AU2378799A - Cargo support device and method - Google Patents

Description

Our Ref: 726411 P/00/011 Regulation 3:2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): 00 **ft Address for Service: Richard Seeto 83 Park Road Sans Souci New South Wales 2219

AUSTRALIA

DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Trade Mark Attorneys Level 10, 10 Barrack Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Cargo support device and method Invention Title: The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 5020 P:\WPDCS\AMD\SPEC1\680490.WPD 14/4/99 -1- CARGO SUPPORT DEVICE AND METHOD Background of the Invention The present invention relates to a cargo support device and method, and in particular, to an apparatus and a method for supporting luggage or other cargo in the boot or on the tray of a vehicle.

Description of the Prior Art Different types of known vehicles have different facilities for providing luggage or other cargo. For example, luggage or other cargo may be supplied in the boot of a car, on the tray of a utility vehicle, or on a tabletop of a truck.

to It is presently known to provide various support structures on the tabletop of a truck, "to support particular types of cargo. For example, where shipping containers are to be loaded on to the tabletop of a truck, various specially designed engagement means are provided to ensure that the container does not move about whilst the vehicle is in motion. It is also known to provide certain support structures for other luggage or cargo to be moved on trucks, for example, it is known to provide a particular configuration and design of vehicle to carry cars on a car-carrying truck, or, a particular arrangement of support structure for the transportation of glass sheeting on the back of vehicles. Likewise, it is known to provide certain discrete support structures to support particular types of luggage, such as bikes, skis, or fishing rods on various cargo support structures for vehicles. All of these known prior art cargo support apparatus are specially designed apparatus unique to the particular type of luggage or cargo to be transported.

There is no known cargo support apparatus which is able to be easily adjusted to support different types of cargo of varying shapes and sizes in the boot, tray or' the like of a vehicle.

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5.55 C S S S. SO 50 55 5.5 5S @05 0 55 0.0 S S SO 0 550 5 C 05S 0 5005@ S 0 @00 6 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 FIG. 12 0 0 F 00 0'1_ ECHO NUMBER s P:\WPDOCS\AMD\SPECI\680490.WPD 14/4/99 -2- Summary of the Invention The present invention seeks to provide a cargo support apparatus which is adjustable to support different types of cargo of varying shapes and size.

The present invention also seeks to provide a cargo support apparatus which is particularly appropriate to install in the boot of a car, on the tray of a utility vehicle, or, on the tabletop of a truck.

In one broad form, the present invention provides a cargo support device to support cargo in the boot, tray or the like of a vehicle, said device including: a base frame, which is adjustable in size such that it abuts the side walls of said boot, tray or the like such that movement of said device is substantially prevented; at least one support member attached to and spaced adjustably upwardly of said base •frame; and, securement means to secure said cargo to said support means in such a manner that movement of said cargo is substantially prevented.

0 Preferably, said base frame is formed of adjustable length members which form a 0 parallelogram shape such that each of said members is adapted to abut the walls of the tray, boot or the like.

Preferably, each of said members is of telescopic form.

Preferably, said support member is adjustable in height and/or length.

In a preferred form, said support member is removably attached or foldable relative to said base frame.

Preferably, said base frame is foldable.

P:\WPDOCS\AMD\SpECI\680490.WPD 14/4/99 -3- Also preferably, at least two opposed members of said base frame are provided with a pivotal or like means for folding said base frame.

Preferably, said securement means comprises one or more of a rope, cable, strap, belt, hook or the like.

Preferably also, said base frame is supported on one or more leg(s).

Preferably, said legs are adjustable in height.

Also preferably, each support member includes a grate, grid or solid wall to support said cargo.

Preferably, a bag or flexible carrier is adapted to be supported between a pair of a spaced apart members.

Most preferably, said apparatus is formed of plastics or metal.

The present invention also seeks to provide a method of supporting cargo using the apparatus as hereinbefore described.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment thereof, described in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 illustrates the cargo support apparatus of the present invention, incorporating grids or grills, such that cargo may be supported therebetween; Fig. 3 illustrates the arrangement whereby cargo may be strapped to the cargo support apparatus; P:\WPDOCS\AMD\SPEC\680490.WPD 14/4/99 -4- Fig. 4 illustrates a further preferred embodiment of the invention, whereby a bag or flexible member may be hung between a pair of support members; Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative form of the invention showing only one support member supporting cargo; Fig. 6 illustrates an alternative form of the invention having a different base frame configuration; Fig. 7 illustrates an alternative form of the invention whereby the base frame is embodied in another different manner; ~Fig. 8 illustrates yet a further alternative form of the base frame and a support member adjustment member; Fig. 9 illustrates another preferred form of the invention, using the base frame of similar features to Fig. 8, but with an alternative support member adjustment mechanism; Fig. 10 illustrates a support frame which is adjustable in height and width; Fig. 11 illustrates an alternative height and length adjustable support frame; Fig. 12 illustrates a further base frame configuration; and, Fig. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of a base frame configuration.

o* o Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment Throughout the drawings, like numerals will be used to identify similar features, 20 except where expressly otherwise indicated.

Fig. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a cargo support apparatus, generally designated by the numeral 1, which includes a pair of support members 2 and 3, which are provided in spaced apart relationship from each other, upwardly of a substrate surface upon which the cargo support apparatus 1 is provided. The support members 2 and 3 are connected to the base frame 4, by T-shaped connectors 5. The base frame 4 in the embodiment of Fig. 1, comprises elongate side members 6, spaced on either side of the base frame 4, tonnected by right-angled connectors 18 with elongate members 7. It will be appreciated that the various components of the base frame 4 may be adjustable in length, by means of one member sliding within the other in a telescopic-like manner. Therefore, by adjustment, the base frame 4 may P:\WPDOCS\AMD\SPECI\680490.WPD 14/4/99 be neatly secured within the sidewalls of any boot space or tray space of the vehicle, such that the base frame 4 is substantially inhibited from sliding or slipping movement therein. The provision of adjustable legs enables fine adjustment of the base frame 4 to ensure that any rocking movement is eliminated, particularly when the surface of the boot or tray is uneven.

Once the base frame 4 is secured in position, the support members 2 and 3 may then be adjusted to the desired positions for support of the cargo therebetween, such that the cargo also does not slip or slide around.

10 It will be observed that therefore the apparatus 1 is able to be disassembled and/or o.

folded for storage. The embodiment of Fig. 1 may be disassembled and folded by firstly removing the support members 2 and 3 from the T-shaped connectors 5, and then the base frame 4 may be folded about hinges 22. Consequently, the apparatus 1 may be easily stored in a relatively small space.

Figs. 2, 3 and 4 illustrate various types and shapes of cargo which may be supported S" between support members 2 and 3. For instance, in Fig. 2, the support members 2 and 3 are adapted to have grates or grilles 16 connected therewith, for instance, by hooking over the transverse arms of support members 2 and 3, such that cargo 11 may be installed 20 therebetween. The embodiment of Fig. 3 illustrates circular-shaped cargo 12 installed between the support members 2 and 3, and secured thereto by strapping or ropes 14 or the like. The embodiment of Fig. 4 illustrates the provision of a bag 13 slung between the support members 2 and 3, and supported thereto by attachment means It will be appreciated from viewing Figs. 2, 3 and 4, that the support members 2 and 3 are longitudinally movable in position along the base frame 4, via the right-angled connectors 18 such that appropriate spacing may be selected to securely support the cargo therebetween. The support member(s) is/are also adjustable in height and/or length.

In Fig. 5 is shown a slightly different version of the embodiment, in use, in the tray P:\WPDOCS\AMD\SPEC\680490,WPD 14/4/99 -6of a utility vehicle. As shown, the base frame 4 is installed within the tray of the utility vehicle, and adjusted such that it neatly fits within the walls of the tray. In this embodiment of the invention, only one support member 2 is provided, and the cargo 12 is strapped by means or rope or strapping 14. That is, as shown in Fig. 5 that the T-shaped members 5, at the rear of the base frame 4, are, in this case, not in use, i.e. the support member 3 has been removed therefrom. Obviously, if such an arrangement is required, the device of the present invention can be constructed with only one support means.

alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 6. The difference between the embodiment of Fig. 6 and the preceding embodiment is in relation to the Sostructure of the base frame 4. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the main body of the base frame S-4 formed by elongate members 6 and 7 are not themselves adjustable in length, but rather, to secure the base frame within the tray of the vehicle, adjustable securement members 8 and 9 (with height adjustable elongate leg) are provided about the base frame 4.

o.:o Another alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 7. The difference S* between the embodiment of Fig. 7 and that of Fig. 6, is that, rather than the transverse members 7 of the base frame 4 being positioned below the elongate members 6, they are provided co-planar in Fig. 7. This is achieved by the use of a suitable connecting piece 17.

S 20 This embodiment has certain advantages, in that less components are required and the base frame can fit snugly on the floor of the vehicle, minimising any rocking movement.

Yet another alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 8, in this case, in place of the connecting members 17 of Fig. 7, the base frame 4 being designed such that the right-angled pieces 18 integrally incorporate the members 7. The embodiment of Fig. 8 also shows the provision of legs 19 in place of the elongate leg 9 of Fig. 6. The adjustment in the transverse direction of the frame shown in Fig. 8 is achieved by means of an adjustment mechanism 20. The adjustment in the transverse direction of the support members 2 and 3 is achieved by means of one component part of the member sliding within the other for telescopic adjustment.

P:\WPDOCS\AMD\SPECI\680490.WPD 14/4199 -7- Yet a further alternative form of the invention is shown in Fig. 9, in this case, rightangled pieces 18 are used, but the adjustment is achieved by means of slidable members 21, for telescopic adjustment.

Height and width adjustable base frames 4 are shown in Figs. 10 and 11. In Figs. and 11, the sliding bars may be raised/lowered and maintained in position by a connector member 29 and secured by a bolt or similar fastener.

An alternate form of the invention is shown in Fig. 12. In this embodiment, the base frame structure incorporates right-angled pieces 23 on which are attached member pieces 24 with a series of evenly spaced holes. The support members 2 and 3 can then be slotted to the base frame 4 without the need of T-shaped members 5. The adjustment in the transverse direction and length of the frame is achieved by means of telescopic adjustment of members 23 and 24.

Another alternative form is shown in Fig. 13, which differs from Fig. 12 in that a pair of tracks 25 are attached to the right-angled pieces 23 instead of member pieces 24 with its series of evenly spaced holes. The support members 2 and 3 are connected to track members by means of a connecting member 26 which consists of two metal plates 27, one plate being placed within the track and the second plate being outside the track and tightened by two bolts. The second plate being attached or welded to a connecting piece 28 into which the support members 2 and 3 can be connected. The support members 2 and 3 in this embodiment being adjustable in the transverse direction as well as in height by means of telescopic adjustments.

As with the other embodiments, means is shown for folding the cargo support apparatus in half, by the provision of pivotable means 22. That is, once the support members 2 and 3 are removed from the base frame 4, the base frame 4 may be neatly folded for storage whilst not in use.

P:\WPDOCS\AMD\SPECI\680490.WPD 14/4/99 -8- It will be appreciated that the present invention may be embodied in a variety of materials, but preferably, the cargo support apparatus might be formed of plastics material, aluminium or other light-weight metal material, such that it has the attributes of light weight, and relatively high strength for support of the cargo.

Only a few applications of the cargo support apparatus are shown in the drawings, but it will be appreciated that many other variations and modifications of the support apparatus may be envisaged, depending upon the type of cargo which is to be supported. It will also S: "be appreciated that whilst only a few different arrangements of base frames are shown, other base frames may be apparent to persons skilled in the art. It will also be appreciated that the •support members 2 and 3 may be inserted in specially designed connecting pieces provided integral with the vehicle. That is, the base frame 4 may be eliminated if vehicles are designed to support the support members 2 and 3 therein.

It will be appreciated that numerous other variations and modifications of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications o should be considered to fall within the scope of the invention as broadly hereinbefore described and as hereinafter claimed.

Claims (9)

1. A cargo support device to support cargo in the boot, tray or the like of a vehicle, said device including: a base frame, which is adjustable in size such that it abuts the side walls of said boot, tray or the like such that movement of said device is substantially prevented; at least one support member attached to and spaced adjustably upwardly of said base frame; and, securement means to secure said cargo to said support means in such a manner that movement of said cargo is substantially prevented.

2. A cargo support device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base frame is formed of adjustable length members which form a parallelogram shape such that each of said members is adapted to abut the walls of the tray, boot or the like. 15 3. A cargo support device as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of said members is of telescopic form. o

4. A cargo support device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said support member is adjustable in height and/or length. A cargo support device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said support member is removably attached or foldable relative to said base frame.

6. A cargo support device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said base frame is foldable.

7. A cargo support device as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least two opposed members of said base frame are provided with a pivotal or like means for folding said base frame. P:\WPDOCS\AMD\SPECI\680490.WPD 14/4/99

8. A cargo support device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said securement means comprises one or more of a rope, cable, strap, belt, hook or the like.

9. A cargo support apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said base frame is supported on one or more leg(s), optionally adjustable in height. A cargo support apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each support member includes a grate, grid or solid wall to support said cargo. 06 0Se

11. A cargo support apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a bag or apparatus is formed of plastics or metal.

13. A cargo support apparatus, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 13th day of April, 1999 S• RICHARD SEETO By His Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE DAVIES COLLISON CAVE