WO2022051782A2

WO2022051782A2 - A method for loading goods on a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2022051782A2
Application number: PCT/ZA2021/050049
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gideon Johannes VAN DER MERWE
Original assignee: Vdm Supply Chain Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-04
Filing date: 2021-09-03
Publication date: 2022-03-10
Also published as: WO2022051782A3

Abstract

A method for loading goods (12) on a vehicle including mounting walls (14) on a load bed (16) of a vehicle to define a closed off region (18) on the load bed (16), placing a material layer (20) over the walls (14) and closed off region (18), the material layer (20) being sized so as to conform to the shape of the closed off region (18) with its peripheral end regions (20) hanging over the walls (14), thus defining a compartment (21) for receiving loose goods (12) to be transported therein, folding opposing peripheral end regions (20) of the material layer (20) towards each other to envelop the loose goods (12) therein and fastening the opposing peripheral end regions (20) of the material layer (20) together so as to retain the loose goods (12) in an enveloped condition for facilitating transport thereof.

Description

A METHOD FOR LOADING GOODS ON A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a method for loading goods on a vehicle. In particular, this invention relates to a method for loading and retaining loose goods together on a load bed of a vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a method for loading goods on a vehicle including: - mounting walls on a load bed of a vehicle to define a closed off region on the load bed; placing a material layer over the walls and closed off region, the material layer being sized so as to conform to the shape of the closed off region with its peripheral end regions hanging over the walls, thus defining a compartment for receiving goods to be transported therein; folding opposing peripheral end regions of the material layer towards each other to envelop the goods therein; and fastening the opposing peripheral end regions of the material layer together so as to retain the goods in an enveloped condition for facilitating transport thereof.

The method may further include the step of dismounting the walls from the load bed after the opposing peripheral end regions of the material layer are fastened together. Dismounting of the walls may take place before transportation of the goods by the vehicle. It is to be appreciated that dismounting of the walls after the goods are loaded allows a heavier payload to be loaded on the vehicle due to the reduction in weight of the walls, thereby increasing the total quantity of goods the vehicle may carry legally. The goods received by the compartment defined by the material layer being placed over the walls and closed off region may be in the form of loose goods.

The walls may be mounted on the load bed so as to define a generally rectangular or square shaped closed off region. The walls may include side support members and elongate members extending between and interconnecting the side support members. The walls may have a height in the range 0.3m to 1 .6m, preferably being in the region of 0.6m. The walls may be manufactured from any suitable plastics and/or metallics material, preferably being manufactured from any suitable metallics material.

The walls may include lateral walls which may be mounted on side regions of the load bed and which may be arranged substantially parallel a longitudinal edge region of the load bed. The lateral walls may have a length which corresponds with a length of the load bed. The lateral walls may have a length in the range of 6m to 18m. Preferably, a plurality of lateral walls may be mounted on a side of the load bed for allowing the length of the load bed to be closed off.

The walls may include end walls which may be mounted on the load bed substantially normal to the lateral walls so as to define discrete closed off regions on the load bed. The end walls may be mounted on the load bed towards opposing end regions of the closed off regions of the load bed. The end walls may have a length which corresponds to a width of the load bed. More particularly, the end walls may have a length for allowing the end walls to extend between and interconnect opposing lateral walls.

The lateral and end walls may include engaging formations for allowing releasable engagement therebetween, typically for allowing sizes of the closed off regions to be adjusted according to preferences of a user. The engaging formations may include a recess or slot defined in a lateral or end wall for receiving an end region of the end or lateral wall complementally therein. Preferably, the recess or slot may be defined in the lateral wall for allowing an end region of the end wall to be received complementally therein. More particularly, the recess or slot may be defined in a side support member of the lateral wall, preferably being defined in every side support member of the lateral wall. The recess or slot may be shaped and/or configured to allow the end region of the end wall to be received therein and inhibit substantially parallel displacement of the end wall relative the load bed in a received condition. It is to be appreciated that the end walls may be inserted between the lateral walls.

Mounting means may be provided for mounting the walls on the load bed, preferably peripheral regions thereof. The mounting means may be in the form of any one or more of the group including a clamping mechanism, a nut-and-bolt arrangement, and a hook arrangement. Alternatively, the mounting means may be in the form of complementary engaging formations defined on a surface of the load bed and foot portions of the side support members of the walls, respectively.

The material layer may be of any suitable geometric shape, preferably being substantially rectangular or square. The material layer may have a width in the range of 4m to 6m, preferably being in the region of 5m and a length in the range of 6m to 9m, preferably being in the region of 8m. The material layer may be manufactured from any suitable material, preferably being manufactured from a netted material for facilitating securing of the compartment to the load bed of the vehicle. The netted material may be configured to receive any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like therethrough, to facilitate securing of the compartment to the load bed of the vehicle.

A second material layer may be placed over the first material layer, the second material layer preferably being sized for further facilitating retention of the goods in the enveloped condition for facilitating transport thereof. The second material layer may be of any suitable geometric shape, preferably being substantially rectangular or square. The second material layer may have a width in the range of 4m to 6m, preferably being in the region of 5m and a length in the range of 6m to 9m, preferably being in the region of 8m. The second material layer may be manufactured from any suitable material, preferably being manufactured from a canvas material, such as tarpaulin, for inhibiting the ingress of fluid, such as water, into the compartment and reducing a likelihood of the fluid damaging goods contained therein.

Fastening means may be provided for fastening the material layers to each other and/or to fasten opposing peripheral end regions of the material layers to each other. The fastening means may be in the form of looped members extending from peripheral end regions of the material layers. The looped members may be sized, shaped and/or configured to receive connecting means therethrough to facilitate fastening the material layers to each other and/or to fasten opposing peripheral end regions of the material layers to each other. The looped members may be in the form of any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like. Alternatively, the looped members may be in the form of material strips fastened, preferably being sewn, onto the peripheral end regions of the material layers. The material strips may be manufactured from any suitable material, preferably being manufactured from the same material as the material layers.

The connecting means may be in the form of an elongate member. The elongate members received by the fastening means on opposing peripheral regions may be secured to each other by way of any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like. The elongate member may be manufactured from any suitable plastics and/or metallics material, preferably being manufactured from any suitable metallics material. Alternatively, the connecting means may be in the form of any suitable conventional rope, chain, cable, cord or the like.

Securing means may be provided for securing the compartment to the load bed of the vehicle. The securing means may be in the form of any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like. The securing means may be configured to extend between and interconnect a hook formation extending from the load bed and attachment formations, typically in the form of looped members, defined on the material layer. The looped members may be in the form of any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like. Alternatively, the looped members may be in the form of material strips fastened, preferably being sewn, onto an outer surface of the material layer.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a wall for facilitating loading of goods in accordance with the method as hereinbefore described, including: - side support members; mounting means for releasably mounting the side supports to a load bed of a vehicle; and elongate members extending between and interconnecting the side support members.

The walls may be mounted on the load bed so as to define a generally rectangular or square shaped closed off region. The walls may include side support members and elongate members extending between and interconnecting the side support members. The walls may have a height in the range 0.3m to 1 .6m, preferably being in the region of 0.6m. The walls may be manufactured from any suitable plastics and/or metallics material, preferably being manufactured from any suitable metallics material. It is to be appreciated that the height of the walls will be determined by a volume of loose goods to be loaded in the closed off region. Thus, the greater the greater the volume of the goods to be loaded in the closed of region, the greater the height of the walls will be. The volume of the goods to be transported will be determined by a density or mass of the goods, thus the greater the density or mass of the goods, the smaller the volume will be and in turn the smaller the height of the walls will be. It is further to be appreciated that if the mass of the goods can be controlled then walls which are greater in height can be used to load goods with a high mass or density. The walls may include lateral walls which may be mounted on side regions of the load bed and which may be arranged substantially parallel a longitudinal edge region of the load bed. The lateral walls may have a length which corresponds with a length of the load bed. The lateral walls may have a length in the range of 6m to 18m. Preferably, a plurality of lateral walls may be mounted on a side of the load bed for allowing the length of the load bed to be closed off.

The mounting means may be in the form of any one or more of the group including a clamping mechanism, a nut-and-bolt arrangement, and a hook arrangement. Alternatively, the mounting means may be in the form of complementary engaging formations defined on a surface of the load bed and foot portions of the side support members of the walls, respectively.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a retaining arrangement for retaining goods together whilst on a load bed of a vehicle in accordance with the method as hereinbefore described, including: - a first material layer, the first material layer being configured to be placed in a laterally closed off region of a load bed of a vehicle; a second material layer placed over the first material layer; and fastening means for fastening the material layers to each other and/or to fasten opposing peripheral end regions of the material layers to each other, such that when goods are placed on the second material layer, opposing peripheral end regions of the first and second material layers are folded towards and fastened to each other to define a compartment in which the goods are enveloped for facilitating transport thereof.

The first material layer may be of any suitable geometric shape, preferably being substantially rectangular or square. The material layer may have a width in the range of 4m to 6m, preferably being in the region of 5m and a length in the range of 6m to 9m, preferably being in the region of 8m. The material layer may be manufactured from any suitable material, preferably being manufactured from a netted material for facilitating securing of the compartment to the load bed of the vehicle. The netted material may be configured to receive any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like therethrough, to facilitate securing of the compartment to the load bed of the vehicle.

The second material layer may be sized for further facilitating retention of the goods, preferably loose goods, in the enveloped condition for facilitating transport thereof. The second material layer may be of any suitable geometric shape, preferably being substantially rectangular or square. The second material layer may have a width in the 4m to 6m, preferably being in the region of 5m and a length in the range of 6m to 9m, preferably being in the region of 8m. The second material layer may be manufactured from any suitable material, preferably being manufactured from a canvas material, such as tarpaulin, for inhibiting the ingress of fluid, such as water, into the compartment and reducing a likelihood of the fluid damaging goods contained therein.

The fastening means may be in the form of looped members extending from peripheral end regions of the material layers. The looped members may be sized, shaped and/or configured to receive connecting means therethrough to facilitate fastening the material layers to each other and/or to fasten opposing peripheral end regions of the material layers to each other. The looped members may be in the form of any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like. Alternatively, the looped members may be in the form of material strips fastened, preferably being sewn, onto the peripheral end regions of the material layers. The material strips may be manufactured from any suitable material, preferably being manufactured from the same material as the material layers.

The connecting means may be in the form of an elongate member. The elongate members received by the fastening means on opposing peripheral regions may be secured to each other by way of any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like. The elongate member may be manufactured from any suitable plastics and/or metallics material, preferably being manufactured from any suitable metallics material. Alternatively, the connecting means may be in the form of any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, cord, strip of material, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A method for loading goods on a vehicle in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of the following, non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings: -

Figure 1 is a schematic showing an exploded view of the walls wherein the walls are not mounted on a load bed of a vehicle;

Figure 2 is a schematic showing a top perspective view of the walls shown in Figure 1 wherein the walls are mounted on the load bed of the vehicle;

Figure 3 is a schematic showing a close-up top perspective view of the walls shown in Figure 2 wherein the walls are arranged in an alternative configuration on the load bed of the vehicle to define a smaller closed off region;

Figure 4 is a schematic showing a close-up top perspective view of the walls shown in Figure 2 wherein the walls are arranged in yet another alternative configuration on the load bed of the vehicle to define two closed off regions on a rear end of the vehicle;

Figure 5 is a schematic showing a close-up view of a portion the walls shown in Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a schematic showing an exploded view of a material layer wherein the material layer is not placed over a closed off region as shown in Figure 2;

Figure 7 is a schematic showing a top perspective view of the material layer placed over the closed off region shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a schematic showing an exploded view of a second material layer wherein the second material layer is not placed over the first material layer as shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a schematic showing a top perspective view of the second material layer placed over the first material layer the closed off region shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a schematic showing a perspective view of an elongate member being received by fastening means of the material layers as shown in Figure 9;

Figure 10a is a schematic showing a close-up view of the elongate member as received by the fastening means of the material layers as shown in Figure 10;

Figure 1 1 is a schematic showing a perspective view of goods received in the compartment as shown in Figure 10 wherein a front-end loader engages the elongate member to fold over peripheral end regions of the material layers over the goods;

Figure 12 is a schematic showing a close-up top perspective view of goods received in the compartment as shown in Figure 10 wherein opposing peripheral end regions of the second material layer is folded over the goods;

Figure 13 is a schematic showing a close-up top perspective view of the goods received in the compartment as shown in Figure 12 in an enveloped condition wherein the opposing peripheral end regions of the material layers are fastened to each other;

Figure 14 is a schematic showing a close-up top perspective view of the compartment in the enveloped condition as shown in Figure 13 wherein the compartment is secured to the load bed of the vehicle and the walls have been removed;

Figure 15 is a schematic showing a close-up top perspective view of the compartment as shown in Figure 14 wherein the opposing peripheral end regions of the material layers have been unfastened from each other;

Figure 16 is a schematic showing a perspective view of the goods received in the compartment as shown in Figure 15 wherein the front-end loader engages the elongate member to unfold the peripheral end region of the material layers from the goods; and Figure 17 is a schematic showing a perspective view of the walls shown in Figure 1 wherein the walls are mounted on a load bed of a truck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for loading goods 12 on a vehicle (not shown) including mounting walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d on a load bed 16 of a vehicle (not shown) to define a closed off region 18 on the load bed 16, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, placing a material layer 20 over the walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d and closed off region 18, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, the material layer 20 being sized so as to conform to the shape of the closed off region 18 with its peripheral end regions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d hanging over the walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, thus defining a compartment 21 for receiving loose goods 12 to be transported therein, folding opposing peripheral end regions 20a and 20c, 20b and 20d of the material layer 20 towards each other to envelop the loose goods 12 therein, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, and fastening the opposing peripheral end regions 20a and 20c, 20b and 20d of the material layer 20 together, as shown in Figure 13 so as to retain the loose goods 12 in an enveloped condition for facilitating transport thereof.

The method further includes the step of dismounting the walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d from the load bed 16 after the opposing peripheral end regions 20a and 20c, 20b and 20d of the material layer 20 are fastened together. It is to be appreciated that dismounting of the walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d after the goods 12 are loaded allows a heavier payload to be loaded on the vehicle (not shown) due to the reduction in weight of the walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, thereby increasing the total quantity of goods 12 the vehicle (not shown) may carry legally.

The walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d are mounted on the load bed 16 so as to define a generally rectangular or square shaped closed off region 18. The walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d include side support members 22 and elongate members 24 extending between and interconnecting the side support members 22. The walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d have a height in the range of 0.3m to 1 .6m, typically being in the region of 0.6m. For example, a 0.3m height over a 2.4m width and a density of 3 200 kg/m³ you would load 2.3t/m, and for a 1 .5m height over a 2.4m width and a density of 800 kg/m³ you would load 2.9t/m. The walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d are manufactured from any suitable plastics or metallics material, typically being manufactured from any suitable metallics material.

The walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d include lateral walls 14a, 14c which are mounted on side regions of the load bed 16 and which are arranged substantially parallel a longitudinal edge region of the load bed 16. The lateral walls 14, 14c have a length which corresponds with a length of the load bed. The lateral walls have a length in the range of 6m to 18m. Typically, a plurality of lateral walls 14a, 14c are mounted on a side of the load bed 16 for allowing the length of the load bed 16 to be closed off.

The walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d include end walls 14b, 14d which are mounted on the load bed 16 substantially normal to the lateral walls 14a, 14c so as to define discrete closed off regions 18 on the load bed 16. The end walls 14b, 14d are mounted on the load bed 16 towards opposing end regions of the closed off regions 18 of the load bed 16. The end walls 14b, 14d have a length which corresponds to a width of the load bed 16. More particularly, the end walls 14b, 14d have a length for allowing the end walls 14b, 14d to extend between and interconnect opposing lateral walls 14a, 14c.

The lateral and end walls 14a, 14c, 14b, 14d include engaging formations 26 for allowing releasable engagement therebetween, typically for allowing sizes of the closed off regions 18 to be adjusted according to preferences of a user (not shown). The engaging formations 26 include a recess or slot 28 defined in a lateral or end wall 14a, 14c, 14b, 14d for receiving an end region 30 of the end or lateral wall 14a, 14c, 14b, 14d complementally therein. Typically, the recess or slot 28 is defined in the lateral wall 14a, 14c for allowing an end region 30 of the end wall 14b, 14d to be received complementally therein. More particularly, the recess or slot 28 is defined in a side support member 22 of the lateral wall 14a, 14c, typically being defined in every side support member 22 of the lateral wall 14a, 14c. The recess or slot 28 is shaped and configured to allow the end region 30 of the end wall 14b, 14d to be received therein and inhibit substantially parallel displacement of the end wall 14b, 14d relative the load bed 16 in a received condition, as shown in Figure 5. It is to be appreciated that the end walls 14b, 14d are inserted between the lateral walls 14a, 14c.

Mounting means, in the form of a clamping mechanism 32, is provided for mounting the walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d on the load bed 16, typically peripheral regions thereof. Although not shown in the drawings, the mounting means can be in the form of any one or more of the group including a nut-and-bolt arrangement, and a hook arrangement. Alternatively, the mounting means is in the form of complementary engaging formations (not shown) defined on a surface of the load bed 16 and foot portions (not shown) of the side support members 22 of the walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, respectively.

The material layer 20 is of any suitable geometric shape, typically being substantially rectangular or square. The material layer 20 has a width in the range of 4m to 6m, typically being in the region of 5m and a length in the range of 6m to 9m, typically being in the region of 8m. The material layer 20 is manufactured from any suitable material, typically being manufactured from a netted material for facilitating securing of the compartment 21 to the load bed 16 of the vehicle (not shown). The netted material 20 is configured to receive any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like therethrough, to facilitate securing of the compartment 21 to the load bed 16 of the vehicle (not shown).

A second material layer 34 is placed over the first material layer 20, the second material layer 34 being sized for further facilitating retention of the loose goods 12 in the enveloped condition for facilitating transport thereof. The second material layer 34 is of any suitable geometric shape, typically being substantially rectangular or square. The second material layer 34 has a width in the range of 4m to 6m, typically being in the region of 5m and a length in the range of 6m to 9m, typically being in the region of 8m. The second material layer 34 is manufactured from any suitable material, typically being manufactured from a from a canvas material, such as tarpaulin, for inhibiting the ingress of fluid, such as water, into the compartment 21 and reducing a likelihood of the fluid damaging the loose goods 12 contained therein.

Fastening means, in the form of looped members 36 extending from peripheral end regions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d of the material layers 20, 34 are provided for fastening the material layers 20, 34 to each other and to fasten opposing peripheral end regions 20a and 20c, 34a and 34c of the material layers 20, 34 to each other. The looped members 36 are sized, shaped and configured to receive connecting means, in the form of an elongate member 38, therethrough to facilitate fastening the material layers 20, 34 to each other and to fasten opposing peripheral end regions 20a and 20c, 34a and 34c of the material layers 20, 34 to each other. The looped members 36 are in the form of any one of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like. Alternatively, the looped members 36 are in the form of material strips fastened, preferably being sewn, onto the peripheral end regions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d of the material layers 20, 34. The material strips 36 are manufactured from any suitable material, preferably being manufactured from the same material as the material layers 20, 34.

The elongate members 38 is received by the looped members 36 on opposing peripheral regions 20a and 20c, 34a and 34c are secured to each other by way of any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like 40. The elongate member 38 is manufactured from any suitable plastics or metallics material, typically being manufactured from any suitable metallics material. Alternatively, the connecting means is in the form of any suitable conventional rope, chain, cable, cord or the like (not shown).

Securing means, in the form of a rope 42 is provided for securing the compartment 21 to the load bed 16 of the vehicle (not shown). The rope 42 is configured to extend between and interconnect a hook formation (not shown) extending from the load bed 16 and attachment formations, typically in the form of looped members (not shown), defined on the material layer 20, 34. The looped members (not shown) are in the form of any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like. Alternatively, the looped members (not shown) are in the form of material strips fastened, typically being sewn, onto an outer surface of the material layer 20, 34.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a wall 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d for facilitating loading of goods 12 in accordance with the method as hereinbefore described, including side support members 22, mounting means, in the form of a clamping mechanism 32, for releasably mounting the side supports 22 to a load bed 16 of a vehicle (not shown), and elongate members 24 extending between and interconnecting the side support members 22.

The walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d are mounted on the load bed 16 so as to define a generally rectangular or square shaped closed off region 18. The walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d include side support members 22 and elongate members 24 extending between and interconnecting the side support members 22. The walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d have a height in the range of 0.3m to 1 .5m, typically being in the region of 0.6m. The walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d are manufactured from any suitable plastics or metallics material, typically being manufactured from any suitable metallics material. It is to be appreciated that the height of the walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d will be determined by a volume of loose goods 12 to be loaded in the closed off region 18. Thus, the greater the greater the volume of the goods 12 to be loaded in the closed of region 18, the greater the height of the walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d will be. The volume of the loose goods 12 to be transported will be determined by a density or mass of the goods 12, thus the greater the density or mass of the goods 12, the smaller the volume will be and in turn the smaller the height of the walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d will be. It is further to be appreciated that if the mass of the loose goods 12 can be controlled then walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d which are greater in height can be used to load goods 12 with a high mass or density. The walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d include lateral walls 14a, 14c which are mounted on side regions of the load bed 16 and which are arranged substantially parallel a longitudinal edge region of the load bed 16. The lateral walls 14, 14c have a length which corresponds with a length of the load bed. The lateral walls have a length in the range of 6m to 18m. Typically, a plurality of lateral walls 14a, 14c are mounted on a side of the load bed 16 for allowing the length of the load bed 16 to be closed off.

The lateral and end walls 14a, 14c, 14b, 14d include engaging formations 26 for allowing releasable engagement therebetween, typically for allowing sizes of the closed off regions 18 to be adjusted according to preferences of a user (not shown). The engaging formations 26 include a recess or slot 28 defined in a lateral or end wall 14a, 14c, 14b, 14d for receiving an end region 30 of the end or lateral wall 14a, 14c, 14b, 14d complementally therein. Typically, the recess or slot 28 is defined in the lateral wall 14a, 14c for allowing an end region 30 of the end wall 14b, 14d to be received complementally therein. More particularly, the recess or slot 28 is defined in a side support member 22 of the lateral wall 14a, 14c, typically being defined in every side support member 22 of the lateral wall 14a, 14c. The recess or slot 28 is shaped and configured to allow the end region 30 of the end wall 14b, 14d to be received therein and inhibit substantially parallel displacement of the end wall 14b, 14d relative the load bed 16 in a received condition, as shown in Figure 5. It is to be appreciated that the end walls 14b, 14d are inserted between the lateral walls 14a, 14c. Although not shown in the drawings, the mounting means can be in the form of any one or more of the group including a nut-and-bolt arrangement, and a hook arrangement. Alternatively, the mounting means is in the form of complementary engaging formations (not shown) defined on a surface of the load bed 16 and foot portions (not shown) of the side support members 22 of the walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, respectively.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a retaining arrangement for retaining loose goods 12 together whilst on a load bed 16 of a vehicle in accordance with the method as hereinbefore described, including a first material layer, the first material layer being configured to be placed in a laterally closed off region of a load bed of a vehicle, a second material layer placed over the first material layer, and fastening means for fastening the material layers to each other and/or to fasten opposing peripheral end regions of the material layers to each other, such that when loose goods are placed on the second material layer, opposing peripheral end regions of the first and second material layers are folded towards and fastened to each other to define a compartment in which the loose goods are enveloped for facilitating transport thereof.

The first material layer 20 is of any suitable geometric shape, typically being substantially rectangular or square. The first material layer 20 has a width in the range of 4m to 6m, typically being in the region of 5m and a length in the range of 6m to 9m, typically being in the region of 8m. The first material layer 20 is manufactured from any suitable material, typically being manufactured from a netted material for facilitating securing of the compartment 21 to the load bed 16 of the vehicle (not shown). The netted material 20 is configured to receive any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like therethrough, to facilitate securing of the compartment 21 to the load bed 16 of the vehicle (not shown). The second material layer 34 is sized for further facilitating retention of the loose goods 12 in the enveloped condition for facilitating transport thereof. The second material layer 34 is of any suitable geometric shape, typically being substantially rectangular or square. The second material layer 34 has a width in the range of 4m to 6m, typically being in the region of 5m and a length in the range of 6m to 9m, typically being in the region of 8m. The second material layer 34 is manufactured from any suitable material, typically being manufactured from a from a canvas material, such as tarpaulin, for inhibiting the ingress of fluid, such as water, into the compartment 21 and reducing a likelihood of the fluid damaging the loose goods 12 contained therein.

Fastening means, in the form of looped members 36 extending from peripheral end regions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d of the material layers 20, 34 are provided for fastening the material layers 20, 34 to each other and to fasten opposing peripheral end regions 20a and 20c, 34a and 34c of the material layers 20, 34 to each other. The looped members 36 are sized, shaped and configured to receive connecting means, in the form of an elongate member 38, therethrough to facilitate fastening the material layers 20, 34 to each other and to fasten opposing peripheral end regions 20a and 20c, 34a and 34c of the material layers 20, 34 to each other. The looped members 36 are in the form of any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like. Alternatively, the looped members 36 are in the form of material strips fastened, preferably being sewn, onto the peripheral end regions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d of the material layers 20, 34. The material strips 36 are manufactured from any suitable material, preferably being manufactured from the same material as the material layers 20, 34.

The elongate members 38 is received by the looped members 36 on opposing peripheral regions 20a and 20c, 34a and 34c are secured to each other way of any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like 40. The elongate member 38 is manufactured from any suitable plastics or metallics material, typically being manufactured from any suitable metallics material. Alternatively, the connecting means is in the form of any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like (not shown). Securing means, in the form of a rope 42, is provided for securing the compartment 21 to the load bed 16 of the vehicle (not shown). The rope 42 is configured to extend between and interconnect a hook formation (not shown) extending from the load bed 16 and attachment formations, typically in the form of looped members (not shown), defined on the material layer 20, 34. The looped members (not shown) are in the form of any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like. Alternatively, the looped members (not shown) are in the form of material strips fastened, typically being sewn, onto an outer surface of the material layer 20, 34.

In use, the walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d are mounted on the load bed 16 of the vehicle (not shown) to define a discrete closed off region 18, as shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the first material layer 20, followed by the second material layer 34 is draped over the walls 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d and the closed of region 18 to define the compartment 21 in which the loose goods 12 can be received. It is to be appreciated that the looped members 36 of the material layers 20, 34 are arranged such that when the second material layer 34 is placed over the first material layer 20, the looped members 36 of the material layers 20, 34 align to receive the elongate member 38 therethrough. As shown in Figure 10 and 11 , the elongate member 38 is received by the looped members 36 of the material layers 20, 34, allowing the material layers 20, 34 to be joined to each other, so that both material layers 20, 34 can be manipulated and folded simultaneously. As shown in Figure 11 , the loose goods 12 are placed in the compartment 21. As shown in Figure 12 and 13, the opposing peripheral regions 20b, 34b and 20d, 34d, and 20a, 34a and 20c, 34c of the material layers 20, 34 are folded towards and fastened to each other using ropes 40 to allow the loose goods 12 to be enveloped by the material layers 20, 34. As shown in Figure 14, the walls14a, 14b, 14c, 14d are removed from the load bed 16 and the compartment 21 is secured thereto using ropes 42. As shown in Figure 15 and 6, once the loose goods 12 have arrived at the final destination, the ropes 42 and 40 are unfastened. The opposing peripheral regions 20a, 34a and 20c, 34c 20b, and 34b and 20d, 34d are unfolded, allowing the loose goods to be removed from the load bed

16.

It is, of course, to be appreciated that the method for loading goods on a vehicle in accordance with the invention is not limited to the precise constructional and functional details as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings and which is varied as desired.

Although only certain embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be understood by any person skilled in the art that other modifications, variations, and possibilities of the invention are possible. Such modifications, variations and possibilities are therefore to be considered as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and hence form part of the invention as herein described and/or exemplified. It is further to be understood that the examples are provided for illustrating the invention further and to assist a person skilled in the art with understanding the invention and is not meant to be construed as unduly limiting the reasonable scope of the invention.

The inventor believes that the method for loading goods on a vehicle in accordance with the present invention is advantageous in that it allows loose goods to be received by the compartment defined by the material layer that is placed over the walls and the closed off region on the load be. Opposing ends of the material layer is then folded towards and secured to each other to envelop the goods therein to facilitate the transport thereof. The compartment can then be secured to the load bed to inhibit movement of the compartment, with the goods enveloped therein, relative the load be of the vehicle.

Claims

1 . A method for loading goods on a vehicle including: - mounting walls on a load bed of a vehicle to define a closed off region on the load bed; placing a material layer over the walls and closed off region, the material layer being sized so as to conform to the shape of the closed off region with its peripheral end regions hanging over the walls, thus defining a compartment for receiving goods to be transported therein; folding opposing peripheral end regions of the material layer towards each other to envelop the goods therein; and fastening the opposing peripheral end regions of the material layer together so as to retain the goods in an enveloped condition for facilitating transport thereof.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 further including the step of dismounting the walls from the load bed after the opposing peripheral end regions of the material layer are fastened together.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the goods received by the compartment defined by the material layer being placed over the walls and closed off region are in the form of loose goods.

4. A method as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the walls are mounted on the load bed so as to define a generally rectangular or square shaped closed off region.

5. A method as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the walls include side support members and elongate members extending between and interconnecting the side support members.

6. A method as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the walls have a height in the range 0.3m to 1 .6m.

7. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the walls include lateral walls which are mounted on side regions of the load bed and which are arranged substantially parallel a longitudinal edge region of the load bed.

8. A method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the lateral walls have a length which corresponds with a length of the load bed.

9. A method as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the walls include end walls which are mounted on the load bed substantially normal to the lateral walls so as to define discrete closed off regions on the load bed.

10. A method as claimed in claim 9 wherein the end walls are mounted on the load bed towards opposing end regions of the closed off regions of the load bed.

1 1. A method as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein the end walls have a length which corresponds to a width of the load bed.

12. A method as claimed in any one or more of the claims 7 to 10 wherein the lateral and end walls include engaging formations for allowing releasable engagement therebetween, for allowing sizes of the closed off regions to be adjusted according to preferences of a user.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12 wherein the engaging formations include a recess defined in a lateral or end wall for receiving an end region of the end or lateral wall complementally therein.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the recess is defined in the lateral wall for allowing an end region of the end wall to be received complementally therein.

15. A method as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the recess is defined in a side support member of the lateral wall,

16. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the recess is defined in every side support member of the lateral wall.

17. A method as claimed in any one or more of the claims 13 to 16 wherein the recess is shaped and configured to allow the end region of the end wall to be received therein and inhibit substantially parallel displacement of the end wall relative the load bed in a received condition.

18. A method as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein mounting means is provided for mounting the walls on peripheral regions of the load bed.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18 wherein the mounting means is in the form of any one or more of the group including a clamping mechanism, a nut-and-bolt arrangement, and a hook arrangement.

20. A method as claimed in claim 18 wherein the mounting means is in the form of complementary engaging formations defined on a surface of the load bed and foot portions of the side support members of the walls, respectively.

21 . A method as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the material layer is of any suitable geometric shape.

22. A method as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the material layer has a width in the range of 4m to 6m.

23. A method as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the material layer has a length in the range of 6m to 9m.

24. A method as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the material layer is manufactured from a netted material for facilitating securing of the compartment to the load bed of the vehicle.

25. A method as claimed in claim 24 wherein the netted material is configured to receive any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord and the like therethrough, to facilitate securing of the compartment to the load bed of the vehicle.

26. A method as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein a second material layer is placed over the first material layer, the second material layer being sized for further facilitating retention of the goods in the enveloped condition for facilitating transport thereof.

27. A method as claimed in claim 26 wherein the second material layer has a width in the range of 4m to 6m.

28. A method as claimed in claim 26 or 27 wherein the second material layer has a length in the range of 6m to 9m.

29. A method as claimed in any one or more of the claims 26 to 28 wherein the second material layer is manufactured from a canvas material for inhibiting the ingress of fluid into the compartment and reducing a likelihood of the fluid damaging goods contained therein.

30. A method as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein fastening means is provided for fastening the material layers to each other.

31 . A method as claimed in claim 30 wherein the fastening means is configured to fasten opposing peripheral end regions of the material layers to each other.

32. A method as claimed in claim 30 or 31 wherein the fastening means is in the form of looped members extending from peripheral end regions of the material layers.

33. A method as claimed in claim 32 wherein the looped members are sized, shaped and configured to receive connecting means therethrough to facilitate fastening the material layers to each other and to fasten opposing peripheral end regions of the material layers to each other.

34. A method as claimed in claim 32 or 33 wherein the looped members are in the form of any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, material strip, cord, and the like.

35. A method as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein securing means is provided for securing the compartment to the load bed of the vehicle, the securing means being in the form of any one or more of the group including a rope, chain, cable, strip of material, cord, and the like.

36. A method as claimed in claim 35 wherein the securing means is configured to extend between and interconnect a hook formation extending from the load bed and attachment formations in the form of looped members, defined on the material layer.

37. A wall for facilitating loading of goods in accordance with the method as hereinbefore described, including: - side support members; mounting means for releasably mounting the side supports to a load bed of a vehicle; and elongate members extending between and interconnecting the side support members.

38. A retaining arrangement for retaining loose goods together whilst on a load bed of a vehicle in accordance with the method as hereinbefore described, including: - a first material layer, the first material layer being configured to be placed in a laterally closed off region of a load bed of a vehicle; a second material layer placed over the first material layer; and fastening means for fastening the material layers to each other and to fasten opposing peripheral end regions of the material layers to each other, such that when loose goods are placed on the second material layer, opposing peripheral end regions of the first and second material layers are folded towards and fastened to each other to define a compartment in which the loose goods are enveloped for facilitating transport thereof.