30 (see Figures 5A and 5B).

A handgrip 32 is provided on the fixed mast component 20 to allow the load handling apparatus 10 to be manoeuvred by a user. In the embodiment shown, the handgrip 32 is attached to opposite side walls 34 of the fixed mast component 20, and extends rearwardly therefrom. The side walls 34 of the fixed mast component 20 extend parallel to the side face members 35 of the movable mast component 22. The fixed mast component 20 further includes a rear wall 35 extending between the side walls 34.

An outwardly extending positioning boss 33 is provided on each side wall 34 of the fixed mast component 20 near the lower end thereof. A positioning recess 36 is defined in the lower edge of each side wall 34 of the fixed mast component 20.

The positioning recess 36 has a downwardly facing opening 38 (see Figures 8A and 8B). The purpose of the positioning bosses 33 and the positioning recesses 36 is described below.

The support arrangement 14 comprises a frame 40. The frame 40 comprises a main part, which may comprise a pair of substantially parallel elongate front members 42. The frame 40 may comprise a pair of substantially parallel elongate rear members 44.

In the embodiment shown, the rear members 44 are provided above, and are shorter than, the front members 42. The front members 42 are connected to the rear members 44 by a pair of connecting elements 46 which extend upwardly and rearwardly from the front members 42.

The support arrangement 14 further includes a plurality of rollers 47 in the form of casters or wheels. In the embodiment shown, rollers 47 in the form of casters are attached to the rear members 44. Rollers 47 in the form of wheels are attached to the front members 42. It will be appreciated that any other suitable combination of casters, wheels or other rollers can be used.

The frame 40 further includes an engaging part 48 for engaging the mast assembly

12. The engaging part 48 extends between the two front members 42 to attach the two front members 42 to each other.

The engaging part 48 comprises two inwardly extending linearly aligned substantially cylindrical members 50 and a central substantially cylindrical member 52 extending between, and linearly aligned with, the two inwardly extending members 50. In the embodiment shown, the central member 52 has a smaller diameter than the inwardly extending members 50.

The purpose of the central member 52 is to cooperate with the positioning recesses 36 in the lower edge of each of the side walls 34 of the fixed mast component 20, as described below.

It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the central member 52 and the two inwardly extending members 50 could be a single member having the same diameter as the central member 52 shown in Figure 7.

The engaging part 48 further includes a pair of boss receiving members 54. Each boss receiving member 54 extends upwardly from the central member 52 and has an upper edge defining a securing recess 56 to receive a respective one of the positioning bosses 33. The securing recess 56 has an upwardly facing opening 58 (see Figure 7).

A respective bush 60 is provided on the central member 52 in engagement with each boss receiving member 54. The bushes 60 guide the mast assembly 12 into position on the support arrangement 14.

In order to mount the mast assembly 12 onto the support arrangement 14, the mast assembly 12 is raised above the support arrangement 14 and lowered onto the engaging part 48. When so lowered, the positioning recesses 36 receive the central member 52 of the support arrangement 14 through the downwardly facing openings 38 of the positioning recesses 36. At the same time, the securing recess 56 defined in each boss receiving member 54 receives a respective one of the positioning bosses 33 through the upwardly facing openings 58 of the securing recesses 56.

The support arrangement 14 is provided with a locking device 62 to lock the positioning bosses 33 in the securing recesses 56, thereby locking the mast assembly 12 to the support arrangement 14. The locking device 62 comprises a pair of lever portions 64 and a closing member 65 (see Figure 7) on each lever portion 64.

Each lever portion 64 is pivotally attached to a respective one of the boss receiving members 54. A handgrip 66 extends between the lever portions 64 to pivot both lever portions 64 simultaneously so that the locking device 62 moves from a locking position to a released position.

In the locking position of the locking device 62, each closing member 65 extends over the respective securing recess 56 to secure the positioning boss 33 therein. In the released position of the locking device 62, the closing member 65 is disposed away from the upwardly facing opening 58 of the securing recess 56 to allow the positioning boss 33 to be removed from the securing recess 56, or received therein.

The operation of the locking device 62 can be explained by reference to Figures 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B. Figures 9A and 9B show the locking device 62 in the locking position, in which the closing members 65 extend over the upwardly facing openings 58 of the securing recesses 56.

Figures 10A and 10B show the locking device 62 in the release position. In order to release the positioning bosses 33 from the securing recesses 56 (or to allow the positioning bosses 33 to be received therein), the handgrip 66 is lifted to pivot the closing members 65 away from the upwardly facing openings 58 to the released position of the locking device 62.

It will be appreciated that any other suitable locking device could be used to lock the mast assembly 12 to the support arrangement 14. It will also be appreciated by the skilled person that, in an alternative embodiment, the locking device and the recesses can be provided on the mast assembly 12, and the positioning bosses provided on the support arrangement 14.

Figure 2 shows two examples of the carrying arrangement 18. Further examples are shown in Figures 11 to 17. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that other carrying arrangements 18 may be provided.

Each of the carrying arrangements 18 includes a pair of lug formations 70 (see Figures 12, 14 and 16) for attaching the carrying arrangement 18 to the mast assembly 12.

The lug formations 70 are received by selected retaining apertures 28 defined in the movable mast component 22. Thus, by choosing into which of the retaining apertures 28 the lug formations 70 are received, the position of the carrying arrangement 18 on the movable mast component 22 is selected.

Each of the lug formations 70 comprises a neck portion 72 and a downwardly extending fastening lug 74 on the neck portion 72 to fasten the carrying arrangement 18 to the mast assembly 12. Each fastening lug 74 is received in the retaining aperture 28 to engage the mast assembly 12 and fasten the carrying arrangement 18 thereto.

Each lug formation 70 further includes an upwardly extending retaining lug 76 on the neck portion 72 to retain the carrying arrangement 18 on the mast assembly 12. Each retaining lug 76 is received in a respective one of the the retaining apertures 28 on each side to engage the mast assembly 12 and retain the carrying arrangement 18 thereon.

Referring to Figures 15 and 16, in order to attach the carrying arrangement 18 to the mast assembly 12, the carrying arrangement 18 is arranged so that the lug formations 70 are presented to the retaining apertures 28 in a position tilted away from the working position of the carrying arrangement 18, as shown.

Both retaining lugs 76 are inserted first into the selected retaining apertures 28 until upper edges of the neck portions 72 engage upper edges of the retaining apertures 28, at which stage, the retaining lugs 76 are fully received within the movable mast component 22.

The carrying arrangement 18 is then tilted back to its working position. In this position, the fastening lugs 74 are received within the movable mast component 22. The carrying arrangement 18 can then be lowered until lower edges of the neck portions 72 engage lower edges of the retaining apertures 28, thereby attaching the carrying arrangement 18 to the movable mast component 22.

The carrying arrangement 18 further includes a pair of locating lugs 80 arranged directly beneath the respective lug formation 70. Each locating lugs 80 are received in a further retaining aperture 28 beneath the aforesaid retaining aperture 28 in which the lug formation 70 is received. The locating lug 80 is provided to inhibit side to side movement of the carrying arrangement 18.

A contact surface 82 is provided between each lug formation 70 and the respective locating lug 80. The contact surface 82 is provided to contact the movable mast component 22 during use of the carrying arrangement 18.

When the carrying arrangement 18 is in use carrying loads, the contact surfaces 82 are pushed against the front face member 30 of the movable mast component 22, thereby spreading the load on the lug formations 70.

When the carrying arrangement 18 is attached to the movable mast component 22, the load handling apparatus 10 can be used to move loads into and out of small vehicles, such as vans.

The load handling apparatus 10 can also be used for collection, delivery and handling away from a vehicle, for example for collecting from a warehouse or remote delivery to a customer premises. In such a situation, the load handling apparatus 10 can be disassembled and stored efficiently adjacent or on a wall to save space.

A plurality of the carrying arrangements 18 can be stored in the van, other suitable vehicle, or other location. The appropriate carrying arrangement 18 can be selected, depending upon the nature of the load to be handled. For example, in Figures 2, 13, 14 and 17 a carrying arrangement 18 in the form of a drum handler is shown. In Figures 2, 11, 12, 15 and 16, a carrying arrangement 18 in the form of a fork lifter is shown.

There is thus described a load handling apparatus 10 which can dismantled for easy storage and transport and which can be reassembled with a selected one of a plurality of carrying arrangements 18 for handling different loads.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, Figures 18 to 20 show an alternative support arrangement 114, which is generally the same as the support arrangement 14, and possesses many of the same features as the support arrangement 14. These features have been designated in Figures 18, 19 and 20 with same reference numerals as the corresponding features of the support arrangement 14. Instead of the parallel elongate front members 42, the alternative support arrangement 114 includes elongate front members 142 that splay outwardly.

Figures 19 and 20 show a load handling apparatus 10, having the support arrangement 114. Figures 19 and 20 also show a pallet 86 comprising a support surface 88, a plurality of stringers 90 extending downwardly from the support surface 88, and a plurality of lower bearers 92 extending between the stringers 90.

The presence of the lower bearers 92 prevents use of the support arrangement 14. The reason for this is that use of a load handling apparatus 10 with the support arrangement 14 requires the parallel elongate front members 42 to be inserted under the support surface 88. The presence of the lower bearer members 92 means that the elongate front members 42 cannot be inserted under the support surface 88.

The use of the support arrangement 114 overcome this problem, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, in which the outwardly splayed elongate support members 142 extend along adjacent sides of the pallet 86, thereby allowing the carrying arrangement 18 to engage and remove a drum 94 thereon.

Thus, the alternative support arrangement 114 provides the advantage that it allows the load handling apparatus 10 to be used with pallets 86 having lower bearers 92.

Figure 21 shows a further carrying arrangement 18, which is similar to the drum carrier shown in Figure 13, 14 and 17. The carrying arrangement 18 shown in Figure 21 comprises a pair of stabilising lugs 180 in addition to the aforesaid locating lugs 80 and the lug formation 70. The stabilising lugs 180 are disposed beneath the aforesaid locating lugs 80. It will be appreciated that the stabilising lugs 180 can be used on any suitable carrying arrangement 18.

The stabilising lugs 180 stabilise the load and provide additional load support. The stabilising lugs help prevent twisting of a load, particularly a large load, carried by the carrying arrangement 18.

Figures 22 to 29 show a further embodiment of the load handling apparatus, generally designated 110. The load handling apparatus 110 includes many of the features of the load handling apparatus 10 shown in Figures 1 to 21. These features have been designated with the same reference numerals as the corresponding features shown in Figures 1 to 21.

The load handling apparatus 110 differs from the load handling apparatus 10 in that the drive means comprises a winch arrangement 112 instead of the hydraulic arrangement 25. The winch arrangement 112 comprises a drum 114 having a central hub 115.

The winch arrangement 112 further includes a flexible elongate member 116 attached to the hub 115 in the drum 114. The flexible elongate member 116 is in the form of a belt, but it could be a strap, chain, wire rope or other flexible, tensionable member.

The drum 114 is rotatably attached to an upper region of the rear wall 35 of the fixed mast component 20. An operating member in the form of a crank handle 118 is attached to the drum 114 to rotate the drum 114. The crank handle 118 extends through the rear wall 35 of the fixed mast component 20.

Referring to Figures 25 to 28, the mast assembly 12 is shown. The front face member 30 of the movable mast component 22 is omitted to allow the features inside the movable mast component 22 to be seen. The movable mast component 22 comprises a lower face member 120 at the lower end thereof.

The flexible elongate member 116 has opposite first and second end regions 122, 124. The first end region 122 is attached to the lower face member 120 of the movable mast component 22. The flexible elongate member 116 extends through an opening 126 in the drum 114, and the second end region 124 of the flexible elongate member 116 is attached to the hub 115 in the drum 114 (see Figure 29). The second end region 124 extends around a guide member 128 which guides the second end region 124 onto the hub 115

In use, when it is desired to raise the movable mast component 22, a user rotates the 5 crank handle 118, as indicated by the arrow A in Figure 27, to wind the flexible elongate member 116 onto the hub 115 so that the flexible elongate member 116 is wound inside the drum 114.

The winch arrangement 112 has a suitable locking means to lock the drum 114 in its io position when winding is finished. The locking means can be released when it is desired to lower the movable mast component 22. The locking means can be any suitable locking means and may be provided with the drum 114.

The movable mast component 22 lowers itself under gravity when the locking means 15 is released.

Claims

1. A load handling apparatus comprising: a lifting arrangement for lifting a load; a support arrangement to support the lifting arrangement; wherein the lifting arrangement and the support arrangement include a releasable mounting assembly for detachably mounting the lifting arrangement on the support arrangement; and wherein the lifting arrangement comprises a mast assembly for lifting the load.

2. A load handling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mast assembly comprises an elongate fixed mast component an elongate movable mast component, the movable mast component being movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the fixed mast component.

3. A load handling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the movable mast component is slidably movable relative to the fixed mast component, the movable mast component being telescopically received by the fixed mast component.

4. A load handling apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the lifting arrangement includes a drive means for driving the movable mast component relative to the fixed mast component, and the lifting arrangement further includes an operating member for operating the drive means, the operating member extending through the fixed mast component.

5. A load handling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the drive means comprises a hydraulic arrangement for driving the movable mast component, and the operating member comprises a pedal for operating the hydraulic arrangement.

6. A load handling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the drive means comprises a winch arrangement.

7. A load handling apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the winch arrangement comprises a rotatable drum and a flexible elongate member that can be wound around the drum, the drum and the flexible elongate member being disposed within the movable mast component, the drum being rotatably mounted on the fixed mast component.

8. A load handling apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the operating member is attached to the drum and is operable to rotate the drum and wind the flexible elongate member around the drum, the flexible elongate member having opposite first and second end regions, the first end region of the flexible elongate member being attached to the movable mast component, and the opposite second end region of the flexible elongate member being attached to the drum.

9. A load handling apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the movable mast component includes a lower member to which the first end of the flexible elongate member is attached, and wherein the drum is attached to the fixed mast component at an upper region of the fixed mast component.

10. A load handling apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support arrangement comprises a main part and an engaging part for engaging the lifting arrangement, the engaging part extending across the main part.

11. A load handling apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the main part comprises a frame having a front part comprising elongate front members extending forwardly of the engaging part, and a rear part comprising elongate rear members extending rearwardly of the engaging part, and wherein the mounting assembly comprises first and second mounting means, the first mounting means comprising a positioning boss, and the second mounting means comprising a boss receiving member for receiving the positioning boss, thereby mounting the lifting arrangement on the support arrangement.

12. A load handling apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the lifting arrangement includes the first mounting means, and the support arrangement includes the second mounting means.

13. A load handling apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the boss receiving member is provided on the engaging part, the boss receiving member defining a securing recess to receive the positioning boss, the securing recess having an upwardly facing opening.

14. A load handling apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the boss receiving member projects upwardly from the engaging part to receive the boss when the lifting arrangement is mounted on the support arrangement.

15. A load handling apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the mast assembly has a lower end, and the first mounting means further includes a positioning recess defined in said lower end of the mast assembly, the positioning recess being configured to receive the engaging part when the lifting arrangement is mounted on the support arrangement.

16. A load handling apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the load handling apparatus includes a locking device to lock the support arrangement to the lifting arrangement, the locking device is attached to the second mounting means.

17. A load handling apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the locking device is pivotally attached to the second mounting means, the pivotal attachment of the locking device to the second mounting means being a pivotal attachment to the boss receiving member.

18. A load handling apparatus according to claims 16 or 17, wherein the locking device comprises a lever portion and a closing member on the lever portion, the lever portion being pivotally attached to the boss receiving member.

19. A load handling apparatus according to claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein the locking device is movable between a locking position and a released position, the closing member extending over the securing recess to lock the positioning boss therein when the locking device is in the locking position.

20. A load handling apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the closing member extends over the opening of the securing recess when the closing member is in the locking position, and wherein when the locking device is in the released position, the closing member is disposed away from the opening of the securing recess to allow the positioning boss to be removed from the securing recess or received therein.

21. A load handling apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the load handling apparatus further includes a carrying arrangement attachable to the lifting arrangement.

22. A load handling apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the carrying arrangement and the lifting arrangement comprise an attaching assembly to attach the carrying arrangement to the lifting arrangement, the attaching assembly comprising first and second attaching means cooperable with each other to effect the aforesaid attaching of the carrying arrangement to the lifting arrangement.

23. A load handling apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the first attaching means comprises a lug formation, and the second attaching means comprises a plurality of retaining apertures, one of which is selected to receive the lug formation thereby allowing the lug formation to be received by the lifting arrangement in a selected one of a plurality of positions of the carrying arrangement.

24. A load handling apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the carrying arrangement includes the first attaching means, and the lifting arrangement includes the second attaching means, the retaining apertures being defined by the lifting arrangement.

25. A load handling apparatus according to claim 24, wherein a line of the plurality of the retaining apertures is defined by the lifting arrangement, the line of the retaining apertures being defined in a front face member of the lifting arrangement.

26. A load handling apparatus according to claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the lug formation comprises a downwardly extending fastening lug to fasten the carrying arrangement to the lifting arrangement, the fastening lug being receivable through the selected retaining aperture to engage the lifting arrangement and fasten the carrying arrangement thereto, and wherein the fastening lug can engage the lifting arrangement in a region adjacent a lower region of the retaining aperture.

27. A load handling apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the lug formation further includes an upwardly extending retaining lug to retain the carrying arrangement on the lifting arrangement, the retaining lug being receivable through the retaining 5 aperture to engage the lifting arrangement and retain the carrying arrangement thereon, and wherein the retaining lug can engage the lifting arrangement in a region adjacent an upper region of the retaining aperture.