ZA200305227B

ZA200305227B - A collapsible framework.

Info

Publication number: ZA200305227B
Application number: ZA200305227A
Authority: ZA
Inventors: Hannes Fourie
Original assignee: Hannes Fourie
Priority date: 2001-01-19
Filing date: 2003-07-07
Publication date: 2004-08-27

Description

A Collapsible Framework ’ Technical field of the invention ) 5 This invention relates to a collapsible framework and in particular to a collapsible framework to aid in the transportation of motor vehicles and the like.

Background of the invention

At present, collapsible frameworks to aid the transportation of motor vehicles are available for example under the trade mark CAR-RAC, which collapsible framework includes:- a base defining a surface for receiving and retaining motor vehicles thereon in an operative stowage condition, support posts which are pivotally connected to the corner regions of the base which posts are displaceable between an operative upright condition and an inoperative collapsed condition wherein the posts are arranged in a lay-flat position relative the base; a platform for receiving motor vehicles, the platform including side beams which extend between and are mounted displaceably on the posts and wheel receiving arrangements which extend between the side beams; and displacement means for displacing the platform between an inoperative, semi- collapsed lay flat condition on the base and an operative elevated stowage condition wherein the platform is elevated above the base on the support posts such that motor vehicles are able to be stowed on the base below the platform.

A device as hereinbefore described shall hereinafter be referred to “a . collapsible framework of the kind set forth”.

A problem associated with a collapsible framework of the kind set forth is that the height of the support posts in the operative condition when being transported on a train, truck or the like, is such that in many instances it is not able to pass under ’ certain bridges in South Africa which, in general, are lower than those for example in the United Kingdom. In particular, the standards set for the height of bridges in

South Africa are less than those in the United Kingdom. A further problem associated with a collapsible framework of the kind set forth is that it cannot conform to the dimensions of standard freight containers. A collapsible framework of the kind set forth can therefore not be stacked and handled by the standard container handling infra structure in ports, railway stations and elsewhere, which pose a logistical problem for the shipment and transport thereof. The applicant believes that the invention described herein will overcome the above problem.

General description of the invention

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a collapsible framework of the kind set forth wherein the height of the framework in an operative erected vehicle stowage condition varies and can be as low as between 2.75 and 2.85 m, and is preferably 2.8 m. Further according to this aspect, there is provided a collapsible framework, which defines a container having dimensions of a standard freight container.

Some of the wheel receiving arrangements of the platform are displaceable relative to side beams between a first position wherein a vehicle is orientated substantially parallel the side beams and a stowage condition, wherein the vehicle is inclined relative the side beams such that a roof of the vehicle lies within or does not project beyond the uppermost part of the posts. In particular, the wheel receiving arrangements may be pivotally connected to opposing side beams of the platform ‘ such that in the pivoted condition a vehicle will be inclined relative to the platform.

Typically, the wheel receiving arrangements may be configured to receive the rear : wheels of a vehicle. Wheel receiving formations may be provided to receive front wheels of the vehicle.

Displacement of the platform between the inoperative collapsed condition and ‘ the operative elevated stowage condition may be achieved by any suitable mechanical advantage means, such as for example, a hydraulic ram arrangement ’ 5 which extends between and is connected to the base and the platform.

Displacement of the rear wheel receiving arrangements may be achieved by any suitable mechanical advantage means such as for example, a wire and roller or hydraulic ram arrangement.

Control means may be provided to permit control of the mechanical advantage means for displacing the platform and/or the support posts between the collapsed and erected stowage conditions and for displacing the wheel receiving arrangements between the substantially horizontal and inclined positions.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. oo

In the drawings:-

Figure 1 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a collapsible framework in an elevated vehicle stowage condition in accordance with the invention,

Figures 2 to 4 respectively show a schematic three-dimensional, end and side view of the collapsible framework in an inoperative collapsed condition;

Figures 5 and 6 respectively show an end and side view of the collapsible . framework illustrating displacement of support posts thereof between the inoperative collapsed and elevated conditions; ’ 30 Figures 7 to 9 respectively show a three-dimensional, end and side view of a collapsible framework in a semi-elevated condition for receiving vehicles on a platform of the framework;

Figures 10 to 12 respectively show a three-dimensional, end and side view of a collapsible framework in an elevated condition wherein the platform is raised above the base to permit receipt of vehicles on the base: and ’

Figures 13 to 15 respectively show a three-dimensional, end and side view of a collapsible framework in an erected stowage condition wherein the vehicles on the platform are inclined relative to side beams thereof.

Referring now to the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally designates a collapsible framework for aiding in the transportation of motor vehicles.

The collapsible framework 10 includes a base 12 defining a vehicle receiving surface 14 for receiving and retaining motor vehicles 16 thereon, support posts 18 which are pivotally connected to the corner regions of the base 12 which posts 18 are displaceable in the direction of arrow 20 (Figure 6) between an operative upright condition (Figures 1 and 7 to 15) and an inoperative collapsed condition (Figures 2 to 4) wherein the posts 18 are arranged substantially parallel in a lay-flat position relative the base 12. Free ends of the posts 18 are interconnected via ties 21. The framework 10 further includes a platform 22 for receiving the motor vehicles 16. The platform 22 has rollers (not shown) which are configured to engage and permit slideable displacement of the platform 22 along and relative to the posts 18 during raising of the platform from a lay-flat position on the base 12 (Figures 2 to 9) to an operative elevated vehicle stowage condition (Figures 10 to 15) wherein vehicles 16 are receivable on the vehicle receiving surface 14 of the base 12 under the platform 22.

Displacement means in the form of hydraulic rams 24 and 26 are provided for displacing the support posts 18 and platform 22 between the collapsed and upright raised, stowage, positions respectively. The rams 24 interconnect and extend - between lower regions of the posts 18 and inner facing surfaces of side beams 28 of the base 12. The rams 26 interconnect and extend between gussets 30 on outer ) facing surfaces of side beams 32 of the platform 22.

Centrally hinged struts 34 which interconnect and extend between the side beams 28 and posts 18 are further provided to aid retention of the posts 18 in the ) upright condition.

The vehicle receiving surface 14 has wheel receiving formations 36 for receiving a portion of wheels 38 of the vehicles 16 and for retaining the vehicles 16 in position on the base 12. :

The platform 22 has cross-members 40 which extend between and interconnect the side beams 32. The cross members 40 are configured to define wheel receiving formations 42 for receiving and retaining the front wheels 38.1.

Displaceable wheel receiving arrangements 44 are provided to permit displacement of the motor vehicles 16 between a first position wherein the vehicles16 are orientated substantially parallel the side beams 32 (Figures 1 and 10 to 12) and a stowage condition (Figures 13 to 15) wherein the vehicles 16 are inclined relative to the side beams 32 and the roofs of the vehicles 16 lie within or do not exceed the uppermost boundary defined by the posts 18 and ties 21. The wheel receiving arrangements 44 include cross members 46 configured to define wheel receiving formations for receiving and retaining the rear wheels 38.2, and arms 50 that are pivotally connected to the side beams 32. Pivotal displacement of the wheel ‘receiving arrangements 44 and the vehicles 16 between the first, parallel position and inclined stowage condition positions is achieved by any suitable mechanical advantage means such as in the embodiment shown, a wire and roller arrangement 52 although it is to be appreciated that a hydraulic ram arrangement could be used.

A control means having a control panel 54 conveniently mounted on the side » beam 28.1 is provided to permit control of the displacement of the posts 18, platform 22 and wheel receiving arrangement 44. : 30

S

Although not shown, a protective cover or tarpaulin may be used to cover the framework to protect the vehicles from being damaged. Retaining members may be provided on the end regions of the side beams 28 to retain the tarpaulin in position. )

In the operative elevated vehicle stowage condition, the framework 10 generally defines a container having a length, width and height of 13,7 m, 2,148 m and 2,8 m respectively. The vehicles 16 are further retained in position on the framework 10 via any suitable fastening means such as straps, lashings or the like.

Handling connecting formations 56 in conformity with ISO container standards are arranged on the side beams 28 and posts 18 to facilitate stacking of the frameworks 10 on top of each other in the erect and collapsed conditions, and to aid transportation or displacement of the framework 10 by any suitable container moving means. A ramp (not shown) is further provided to aid loading or offloading of the vehicles on to or off of the framework 10.

In operation, the framework 10 is displaced from the collapsed condition to the elevated condition by first energising the rams 24 to raise the ports 18. Three vehicles 16 are then driven onto the platform 22 with the rear wheels 38.2 of the vehicles being received in the wheel receiving formations of the cross-members 46 and the front wheels 38.1 being received by the wheel receiving formations 42. The platform 22 is then raised via the rams 26 along the ports 18 as shown in Figures 10 to 12. Further vehicles 16 are then driven onto and received by the wheel receiving formations 36 of the base 12 in the space defined below the platform 22. The wire and roller arrangements 52 are then energised to incline the rear parts of the vehicles 16 via the platform 22 such that the roofs of the vehicles fall within the boundary defined between the ties 21.

The invention is not limited to the precise constructional details as ’ hereinbefore described.

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It is an advantage of this invention that stacked vehicles can be transported within a framework, which defines a container which can have standard width and/ or * height freight container dimensions, and standard freight container handling connection formations, while the space within the container is optimally used. It will } 5 be appreciated that the global freight handling infrastructure is almost exclusively geared towards the handling of standard freight containers and this invention provides a logistically convenient and cost effective way of transporting vehicles around the globe.

Claims

1. A collapsible framework, which includes: ) a base defining a surface for receiving and retaining motor vehicles thereon in an operative stowage condition; support posts which are pivotally connected to corner regions of the base which posts are displaceable between an operative upright condition and an inoperative collapsed condition wherein the posts are arranged in a lay-flat position relative the base; a platform for receiving motor vehicles, the platform including side beams which extend between and are mounted displaceably on the posts and wheel receiving arrangements which extend between the side beams; and displacement means for displacing the platform between an inoperative, semi- collapsed lay flat condition on the base and an operative elevated vehicle stowage condition wherein the platform is elevated above the base on the support posts such that motor vehicles are able to be stowed on the base below the platform, the framework characterised in that some of the wheel receiving arrangements of the platform are displaceable relative to side beams between a first position wherein a vehicle is orientated substantially parallel the side beams and a stowage condition, wherein the vehicle is inclined relative the side beams such that a roof of the vehicle lies within or does not project beyond the uppermost part of the posts.

2. A framework as claimed in claim 1, which includes a suitable mechanical advantage means for displacement of the wheel receiving arrangements.

3. A framework as claimed in claim 2, in which the mechanical advantage means is a wire and roller or hydraulic ram arrangement. ’

4 A framework as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, which includes a suitable mechanical advantage means for displacement of the platform between the inoperative collapsed condition and the operative elevated stowage condition.

5. A framework as claimed in claim 4, in which the mechanical advantage means is a hydraulic ram arrangement, which extends between and is connected to the : base and the platform. ) 5

6. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, which includes a control means to permit control of the mechanical advantage means for displacing the wheel receiving arrangements between substantially horizontal and inclined positions.

7. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, which includes a control means to permit control of the mechanical advantage means for displacing the platform and/or the support posts between the collapsed and operative elevated vehicle stowage conditions.

8. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the wheel receiving arrangements are configured to receive the rear wheels of a vehicle.

9. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the wheel receiving formations are configured to receive front wheels of the vehicle.

10. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the height of the framework defined by the operative uppermost part of the posts in an operative elevated vehicle stowage condition is as low as between 2.75 and 2.85 m.

11. A framework as claimed in claim 10, wherein the height of the framework is as lowas2.8m.

12. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the framework ° defines a container having width and/ or dimensions of a standard freight container. ) 30

13. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, which include standard freight container handling connection formations.

14. A framework substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.