GB2337506A

GB2337506A - Combined ramp & ladder

Info

Publication number: GB2337506A
Application number: GB9911502A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Graham Pimlott; Elaine Pimlott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-05-21
Filing date: 1999-05-19
Publication date: 1999-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2019-05-19
Also published as: GB9911502D0; GB9810837D0; GB2337506B

Abstract

The present invention provides a combined ramp and ladder 10 which, in use, is locatable between and upper level and a lower level, the device (10) including a first (12) and second (13) pair of elongate members; attachment means (14) which, in use, are readily attachable to a surface of a support member; the first pair of elongate members (12) in use, providing a inclining ramp down and/or up which goods can be lowered or raised; and at least one step (11) pivotably attached to the first and second pair of elongate members (12, 13) such that, in use, regardless of the inclination of the ramp provided by the first pair of elongate members (12), the step (11) is substantially horizontal. Preferably a pivoted hand rail is provided, the step or steps is/are detachable and the first and second pairs of members can be locked together when not in use. A pivoted base (16, Fig 2) can also be provided. The device is preferably used for delivering kegs or barrels to the cellars of a public house.

Description

GOODS HANDLING DEVICE 2337506 The present invention provides a device for

assisting in the handling of heavy goods items. More particularly, the present invention provides a portable device for assisting in the handling of heavy goods items between an upper level and a lower level, and vice versa, such portable device also enabling a person to climb from said upper level to said lower level, and vice versa.

A problem arises in the delivery of heavy goods items, for example, liquid goods, such as beer stored in kegs or barrels, which are to be unloaded from a delivery vehicle and moved into a storage area, such as the cellar of a public house.

Commonly, barrels are unloaded manually by being dropped vertically from the delivery vehicle to ground level and then, dropped from ground level into the cellar or storage area. It will be appreciated that a descending barrel weighing up to around 250 kilograms has considerable momentum and, although commonly landing on an impact absorbing mat, the barrel may sometimes run out of control which may result in damage being caused to the barrel, andlor surrounding area, and in some instances, in injury to the personnel delivering said barrel.

With a view to overcoming this problem, many cellars or storage areas have been provided with a permanently fixed inclined ramp, commonly consisting of two parallel rails or "skids". The incline of the ramp aids controlled movement of the barrels and other goods from an upper level to a lower level. More particularly, the inclined ramp or pair of "skids" are used to provide a slower and more controllable descent, often in conjunction with a rope coupled to the barrel, said rope being associated with a pulley system.

The problem associated with these known, permanently fixed, inclined ramps or "skids" is that not only are they expensive to install, but, they tend to take up a tot of space, which is particularly disadvantageous when storage space within a cellar or storage area is limited. Additionally, such fixed inclined ramps or "skids" are not specifically adapted to allow a person to climb into and out of the cellar or storage area and consequently, in order to climb into or out of the cellar or storage area, a separate climbing apparatus is required.

According to the present invention there is provided a goods handling device which, in use, is locatable between an upper level and a lower level, the goods handling device including:

a first and second pair of elongate members; attachment means which, in use, are readily attachable to a surface of a support member; the first pair of elongate members, in use, providing an inclining ramp down and/or up which goods can be lowered or raised; and at least one step pivotably attached to the first and second pair of elongate members such that, in use, regardless of the inclination of the ramp provided by the first pair of elongate members, the step is substantially horizontal.

The object of the present invention is to provide a goods handing device which at least addresses the problems outlined above. In particular, as the goods handling device of the present application is portable there is no longer the need to install a permanently fixed inclined ramp or "skids" between an upper and lower level. Additionally, and since the goods handling device of the present invention is portable, when not in use, it can be removed from a cellar or storage area and hence, does not take up any space within the cellar or storage area. Furthermore, and since the goods handling device of the present invention is provided with steps which, in use, are substantially horizontal regardless of the inclination of the ramp provided by the goods handling device, a person can use the goods handling device to climb between the upper and lower levels, for example, into and out of a cellar or like storage area and hence, the goods handling device has more utility than the known goods handling devices.

In a preferred embodiment, the goods handling device is further provided with a handrail, located on one or both sides of the goods handling device. This has the advantage in that it assists a person when climbing down or up the goods handling device of the present invention. Preferably, the handrail is pivotabiy attachable to the goods handling device. This has the advantage in that when not in use, the handrail does not hinder or prevent the travel of goods items being transported down the ramp provided by the first pair of elongate members. Additionally, a pivotably attached handrail, enables the goods handling device when not in use, to be folded in a compact manner.

In a preferred embodiment, the goods handling device is further provided with locking means so that when not in use, the first and second pairs of elongate members can be locked together. This has the advantage in that when not in use, a person is less likely to be injured as a result of their fingers being caught between adjacent pairs of first and second elongate members, especially when having to carry the goods handling device from one location to another.

Further preferably, at least one step is detachable from the first and second pairs of elongate members. This has the advantage in that should the step become damaged, then same can be readily removed and replaced, or repaired and then replaced.

Further preferably, the goods handling device of the present invention further includes a base member which is pivotably attached at one end to the first and second pairs of elongate members. This has the advantage in that the base member makes goods handling device in accordance with the present invention more stable, especially when a person is climbing up or down the steps provided thereby. Further preferably, a surface of the base member is provided with ground engaging formations which prevent or hinder the base member from slipping when located on a floor.

Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figures 1 A and 1 B is a side view of a first embodiment of a goods handling device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a goods handling device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the goods handling device of Figure 2 when inclined; Figure 4 illustrates the base of the goods handling device of Figure 2; and Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the underside of the steps of the goods handling device of Figure 2.

As illustrated, a goods handling device 10 in accordance with the present invention comprises a first pair of elongate members 12 and a second pair of elongate members 13. In use, the first pair of elongate members 12 act as an inclined ramp capable of supporting the weight of heavy goods items, for example, a keg or barrel of beer.

The goods handling device 10 is further provided with attachment means 14 at one end of the first pair of elongate members 12. In use, the attachment means 14 are readily attachable to a curved or U-shaped bar or any other shaped support member or support structure (not illustrated), which may be provided on the wall of a cellar or storage area. It is to be understood that the attachment means 14 can be of any shape and size such that they are readily attachable to any surface of a support member or support structure. For example, the attachment means 14 can be adapted to be attached to the goods handling device which is the subject of our UK Patent No. 2314544.

The goods handling device further includes a plurality of steps 11 that are pivotably attached at either end to the first 12 and second 13 pair of elongate members. As illustrated, when in use, that is, when the goods handling device 10 is located between an upper and lower level, the steps 11 are substantially horizontal, that is, regardless of the inclination of the ramp provided by a surface of the first pair of elongate members 12. Moreover, and when not in use, the steps 11 are pivotable such that the first 12 and second 13 pairs of elongate members abut against one another. This enables the goods handling device 10 when not in use, to be stored away in a compact manner.

In a preferred unillustrated embodiment, the goods handling device is further provided with locking means, for example, a latch or hook and catch assembly, which can lock at least one set of adjacent first 12 and second 13 elongate members together. Such locking means can be provided on both sides of the goods handling device to lock each adjacent set of first and second elongate members together, or on just one side.

As illustrated, the edges of the steps 11 do not protrude beyond the first pair of elongate members 12 and hence, inhibit or hinder the movement of heavy goods items up or down the ramp provided by the first elongate members 12 of the goods handling device 10.

As illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4, a goods handling device 10 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention further includes a base member 16 pivotably attached between adjacent pairs of first 12 and second 13 elongate members. Preferably, the surface of the base member 16 is provided with ground engaging members or a ridged formations, that is, to prevent the goods handling device 10 from slipping along the ground.

As illustrated in Figure 5, the steps 11 are supported between the pairs of elongate members by bars 17 passing through shafts or channels provided on either side of the steps 11. Such poles are held in position by a pin 18, which in turn is held in position by a clip member (not illustrated). The pin 18 is locatable within an annular groove (not shown) provided on each bar 17, adjacent the aperture 19 through which the pin 18 enters. Once pin 18 is removed, that is by the removal of the clip member, the bars 17 can be removed from the shafts or channels provided in the step 11 and hence, the step 11 can be removed.

To use, once the cellar door is opened, the goods handling device 10 is lowered into the cellar or storage area until such time as the attachment means 14 are attached to the support member, for example, a curved bar provided on a surface of the cellar wall, and the ends of the first 12 and second 13 pairs of elongate members or base member 16 comes into contact I,' with the floor of the cellar. As will be appreciated, due to the pivotal attachment of the steps 11 to the first 12 and second 13 pairs of elongate members, the steps 11 will always be substantially horizontal, regardless of the inclination of the ramp provided by the first elongate members 12. The heavy goods, for example, barrels of beer can then be lowered down, or raised up, the ramp provided by the first pair of elongate members 12 using a rope associated with a known pulley system. Additionally, and when in place, a person can utilise the goods handling device 10 to gain access into and out of the cellar or storage area by simply climbing down, or up, the steps 11 provided by the goods handling device 10. When finished with, the goods handling device 10 is simply removed from the cellar by unattaching the attachment means 14 from the curved bar and lifting same out from the cellar or storage area.

Although the present invention has been described by way of example to a goods handling device for moving goods from ground surface to a cellar, and vice versa, it is to be understood that same can be used for removing goods from any raised level to a lower level, and vice versa. Additionally, it is to be understood that the goods handling device of the present invention can be used solely to enable a person to climb from an upper level to a lower level, and vice versa.

Claims

1. A goods handling device which, in use, is locatable between an upper level and a lower level, the goods handling device including: a first and second pair of elongate members; attachment means which, in use, are readily attachable to a surface of a support member; the first pair of elongate members, in use, providing an inclining ramp down and/or up which goods can be lowered or raised; and at least one step pivotably attached to the first and second pair of elongate members such that, in use, regardless of the inclination of the ramp provided by the first pair of elongate members, the step is substantially horizontal.

2. A goods handling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the goods handling device further includes a handrail.

3. A goods handling device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the handrail pivotably attached to the goods handling device.

4. A goods handling device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step is detachable.

5. A goods handling device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including locking means such that, when not in use, the first and second pair of elongate members can be locked together.

6. A goods handling device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the goods handling device further includes a base member 1 1 which is pivotably attached between adjacent pairs of first and second elongate members.

7. A goods handling device as claimed in claim 6, wherein a surface of the base member has ground engaging members or formations.

8. A goods handling device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one step does not protrude beyond the first pair of elongate members

9. A goods handling device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.