WO2006013434A1

WO2006013434A1 - A rack for carrying objects

Info

Publication number: WO2006013434A1
Application number: PCT/IB2005/002208
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giancarlo Camellini
Original assignee: Fami S.P.A.
Priority date: 2004-07-28
Filing date: 2005-07-13
Publication date: 2006-02-09
Also published as: ITMO20040198A1

Abstract

The rack comprises a flat fixed frame (2) associable to a bearing structure and having a front portion (2a) and a rear portion (2b); a flat mobile frame (3), slidable and rotatable with respect to the fixed frame (2); a main arm (4), which has a first end (4a) which is rotatingly constrained to the fixed frame (2) about a main rotation axis (y), and a second end (4b), slidably constrained to the mobile frame (3) in a sliding direction (x) and a rotating direction about a parallel axis to the main rotation axis (y); means for compensating operatively interpositioned between the fixed frame (2) and the main arm (4) and predisposed to act in opposition, with a predetermined force, to rotation of the main arm (4).

Description

Description A Rack for Carrying Objects.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a rack for carrying objects, preferably for motor vehicles.

Background Art

The prior art includes a rack, protected by a European patent, which comprises a frame fixed on a roof of a vehicle and provided with horizontal guides parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

The rack comprises a slide which is mobile on guides in a horizontal direction, in both directions, which can assume at least an advanced position and at least a retreated position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

The rack further comprises a support for at least one object or load. The support is constrained to the slide and can move along a vertical plane which is parallel to the movement direction of the slide. The support can selectively assume at least a loading-unloading position for the object, in which it is situated behind the vehicle with the slide in the retreated position, and a position for transport of the object, in which it is situated on the roof of the vehicle with the slide in the advanced position.

The rack comprises a con rod hinged to an end of the slide and at the opposite end to the support, with hinge axes which are perpendicular to the movement plane of the support. The con rod is hinged to the support at a first end of the support, opposite to a second end which is destined, in the loading-unloading position, to be very close to the ground.

The rack further comprises two or three fluid pistons predisposed between the slide and the support to balance the weight of the support and the weight borne thereby. The pistons have a first end which is constrained to the slide and a second end, opposite the first end, which is constrained at an intermediate point of the con rod.

The rack described has some drawbacks with regard to safety and practicality. As the fluid pistons are of a suitable size for balancing both the support weight and the load weight borne by the support, the pistons exert a thrust of considerable entity, especially in a case in which the rack is destined to support loads of considerable weight. For this reason the support, in the load- unload position, must be anchored to the rear part of the vehicle by removable means for hooking, because there is the risk that on removal of the load the support might violently shift towards the transport position, seriously risking the safety of people who are within the range of action of the support. Thus, once the support is positioned in the load-unload position, the operator therefore has to take care to activate the hooking means which often are in a difficult position to reach, with the risk of being struck by the support should the hooking means not be activated correctly.

The main aim of the present invention is to provide a rack which overcomes the drawbacks in the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

The main characteristics and advantages of some preferred embodiments of the invention will better emerge from the detailed description that follow with reference to the figures of the drawings, which are given as non-limiting examples and in which: Figure 1 is an overall view of the device of the invention, installed on a vehicle;

Figure 2 is an overall view in partial section of the device of the present invention; Figures 3, 4 and 5 show the device of figure 1 in three different operative configurations;

Figure 3a is an enlarged detail of figure 3, relating to a further embodiment of the invention; Figures 6 and 7 show a view from the right of the device of figure 2 in which a detail of the device can be seen.

With reference to the figures of the drawings, the rack of the present invention comprises a flat fixed frame 2 associable to a bearing structure, for example the roof or the load plane of a motor vehicle. The fixed frame 2 is provided with a front portion 2a and a rear portion 2b. The device further comprises a flat mobile frame 3, slidable with respect to the fixed frame 2 in a longitudinal direction x between at least a front position and at least a rear position. The fixed and mobile frame each define a plane which, in a preferred mode of use of the device, is horizontal. The mobile frame 3 functions as a support for an object or load in general, and is especially useful for supporting a ladder. In the front position, the mobile frame 3 is arranged internally of the fixed frame 2, while in its rear position the mobile frame 3 projects more pronouncedly with respect to the fixed frame 2. Guides are provided between the fixed frame and the mobile frame, which enable a relative sliding between the two elements. The guides are preferably constituted by at least two wheels 20a, 20b, constrained to the fixed frame 2, slidable in sliding tracks 21 which are a groove afforded on the mobile frame 3. The mobile frame 3, at least in the rear position, is rotatable with respect to the fixed frame 2 on a perpendicular plane to the fixed frame 2 and parallel to the longitudinal direction x. The mobile frame 3 is rotatable between a horizontal first position, at which it is parallel to the fixed frame 2, and an inclined position, at which it exhibits a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the fixed frame 2.

The first position of the mobile frame 3 is substantially the support position, and therefore the transport position, of the load, while the inclined position is the suitable position for unloading the transported objects. In the inclined position a portion of the mobile frame 3 is arranged in proximity of the ground or at least in a position which facilitates the unloading of the transported objects.

The device also comprises a main arm 4 which exhibits a first end 4a, constrained rotatingly to the fixed frame 2 about a main rotation axis y, and a second end 4b, constrained to the mobile frame 3 and slidable along the sliding direction x and rotatable about a parallel axis to the main rotation axis y. In the first position of the mobile frame 3 the second end 4b of the main arm 4 faces the front portion 2a of the fixed frame 2. In the rear position of the mobile frame 3 the second end 4b is constrained to the mobile frame 3 with the relative sliding in the direction going from the front position towards the rear position. The second end 4b of the main arm 4 is provided with a first wheel 20a, slidable along the track 21, which in the rear position of the mobile frame 3 contacts an endrun of the track 21. The mobile frame 3 thus stops sliding and can rotate about a second wheel 20b solidly constrained to the fixed frame 2. In this way, in the rear position of the mobile frame 3, the rotation of the mobile frame 3 between the first position and the inclined position induces a rotation of the main arm 4 about the main rotation axis y. The device further comprises means for compensating, operatively interpositioned between the fixed frame 2 and the main arm 4, which are predisposed to act in opposition to the rotation of the main arm 4 corresponding to the rotation of the mobile frame 3 from the first position to the inclined position. The means for compensating are at least in part disengageable on command.

The means for compensating comprise at least a first elastic element 5, arranged between the rear portion 2b of the fixed frame 2 and the main arm 4, which at a first end is rotatingly constrained to the fixed frame 2, and at a second end is in contact against an intermediate portion of the main arm 4. The first elastic element 5 is predisposed to exert a thrust on the main arm 4 which opposes the rotation of the main arm 4, in a clockwise direction in the accompanying figures of the drawings, corresponding to the rotation of the mobile frame 3 from the first position to the inclined position. In a preferred embodiment of the device the first elastic element 5 is constituted by a gas piston.

The first elastic element 5 contacts against an intermediate portion of the main arm 4 by means of a con rod 6 to which the main arm 4 is constrained by the second end thereof. The con rod 6 is in turn constrained at an end thereof to the fixed frame 2 and is predisposed to contact against the main arm 4 by means of an element constituted by a bar which is transversal to the rotation plane of the main arm 4. The point of constraint between the first elastic element 5 and the con rod 6 is fixable in at least two different positions, situated at different distances from the main rotation axis y, in order to vary the intensity of the thrust which the gas piston transmits to the mobile frame 3 by means of the main arm 4. By varying the position of this point of constraint the length of the main arm 4 is changed between the point of application of the trust exerted by the first elastic element 5 and the rotation axis of the main arm 4, i.e. the main rotation axis y. The rotating constraint axes of the first elastic element 5 and the con rod 6 are parallel to the main rotation axis y. During a clockwise rotation of the main arm 4, still with reference to the figures of the drawings, the con rod 6 is drawn in rotation by the main arm 4. The clockwise rotation of the con rod 6 compresses the gas piston. The device further comprises means for blocking which are predisposed to hold and on command to release the first elastic element 5 in a configuration of maximum compression, which it assumes when the mobile frame 3 is in the inclined position.

The means for blocking comprise a blocking rod 7 constrained rotatingly to the fixed frame 2 about an axis which is parallel to the main rotation axis y. The blocking rod 7 is provided with a hooking element 7a predisposed to be constrained to the first elastic element 5 in the configuration of maximum compression. The blocking rod 7 is rotatable on command between at least a first position, in which the hooking element 7a is constrained to the first elastic element 5, and at least a second position, in which the hooking element 7a is not constrained to the first elastic element 5. In the illustrated embodiment the hooking element 7a engages to a portion of the con rod 6. Figure 3 a shows a second embodiment in which the means for compensating, operatively interpositioned between the fixed frame 2 and the main arm 4 and predisposed to act in opposition to the rotation of the main arm in both rotation directions, comprise a first elastic element 5', constituted by a simple spring, predisposed to exert a traction on the main arm 4 which traction is opposed to the rotation of the main arm 4 corresponding to the rotation of the mobile frame 3 from the first position to the inclined position. In this case too means for blocking are included (not illustrated) for holding and on command releasing the first elastic element 5' in a configuration of maximum extension, which it assumes when the mobile frame 3 is in the inclined position. In figure 4 the first position of the blocking rod 7 can be seen. In the detail of this figure the hooking element 7a can be seen, constrained to the con rod 6 by at least a projecting pivot solidly constrained to the con rod 6. If not activated the blocking rod 7 is disposed by force of gravity in a lowered position, resting constantly on the projecting pivot constrained to the con rod 6. At a certain moment in the clockwise rotation of the con rod 6, the hooking element 7a slides on the projecting pivot, going into the position illustrated in figure 5. In figure 5 the second position of the blocking rod 7a is illustrated. The rod is rotated upwards and the hooking element 7a disengages from the con rod 6. The blocking rod 7a can be rotated about the constraining axis thereof by a manoeuvring rod 11. The manoeuvring rod 11 has a command end 11a (visible in figures 6 and 7) which can be hooked to the blocking rod 7 at a tract arranged on the opposite part of the hooking element 7a with respect to the constraint of the blocking rod 7a itself. The means for compensating, operatively interpositioned between the fixed frame 2 and the main arm 4, further comprise at least a second elastic element 8 which at an end thereof is constrained to the fixed frame 2, and which at another end thereof is constrained to the main arm 4 and is positioned between the front portion 2a of the fixed frame 2 and the main arm 4. The second elastic element 8 is predisposed to exert a traction force which is opposed to the rotation of the main arm 4 corresponding to the rotation of the mobile frame 3 from the first position to the inclined position. In the illustrated embodiment, the second elastic element 8 is constituted by a helix spring which at an end thereof is rotatingly constrained to the fixed frame 2 while at an another end thereof it is rotatingly constrained to the main arm 4. The device operatives very simply and effectively. From the configuration illustrated in figure 1 , in which the mobile frame 3 is in the front position and the flat position, the unloading of the object, which in the illustrated case is a ladder, is done as follows. The mobile frame 3 is made to slide towards the rear position in the sliding direction x. As mentioned herein above, the lower position is reached at the moment when the wheel 20 associated to the main arm 4 reaches the endrun of the track 21. From the lower position the mobile frame 3 is rotated from the first position towards the inclined position, illustrated in figure 3. During the rotation, both the first elastic element 5 and the second elastic element act in opposition to the rotation of the mobile frame 3. The weight of the mobile frame 3 and the object (the ladder) supported thereon are balanced by the elastic elements, so that an operator performing the unloading manoeuvre is not subject to any intense exertion. Advantageously the first elastic element 5, the gas piston, can be sized suitably to exert a thrust which is sufficient to balance the weight of the ladder or other object, while the second elastic element 8 can be made of such a size as to balance the weight only of the mobile frame 3. In the inclined position of the mobile frame 3 the first elastic element 5 is blocked by the blocking rod 7, so that, in the absence of a command on the rod, the second elastic element 8 acts on the main arm 4. In the inclined position the object (ladder) can be unloaded from the mobile frame 3. The weight of the mobile frame 3 is balanced by the second elastic element 8 so that once unloaded the mobile frame 3 can be returned to the first position and the front position with no exertion and with no risk of sudden or rapid movements (figure 4). Advantageously the second elastic element 8 can be made of such a size that the force exerted thereby is not sufficient to displace the mobile frame 3 from the inclined load-unload position of the object towards the first position. In this case in order for the force exerted by the second elastic element 8 to be sufficient to facilitate the raising of the mobile frame 3, balancing the weight, the mobile frame must be rotated by a predetermined angle. This enables operations to be carried out in maximum safety without any need for anchoring or blocking the mobile frame 3 in the inclined position thereof. In order to load an object on the device it is sufficient to reposition the mobile frame 3 in the inclined position with an operation that can be done with only a limited exertion on the part of a user, as the gas piston 5 is in the blocked position and exerts not thrust on the main arm 4. When the object has been loaded on the mobile frame 3, the gas piston 5 is freed, and acts on the blocking rod 7 (see figure 5) in such a way that it exerts its thrust, sufficient to balance the weight of the load, on the main arm 4, through the con rod 6. The device of the invention comprises means for fastening predisposed to block the mobile frame 3 in the front position. The means for fastening comprise a hooking element 9 which is slidably constrained to the fixed frame 2 in a perpendicular direction with respect to the plane identified by the fixed frame 2. The hooking element 9 can be activated to slide, by means of a manoeuvring appendage 9a which projects from the rear portion 2b of the fixed frame 2, between at least a blocked position of the mobile frame 3 and at least an unblocked position of the mobile frame 3. In the blocked position of the mobile frame 3, the hooking element 9 engages to a portion of the mobile frame 3. The means for fastening further comprise a latch 10, slidable on command on the rear portion 2b of the fixed frame 2 between at least a blocked position of the hooking element 9 and at least a disengaged position of the hooked element 9. The latch 10 has a blocking appendage 10a which, when the hooking element 9 is in the blocked position of the mobile frame 3 and the latch 10 is in the blocked position of the hooking element 9, is predisposed to be positioned in contact with the manoeuvring appendage 9a of the hooking element 9. In this way the blocking appendage 10a prevents the displacement of the hooking element 9 in the disengaged position of the mobile frame 3 (figure 6). As can be seen in figure 6, when the latch 10 is in the blocked position the manoeuvring end 9a of the hooking element 9 cannot be lowered and consequently the mobile frame 3 cannot perform a sliding motion. The latch 10 can be activated to slide by a manoeuvring rod 11 provided with an arrow-shaped command end 11a. The command end 1 Ia is predisposed to insert between the manoeuvring appendage 9a of the hooking element 9 and a first striking surface 10b of the latch 10, when the latch 10 is in the blocking position of the hooking element 9, in order to distance the latch 10 from the manoeuvring appendage 9a and disengage the manoeuvring appendage 9a. The command end 11a is also predisposed to insert between a second striker surface 10c of the latch 10 and a projecting surface 2c which is solidly constrained to the rear portion 2b of the fixed frame 2, when the latch 10 is in the position in which the hooking element 9 is unblocked, in order to near the latch 10 to the manoeuvring appendage 9a and engage the manoeuvring appendage 9a with the blocking appendage 10a. The manoeuvring rod 11 can therefore be used to activate the latch 10, in order to activate the hooking element 9 and the blocking rod 7. The means for fastening also comprise means for preventing free displacements of the latch 10 from the blocked and unblocked positions. The means for fastening also comprise at least a bearing 12, housed in a seating afforded in the rear portion 2b of the fixed frame 2, which is engageable by action of a spring in at least two opposite seatings afforded in the latch 10. The opposite seatings are aligned one to another in the sliding direction of the latch 10 and are positioned and distanced one from another at positioned corresponding to the blocked and unblocked positions of the latch 10. In order to displace the latch 10 from the blocked and unblocked positions a force must be exerted which is sufficient to disengage the bearing 12 from the opposite seating it is engaged in. This prevents a situation in which an impact against an obstacle might displace the latch 10 from the blocked (or unblocked) position. An anti-theft safety block is included, comprising a hole 14 made in the latch 10 and a corresponding hole of equal diameter 14' made on the rear part 2b. The holes 14 and 14' are coaxially aligned in order that a blocking pin can be inserted when the mobile frame 3 is in the blocked position due to the hooking element 9. The blocking pin can advantageously be constituted by the blocking pin of a safety lock.

Claims

Claims.

1). A rack for carrying objects, comprising: a fixed frame (2), associable to a bearing structure, which fixed frame (2) is provided with a front portion (2a) and a rear portion (2b); a flat mobile frame (3), slidable with respect to the fixed frame (2) along a longitudinal direction (x), between at least a front position and at least a rear position, the mobile frame (3), at least in the rear position, being rotatable with respect to the fixed frame (2) on a plane which is perpendicular to the fixed frame (2) and parallel to the longitudinal direction (x), between a first position, in which it is parallel to the fixed frame (2), and an inclined position; wherein it comprises: a main arm (4) which exhibits a first end (4a), rotatingly constrained to the fixed frame (2) about a main rotation axis (y), and a second end (4b), constrained to the mobile frame (3) and slidable along the sliding direction (x) and rotatable about an axis which is parallel to the main rotation axis (y), the second end (4b) of the main arm (4), in the first position of the mobile frame (3), being turned towards the front portion (2a) of the fixed frame (2), the second end (4b) of the main arm (4), in the rear position of the mobile frame (3), being constrained to the mobile frame (3) for relative sliding in a direction going from the front position towards the rear position so that, in the rear position of the mobile frame (3), a rotation of the mobile frame (3) between the first position and the inclined position induces a rotation in the main arm (4) about the main rotation axis (y); means for compensating, operatively interpositioned between the fixed frame (2) and the main arm (4) and predisposed to act in opposition, with a predetermined force, to the rotation of the main arm (4) corresponding to the rotation of the mobile frame (3) from the first position to the inclined position, the means for compensating being at least partly disengageable on command.

2). The rack of claim 1, wherein the means for compensating, operatively interpositioned between the fixed frame (2) and the main arm (4) and predisposed to act in opposition to the rotation of the main arm (4) in both rotation directions, comprise at least a first elastic element (5) arranged between the rear portion (2b) of the fixed frame (2) and the main arm (4), which at a first end is rotatingly constrained to the fixed frame (2) and at a second end thereof contacts against an intermediate portion of the main arm (4), the first elastic element (5) being predisposed to exert a thrust on the main arm (4) which is opposed to the rotation of the main arm (4) corresponding to the rotation of the mobile frame (3) from the first position to the inclined position thereof, means for blocking being provided which are predisposed to hold and on command release the first elastic element (5) in a configuration of maximum compression which it assumes when the mobile frame (3) is in the inclined position.

3). The rack of claim 2, wherein the first elastic element (5) contacts against an intermediate portion of the main arm (4) by means of a con rod (6) to which the elastic element (5) is rotatingly constrained at a second end thereof, the con rod (6) being constrained by an end thereof to the fixed frame (2) and being predisposed to contact the main arm (4), rotating constraining axes of the first elastic element (5) and the con rod (6) being parallel to the main rotation axis (y). 4). The rack of claim 3, wherein a point of constraint between the first elastic element (5) and the con rod (6) can be in at least two different positions situated at different distances with respect to the main rotation axis (y). 5). The rack of claim 2, wherein the means for blocking, predisposed to hold and on command release the first elastic element (5) in a maximum compression configuration which the first elastic element (5) assumes when the main frame (3) is in the inclined position, comprise a blocking rod (7) rotatably constrained to the fixed frame (2) about an axis which is parallel to the main rotation axis (y), the blocking rod (7) being provided with a hooking element (7a) predisposed to be constrained to the first elastic element (5) in the maximum compression configuration, the blocking rod (7) being rotatable, on command, between at least a first position, in which the hooking element (7a) is constrained to the first elastic element (5), and at least a second position, in which the hooking element (7a) is not constrained to the first elastic element (5).

6). The rack of claim 4 or 5, wherein the hooking element (7a) interacts with- a portion of the con rod (6).

7). The rack of any one of claims from 2 to 6, wherein the first elastic element (5) is a gas piston.

8). The rack of claim 1, wherein the means for compensating, operatively interpositioned between the fixed frame (2) and the main arm (4) and predisposed to act in opposition to a rotation of the main arm (4) in both rotation directions, comprise at least a first elastic element (5') predisposed to exert a traction on the main arm (4), which first elastic element (5') opposes a rotation of the main arm (4) corresponding to a rotation of the mobile frame (3) from the first position to the inclined position, means for blocking being predisposed to hold and on command release the first elastic element (5') in a configuration of maximum extension which the first elastic element (5') assumes when the mobile frame (3) is in an inclined position. 9). The rack of claim 1, wherein the means for compensating, operatively interpositioned between the fixed frame (2) and the main arm (4) and predisposed to act in opposition to a rotation of the main arm (4) in both rotation directions, comprise at least a second elastic element (8) which at an end thereof is constrained to the fixed frame (2) and at another end thereof is constrained to the main arm (4), the second elastic element (8) being predisposed to exert a traction force which is opposed to a rotation of the main arm (4) corresponding to a rotation of the mobile frame (3) from the first position into the inclined position thereof.

10). The rack of claim 9, wherein the second elastic element (8) is constituted by a helix spring which at an end thereof is rotatingly constrained to the fixed frame (2), and at another end thereof is rotatingly constrained to the main arm

(4).

11). The rack of claim 1, wherein it comprises means for fastening which are predisposed to block the mobile frame (3) in the front position. 12). The rack of claim 11, wherein the means for fastening comprise: a hooking element (9) slidably constrained to the fixed frame (2) in a perpendicular direction to a plane identified by the fixed frame (2), the hooking element (9) being slidable, by means of a manoeuvring appendage (9a) projecting from the rear portion (2b) of the fixed frame (2), between at least a blocked position of the mobile frame (3) and at least an unblocked position of the mobile frame (3); a latch (10), slidable on command on the rear portion (2b) of the fixed frame (2) between at least a blocked position of the hooking element (9) and a disengaged position of the hooking element (9), the latch being provided with a blocking appendage (10a) which, when the hooking element (9) is in the blocked position of the mobile frame (3) and the latch (10) is in the blocked position of the hooking element (9), is predisposed to be positioned in contact with the manoeuvring appendage (9a) of the hooking element (9) so as to prevent a displacement of the hooking element (9) into the disengaged position from the mobile frame (3). 13). The rack of claim 12, wherein the latch (10) can be activated to slide by means of a manoeuvring rod (11) provided with an arrow-shaped command end (1 Ia) which is predisposed to insert between the manoeuvring appendage (9a) of the hooking element (9) and a first striker surface (10b) of the latch (10), when the latch (10) is in the position in which it blocks the hooking element (9), in order to distance the latch (10) from the manoeuvring appendage (9a) and to disengage the manoeuvring appendage (9a), the command end (Ha) being predisposed to insert between a second striker surface (10c) of the latch (10) and a projecting surface (2c) which is solidly constrained to the rear portion (2b) of the fixed frame (2) when the latch (10) is in the position in which the hooking element (9) is unblocked, in order to near the latch (10) to the manoeuvring appendage (9a) and engage the manoeuvring appendage (9a) with the blocking appendage (10a). 14). The rack of claim 13, wherein it comprises means for preventing free movements of the latch (10) from the positions of blocked and unblocked, the means for preventing comprising at least a bearing (12) housed in a seating afforded in the rear portion (2b) of the fixed frame (2), the bearing (12) also being engageable in at least two seatings afforded in the latch (10) which at least two seatings are aligned in the sliding direction of the latch (10), the at least two seatings being positioned and distanced from one another according to the positions of blocked and unblocked of the latch (10). 15). The rack of claim 14, wherein it comprises an anti-theft safety lock which comprises a hole (14) made in the latch (10) and a corresponding hole of equal diameter (14') afforded in the rear portion (2b); the holes (14 and 14') being coaxially aligned to receive a locking pin which can be inserted therein when the mobile frame (3) blocking position is reached by the hooking element (9).