SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING GOODS

Abstract

An HGV trailer (200) for transporting worktops (1), the trailer comprising: a deck (204) configured to receive an A-frame (100) for holding a worktop; a securing strap (326) for securing an A-frame to the deck; and a biasing element (322) attached to the securing strap and configured to bias the securing strap away from the deck. An A-frame (100) and a method (500) are also provided.

Claims

1. An HGV trailer for transporting worktops, the trailer comprising: a deck configured to receive an A-frame for holding a worktop; a securing strap for securing an A-frame to the deck; and a biasing element attached to the securing strap and configured to bias the securing strap away from the deck.

2. The HGV trailer of claim 1, wherein the biasing element is provided above the deck.

3. The HGV trailer of claim 1, wherein the HGV trailer comprises a rail provided longitudinally above the deck, the biasing element being slidably attached to the rail such that the securing strap is slidable along the deck.

4. The HGV trailer of claim 1, wherein the biasing element is attached to the securing strap by means of a frangible clip.

5. The HGV trailer of claim 1, wherein the securing strap is freely slidable through the frangible clip such that the point of attachment to the biasing element is movable as the securing strap is tensioned.

6. The HGV trailer of claim 1, wherein the biasing element comprises a continuous biasing element, or two biasing elements attached to the securing strap in two locations above the deck towards either lateral side of the trailer.

7. The HGV trailer of claim 1, wherein the HGV trailer comprises a parallel pair of rails provided longitudinally and provided in parallel with the deck, the securing strap being attached to the pair of rails by the continuous biasing element or the two biasing elements, such that the securing strap is slidable along the rails.

8. The HGV trailer of claim 7, wherein the HGV trailer comprises a continuous biasing element attaching the securing strap to both rails, or wherein the HGV trailer comprises two biasing elements, each attaching the securing strap to a respective rail.

9. The HGV trailer of claim 7, wherein the HGV trailer comprises a guide tube slidably attached to both rails, the continuous biasing element provided within the guide tube and extending from substantially the ends of the guide tube, such that each end of the biasing element is attached to the securing strap by a frangible clip at a different location.

10. The HGV trailer of claim 1, wherein the securing strap is operable between an unsecured configuration and a secured configuration in which the securing strap is configured to secure an A-frame to the deck.

11. The HGV trailer of claim 1, wherein the biasing element comprises a tensioning member configured to apply a tension to the securing strap in the secured configuration.

12. The HGV trailer of claim 1, wherein the tensioning member comprises an elastic element.

13. The HGV trailer of claim 1, wherein in a secured configuration, the biasing element forms a discontinuity in a gradient of the securing strap.

14. The HGV trailer of claim 1, wherein the trailer comprises at least one of: a lower deck and an upper deck, each of the two decks having a rail or a pair of rails; and a neck region having a raised deck, the neck region having a rail or a pair of rails provided along the roof of the trailer.

15. The HGV trailer of claim 14, wherein at least one of the rails of the upper deck and the rails of the raised deck are provided from a roof of the trailer.

16. The HGV trailer of claim 14, wherein the lower deck comprises a sill having an array of attachment points, the securing straps of the upper deck being attached to the attachment points of the sill of the lower deck.

17. The HGV trailer of claim 1, wherein in a secured configuration, the biasing element is configured to bias the securing strap away from a midline of the trailer.

18. An A-frame for transporting a worktop on an HGV trailer, comprising a receiving portion for receiving a worktop; an apex; and a weather cover for covering a worktop received by the receiving portion, wherein the weather cover is provided over the apex of the A-frame, such that in a secured configuration on a trailer, the A-frame is configured to be secured over the weather cover.

19. The A-frame of claim 18, wherein the A-frame comprises a bed for receiving a worktop, the bed comprising a series of laterally extending support struts and a longitudinally extending support strut, the laterally extending support struts being located above the longitudinally extending support strut such that the laterally extending support struts are configured to bear the weight of the worktop.

20. The A-frame of claim 18, wherein the weather cover comprises a securing strap for securing the weather cover in a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the securing strap is secured to a longitudinally extending support strut.

21. The A-frame of claim 18, wherein the weather cover comprises a securing strap on either major face for securing the weather cover in an open position, wherein in an open position, each securing strap is secured to a securing strap provided on the opposing major face.

22. The A-frame of claim 18, wherein the A-frame comprises an upstanding portion having an open structure, a worktop being securable to the A-frame using a securing strap looped through the open structure.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0049] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0050] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an A-frame according to the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 2 is a side view of an HGV trailer according to the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the A-frame of FIG. 1 in a secured configuration on a deck of the trailer of FIG. 2;

[0053] FIG. 4 is a transverse section through a deck of the trailer of FIG. 2 showing two A-frames in a secured configuration; and

[0054] FIG. 5 is an example method according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] A-Frame

[0056] With reference to FIG. 1, an A-frame stillage 100 for holding and transporting a worktop 1 (e.g. a quartz worktop) is described. The A-frame 100 comprises a base 102 and an upstanding central portion 110 provided along a midline of the base 102.

[0057] The base 102 comprises a bed 104 which is configured to receive a worktop 1. The bed 104 is generally flat but preferably comprises a decline to the horizontal from each lateral edge.

[0058] The bed 104 comprises an open grid structure having a plurality of support struts upon which the worktop 1 may be received. On an upper level of the bed 104 is provided a plurality of support struts 104a running laterally from the centreline of the bed 104 to the lateral edge. On a lower level of the bed 104 is provided a plurality of longitudinal support struts 104b which run the length of the A-frame 100. Accordingly, the worktop 1 rests upon the lateral support struts 104a, but does not rest on the longitudinal support struts.

[0059] Upon each lateral support strut 104a of the grid structure is provided a guard strip (e.g. a plastic guard strip) which protects the worktop 1 from the steel of the grid structure and reduces the likelihood of (e.g. prevents) the worktop 1 from being scratched or otherwise damaged by the structure of the A-frame 100 itself (e.g., during transit). Securing or fastening straps 124 (e.g., ratchet straps) can be looped around and secured to the longitudinal support struts 104b of the base 102 in order to secure the worktop 1 to the A-frame 100.

[0060] Along each outer lateral edge of the base 102 is provided a linear foot 108. The feet 108 are configured to support the A-frame 100 on a floor or a deck of a trailer 200 (as described in relation to FIG. 2). Each foot 108 comprises a pair of openings 106 for receiving the forks of a forklift such that the A-frame 100 can be lifted and otherwise manoeuvred.

[0061] The central portion 110 comprises a generally triangular prismatic shape having two major rectangular faces 112 which are inclined to the vertical. The central portion 110 thereby comprises a substantially A-shaped transverse cross section. The incline to the vertical of the major faces 112 may be similar (e.g., equal) to the decline to the horizontal of the bed 104 such that a right-angle may be formed between the bed 104 and each face 112. A worktop 1 having right-angular edges may thereby rest in a planar contact against the bed 104 and the face 112.

[0062] The central portion 110 comprises an open structure in a similar manner to the base 102. Each laterally-facing support strut 114 of the central portion 110 comprises a guard strip for protecting the worktop 1 from scratches or other damage during transit. The fastening straps 124 for securing the worktop 1 to the A-frame 100 may additionally loop around the support struts 114 of the upstanding portion 110.

[0063] Although in FIG. 1 only one worktop 1 is shown for simplicity, each face 112 of the A-frame 100 may be able to accommodate at least one worktop 1.

[0064] Within the open structure of the central portion 110 is provided a plurality of shelves 116 which may hold components related to the worktop 1, but too small to be transported on the bed 104. For example, worktop splashbacks may be carried on the shelves 116 of the central portion 110.

[0065] Attached to the apex 118 or crossbar of the A-frame 100 is a weather cover 120. The weather cover can be rolled up into an open position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) in order to provide access to a worktop held by the A-frame, and pulled down into a closed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3) in order to protect the payload of the A-frame 100 from the elements. The weather cover 120 may comprise fastening means 122 for securing the weather cover to the bed 104. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the weather cover 120 may comprise two permanently attached ratchet straps on each major surface which may permit the weather cover 120 to be temporarily secured in the open position (FIG. 1) to allow easy loading and unloading of the A-frame 100 (e.g. by securing ratchet straps 122 on opposing sides of the weather cover 120 together). Similarly, the ratchet straps 122 may be fastened around a respective longitudinal support strut 104b of the bed 104 to secure the weather cover 120 in the closed position (FIG. 3) and thereby prevent the weather cover from lifting during transit or manoeuvring of the A-frame 100.

[0066] The weather cover is attached to the apex 118 of the A-frame by means of a linear strip 119 which sits on top of the weather cover. The weather cover 120 is thereby sandwiched between the apex 118 of the A-frame and the linear strip 119 along the length of the apex 118. As will be described later, when in a secured configuration during transit, the strip 119 which attaches the weather cover 120 to the A-frame 100 is engaged by ratchet straps of the trailer 200. As such, the A-frame 100 is secured in transit over the weather cover 120.

[0067] The weather cover 120 may comprise a waterproof and durable material which is sufficiently flexible to be pulled up and down in order to allow access to and cover a worktop 1 held by the A-frame 100 (e.g., a PVC-coated polyester).

[0068] HGV Trailer

[0069] With reference to FIG. 2, an HGV trailer 200 for transporting A-frames 100 is described.

[0070] The example HGV trailer 200 of FIG. 2 is a curtain-sider having curtains (not shown) on each lateral side of the trailer 200. The curtains can be opened and closed by drawing along the length of the trailer 200 in order to permit side access to the goods within the trailer 200 and to protect the goods therein from the elements. In the example trailer 200 shown in FIG. 2, each lateral side of the trailer 200 can accommodate up to seven A-frames 100. It will be understood by the skilled person that the far side of the trailer not shown is also able to accommodate up to seven A-frames 100 in a manner corresponding to the near side.

[0071] The trailer 200 comprises a main body 202 and a neck region 220 having a kingpin (not shown) for attaching to the fifth wheel of a semi-trailer truck or tractor. The neck region 220 is of reduced vertical height when compared with the main body 202.

[0072] The main body 202 comprises two decks 204, 206 which, when the curtains are open, can be loaded from either side of the trailer. In the main body 202, each deck 204, 206 is approximately 1.5 m high such that an A-frame 100 can be placed on the trailer 200 with sufficient but not excessive clearance.

[0073] Each A-frame 100 can be lifted by a forklift to the height of the respective deck 204, 206 and placed on the deck, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

[0074] In the neck region 220, the trailer 200 comprises a single raised deck 222 having increased vertical clearance or headspace above the deck 222. The neck region 220 may thereby be able to accommodate A-frames with a greater height dimension and/or payloads of greater dimension.

[0075] Along the sill or edge of each of the lower deck 204 and the raised deck 222 is provided an array of fixing points 208 which may be used as anchoring points for ratchet straps for fastening the A-frames to the decks 204, 206, 222. In a preferred example, the upper deck 206 may not comprise an array of fixing points 208, such the ratchet straps for the upper deck 206 may be anchored to fixing points 208 along the sill of the lower deck 204. All ratchet straps may thereby be fastened by a user standing at the side of the trailer 200, without needing to climb the structure. Alternatively, the upper deck 206 may comprise an array of fixing points 208 as shown in FIG. 2. The fastening arrangements will be described in detail below.

[0076] HGV Trailer Securing System

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the trailer 200 comprises a complex system 300 for securing the A-frames 100 in position for transit. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an A-frame 100 in a secured configuration on a deck 204 of the trailer 200. FIG. 4 is an end-on view along the length of the trailer 200 of one deck 204 showing two A-frames 100 in the secured configuration of FIG. 3. For simplicity, the weather cover 120 and the worktop 1 are not shown in FIG. 4. Further, in respect of FIG. 3, only one A-frame 100 and only one rail 310 is shown, and the ceiling 212 (FIG. 4) of the lower deck 204 has been omitted.

[0078] The securing system 300 comprises a pair of parallel rails 310 provided longitudinally within the trailer 200. The rails 310 are attached to the underside of the ceiling 212 of the lower deck 204 (e.g. the underside of the upper deck 206) and attached to the roof of the trailer 200 for the upper deck 206. The rails 310 are provided towards the lateral edges of the trailer 200, such that the spacing between the rails is substantially equal to (e.g., marginally narrower than) the width of two A-frames 100 provided side-by-side, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0079] At regularly spaced locations along the midline of the deck 204, support pillars 210 support the upper deck 206. For example, the support pillars may be spaced apart by approximately the length of an A-frame 100. Similarly, the upper deck 206 may comprise a series of support pillars for supporting the roof of the trailer and/or the rails described subsequently.

[0080] The rails 310 may be either substantially continuous along the length of the trailer 200, or may be divided into longitudinal sections as dictated by the spaces between consecutive support pillars 210.

[0081] Slidably attached to the pair of rails 310 are rigid guide tubes 320. Each guide tube 320 is approximately the same length as (e.g. marginally shorter than) the width of two A-frames 100 provided side-by-side, but greater in length than the spacing between the two rails 310.

[0082] Each guide tube 320 is slidable along the rails 310 (i.e. along the length direction of the trailer 200) to the extent that it is permitted by the support pillars 210. For example, to the extent that the rails 310 are greater in length than the separation between adjacent support pillars, the support pillars 210 may restrict the travel span of the guide tube 320.

[0083] The guide tube 320 houses a bungee cord 322 which, in an assembled configuration as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 (e.g., under tension), is greater in length than the guide tube 320 such that it extends from either end (or openings close to either end) of the guide tube 320.

[0084] At either distal end of the bungee cord 322 is provided a clip 324 for attaching the bungee cord to ratchet straps 326 which fasten the A-frames 100 to fixing points 208 using buckles 330. The clip 324 may be frangible, such that it is configured to break when a predetermined force is exerted upon it. For example, the clip may be configured to break prior to a failure point of either the guide tube 320, the rails 310, or the fixings of the rails 310 to the ceiling 212 or roof.

[0085] The clips 324 attach the ends of the bungee cord 322 to the ratchet strap 326 which, in a secured configuration, is anchored at either end to fixing points 208 via buckles 330 and tightened so as to exert a securing force on the apex 118 of each A-frame 100. The A-frames 100 are thereby secured in position side-by-side. In particular, the ratchet strap 326 exerts a securing force to the strip 119 running along the length of the apex 118 and provided on top of the weather cover 120. Accordingly, the A-frames are secured in place over the weather cover 120, such that the weather cover 120 need not be readjusted or removed in order to secure the A-frames 100.

[0086] The clips 324 are configured to receive the ratchet straps 326 in a slidable manner, such that as each ratchet strap 326 is tensioned or de-tensioned, the ratchet strap 326 may slide therethrough. Accordingly, the ratchet strap 326 may comprise only one ratchet fixing 328 on one side, and the slidable connection between clips 324 and the ratchet strap 326 allows the tension to be distributed.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 4, the tension applied by the bungee cord 322 to the ratchet strap 326 in the secured configuration may be sufficient to cause a discontinuity in gradient of the ratchet strap 326 at the location of the clip 324. The bungee cord 322 may thereby hold the ratchet strap 326 away from the faces 110 of the A-frame 100, such that the ratchet strap 326 may not contact a worktop 1 being held by the A-frame 100 during transit and manoeuvring.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 3, for each length of rail 310 corresponding to the length of an A-frame 100, at least two guide tubes 320 and corresponding bungee cords 322 and ratchet straps 326 are provided. The A-frame 100 may thereby be secured to the deck 204 in two places, approximately one quarter of the way in from each end of the A-frame 100.

[0089] In effect, the worktops 1 are secured to the A-frames 100, and the A-frames are then secured to the deck 204, 206. If only one A-frame 100 is provided, then the ratchet strap passes over the single A-frame 100 but the bungee cord 322 still provides tension to the ratchet strap 326 at two points.

[0090] In the neck region 220 of the trailer 200, the rails 310, guide tubes 320, and bungee cords 322 used to secure the A-frames 100 to the deck are attached to the roof of the trailer. In effect, the neck region 220 uses the rails 310 and guide tubes 320 at the same height as the top deck 206, such that there may be a greater clearance between the rails 310 and the securing strip 119 of the A-frame 100 than for the decks 204, 206. For example, the raised deck 222 may have a headspace of approximately 2.8 metres. In the neck region 220, the ratchet straps are attached to the fixing points 208 on the sill of the raised deck 222. Items of greater dimension may thereby be transported in the neck region 220.

[0091] Releasing a Payload

[0092] In use, when a user is presented with an A-frame 100 in the secured configuration of FIG. 3, the A-frame 100 can be released as follows. The ratchet mechanism 328 of each ratchet strap 326 can be released, and the tension exerted by the bungee cord 322 will pull the ratchet strap upwards and away from the A-frame, towards the ends of the guide tube 320. The ratchet straps 326 can then be released from the anchor points 208 on either sill of the deck. Between the ends of the guide tube 310, the ratchet strap 326 will be held substantially parallel with the deck 204, i.e., away from the A-frame 100. The weight of the anchor fixing on each end of the ratchet straps 326 will make the ratchet straps hang substantially vertically from either end of the respective guide tube 310.

[0093] With the ratchet straps 326 now released and hanging freely, they can be pulled longitudinally along the rail 310 and beyond an end of the A-frame 100 (e.g. to the same end or to opposite ends), such that the ratchet straps 326 do not obstruct a forklift or the manoeuvring of the A-frame 100 laterally off the deck 204, 206. It will be understood by the skilled person that sliding the ratchet straps 326 to the end of the A-frame 100 on one side of the trailer 200 will pull the same ratchet straps out of the way on the other lateral side of the trailer 200 to also allow lateral unloading of the trailer 200 from the opposite side.

[0094] The worktop 1 and weather cover 120 remain secured to the A-frame during the unloading of the A-frame 100 from the trailer 200. Once removed from the trailer 200 (e.g., once placed indoors), the weather cover 120 can be opened and the worktop 1 removed from the A-frame 100.

[0095] Securing a Payload

[0096] As previously described, the weather cover 120 can be secured in a closed position shortly after the worktops 1 are loaded on to and secured to the A-frame 100, such that the weather cover 120 need not be adjusted thereafter. This can be performed indoors (e.g., in a warehouse), prior to the loading of the A-frames on to the trailer 200.

[0097] A user can slide the guide tubes 320 and ratchet straps 326 along the rails 310 until they are out of the way and do not obstruct the portion of the deck 204, 206, 222 where an A-frame 100 will be loaded.

[0098] An A-frame 100 is then loaded laterally on to the deck 204, 206, 222 by a forklift. Similarly, a second A-frame 100 can be loaded laterally on to the opposing portion of the deck 204, 206, 222 from the opposite side of the trailer 200. The ratchet straps 326 and guide tubes 320 are then slid along the rails 310 until they are suitably located with respect to the A-frame 100 (e.g. one third or one quarter of the distance from each end), and the ratchet straps 326 attached to the anchor points 208 on either sill of the deck 204, 206, 222.

[0099] At this point, the ratchet straps are anchored to the deck 204, 206, 222 but the tension of the bungee cord 322 draws the ratchet strap upwards, away from the A-frame 100 and towards the ends of the guide tube 310. So far in the securing process, the ratchet straps have not contacted the A-frame (e.g. at least in part due to the bungee cords 322).

[0100] The ratchet straps are then gradually tensioned using the ratcheting mechanism 328. The ratchet straps gradually approach the apexes 118 of the A-frames 100, and the ratchet straps are tensioned further until a desired securing force is exerted on apexes 118 via securing strips 119. The ratchet mechanism can then be locked in place and the loading of other A-frames undertaken, or the closing of the curtain-sides.

[0101] Advantages

[0102] Ordinarily, in order to secure an item which is greater than the arm-span or height of an individual, the individual might throw the ratchet strap over the item, the ratchet strap and end buckle then landing on the other side of the item. However, this can cause the strap and/or buckle to impact the item, which in the case of worktops may cause damage. The present invention allows the ratchet strap to be gradually lowered into contact with the A-frame, only at the location where a securing force is required.

[0103] During inclement weather conditions, it can be difficult to transfer a worktop from factory to a destination (e.g. customer's kitchen) without exposing the worktop to the weather (e.g. rain, sleet or snow). The A-frame and system of the present disclosure allow a worktop to be covered in the factory and then transferred to a trailer without exposing the worktop to the weather. For example, the worktop remains under the weather cover even during the securing of the A-frame within the trailer.

[0104] Further, the weather cover 120 need not be adjusted or removed in order to load or secure the A-frame 100 on to the trailer, as the A-frame 100 is secured over the weather cover 120.

[0105] During a transit incident, e.g. a heavy braking incident or a crash, the ratchet straps securely hold the A-frames 100 on the deck. However, during such an incident, the large forces communicated from the ratchet strap to the bungee cord may exceed the forces which the guide tube, the rails, the connection therebetween, or the connection of the rails to the roof, may be capable of withstanding. The present inventors have determined that, rather than directly attaching the bungee cord to the ratchet strap, and risk the above large forces causing the complex securing system to be brought down or otherwise broken, and rather than directly attaching the ratchet strap to the guide tubes or rails, it is preferable to use a clip that breaks in preference to the complex securing system. As the bungee cord, guide tubes 320 and rails 310 are not essential to hold the A-frames 100 securely on the deck, there is no safety implication of this choice. As such, after a transit incident, only the frangible clips would need to be replaced rather than the whole complex rigging system.

[0106] Method

[0107] With reference to FIG. 5, an example method 500 is described. The method 500 comprises 502 tensioning or de-tensioning a securing strap 326 of the trailer 200. The method may additionally comprise 504 securing a worktop 1 to an A-frame 100; and/or 504 loading an A-frame 100 onto the trailer 200.

[0108] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example, with reference to one or more examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.