GB2338462A

GB2338462A - Vehicle cargo support device

Info

Publication number: GB2338462A
Application number: GB9908469A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Seeto
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-04-16
Filing date: 1999-04-15
Publication date: 1999-12-22
Also published as: GB9908469D0; CA2269345A1; AUPP300398A0

Abstract

A cargo support apparatus (1) to support cargo in the boot or tray, of a vehicle comprises a base frame (4) and at least one support member (2,3), the base frame (4) being adjustable in length and width, such that movement of the base frame (4) is substantially prevented. The support member(s) (2,3) are preferably adjustable in height, to be varied depending upon the height of the cargo to be supported. The apparatus is preferably able to be disassembled or folded for storage in minimal space. The cargo may be secured by means of a strap or rope or the support member may carry a bag or a grating. The base frame may be supported on adjustable legs.

Description

2338462 CARGO SUPPORT DEVICE AND METROD

Background of the Invention

The Present invention relates to a cargo support device and method, and m pardmUr, to an apparatus and a method for supporting luggage or other cgrgo in the b or on the tray of a vehicle.

Description of the Prior Art

Different types of known vehicles have difterent 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.

It is presently known to provide various support structures on the tabletop of a truck, to support particular of cargo. For example, where shipping containers are to be loaded on to the tabletop of a truck, various specially designed engagement me= 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, tot example, it is kPown to provide a particular configuration and design of vehicle to carry cars on a car-ing 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 rype of luggage or cargo to be transported.

There is DO 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.

1 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 i 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, is securement means to secure said cargo to said support means in such a manner that movement of said cargo is substantially prevented.

Preferably, 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.

Preferably, each of said members is of telescopic form.

Preferably, said support member is adjustable in height andlor length.

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

Preferably, said base frame is foldable.

1 1 1 Also preferably, at least two opposed members of said base frame are provided with a pivotal or like means for folding said base ft-ame.

Preferably, said securefflent nwM comprises one or more of a rope, cable, strap, belt, 5 hook or the like.

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

Preferably, said less are adjustable in Mght.

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 15 spaced apart members.

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

The present invention also seeks to provide a uxethod of supporting cargo using the 20 apparatus as hereinbefore described.

Brief Description of the Drawing

U-ke present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of a preferred but non-Emiting: embodiment thereof, described in connection with 25 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 rnay be supported therebetween; Fig. 3 illustrates the arrangement whereby cargo may be strapped to the cargo support 30 apparatus; Fig. 4 il.lustrates 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 Juving a different base fi-ame configuration; Fig. 7 illustrates an alternative form of the invention whereby. the base ftme 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 memb ' er 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 ftuther base frame configuration; and, Fig. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of a base frame configuration.

Detailed DPtion of a Preferred Embodiment Throughout the drawings, like numerals will be used to identify sirnii f ar eatures, except where expressly otherwise indicated, Fig. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a cargo support apparatus. gely designated by the nurneral 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 cittw side of the base fraine 4, connected 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 tele-scopic-like manner. llerefore, by adjustment the base frame 4 may be neatly se within the sidewalls of any boot space or tray space of the vehicle., such diat 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 en.sure that any rockin movement is eliminated, p"cuiarly when the swkce of the boot or -tray,.i. s uneyen..

' is Once the base frame 4 is seuxed in position, the support members 2.and.3 may.then be adjusied to'the desired positions for support of he cargo therebetween. such hat the c..argo. also does not slip or slide around.

It will be observed that therefore the apparatus 1 is able to be disassembled andlor folded for storage. The embodiment of Fig. 1 may. bpdisassembled and folded, by firstly '!the support members 2 and 3 from the T-shaped conneptors 5, and then the base removing ft-ame 4 may befolded 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 inay be supported between support members 2 and 3. For instance, in Fig. 2, the support members 2 and 3 are adapted to have gim" or grilles 16 come therewith, for instance, by hooking over the transverse arms of support members 2 and 3, such that cargo 11 may be installed 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 rnembers 2 and 3, and supported thereto by attachment means 15.

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) islare also adjustable in height andlor length.

In Fig. 5 is shown a slightly different version of the embodiment, in use, in the tray of a utility vehicle. As' shown, the base frame 4 is, installed within the tray of th'e'Utility vehicle, and adjdt.,d such th a-t it neatly fits within die walls of the uay.' 1n this eniboditerit of'the inventi6;d,'ofily one, support niemb6r 2 is provided,.and the'. cargo IZ.t s"pp6d ty means or rope oi'trappine 14. 71at is,-as shown.in Fig. 5 that.the. Teshaped ulhibeis.,5, at' the rear of the base frame 4, are, in this case, notin the support. membe. 3 bas been removed ffierefrom. viously, if slach an'arrangement Lt teqi&cd, ibe&vicp_ of the'pr.eseint invention can b C"OXL,"cttd With only one'suppot.meam."

An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in.Fig.. 4_ Th.e. diffetence between 'the embodiment of Fig. 6 and the preceding embodiment is in ielatioin to thestructure of the base frarhe 4. In the =bodhnent;of Fig. 6, thc,rmm body'.of the-base frame 4 formed by el on'gate ffiembers 6 nd 7 are not. themselves adjustable in - Idiigth. but to secure the base frame within the tray of the Vehicle, adjustable se:xirement members 8 -.and 9 (with heIght adjustable elongate leg) are provided about the base fe. 4.

Another alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 7. The difference between the embodiment of Fig. 7 and that of Fig. 6, is that, rather thaii the transverse members 7 of the base frame 4 being positioned below the elongate members 6, they are provided co-planar in Fig. 7. Mds is achieved by the use of a suitable connecting piece 11.

This embodiment hs 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 adjustrnent in the transverse direction of the frame shown in Fig. 8 is achieved by means of an adjustment mechanism 20. The adjustment in the verse direction of the support members 2 and 3 is achieved., by-me= of: one component part: of the member sliding witWn the other for tclescopie adjustment.

Yet a. fi)rdier alternative form of the invention is shown in Fig. 9, in this case, right angled piece&,18 but the adjustment is achieved by me:aw ef.s.lidable members 21, for.teLosgQpi -adiu=ent.,.

.-.,,Heigb and.width djustable base frames 4 are shown in, Figs.. IC and 1 L. InFigs. 10 and 1J, the slidiRg,,,,bars Ty be raisedllowered aM maintained in ppition by cora=tor member 29. aW:secured, by a bolt or similar fastener.

An alt"Tform. of. the invention is shown i.n.Fig-.:12. In. this embodiment, the base 10. frame- sxwtuT ftK 9rporates rght-angled pi.eces 23 on which are attached member pieces Z4 w. ith a s.cries.,of evpTdy spaped holes. The sippor:r=upirs 2 and.A c4n then be slotted to the base f "4 without.the need of T-shaped members 5. T rame.. be,.adjustment in,the transverse Agection and Sngh. of the.frame is achiqved by. means of.tp esco ic adiustme of members p nt 23 and 24..

Is Another alternative form is shown in Fig. 13, which differs from Fig. 12 in that a pair of tracks 25 are atiached to the right-angled pieces 23 iwead of member pieces 24 with its series of evenly spaced holes. The support members 2 and 3 are connected to track inembers 25 by means of a connecting member 26 which consists of two metal plates 27, one P12ke being placed within the track and the second plate being outside the track and tightened by two bolts. 11w second plate being attached or welded to a connecting piece 28 into which the support members 2 and 3 can be connected. Ilie support members 2 and 3 in tw"S 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 member s 2 and 3 are removed from the base frame 4, the base ftame 4 may be neatly folded W storage whilst not in use.

-g- 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.

Qnly a few applicafions of the cargo support appartus: 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.be appreciated that whilst only a few different arrangements of base hwnes are shown. other base frames may be apparent to persons skilled in-thezirt. It will also be appreciated that the support members 2 and 3 may be inserted in specially designed connecting p icces provided. integral withthe vehicle. That is, the hue frame 4 ma be eliminated if vehicles are designed to. support the support inembers 2 and 3 therein..

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

i

Claims

THE CLAIMS

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 waUs 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 bas,6 frame; and, securement means. to se=e 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. fiame is forrued of adjustable length ntembers which form a parallelogram shape such that each.of said members is adapted to abut the walls of the tray, boot or the like.
3. ' A cargo support device as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of said members is of telescopic form.
4. A cargo support device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said support member is adjustable in height andlor length.
5. A cargo support device as claimed in any one of claim 1 to 4, wherein said support member is removably attached or foldable relative to said base fl-ame.
6. A cargo support device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said base 25 frarne is foldable.
7. A cargo support device as claimed in claim 6. wherein at least two opposed members of said base ftame are provided with a pivotal or like means for folding said base frame.
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 cL 1 to 8, wherein said base 5 frame is supported on one ormore leg(s), optionally adjustable in height.
10. 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.
11. A cargo support apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a bag or flexible carrier is adapted to be supported between a pair of spaced apart members.
12. A cargo supportApparatus as clairnd in any one of claim 1 to 11, wherein said apparatus is formed of plastics or metal.

13- A cargo support apparatus, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.