WO2008052252A1

WO2008052252A1 - Apparatus and method for use in transporting a cargo

Info

Publication number: WO2008052252A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/001639
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Scott
Original assignee: Stephen Scott
Priority date: 2006-10-29
Filing date: 2007-10-29
Publication date: 2008-05-08
Also published as: AU2007314137A1

Abstract

Apparatus for use in transporting a cargo, comprising: a rooftop portion, attachable to a vehicle roof; and a guide portion providing at least one guide surface for guiding a cargo upwardly onto the rooftop portion. The apparatus may further comprises a carriage part, comprising a carriage structure to which a load can be attached; and at least one engagement part, provided on the carriage structure, for engagement with the guide portion. The guide portion may be inclined, and act as a ramp for elevating the carriage.

Description

Apparatus and method for use in transporting a cargo

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for use in transporting a cargo, and especially, but not exclusively, to an apparatus for facilitating loading a cargo, which may be a small boat, onto the roof of a vehicle and allowing transport of the load on the vehicle roof.

Background

Small boats are often carried on the rooves of passenger vehicles such as all-wheel or four-wheel drives (SUVs) and utility vehicle with trays (utes, or pick-up trucks) .

Many such boats are too large and heavy to be lifted, carried and loaded by a single person. It may also, or alternatively, be desired to transport cargo other than a boat, on the vehicle roof, and the total desired cargo often exceeds the safe and/or legal rooftop carrying capacity of the vehicle.

Preferred embodiments of one or more aspects of the present invention aim to address and/or mitigate at leat one of these difficulties.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for use in transporting a cargo, comprising: a rooftop portion, attachable to a vehicle roof; and a guide portion providing at least one guide surface for guiding a cargo upwardly onto the rooftop portion.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a carriage part, comprising: a carriage structure to which a load can be attached; and at least one engagement part, provided on the carriage structure, for engagement with the guide portion.

Preferably, the carriage part is moveable along the guide portion between a lower position and the rooftop portion in order to carry a cargo along the guide portion from the lower position upwardly to the rooftop portion. Preferably, the rooftop portion is mountable to roof bars or a roof rack of a vehicle.

Preferably, the rooftop portion is generally rectangular in form.

Preferably, the rooftop portion comprises a frame.

Preferably, the rooftop portion is adapted to receive and to support the carriage part while allowing the carriage part to move to a desired position on the rooftop portion. Preferably, the rooftop portion provides at least one rooftop carriage support surface to support the carriage part while allowing the carriage part to move to a desired position on the rooftop portion.

Preferable the at least one rooftop carriage support surface is provided by one or more rails which form part of the rooftop portion.

The rooftop portion rails may, in use, be mounted substantially longitudinally on the vehicle. This arrangement may be appropriate in embodiments in which the cargo is to be loaded from the front or rear of the vehicle. In some embodiments the cargo may loaded from a side of the vehicle. In such embodiments it may be more appropriate to provide the rooftop rail portions mounted laterally on the vehicle. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a carriage forcing mechanism for applying a force to move the carriage relative to the rooftop portion and guide portion.

Preferably, the carriage forcing mechanism comprises an elongate flexible member and a winding mechanism onto and from which the elongate flexible member can be wound.

The carriage forcing mechanism may comprise a winch mechanism. A manually operated and/or powered (eg electric) winch can be used.

Preferably, at least part of the carriage forcing mechanism is, in use, mounted on one end of the rooftop portion.

Preferably, at least part of the carriage forcing mechanism is, in use, mounted to a cross brace of the rooftop portion. Preferably, at least part of the carriage forcing mechanism is detachable from the rest of the rooftop portion.

Preferably, at least part of the guide portion is, in use, mounted on one end of the rooftop portion. Preferably, said at least part of the carriage forcing mechanism and said least part of the guide portion are, in use, mounted on opposite ends of the rooftop portion.

Preferably, at least part of the guide portion is, in use, connected to the rooftop portion.

Preferably, at least part of the guide portion is detachable from the rooftop portion.

Preferably, at least part of the guide portion is, in use, inclined. Preferably, at least part of the guide portion is, in use, inclined at an angle between 45 degrees and 10 degrees to the horizontal.

Preferably, at least part of the guide portion is, in use, inclined at an angle between 35 degrees and 15 degrees to the horizontal.

Preferably, at least part of the guide portion is, in use, inclined at an angle between about 20 degrees and about 30 degrees to the horizontal.

In some embodiments the guide portion is, in use, substantially rigidly attached to the vehicle, preferably via the rooftop portion. In such embodiments the angle of inclination of the guide portion will, of course, depend on the angle of inclination of the vehicle. Statements herein specifying one or more angles of inclination of the guide portion (or equivalents thereof) are made assuming that the vehicle is substantially horizontally oriented, and should be treated accordingly.

Preferably, at least part of the guide portion, in use, acts as a ramp along which a cargo can be moved.

Preferably, at least part of the guide portion, in use, acts as a ramp along which the carriage part can be moved.

Preferably, the guide portion comprises one or more rails along which a cargo may be moved.

Preferably, the guide portion comprises one or more rails along which the carriage part may be moved. Preferably, the guide portion comprises at least two discrete guide surfaces, spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cargo or carriage part along the guide portion.

Preferably, the guide portion comprises one or more rails along which the cargo or carriage part may be moved.

Preferably, the guide portion comprises at least two rails which provide respective guide surfaces.

Preferably, the at least two rails are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cargo or carriage part along the guide portion.

Preferably, the guide portion comprises a generally rectangular structure comprising at least two rails and at least one cross member which spaces apart the rails.

In some embodiments the guide portion is adapted to extend sideways relative to the vehicle. This can allow loading of the carriage and cargo from a side of the vehicle.

In some embodiments the guide portion is adapted to extend rearwards relative to the vehicle. This can allow loading of the carriage and cargo from the rear of the vehicle.

In some embodiments the guide portion is adapted to extend over the bonnet (or hood) of the vehicle. This can allow loading of the carriage and cargo from the front of the vehicle.

The apparatus may comprise one or more guide- portion supports for supporting the guide portion relative to the vehicle, in a region of the guide portion spaced apart from the rooftop portion.

Preferably at least one guide-portion support is adapted to connect the guide portion to, and support the guide portion relative to, the sub-frame of the vehicle.

Preferably at least one guide-portion support is adapted to extend forward of the bonnet (hood) of the vehicle and to engage a part of the vehicle forwards of the windscreen in order to support the guide portion.

Preferably at least one guide-portion support is adapted to extend forward of the bonnet (hood) of the vehicle and to engage a part of the vehicle forwards of the bonnet (hood) of the vehicle in order to support the guide portion.

At least one guide-portion support may be adapted to connect the guide portion to the vehicle chassis, a structural part of a monocoque structure of the vehicle, a bull-bar or a bumper of the vehicle.

Preferably the guide portion is supported relative to the vehicle such that the vehicle can be driven with the guide portion in its operative position. Although, in currently preferred embodiments, it is envisaged that guide portion would be detached prior to normal driving of the vehicle, having the vehicle moveable without movement of the vehicle displacing or damaging the support portion, allows guide portion to be manoeuvred relative to a cargo by movement of the vehicle. It may be much easier to move (drive) the vehicle to a suitable position relative to the cargo than to move the cargo relative to a stationary vehicle, so this can facilitate relative movement of the guide portion relative to the cargo.

Preferably, in its operative position, the guide portion is supported relative to the vehicle in a position in which the guide portion is spaced apart from the ground.

Preferably, the carriage part comprises attachment portions for attaching the carriage part to a boat.

Preferably, at least one at least one engagement part of the carriage part comprises a rotatable engagement part.

Preferably, at least one at least one rotatable engagement part comprises a wheel or roller.

In one alternative at least one at least one engagement part of the carriage part comprises at least one bearing surface adapted to slide on the guide portion.

Preferably, the carriage part comprises a carriage main frame.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least one cargo attachment member to which additional cargo can be attached so that in use the additional cargo is located within a boat. Preferably, the cargo attachment member is adapted to be securely coupled to a boat, so that in use the additional cargo is located within the boat.

Preferably, the cargo attachment member is adapted to be securely coupled to the rooftop portion. Preferably, the cargo attachment member is a part of the carriage part, so that in use the additional cargo is located within a boat attached to the carriage part. Preferably, the at least one cargo attachment member is provided with an attachment portion for attaching a boat motor and/or fuel tank thereto.

Preferably, the at least one cargo attachment member is, in use, attached to the main frame of the carriage part.

Preferably, the at least one cargo attachment member is detachable from the rest of the carriage part.

Preferably, the at least one cargo attachment member is in the form of a frame attachable to the rooftop part.

Preferably, the at least one cargo attachment member is a sub-frame of the carriage part.

The carriage part may comprise a rack portion for attachment of cargo other than a boat thereto.

The rack portion may comprise a recessed area so that it can act as a container for cargo.

The rack portion may comprise a surface formed of a metal mesh-like structure. The rack portion may be adapted to receive cargo such as fuel and water containers, spare tyres, boxes and cases, bicycles ladders, building materials and other general cargo .

The rack portion may be provided so that it can receive cargo without that cargo obstructing attachment of a boat to the carriage part.

The rack portion may be provided so that, in use, (when the carriage part is positioned on the rooftop portion) it is below the level of the main frame and/or the sub-frame. Thus in some embodiments the carriage part can accommodate a boat, a boat motor and/or fuel tank positioned within the boat, and general cargo positioned under the boat.

Preferably, the carriage part is provided with at least one carriage leg, for spacing apart at part of the carriage part from the ground.

Preferably, the carriage leg is moveable from an operative position/ in which it is adapted to space apart at part of the carriage part from the ground to an inoperative, storage position.

Preferably, the carriage leg is detachable from the rest of the carriage part.

Preferably, the at least one carriage leg is adapted to support carriage part in an inclined orientation relative to the ground.

Preferably, the carriage part is provided with at least two carriage legs.

Preferably, at least one carriage leg is attached or attachable at a respective lateral side of the carriage part.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a trailer for enabling a vehicle to tow a boat, the trailer being at least partially formed from parts of the carriage part and/or guide portion.

Preferably the trailer comprises a trailer frame, which is also useable as a component of the carriage part. Preferably the trailer frame comprises the main frame of the carriage part.

Preferably, wheels of the trailer are attached to the trailer frame.

Preferably the trailer comprises at least one trailer elongate member which extends substantially the entire length of the trailer.

Preferably the trailer elongate member is a component of the guide portion.

Preferably at least one the trailer elongate member comprises a rail of the guide portion.

Preferably the trailer comprises at least two trailer elongate members which extend substantially the entire length of the trailer.

Preferably at least two trailer elongate members comprise rails of the guide portion.

Preferably the trailer comprises a trailer forcing mechanism for applying a force to a boat in order to control movement of the boat when loading the boat onto or off of the trailer.

Preferably, the trailer forcing mechanism comprises at least part of the carriage forcing mechanism. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for use in transporting a cargo the method comprising moving the cargo onto a vehicle roof from a lower position, the method comprising: securing the cargo to a carriage part of an apparatus for transporting cargo; engaging the carriage part of the apparatus with a guide portion of the apparatus, the guide portion extending between a rooftop portion of the apparatus, secured on the roof of the vehicle, and a lower position; moving the carriage part up the guide portion and onto the rooftop portion.

Preferably the cargo comprises a boat. Preferably the method comprises securing a motor and/or fuel tank of the boat inside the boat prior to moving the carriage part up the guide portion.

Preferably the method comprises securing the motor and/or fuel tank to a cargo attachment part of the carriage part prior to moving the carriage part up the guide portion.

Preferably the method comprises moving the motor and/or fuel tank into the boat after it is secured to said cargo attachment part, by lifting said cargo attachment part with the motor and/or fuel tank attached thereto. Preferably the method comprises securing the boat to the carriage when the boat is in a substantially upright orientation, and subsequently inverting the boat prior to moving the carriage part up the guide portion.

Preferably, the method includes moving at least part of guide portion of the apparatus underneath at least part of the carriage part by moving the vehicle to which the guide portion of the apparatus is attached. Preferably, the method includes inclining the carriage prior to engaging the carriage part of the apparatus with a guide portion of the apparatus.

Preferably the method comprises use of apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for use in transporting a cargo, the apparatus comprising at least one support attachable at a first part thereof to a cargo or cargo-carrying apparatus on the roof top of a vehicle and at a second part thereof to a part of the vehicle below the level of the windscreen, in order that at least a part of the weight of cargo carried above the roof of the vehicle is supported by the apparatus and borne by the part of the vehicle below the windscreen, rather than being supported by the vehicle roof.

Preferably, the second part of at least one support is adapted to be connected to a vehicle sub-frame or a part of the vehicle below the windscreen which is substantially rigidly attached to the vehicle sub-frame.

The vehicle sub-frame may comprise a vehicle chassis .

The vehicle sub-frame may comprise structural parts of a monocoque vehicle.

The second part of at least one support may be adapted to be connected to a vehicle bull bar, a nudge bar or to a sidestep of a vehicle.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for use in transporting a cargo, the method comprising: attaching at least one support, at a first part thereof, to a cargo or cargo-carrying apparatus on the roof top of a vehicle; attaching at least said one support, at a second part thereof, to a part of the vehicle below the level of the windscreen, in order that at least a part of the weight of cargo carried above the roof of the vehicle is supported by the apparatus and borne by the part of the vehicle below the windscreen, rather than being supported by the vehicle roof. It will be appreciated that features which are desirable in accordance with one aspect of the invention may also be desirable in other aspects, and that preferred embodiments may embody more than one of the above aspects.

Brief description of the drawings

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

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of apparatus for use in transporting a cargo, mounted on a four wheel drive vehicle;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a rooftop portion and a guide portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a mounting arrangement for mounting a rooftop part of the apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2 to roof bars or a roof-rack of a vehicle; view of the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2;

Figs. 4 are a perspective view of a carriage part of the apparatus of Fig.l; Fig. 5 shows the detail designated "detail A" in

Fig. 4;

Figs. 6 is a perspective view of a support leg for supporting the carriage part of Fig. 4 relative to the ground, prior to loading onto the guide portion; Figs. 7 is a perspective view of trailer formed mainly from parts that make up the guide portion and carriage part of the embodiment of Fig. 1

Figs . 8 to 12 illustrate the apparatus of Figs . 1 to 6 in use, and illustrate an example of a method for use in transporting a cargo;

Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of apparatus for use in transporting a cargo, mounted on a four wheel drive vehicle;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a rooftop portion and a guide portion of the apparatus of Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a carriage part of the apparatus of Fig. 13;

Fig 16 is a schematic perspective view of wire mesh sections which are used in the apparatus of Fig. 15;

Fig. 17 is a side view of a boat mounted on a vehicle, in which a support connected between the boat and a bull bar allows the bull bar to support part of the weight of the boat;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the support of Fig. 17 Fig. 19 is a side view of a boat mounted on a vehicle, in which a support connected between a rooftop portion of apparatus on which the boat is mounted and a part of the vehicle sub-frame, allows the vehicle sub- frame to support part of the weight of the boat; Fig. 20 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a support structure, of which the support illustrated in Fig. 19 is a part, in isolation;

Figs. 21 to 23 illustrate parts of the support structure of Fig. 20 Fig. 24 illustrates a mount for mounting part of the support structure of Figs. 20 to 23 to a side step of a vehicle; and

Figs. 25 illustrates a variation of the support of Fig 19.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

With reference to Figs. 1 to 6 an embodiment of a provided apparatus for use in transporting a cargo is generally designated 1, and comprises a rooftop portion in the form of a rooftop frame 100 attached to roof bars of a four wheel drive vehicle 10, a guide portion in the form of a guide frame 200, and a carriage part in the form of a trolley 300. The trolley 300 is moveable along the guide frame 200 between a lower position and the rooftop frame 100, in order to carry a cargo along the guide frame 200 from the ground upwardly onto the rooftop frame 100.

The rooftop frame 100 is attached to the roof of a four wheel drive vehicle 10 by clamps 101, 102, 103, 104 which attach to roof bars 11, 12 bars of the vehicle. In this embodiment the rooftop frame 100 comprises first and second spaced apart rooftop rails 110, 120 which extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10 adjacent the edges of the roof 13 of the vehicle 10, and which are connected and spaced apart by front and rear rooftop cross braces 130, 140 respectively. The clamps, 101, 102, 103, 104 which attach to roof bars 11, 12 bars of the vehicle may be attached at any desired positions along the rooftop rails 110, 120, as required to connect to the vehicle roof rails (or other vehicle roof fittings) . As illustrated in Fig. 3, in one embodiment each clamp comprises a short length of angle steel 105 which connects to a metal plate 106 using bolts (not shown) which extend through apertures 107 in the angle steel 105 and metal plate 106, so that a vehicle roof rail or roof rack can be clamped therebetween. The length of angle steel 105 has a vertical arm 108, which can be bolted or welded to one of the rooftop rails 110, 120, and a horizontal limb 109 which bolts to the metal plate 106.

A winch arrangement 150 is detachably attached to a winch fixing 141 on the rear of rooftop cross brace 140. The attachment may be, for example, by insertion of the winch fixing 141 into the female, larger cross section, end part of a removable winch arm 151 (and may be locked by insertion of a locking pin or bolt through aligned apertures, not illustrated, in the winch fixing 141 and winch arm 151, or using any desired alternative) . The winch arrangement 150 further comprises, a winch mechanism 152 attached to the winch arm 151, and a winch cable 153 , which may be connected to the trolley 300 in order to control movement of the trolley 300.

The guide frame 200 comprises first and second spaced apart guide frame rails 210, 220 which are detachably connected to the rooftop rails 110, 120, so as to effectively form extensions thereof. The rails may be robustly detachably connected, for example by insertion of a male, smaller cross section, end part of one rail into a female, larger cross section, end part on the rail to which it is to be connected, and then locked by insertion of a locking pin or bolt through aligned apertures in the rails, or using any desired alternative. The guide frame rails 210, 220 are inclined so that they extend downwardly and forward, over the vehicle bonnet 14 and extend beyond the front of the vehicle 10. The guide frame rails 210, 220 terminate at respective front ends, 211, 221 which are spaced apart from the ground.

The guide frame rails 210, 220 are connected and spaced apart by a guide frame cross brace 230 which extends between them at a suitable point along their lengths for the guide frame cross brace 230 to be connected to a vehicle bull bar 14 by bolts 231, 232 which pass through apertures 233, 234 in the guide frame cross brace 230 and into the bull bar 14. Thus the guide frame 200 is supported by the bull bar 14, as well as by the connection of the guide frame 200 to the rooftop frame 100.

The trolley 300, as best seen in Figs. 1, 4 and 5 comprises first and second parallel spaced apart side rails 310, 320 and front and rear parallel spaced apart cross members 330, 340, bolted or welded together to form a generally rectangular trolley main frame 301. The first and second parallel side rails 310, 320 are spaced apart slightly more widely than are the frame rails 210, 220, so that rollers, 331, 332, 341, 342 attached to the trolley 300 slightly laterally inwardly of the side rails 310, 320 can engage, run on, and be guided by the guide frame rails 210, 220 and the rooftop rails 110, 120 as the trolley is moved relative to the guide frame 200 and the rooftop frame 100. The first 8e side rails 310, 320 and respective first to fourth roller brackets 333, 334, 343, 344 which are welded in appropriate positions to the cross members 330, 340. At the centre of the rear cross member 330 (i.e. the cross member which is closer to the rear of the vehicle) there is provided a cable bracket for attachment of the winch cable 153.

First to fourth extension arms 350, 360, 370, 380 extend laterally outwardly from the corners of the main frame 301, and are provided with adjustable clamps (not shown, for securely attaching a boat to the trolley. As will be described, the boat is mounted on the trolley 300 so that with the trolley in the position shown in Fig. 1 or in Fig. 4 the boat will be upside down on top of the trolley.

The trolley further comprises a detachable subframe 381 (shown in Figs. 4 and 8) which comprises first and second side members 383, 385, (which, as illustrated in Fig 4 are in use, parallel to the side rails 310, 320) and front and rear cross members 387, 389. The front and rear cross members 387, 389 can be bolted to the undersides of, respectively, the front and rear cross members 330, 340, in order to detachably couple the subframe 381 to the underside of the trolley main frame 301. The subframe 381 is provided with one or more brackets 390, or other fixings, for a allowing a boat motor and/or fuel tank to be securely attached (eg bolted) thereto. Thus the boat motor and/or fuel tank can be securely attached to the subframe 381, the subframe 381 mounted to the trolley main frame 301, and the inverted boat attached to the trolley main frame 301, so that the motor and/or fuel tank is securely and conveniently stored inside the boat for transport.

The trolley is provided with detachable legs, of which a first leg 391 is illustrated in Fig. 6. The leg 391 is a straight box section member 392 which has at its upper end a male connection element 393 which can be inserted into the open, laterally outer end of the fourth extension arm 380 (which thus serves as a male extension element. The connection is such that when connected to the trolley 300, the leg 391 is in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the main frame 301 and extends generally perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the trolley side rails 310, 320. Thus providing such a leg attached to each of the third and fourth extension arms will enable the trolley to be supported on the ground, before engagement with the guide frame 200, in an inclined orientation, as illustrated in Figs. 8 to 11.

The main frame 301 is further provided with wheel mounting points 311, 321. These allow trailer wheels to be mounted to the main frame.

It is a feature of the apparatus described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 6 that parts of the apparatus can be used to provide the main structural elements of a trailer. As illustrated in Fig. 7, a trailer 400 has a frame part which comprises the main frame 301 of the trolley 300, to which wheels 401, 402 have been attached, at the wheel mounting points 311, 321. The trailer 400 further comprises a spine part which comprises the first and second guide frame rails 210, 220 which have been disconnected from the guide frame cross brace 230 and instead connected to central parts of the trolley cross members 330, 340, using the same apertures that allow the subframe 381 to be mounted to the trolley main frame 301. A tow hitch mounting apparatus 403 including a mount 404 for the winch arrangement 150 is provided on the guide frame rails 210, 220 towards a front end of the trailer 400. The winch arrangement 150 can be used to assist in loading, unloading, launching or retrieving the boat. A rear roller and guide assembly 405 and additional boat guides 406, 407 are also attached to the guide frame rails 210, 220. The Provision of a trailer that can be formed primarily from the apparatus of Figs . 1 to 6 conveniently provides a trailer that can be used to transport or to launch/retrieve a boat. This can avoid the need to take a separate boat trailer (which is large heavy and uses up the vehicles valuable towing capacity) allowing, for example a caravan to be transported to boat launch sites. As illustrated in Figs. 8 to 11, one example of use of the apparatus will be described.

As shown in Fig. 8, a motor 420 of a boat 421 is attached to subframe 381, as described above. The trolley main frame 301 is attached to the boat by clamps, eg 422, 423, located on the extension arms 350, 360, 370, 380 of the main frame. The subframe 381 is then placed onto the main frame 301 (which is upside down in Fig. 8 compared to the orientation shown in Fig. 4) and attached to the main frame using fasteners such as bolts, thereby securing the motor inside the boat. One leg 391 is attached to one of the extension arms.

The boat 421 is then rolled over so that it is inverted, as shown in Fig. 9, and also laterally tilted, since a leg is provided on only one lateral side.

A second leg 394 is then added, as shown in Fig. 10. This is done by lifting the lower side of the boat

421 and connecting the second leg 394, which puts the boat 421 and the trolley 300 in an inclined orientation.

As shown in Fig. 11, the guide frame 200 of the apparatus can then be positioned under the boat and the trolley 300, by manoeuvring the vehicle to which the rooftop frame 100 and guide frame 200 are attached.

The winch cable 153 can then be connected to the winch cable bracket 345, the legs 391, 394 removed, and the winch 152 used to haul the boat up the guide frame 200, as shown in Fig. 12. Once the carriage is in the desired position on the rooftop frame 100 (and an example of a boat in such a position is shown in Fig. 17, albeit in relation to a slightly different vehicle) it can be locked in position in any appropriate manner. The guide frame 200 can then be removed and stowed.

Unloading is essentially the reverse of loading. When the boat is unloaded the trailer 400 may be formed, as described above, for further transportation, storage and/or launch of the boat. The guide frame 200 and the rooftop frame 100 may be removed from the vehicle and stowed. It will be appreciated that alternatives to the illustrated embodiment are possible. As shown in Fig 13, one alternative uses a trolley 500, which has a different structure to the trolley 300 of Figs. 1 to 6 to accommodate better storage of general cargo items other than a boat and boat motor. As shown in Fig. 14, a rooftop frame 510 and a guide frame 520 are substantially the same as corresponding parts in Figs . 1 to 6 except that the rooftop frame 510 is not provided with a front rooftop cross brace 130. As illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16, a trolley 600 uses sheet mesh material 625 to provide a structure including a basket or recessed portion which can retain articles such as spare fuel and water containers, spare tyres, boxes and cases, and other general cargo. Fig. 15 shows the support structure for the mesh material 625, as well as other features of the trolley which will be appreciated by the skilled addressee with reference to the description of the trolley 300. However, Fig. 15 omits much of the sheet material 625, for clarity. Fig. 16 shows the shape of the sheet material in isolation. As illustrated in Fig. 16, the trolley 600 is provided with three sections of mesh material: a central section 630, and first and second side sections 640, 650. Each section is provided with a flat base portion, 631, 641, 651, which in use will be in a plane parallel to the plane of the main frame part 660 of the trolley 600, and generally level with the bottom of the trolley 600. In order to avoid fouling of the rails by the flat base portions, 631, 641, 651 (especially at the corner point where the top frame rails connect to the guide frame rails, where bottoming out of the carriage is a possibility when the rear rollers are on the top frame and the front rollers are on guide frame) whilst having the flat base portions, 631, 641, 651 as low as possible, the flat base portions, 631, 641, 651 do not extend to the regions which would be directly over the guide rails, but instead the mesh material is upturned adjacent these regions to provide clearance voids 645, 655. The mesh material is provided in three sections to keep manufacture of each section simple and to avoid complex machining which would be necessitated by forming the mesh material in a continuous sheet, including the two raised portions defining clearance voids 645, 655 and three flat base portions, 631, 641, 651.

Fig 17 is a side view of a boat 701 supported on a rooftop frame of a vehicle which is in the form of a dual-cab ute (double cab pickup truck) 703.

In the embodiment of Fig. 17, the apparatus is augmented by a load transfer bar 710 which bears some of the weight of the boat to reduce the amount of weight borne by the roof of the vehicle 703, and instead transfer this weight to the bull-bar or nudge bar 704.

The load transfer bar 710 and its fittings are shown in more detail in Fig. 18. In this embodiment the load transfer bar 710 is in the form of a galvanized helically threaded rod. The load transfer bar 710 is has at a first end

711 thereof a connector 712, for connection to the front of a boat (as illustrated in Fig.17) . The connector 712 comprises a receiving portion 714 (which in this embodiment is a short tubular portion) for receiving and retaining the transfer bar 710 and a mechanism for securing the transfer bar 710 in the receiving portion 714, which in this embodiment is a locking pin 716 which can extend through aligned apertures (not shown) in the transfer bar 710 and the receiving portion 714. The connector 712 further comprises a plate portion 718, rigidly attached to the receiving portion 714 which can be securely attached to the front of a small boat (for example by use of suitable fasteners such as bolts, screws or the like, or even, if desired, by welding or some other fixing arrangement.

The load transfer bar 710 is has at a second end 713 thereof a connector 720, for connection to the bull bar of the vehicle. The connector 720 comprises a mounting block 722 in the form of a length of tubular square cross section steel that can be bolted to the bull bar by use of apertures 722. The connector 720 also comprises a receiving portion 724, generally centrally thereon, for securely receiving the second end 713 of the load transfer bar 710. In the illustrated embodiment the receiving portion comprises a small plate through which the second end 713 of the load transfer bar 710 passes, and in which it is retained by one or more adjusting nuts (not shown) . The adjusting nuts (not shown) can be used to force the load transfer bar 710 towards or away from the boat, thus adjusting the amount of weight borne by the bull bar 704. It has been found that about 40% of the weight of the boat may be supported by the bull bar in this way. This can considerably reduce the load on the roof bars or roof rack of the vehicle, enhancing safety and allowing a vehicle to conveniently carry on its roof a load that would otherwise be too heavy for the roof and or roof rack.

Fig. 19 shows, fitted to a vehicle 803, an alternative arrangement for transferring some of the weight of cargo (in this case a boat, and perhaps additional cargo) from the roof and roof rack. In the illustrated embodiment the vehicle 803 is a dual cab ute (double cab pickup truck) with a fifth wheel coupling, requiring the boat to be placed relatively far forward rather than substantially above the tray or bed of the vehicle 803. In this embodiment, some of the weight of the boat is transferred to a bullbar 804 by a load transfer bar 810. The load transfer bar 810 can be similar to the load transfer bar 710, (although it may be different in length) and include similar attachments for attaching to a bullbar and boat, except that in this embodiment a connector (not shown) suitable for secure attachment to a structural part on the inside of the boat (eg a boat seat) is provided. This can be any suitable connector, depending on the structural part that it is desired to connect to, and could be a connector identical to the connector 712.

In addition to the bullbar load transfer bar 810, an additional support structure 820 is used to support the rooftop portion 802, by connecting to, and transferring weight to, structural parts at the bottom of the vehicle 803. The components of the support structure 820 are illustrated in Figs. 20 to 24. In this embodiment the support structure comprises first and second supports 830, 840, which in use are provided at respective first and second sides of the vehicle adjacent the A-pillars 805, which support the windscreen (not shown) of the vehicle 803. The first and second supports 830, 840, are securely attached at their respective bottoms to structural parts at the bottom of the vehicle 803. In the illustrated embodiment the bottoms of the first and second supports 830, 840, are attached to side steps 806 of the vehicle 803 by attachment to sidestep couplings 825. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the bottoms of the first and second supports 830, 840 may be attached directly to the vehicle sub-frame (for example by bolting to a part thereof, or by any appropriate arrangement to a point low on the vehicle which is substantially rigidly attached to the vehicle sub-frame (which may comprise a vehicle chassis, or structural parts of a monocoque vehicle) or any appropriate load-bearing point. Vehicle side steps are typically attached securely to the vehicle sub-frame and may therefore provide a convenient attachment point. The sidestep couplings 828 may be of any desired form that can securely attach the bottoms of the first and second supports 830, 840 to the sidesteps 806. It is greatly preferred that the first and second supports 830, 840 be detachable from the vehicle, so a detachable coupling is preferred (although attachment could be by welding in the unusual circumstances that it is desired to have the first and second supports 830, 840 permanently mounted) . Each sidestep coupling 825 may be provided with an first aperture 826 to allow it to be bolted to the bottom of the corresponding support 830, 840, and may be provided with one or more second apertures 827 to allow it to be bolted to the corresponding sidestep 806.

The first and second supports 830, 840, support a crossbar 850 between their respective upper ends, and the crossbar 850 extends laterally and generally horizontally across the vehicle roof and, in the illustrated embodiment, abuts the underside of the rooftop portion 802 in order to support it and transfer some of the weight thereof to the bottom part of the vehicle 803. The crossbar 850 is provided with first and second crossbar connection portions 851, 852 at the respective ends thereof, for connection to the respective first and second supports 830, 840. In this embodiment the first and second crossbar connection portions 851, 852 comprise tubular connectors oriented generally perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the crossbar 850.

In alternative embodiments the crossbar could engage and support a cargo (such as a boat) directly rather than via a rooftop portion or roof rack. The first and second supports 830, 840 are connected to the crossbar 850, in a manner which allows the upwards force applied by the supports to the crossbar to be adjusted, in order that the amount of weight supported by the support structure 820 can be adjusted. Although there are many appropriate ways in which this can be achieved, one embodiment of such an arrangement is illustrated in Pig. 21 with reference to the first support. As illustrated, the first support 830 is provided at its upper end with a short length of hollow rectangular cross section tube 831 welded thereto, such that the axis of the rectangular cross section tube 831 is perpendicular to the axis of the first support 830. The uppermost part of the rectangular cross section tube 831 is provided with an aperture (not shown) therein and acts as a support plate 832 for a threaded rod 833, which extends therethrough and into the first support 830. An upper part of the threaded rod projects upwards from the support plate 832 and, in use, extends into first crossbar connection portion 851, which it supports by abutment against a stop 853 located securely in the first crossbar connection portion 851. The threaded rod 833 thus supports the crossbar 850. The length of the threaded rod which extends upwards of the support plate 832 can be adjusted by operation of adjustment nuts 834, 835 which are provided on the threaded rod 833, above and below the support plate 832. Thus the amount of weight borne by the support can be adjusted.

As illustrated in particular in Fig. 23, which shows the first support 830, the first and second supports may be provided with a female threaded aperture 836 at the bottom end thereof, in order to receive a bolt (not shown) for attachment to the sidestep coupling 825. Additional elements (not shown) may be provided if desired to make the coupling of the supports to the sidestep couplings more secure. For example, the sidestep coupling may be provided with a cylindrical sleeve part (not shown) into which the bottom of the corresponding support 830, 840 can be fitted. As illustrated, the first and second supports 830, 840 are not straight but are shaped with a curved portion 837 of approximately 130 degrees between lower and upper parallel sections 838, 839 which are vertical in use. This allows shape of the supports 830, 840 to approximately follow the shape of the vehicle, including the A-pillar.

Fig. 25 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the supports, eg first support 930, are straight.

It will, of course, be appreciated that there is a wide variety of ways of providing functional equivalents of many of the features described above. These options are intended to fall within the at least the broadest scope of the present invention, and the described embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed. Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as

"comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. Apparatus for use in transporting a cargo, comprising: a rooftop portion, attachable to a vehicle roof; and a guide portion providing at least one guide surface for guiding a cargo upwardly onto the rooftop portion.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a carriage part, comprising: a carriage structure to which a load can be attached; and at least one engagement part, provided on the carriage structure, for engagement with the guide portion.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the carriage part is moveable along the guide portion between a lower position and the rooftop portion in order to carry a cargo along the guide portion from the lower position upwardly to the rooftop portion.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2 to 3, wherein the rooftop portion is mountable to roof bars or a roof rack of a vehicle.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the rooftop portion is adapted to receive and to support the carriage part while allowing the carriage part to move to a desired position on the rooftop portion.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rooftop portion provides at least one rooftop carriage support surface to support the carriage part while allowing the carriage part to move to a desired position on the rooftop portion and the at least one rooftop carriage support surface is provided by one or more rails which form part of the rooftop portion.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the apparatus comprises a carriage forcing mechanism for applying a force to move the carriage relative to the rooftop portion and guide portion.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the carriage forcing mechanism comprises a winch mechanism.

9. Apparatus as claimed in either of claims 8 or 9, wherein at least part of the carriage forcing mechanism is detachable from the rest of the rooftop portion.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least part of the guide portion is, in use, mounted on one end of the rooftop portion.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least part of the guide portion is, in use, connected to, and is detachable from the rooftop portion.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least part of the guide portion is, in use, inclined.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein at least part of the guide portion is, in use, inclined at an angle between 45 degrees and 10 degrees to the horizontal.

14. Apparatus as claimed either of claims 12 or 13, wherein at least part of the guide portion, in use, acts as a ramp along which a cargo can be moved.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any claim, wherein there is provided a carriage part and wherein at least part of the guide portion, in use, acts as a ramp along which the carriage part can be moved.

16. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the guide portion comprises one or more rails along which a cargo and/or carriage may be moved.

17. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the guide portion comprises at least two discrete guide surfaces, spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of a cargo or carriage part along the guide portion.

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the guide portion comprises one or more rails along which the cargo or carriage part may be moved.

19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the guide portion comprises at least two rails which provide respective guide surfaces and at least two rails are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cargo or carriage part along the guide portion.

20. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the guide portion comprises a generally rectangular structure comprising at least two rails and at least one cross member which spaces apart the rails .

21. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the guide portion is adapted to extend over the bonnet (or hood) of a vehicle.

22. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one guide-portion support is adapted to connect the guide portion to, and support the guide portion relative to, the sub-frame of the vehicle.

23. Apparatus as claim 22 wherein at least one guide-portion support is adapted to extend forward of the bonnet (hood) of the vehicle and to engage a part of the vehicle forwards of the windscreen in order to support the guide portion.

24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein at least one guide-portion support is adapted to extend forward of the bonnet (hood) of the vehicle and to connect the guide portion to the vehicle chassis, a structural part of a monocoque structure of the vehicle, a bull-bar or a bumper of the vehicle.

25. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in use the guide portion is supported relative to the vehicle such that the vehicle can be driven with the guide portion in its operative position.

26. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in use in its operative position, the guide portion is supported relative to the vehicle in a position in which the guide portion is spaced apart from the ground.

27. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the carriage part comprises attachment portions for attaching the carriage part to a boat.

28. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein at least one engagement part of the carriage part comprises a rotatable engagement part.

29. Apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein at least one at least one rotatable engagement part comprises a wheel or roller.

30. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the carriage part comprises a carriage main frame.

31. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one cargo attachment member to which additional cargo can be attached so that in use the additional cargo is located within a boat .

32. Apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the cargo attachment member is adapted to be securely coupled to a boat, so that in use the additional cargo is located within the boat.

33. Apparatus as claimed in either of claims 31 or 32, wherein the cargo attachment member is adapted to be securely coupled to the rooftop portion.

34. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim of claims 31 to 33, wherein the at least one cargo attachment member is provided with an attachment portion for attaching a boat motor and/or fuel tank thereto.

35. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim of claims 31 to 34, wherein the cargo attachment member is a part of the carriage part, so that in use the additional cargo is located within a boat attached to the carriage part.

36. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 31 to

35, wherein the at least one cargo attachment member is attachable to and detachable from a main frame of the carriage part.

37. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the carriage part comprises a rack portion for attachment of cargo other than a boat thereto, and the rack portion comprises a recessed area so that it can act as a container for cargo.

38. Apparatus as claimed in claim 37 wherein the rack portion comprises a surface formed of a metal mesh- like structure.

39. Apparatus as claimed in either of claims 37 or 38, wherein the rack portion is be provided so that it can receive cargo without that cargo obstructing attachment of a boat to the carriage part.

40. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the carriage part is provided with at least one carriage leg, for spacing apart at least part of the carriage part from the ground.

41. Apparatus as claimed claim 40, wherein the carriage leg is moveable from an operative position, in which it is adapted to space apart at part of the carriage part from the ground to an inoperative, storage position.

42. Apparatus as claimed in either of claims 40 or 41, wherein the at least one carriage leg is adapted to support the carriage part in an inclined orientation relative to the ground.

43. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the apparatus comprises a trailer for enabling a vehicle to tow a boat, the trailer being at least partially formed from parts of the carriage part and/or guide portion.

44. Apparatus as claimed in claim 43, wherein the trailer comprises a trailer frame, which is also useable as a component of the carriage part, and wherein wheels of the trailer are attached to the trailer frame.

45. Apparatus as claimed in any either of claims

43 or 44, wherein the trailer comprises at least one trailer elongate member which extends substantially the entire length of the trailer and wherein the trailer elongate member is a component of the guide portion.

46. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 43 to 45, wherein the trailer comprises a trailer forcing mechanism for applying a force to a boat in order to control movement of the boat when loading the boat onto or off of the trailer, and wherein the trailer forcing mechanism comprises at least part of a carriage forcing mechanism for forcing the carriage part to move.

47. A method for use in transporting a cargo the method comprising moving the cargo onto a vehicle roof from a lower position, the method comprising: securing the cargo to a carriage part of an apparatus for transporting cargo; engaging the carriage part of the apparatus with a guide portion of the apparatus, the guide portion extending between a rooftop portion of the apparatus, secured on the roof of the vehicle, and a lower position; moving the carriage part up the guide portion and onto the rooftop portion.

48. A method as claimed in claim 47, wherein the cargo comprises a boat.

49. A method as claimed in either of claims 47 or 48, wherein the method comprises securing a motor and/or fuel tank of the boat inside the boat prior to moving the carriage part up the guide portion.

50. A method as claimed in claim 49, wherein the method comprises securing the motor and/or fuel tank to a cargo attachment part of the carriage part prior to moving the carriage part up the guide portion.

51. A method as claimed in any of claims 47 to 50 wherein the method comprises securing the boat to the carriage when the boat is in a substantially upright orientation, and subsequently inverting the boat prior to moving the carriage part up the guide portion.

52. A method as claimed in any of claims 47 to 51 wherein the method comprises moving at least part of guide portion of the apparatus underneath at least part of the carriage part by moving the vehicle to which the guide portion of the apparatus is attached.

53. A Method as claimed in any of claims 47 to 52 wherein the method comprises use of apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 46.

54. Apparatus comprising at least one support attachable at a first part thereof to a cargo or cargo- carrying apparatus on the roof top of a vehicle and at a second part thereof to a part of the vehicle below the level of the windscreen, in order that at least a part of the weight of cargo carried above the roof of the vehicle is supported by the apparatus and borne by the part of the vehicle below the windscreen, rather than being supported by the vehicle roof.

55. Apparatus as claimed in claim 54, wherein the second part of at least one support is adapted to be connected to a vehicle sub-frame or a part of the vehicle below the windscreen which is substantially rigidly attached to the vehicle sub-frame.

56. Apparatus as claimed in claim 55, wherein the second part of at least one support is adapted to be connected to a vehicle bull bar, a nudge bar or to a sidestep of a vehicle.

57. A method for use in transporting a cargo, the method comprising: attaching at least one support, at a first part thereof, to a cargo or cargo-carrying apparatus on the roof top of a vehicle; attaching at least said one support, at a second part thereof, to a part of the vehicle below the level of the windscreen, in order that at least a part of the weight of cargo carried above the roof of the vehicle is supported by the apparatus and borne by the part of the vehicle below the windscreen, rather than being supported by the vehicle roof.

58. A method as claimed in claim 57, wherein the method comprises use of apparatus as claimed in any of claims 54 to 56.