GB2360993A

GB2360993A - Collapsible pallet/stillage

Info

Publication number: GB2360993A
Application number: GB0103858A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond Norton
Original assignee: TRANSFRAME INTERNAT Ltd
Current assignee: TRANSFRAME INTERNAT Ltd
Priority date: 2000-02-17
Filing date: 2001-02-16
Publication date: 2001-10-10
Also published as: GB0103858D0

Abstract

Apparatus for transporting objects comprises a base 12, a pair of side members (14, fig. 1) pivotally connected to the base, the side members being movable between a folded position (Fig. 4) for storage and/or transport and a spaced, in-use, position (Fig. 2). A securing member 16 is provided for securing the side members in their spaced and/or their folded positions. Preferably, the side members comprise a fixed support member 18 and a pivotal portion 26 and the securing member fits either in the top of the erected leg portion or the top 22 of the support member. The securing member preferably has an upstanding portion 30 which mates with a leg 36 of the base for stacking in either position (fig. 5). The apparatus can have lifting means 38 (60, fig. 6), a retractable towing member (66, fig. 7) and castor wheels (74, fig. 7). The sides can be telescopically raised (92, fig. 9). The base can comprise U cross-section elements (120, fig. 10A) which are attached to the support member by a clamping member (134, fig. 10C), and to which the lifting means may be attached (fig. 11A).

Description

2360993 1 APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING OBJECTS This invention relates to an

apparatus for transporting objects, particularly but not exclusively for transporting oversize objects.

The use of stillages or pallets for transporting objects by means of electrical tugs, fork lifts and such like is known. These stillages or pallets are unsuitable for transporting oversize goods or goods of an odd shape, particularly goods longer than the length of the stillage or pallet. Because these goods are awkward to transport, they 10 are commonly referred to in the trade as,long and ugly goods". Standard wooden pallets are however still used to transport these goods, which compromises the safety of the operating personnel. Further, the load area of known stillages and pallets cannot be used efficiently when is loading these with aforesaid ugly goods. This makes transport of these goods inefficient.

The aim of the present invention is to provide improvements in relation to one or more of the above problems, and/or to provide one or more improvements 20 generally.

According to the inventions, there is provided an apparatus and a method according to the accompanying claims.

In an embodiment of the inventions there is provided an apparatus for transporting objects comprising a base, a pair of side members pivotally connected to the base, the side members being movable between a folded position for storage and/or transport and an in-use spaced position,' the apparatus further comprising at least one securing member for securing said side members in said spaced position 30 and/or said folded position.

In this way it is achieved, because of the %,open'. configuration of the apparatus, that ugly goods can be transported, because they can extend beyond the base on 2 either side of the apparatus between opposite side members. Since the side members are securely mounted by means of the securing member, the safety of the operator is not compromised when transporting or storing these goods inside the apparatus. Further, when not in use, in the f olded position, the apparatus occupies minimum space for storage or transport.

In another embodiment of the inventions, the securing member may comprise means for engaging with a further apparatus for transporting objects such that the respective apparatus can be stacked.

The base may comprise one or more support members for supporting the side members, each side member being pivotally connected to one or more support members. The is securing member may be engageble with said side members and said support members.

The apparatus may comprise blocking means for allowing movement of the side members between their respective folded position and their respective spaced position, whilst preventing movement beyond said spaced position. In this way it is achieved that the side members cannot extend beyond the base of the apparatus which offers safety to operating personnel.

The apparatus may comprise a first pair of spaced elongate members interconnected by a second pair of spaced elongate members, the respective pairs being arranged perpendicular to one another to form the side members. The first pair may comprise first end portions and second end portions, the first end portions being pivotally connected to the support members. In this way one or more side members can be formed by rectangular shaped frame portions which are both light and strong.

The blocking means may comprise a first blocking member which is provided on an end portion of the support member, and a second blocking member which is provided on the first 3 end portion of a side member.

The second blocking member may be provided on the f irst end portion of a side member. The respective blocking members may each comprise an end surface which end surface may lie in a diagonal plane, preferably in a. plane of approximately 45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when the side members are in their spaced in use position. When the side members are in their spaced, in use position, the end surfaces may abut one another thereby preventing movement of the side members beyond their spaced position.

In an embodiment of the inventions the support member and the side member may each comprise means for receiving the securing member. The support member may comprise a first receiving member for receiving the securing member. The is first receiving member may be provided on the end portion of the support member. The first receiving member may comprise the first blocking member.

According to another aspect of the inventions, a side member may comprise a second receiving member for receiving the securing member, the second receiving members being provided on the second end portion of a side member. The second receiving member may comprise an end surface similar to the end surface of the first blocking member. This allows mounting of the securing member onto a side member in a similar manner to the mounting of the securing member onto the support.

According to a further aspect of the inventions the securing member may comprise two end portions, each end portion comprising an engagement member, such that the securing member is engageble with the respective receiving members of the support members and the side members. When the side members are in the folded position, the securing member may be engageble with the support members. When the side members are in their in use spaced position the securing member may be engageble with the side members, for 4 is mounting these in their in-use position.

The engagement member may comprise an end surface and an abutment extending f rom said end surf ace. The end surf ace may be similar to the end surface of the second blocking member. The end surface may lie in a diagonal plane, preferably in a plane of approximately 45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane when the side members are in their spaced in use position and the securing member is mounted thereon. The abutment may be locatable inside the respective first and second receiving members. When the securing member engages with the support members or the side members, end surfaces of the engagement member and the respective receiving members may abut one another. The diagonal end surfaces together with the abutment provide a safe and solid connection between the securing member and the respective receiving members.

one or more side members may further comprise for holding an object on the side members. The members may be of an approximate L-shape; the base L-shaped holding members may be connected to a side one or more side members may be covered with a members holding of said member.

suitable cover material. The cover material may comprise a sheeted material. The sheeted material may be provided on the side members for retaining the objects inside the apparatus. The material properties of the sheeted material may be selected such that the material prevents the objects from being damaged when these are transported inside the apparatus. Further, the sheeted material may be selected for its hardwearing properties. A suitable sheeted material may be imprinted with a company logo. In this way the sheeted material can have an aesthetic or promotional appearance.

In a further embodiment of the invention one or more openings may be provided in the sheeted material for providing clearance for the holding members when the side members are moved into the folded position. To aid the user (7 in folding and unfolding the sides. the side member may be provided with one or more handle bars.

In an embodiment of the inventions, the base may be provided with spaced lifting members for lifting the apparatus by means of a suitable lifting apparatus such as a forklift truck. The lifting members may also support the base from the ground. Preferably the lifting members comprise rectangular hollow beams, more in particular hollow beams of a rectangular cross-section. The lifting member may be of dimensions which are suitable for receiving the blade of a fork lift truck..

The base may be provided with one or more legs for supporting the base from the ground. The legs may be shaped such that they are engageble with the securing member. A is recess may be provided in said legs for engaging with the securing member. In this way it is achieved that the apparatus may be locatable onto a similar apparatus.

In another embodiment of the inventions, transport means may be provided on the base for transporting the apparatus, the transport means comprising a pair of spaced transport members and optionally a tow member for moving or at least towing the apparatus. Each transport member may comprise one or more wheels, preferably in the form of castor wheels. These wheels are particularly suitable for transporting heavy objects. one or more transport members may be provided with a brake for preventing the apparatus from moving. The brake may be operable from outside the apparatus by a user. The tow member may be slidably arranged on the base, preferably inside a further guide member. When not in use, the tow member can be arranged inside the further guide member. The tow member can be movable to an in use position outside the further guide member. This has the advantage that when the tow member is not in use, the member can be moved to a position where it is non- intrusive to a user of the apparatus. The further guide member may comprise 6 a locking member for locking the tow member in an in-use position. The locking member may comprise a spring loaded pin or bolt for engaging with one or more holes being provided in said tow member. 5 The base may comprise a frame and a sheeted material for covering said base. The sheeted material may comprise a metal. In this way the base can form a strong yet relatively light structure suitable for carrying heavy objects inside the apparatus. In to an alternative embodiment of the inventions, one or more side members may comprise one or more extension means for extending the side members. The extension means may be vertically extendible when the side members are in their in use spaced position. This enables the transport and storage"of tall standing objects such as shower cabins by means of the apparatus. The extension means may comprise a pair of spaced elongate members being slidably arranged on a side member, preferably inside a pair of spaced guide members. When not in use, the elongate members may be arranged at least partially inside the guide members. The extension means may comprise locking means for positioning the elongate members. The locking means may lock the elongate members in place. The locking means may comprise one or more locking members. The locking mernbers may be provided on the guide members for locking the elongate members in an in-use position. Each locking member may comprise a spring loaded pin or bolt for engaging with one or more holes being provided in said elongate members. The locking members may be interconnected by a flexible member for operating the locking members. The extension means may comprise a limiting member to limit extension of the extension means. In this way the extension means are prevented from accidentally being slid out of the guide members. The limiting member may comprise a further flexible 35 member which connects the extension means to the side 7 member. The extension means may further comprise a further holder for holding goods inside the apparatus. The further holder may be in the form of a strap or tie.

One or more supports may be provided on the elongate members for supporting objects. The elongate members may be interconnected by means of said support. The further holder may be provided on the support.

In another embodiment of the inventions, the apparatus may comprise a retaining member for retaining goods inside the apparatus. The retaining member may be removably mounted onto the side members and/or the base. The retaining member may comprise netting or sheeted material. The retaining member may comprise first engaging members in the form of releasable hooks which may cooperate with second engaging is members in the f orm of eyelets which are provided on the side members and/or base.

Embodiments of the inventions provide an apparatus for transporting objects, commonly known in the trade as a stillage, with the following advantages.

When not in use the side members of the apparatus are collapsed and moved to their folded position. In this position the space taken up by the apparatus is very limited. This is particularly useful when storing the apparatus in a warehouse or on the load-area of a lorry. To minimise the space occupied by multiple empty apparatus, as above described, the securing member can be mounted onto the support members such that the multiple apparatus may be stacked in a pile like formation. In this way it is possible to further restrict the space occupied by the empty apparatus.

When the apparatus is to be used the apparatus is removed from the storage area by transporting it by means of a forklift to the place where it will be used. The securing member is removed and the side members are positioned in their spaced position whereby the side members are in their 8 upright position. This allows the securing member to be placed onto the side members so that the side members are mounted in their upright position and the apparatus is ready for use.

In a particular embodiment one or more holding members may be provided on the side members. These holding members allow the transport of objects of outsize dimensions such as standard wooden pallets on the side members by preventing the objects from falling. When moving the side members to their upright position the holding members are also useful for lifting the side members. The side members are further provided with a second receiving member similar to the first receiving member provided on the support members. This second receiving member allows the securing member to be located thereon. In this way it is achieved that the side members are mounted in their upright position. This particular embodiment allows for a safe operation of the apparatus. The end portions of the securing member are further engageble with the legs. This allows stacking of multiple apparatus when one or more of these multiple apparatus are in use with the side members in their upright position or alternatively to allow the stacking of multiple apparatus when one or more of them are in their folded position.

In another embodiment the base may be provided with wheels preferably in the form of castor wheels for transporting the apparatus. A tow member in the form of an extendable lifting beam may be provided. The beam,may be movable to an in-use position in which the beam is partially outside the base. The beam may engage with a lifting apparatus such as a forklift or an electric tug such as a Master Mover-. The beam can be locked in an in-use position by means of a locking member in the form of a spring-loaded pin. The spring loaded pin can engage with one or more holes being provided in the lifting beam. When the lifting beam is 1 9 positioned in an in-use position it can be lifted typically about 25 millimetres off the ground and the apparatus can be transported over the ground by pushing and/or pulling the lifting beam whilst concurrently lifting the apparatus.

To allow a safe operation of the apparatus, when the base is lifted off the ground, a brake applied to one or more of the wheels can be operated to prevent the apparatus from moving. The brake can be operated from outside the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment the brake is in the form of a foot brake. The lever for operating the foot brake is situated outside the base. The brake may further be situated next to the beam to allow an operating person to both lift and arrest the apparatus without having to move to a particular side of the apparatus for performing such is operations.

The apparatus preferably consists of a metal frame. The frame comprises rectangular beams being welded together. To prevent the objects from falling out of the apparatus and to further prevent the goods from being damaged by the steel frame, the apparatus is partially covered by a sheeted material. In a preferred embodiment the side members are partially covered in a plastics material. The plastics material is not prone to wear and is relatively elastic. A further characteristic of the plastics material is that it can be imprinted with for instance a company logo. This logo can also be embedded in the plastics material so that it is not prone to wear.

It is possible that multiple apparatus of a different size are combined, some of them may be folded, some of them may be unfolded. All these apparatus can be stacked on top of one another.

In a particular embodiment the securing member comprises means for engaging with a further apparatus for transporting objects such that the respective apparatus can be stacked. More in particular the end portions of the securing member of an apparatus can engage with the legs of another apparatus. In this way multiple apparatus can be stacked on top of one another. These apparatus can be have sides which are in the folded position or in the upright, 5 in-use, position.

The apparatus as hereinbefore described is particularly suitable for the safe and efficient transport of long and difficult goods up to 3 metres long typically. Also, the space on lorry trailers occupied by the apparatus when assembled and loaded is efficiently used. The apparatus as hereinbefore described not only relates to the transport of objects but also to the storage and carriage of these.

In a further embodiment of the inventions, one or more side members may comprise one or more side elements and one or more side joining members for joining the side elements. The side elements preferably comprise a beam shaped material.of an approximate rectangular or square crosssection with a slot extending along the length of one side of the material. The side elements enable members such as the retaining member and/or the extension means and/or holder members and/or gripping members to be slideably and/or releasably mounted onto the side element. The securing member may also be slideably arrangeable onto the side members.

In yet another embodiment of the inventions, the base may comprise one or more base elements and one or more base joining members for joining the base elements to form the base. Said base elements may comprise a beam shaped material of an approximate rectangular or square cross-section with a slot extending along the length of one side of the material. The end portions of the beam material which form the slot may be rolled or folded inwardly to form clamp support members. In this way the cross section of the base element comprising said clamp support members resembles a Ushape.

11 The base joining member may comprise engaging means for engaging with one or more base elements. Said engaging means may comprise projections for receiving said base elements. The base may further comprise base clamping means for clamping one or more base elements onto the base joining member. The base clamping means may comprise a base clamping member for engaging with one or more of said projections, the base clamping means thereby clamping said clamp support member between said base clamping member and said projection.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a base joining member may comprise said support member. The support member may be integrally formed with the base joining member.

is In another embodiment, the base joining member may comprise a tubular beam-like material of an approximate rectangular or square cross-section. The end portion of the support member may comprise a slot which extends along a length of the support member. The slot as provided on the support may be to similar in width to the slot of the side element. This allows a member such as the securing member to be provided onto the support member in a similar way to the location of the securing member onto the side elements.

This embodiment of the inventions has the advantage that apparatus of different sizes and apparatus for different applications can be constructed from parts which are identical or almost identical. This enables the apparatus to be produced in a very cost-effective way. The side elements and base elements are all constructed from a beam shaped material comprising an approximate rectangular or square cross-section, with a slot extending along the length of one side of the material. To form the base elements, the end portions of the beam material which form the slot may be rolled or folded inwardly to form clamp support members or a track. The clamp members or track 1W 12 enable different members such as lifting members to be releasably mounted onto the base element. The clamp support member also enables the base element to be connected to the base joining member by clamping.

In yet another embodiment of the inventions., the base is provided with one or more lifting elements for lifting the base by means of a suitable lifting apparatus, said lifting elements being removably and/or slideably mounted onto said base elements. Said lifting element may comprise one or more clamp members for releasably clamping said lifting element in a desired position. The lifting element is clamped onto said base element, whereby the clamp support member is clamped between said clamp member and said lifting element. To facilitate mounting of said clamp members, a is resilient member in the form of a spring may be provided between said clamp member and said base element.

In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is modular. Apparatus of different sizes and apparatus suitable for different applications can be constructed from identical parts. This allows for an economic and costeffective way of producing these apparatus.

In another embodiment of the inventions there is provided a method of transporting and/or storing goods comprising providing a base, a pair of side members pivotally connected to the base, the side members being movable between a folded position for storage and/or transport and a spaced, in-use, position; said method further comprising the steps of providing a securing.member for securing said side members in said spaced position and/or said folded position, removing the securing member from the apparatus, moving the sides into a folded position or a spaced, inuse, position and securing the side members in place by means of the securing member.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be 13 described by way of an example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 presents a diagrammatic side view of an apparatus for transporting objects with side members in a spaced position according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 presents a diagrammatic side view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 presents a diagrammatic side view of part of 10 the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 presents a diagrammatic side view of the apparatus of Figures. 1, 2 and 3 with side members in a folded position.

Figure 5 presents a diagrammatic side view of multiple is stacked apparatus of Figures 1 to 4; Figure 6 presents a diagrammatic side view of an apparatus for transporting objects according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 presents a diagrammatic side view of the 20 apparatus according to Fig. 6; Figure 8 presents a diagrammatic side view of the apparatus according to Figs. 6 and 7; Figure 9 presents a diagrammatic side view of an apparatus for transporting objects according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 10A presents a diagrammatic perspective view of a base element according to another embodiment of the inventions; Figure 10B presents a diagrammatic perspective view of 30 part of a base joining member suitable for receiving the base element of Figure 10A; Figure 10C presents a diagrammatic perspective view of a base clamping member suitable for engaging with the base joining member of Figure 10B; Figure 11A presents a diagrammatic perspective view of 14 a base element with a lifting member provided thereon according to a further embodiment of the inventions; Figure 11B presents a diagrammatic perspective view of clamp members according to yet another embodiment of the inventions and the lifting member of Fig. 11A;.

Figure 12A presents a diagrammatic perspective view of a support member and a side member according to another embodiment of the inventions, and Figure 12B presents a diagrammatic perspective view of a pivot joint according to the embodiment of Figure 12A.

Figures 1 to 5 of the drawings present an apparatus for transporting objects 10 comprising a base 12, a pair of side members 14 pivotally connected to the base 12, the side members 14 being movable between a folded position 19 and a spaced position 17, the apparatus further comprising a securing member 16 for securing the side members 14 in said spaced position 17 or said folded position 19.

The side members 14 are essentially formed by a frame comprising two spaced beams 26 which are interconnected by two spaced horizontal beams 27. The end portions 24 of beams 26 are provided with two spaced plates 28 for pivotally connecting the side members 14 to the support members 18 by means of pivot points 20. The support member 18 comprises an end portion 22 which can engage with first end portion 24 of beam 26.

As shown in Figure 3 the securing member 16 is provided with an end portion 30 for engaging with the end portion 22. The securing member further comprises an abutment which can be moved inside the end portion 22 for positioning and mounting the securing member 16 onto the support member 18.

This arrangement also allows the securing member 16 to be mounted onto the second end portions 34 of the side members 14 when the side members 14 are in their spaced position 17.

is When the side members are in their folded position 19 as shown in Figure 4, the securing member 16 can engage with the support member 18 so that the side members 14 are secured in their folded position 19. The side members 14 cannot be moved to their upright position 17 without removing the securing member 16.

Figures 1 and 2 show the apparatus 10 with the side members 14 in their upright spaced position 17 so that the securing member 16 secures the side members 14 in place and prevents them from moving to their folded position. The diagonally shaped end portions 22 and 24 prevent the side members 14 from moving beyond their upright position 17 such that the side members 14 would extend outside the apparatus 10. This provides safety to an operating person.

Thi apparatus 10 is further provided with legs for supporting the base from the ground. Each corner of the base 12 comprises a leg 36. The legs 36 are engageble with the end portion 30 of the securing member 16. This allows multiple apparatus 10 to be stacked as presented in Figure 5 of the drawings. The side members of the apparatus 10 can be both in their folded position 19 or in their in use position.

The base 12 further comprises spaced lifting members 38. The lifting members 38 are provided close to the ground and are shaped such that they are suitable for being operated by a fork lift and/or a manual pallet truck.

The side members 14 are further provided with L-shaped holding members 42 which are provided near the top..of the side 14 on horizontal beam 27. The L-shaped holding members 42 are used to carry outsize objects such as pallets on top of the side members 14 for preventing the pallets from slipping off the apparatus 10.

The side members 14 are further covered with a sheet material 45. This sheet material 45 prevents the goods from falling out o the apparatus 10. Further, the sheeted 16 material 44 may be provided with a logo such as a company logo. The material is chosen such that the sheeted material 44 prevents the goods from being damaged whilst being transported in the apparatus 1.0. Openings 46 are provided in the sheeted material 44 toallow clearance for the carrying means 42 when the side members are moved to their respective folded position.

The apparatus 10 as presented in Figures 1 to 5 operates as follows. Starting from its folded position as presented in Figure 4, the securing member 16 is removed from the apparatus 10. Next, by lifting the holding members 42 the side members 14 are moved to their upright spaced position 17. Then, the securing member 16 is placed onto the end portions 34 of the side members 14 in that way securing is the side members 14 in place and the apparatus 10 is ready for use. The apparatus 10 can readily be transported by means of, for example, a forklift truck which can lift the apparatus 10 by means of the lift members 38. To return the apparatus 10 to its stored position, the securing member 16 is again removed, the side members 14 are folded down and the securing member is put in place on top of the end portions 22 of the mount 18 as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 6 presents an apparatus 50 according to another embodiment of the invention. Again the apparatus 50 comprises a base 52, spaced side members 54, and a support member 56. The side members 54 are secured in place by means of a securing member 58. Lift members 60 are provided on the base 52 for lifting the apparatus 50 by means of a fork lift or such like. On the top side of the respective side members 54 again holding members 62 are provided for carrying out size objects. The side members 54 are again covered with a sheeted material 64. There is further provided a tow member 66 which is slidable from its initial position inside further guide member 70 which is provided on the base 52, to an in-use position. The tow member is provided with holes 68 17 which can engage with a spring loaded pin 72 for f ixably positioning the tow member 66. The base 52 further comprises a pair of spaced castor wheels 74. At least one of these castor wheels can be provided with a brake, preferably a leg brake (not shown). This prevents the apparatus 50 from accidentally moving. This is particularly important when loading or unloading the apparatus 50.

The apparatus as shown in Figures 6 to 8 of the drawings operates as follows. In similar fashion as hereinbefore described the side members of apparatus 50 can be moved to a folded or spaced position. The apparatus 50 can be lifted by the tow member 66 by means of for instance a fork lift or an electric tug. This allows the apparatus 50 to be transported across the floor by means of the castor is wheels 74. A f oot brake (not shown) can be operated to prevent the apparatus 50 from accidentally moving. This provides safety to the operating person. Further retaining members (not shown) may be provided to keep objects inside the apparatus during transport. These retaining members may preferably be in the form of netting which is releasable.

In an alternative embodiment the side 94 of the apparatus 90 comprises an extension means 92 for extending the side 94 in a vertical direction to enable transport and storage of tall standing objects such as shower cabins. The extension means 92 comprises a pair of spaced elongate members 96 which are slideably arranged inside a pair of spaced guide members 98. The guide members 98 comprise two locking members 100 for locking the elongate members 96 in an in-use position which engage with holes 102 provided in the elongate members 92. The locking members 100 comprise a spring loaded bolt. The locking members 100 are interconnected by a chain 104 for simultaneously operating the locking members 100. A limiting member may be provided between the extension means 92 and the side 94 (not shown) to prevent the extension means from being extended too far.

C 11..

18 The extension means 92 may further comprise a covering member (not shown) to cover the space between the elongate members 96 to prevent goods from falling. The covering member may be in the form of a flexible flap such as a rubber sheet.

When not in use, the elongate members 96 are arranged inside the guide members 98 to allow stacking of multiple apparatus 90 and folding of the side member 94. When storing tall items, the supports can be set at an appropriate height for supporting the items.

The base as presented in Fig. lOA-C comprises one or more base elements 120 and one or more base joining members 122 for joining the base elements 120 to form the base. The base element comprises a beam shaped material of an is approximate square cross-section with a slot extending along the length of one side of the material. The end portions 126 of the beam material which form the slot may be rolled or folded inwardly to form clamp support members 128. In this way the base element 120 comprising said clamp support 20 members 128 has an approximate U-shaped crosssection 124. The base joining member 122 comprises engaging means 130 for engaging with two base elements 120. The engaging means 130 comprises two projections 132 for receiving the base elements 120. The base elements 120 are held in place by the base clamping member 134 which can engage with the projections 132 by means of bolts 136 which are fastened to the projections 132 thereby clamping the base element 120 between said base clamping member 134 and said projection 132.

To form part of the base, the base elements 120 are slid over projections 132 such that the projections 132 are located inside the base elements 120 and such that the projections 132 are partially enclosed by said base elements 120. The base clamping member 134 is then fastened by the bolts 136 such that it engages with the clamp support member 11:: '-, 1--- 1.

19 128 to fix the base elements 120 in place.

The base can be provided with one or more lifting elements 140 for lifting the base by means of a suitable lifting apparatus such as a forklift truck. The lifting element 140 is removably and slideably mountable onto the base element 120. The lifting element 140 comprises an opening 144 for receiving the lifting member of the lifting apparatus. The lifting element 140 comprises two lifting clamp members 144 for releasably clamping said lifting element 140 in a desired position along the track of the base element 120. The clamp members are clamped in place by the bolts 148, 150.

To fit the lifting element 140, the element 140 is clamped onto the clamp support member 146 of said base is element by fastening said bolts 148,150.

To facilitate mounting of clamp members 160 inside the base element 120, as presented in Figure 11B, a resilient member in the form of a spring 162 can be provided on the clamp member 160. The clamp member 160 is again fixed by means of a bolt. The spring 162 is preferably attached to the clamp member 160. The spring 162 can engage with the inside of the base element 120. If the bolt is removed, the spring 162 helps the repositioning of the bolt since the spring keeps the clamp member located onto the clamp support member. The clamp members 160 further include grooves or a track to facilitate sliding of the clamp member and to prevent the clamp member from rotating when the bolts are fastened.

The lifting member is further mounted in a similar way as discussed above and the clamp members 160 can again be fixed in the desired position inside the base element 120.

Finally, Figs. 12A-B present the side element 170 and a support 171 which are again constructed from a beam with an approximate rectangular or square shaped cross-section along one side of which a slot 174 is provided as presented is in the Figures. The support 171 is connected to the base joining member. A hinge 176 is provided for hingedly interconnecting the support 171 and the side member 170. The end portions 180,181 are in a diagonal plane relative to the horizontal when the side member 170 is in the upright position. Similar to the embodiments as hereinbefore described, the end portions 180, 181 abut one another when the side member is in the upright position as shown in Fig. 12A.

The hinge 176 comprises a pivot joint 178. The pivot joint 178 comprises a top end portion 182 which is fixedly connected to the side element 170 and a bottom end portion 184 which is rotatably connected to the support member 171.

The side member can be folded between a folded position and a spaced, inuse, upright position. The side member is prevented from moving beyond said upright position by the abutting end portions 180,181.

The embodiments of the inventions as presented in Figs. 10-12 are operated in a similar way to the embodiments as hereinbefore described. An important advantage of these embodiments is that the apparatus is modular: a wide range of apparatus can be constructed from parts which are all identical such as base joining members, base elements, side elements, pivot joints, so that the apparatus are suitable for different applications. This enables the apparatus to be more versatile, whilst they can be produced in an efficient, cost-effective way.

is 21

Claims

2.

Apparatus for transporting objects comprising a base, a pair of side members pivotally connected to the base, the side members being movable between a folded position for storage and/or transport of said apparatus, and a spaced, in-use, position; a securing member being provided for securing said side members in said spaced position and/or said folded position.

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said securing member comprises means for engaging with a further apparatus for transporting objects such that the respective apparatus can be stacked.

Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base comprises support members for supporting the side members, each side member being pivotally connected to a support member, the securing member being engagable with said side members and said support members.

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the support member and the side member each comprise means for receiving the securing member.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the receiving means comprise a first receiving member provided on an end portion of the support member, and a, scond receiving member which is provided on a second end portion of a side member.

Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the respective receiving members each comprise an end surface and the' securing member comprises a suitable end surface, such that the end surf ace of a receiving member abuts the 22 end surf ace of the securing member when the securing member engages with a receiving member.

7. Apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein blocking means are provided for allowing n)ovement of the side members between their respective folded position and their respective spaced, in-use, position, whilst preventing movement beyond said spaced position.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the blocking means comprise a first blocking member which is provided on an end portion of the support member, and a second blocking member which is provided on a first end portion of a side member.

Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the respective blocking members each comprise an end surf ace such that the end surfaces abut one another when the side members are in their spaced, in-use, position.

10. Apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 9, wherein the side member comprises one or more side elements and one or more side joining members for joining the side elements.

11.

Apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 10, wherein the base comprises one or more base elements and one or more base joining members for joining the base elements.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the base joining members comprise said support members.

13. Apparatus according to any of claims 11 or 12, wherein said base elements and/or said side elements comprise 23 a beam-shaped material of an approximate square or rectangular cross- section with a slot extending along the length of one side of the material.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein. the base element comprises a clamp support member for receiving a base clamping member.

15. Apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the base is provided with one or more lifting elements for lifting the base by means of a suitable lifting apparatus, said lifting elements being removably and/or slideably mounted onto said base elements.

is 16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said lifting element comprises one or more clamp members for releasably clamping said lifting element in a desired position.

17. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein transport means are provided for transporting the apparatus.

18. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the transport means comprises a pair of spaced transport members.

19. Apparatus according to claims 10 or 11, wherein the transport means comprises a tow member for moving or at least towing the apparatus.

20. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein a side member may comprise an extension means for extending the side member.

21. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the extension 24 means comprises elongate members and a pair of spaced elongate guide members, said elongate members being slideably arranged inside said guide members.

22. Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein locking means are provided for locking the elongate members in an in-use position.

is 23. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more side members comprise members for holding an object onto the side members.

Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base is provided with one or more legs for supporting the base from the ground, said legs comprising means for engaging with the securing member.

Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more side members are covered with a sheeted material.

26. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises a retaining member for retaining objects inside the apparatus, said retaining member being releasably mounted onto the side members.

27. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, 9 wherein the base is provided with spaced lifting members for lifting the base by means of a suitable lifting apparatus.

28. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises a frame, said base further comprising sheeted material for covering said frame.

Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a side member comprises one or more gripping members for ease of moving the side member into the spaced, in-use, position and/or the folded position.

30. Method of transporting and/or storing goods by means of an apparatus according to any of the preceding claims.

31. Method of transporting and/or storing goods comprising providing a base, a pair of side members pivotally connected to said base, said side members being movable between a folded position for storage and/or transport and a spaced, in-use, position; said method further comprising the steps of providing a securing member for securing said side members in said spaced position and/or said folded position, removing the securing member from the apparatus, moving the sides into a folded position or a spaced, in-use, position and securing the side members in place by means of the securing member.

32. Method of stacking multiple apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 20, comprising the step of mounting one apparatus onto a securing member of another apparatus.

33. Method of operating an extension means according to any of claims 13 to 15 by a user, comprising the steps of releasing the locking means, moving the elongate members to a desired height, and locking the elongate members in an in-use position by operating said locking means.