Title of Invention

TRAILERS INCORPORATING MOVEABLE LOAD CARRYING PLATFORMS

Abstract A trailer is described, defining a floor extending from a first end, and comprising at least one first displaceable platform onto which goods can be loaded from the first end of the trailer. The first platform is supported such that it can be elevated when loaded and advanced away from the first end of the trailer when loaded. The first platform is preferably rolled forwards onto support tracks provided on the sidewalls of the trailer. The trailer may also include a load-carrying well with its own moveable cargo platform or platforms, and the first platform is loaded and moved up and over the well, thereby increasing the capacity of the trailer. Corresponding cargo-carrying vehicles, and loading methods are described and claimed.
Full Text Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to trailers and vehicles, and in particular, although not
exclusively, to trailers and vehicles incorporating a load-carrying well.
Background to the Invention
Conventional trailers provide an enclosable space into which cargo can be loaded for
carriage. Such trailers are usually provided with a rectangular frame, and a number of
solid panels attached to the rectangular frame. Such trailers are mounted on a chassis
comprising suitable running gear, to allow connection of the trailer to a tractor unit for
haulage purposes.
In order to maximise the carrying capacity of the known trailer, it is known to lower
the base of the trailer between the rear axle and the front hitch of the trailer so as to
form a well. Such a modification generally allows additional goods to be stacked
within the trailer on top of one another.
One trailer having such a well is described in US5,092,721. In the trailer of
US5,092,721, there are provided upper and lower cargo carrying surfaces which are
rigidly secured together. A hydraulic lift is provided within the well to lift and lower
the upper and lower cargo carrying surfaces. Cargo is loaded onto the lower cargo
carrying surface when the lower cargo carrying surface is in a first position, such that
it is level with a floor of the trailer. The upper and lower cargo carrying surfaces are
then lowered using the hydraulic lift, such that the lower cargo carrying surface is
positioned at the bottom of the well. Cargo to be carried on the upper cargo carrying
surface is then loaded onto a lift which is lifted to be level with the upper cargo
carrying surface, whereupon the cargo can be moved from the lift onto the upper
cargo carrying surface. The trailer of US5,092,721 is disadvantageous in that there is
no satisfactory way of transferring cargo from the lift onto the upper cargo carrying
surface. For example, in some countries, health and safety regulations are likely to

prevent a human being from climbing onto the lift to transfer the cargo manually.
Furthermore, transferring the cargo manually is likely to be time consuming and
labour intensive
International Patent Application No. PC17GB01/00279, publication No. WO
01/62542 (Insulated Structures Ltd et al) describes various mechanisms for loading a
trailer. However, each of the mechanisms described in this document is suitable only
for loading pallets using a forklift truck, not for carrying roll cages which are often
used to carry cargo in trailers, nor for loading pallets using a manually operated
pallet-barrow.
It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the
disadvantages set out above.
It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide
arrangements which make it possible to manufacture trailers and other vehicles
incorporating well sections capable of receiving payloads of standard dimensions.
Summary of the Invention
According to the present invention, there is provided a trailer defining a floor
extending from a first end, and comprising at least one first displaceable platform onto
which goods can be loaded from the first end of the trailer, the platform being
supported such that it can be elevated when loaded and advanced away from the first
end of the trailer when loaded.
The trailer may define a well, and may comprise at least one second displaceable
platfonn which can be displaced from a first upper position to a second lower position
within the well. The first platform may be elevated and advanced forwards such that
at least a part of the first platform is directly above the well.


The first displaceable platform may be carried on a further vertically displaceable
platform, the first displaceable platform may be displaceable away from the first end
of the trailer after the further vertically displaceable platform has been displaced to an
upper position.
Vertical movement of the or each displaceable platform may be effected by hydraulic
rams or screw jacks. However, in preferred arrangements pneumatically actuated
scissor lift arrangements are used to elevate the support platform and the, or each,
well platform. This provides a structure which collapses to very small volume.
Preferably, the trailer comprises supports mounted in or on its sidewalls, to receive
and support the load-carrying platform in its elevated, forward position. These
supports are preferably in the form of horizontal tracks. Preferably, the load-carrying
platform is provided with rollers along its side edges, those rollers engaging the tracks
as the platform is driven forwards. Thus, the platform may be maintained in a
horizontal position, and be driven forwards such that it rolls onto the sidewall
supports. When fully forwards, stops may be activated, and the support platform may
be lowered such that it disengages from the load platform.
The first displaceable platform may be advanced forwards only from one or more
predetermined vertical positions. The predetermined vertical position may be defined
by the tracks provided in or on the walls of the trailer. Typically, these tracks may be
fixedly located in the predetermined vertical position, and the first displaceable
platform may be advanced forward on the tracks.
The present invention also provides a method for loading a trailer (or vehicle)
comprising loading cargo onto a first displaceable platform within the trailer from a
first end of the trailer, and elevating and advancing forwards the first displaceable
platform carrying said cargo.


Cargo may be loaded onto a second displaceable platform, and the second
displaceable platform may be lowered into a well of the trailer.
The, or each, well platform may support projections received within vertical guide
tracks fitted to the well walls. The guide tracks ensure the appropriate positioning of
the platform within the well. In addition, means may be provided for obstructing
upper ends of the guide tracks so that, after a platform has been raised to an elevated
position, the guide tracks may be obstructed so that the platform will be prevented
from moving downwards from the elevated position. Thus an inherently safe
mechanical structure is provided which will protect against accidental lowering of the
platforms in the event for example of hydraulic failure.
The present invention also provides a vehicle comprising a first section defining a
load-carrying front floor, a rear section defining a rear floor, a well section located
between the front and rear sections, and means for lowering payload into the well
section, wherein a support platform is vertically displaceable above the rear floor
between raised and lowered positions, and the support platform carries a load-carrying
platform which is horizontally displaceable over the well when the support platform is
in the raised position, the load-carrying platform being displaceable from the support
platform onto supports mounted on sidewalls of the vehicle.
Thus a simple and robust mechanism is provided which enables payload to be lifted
up and moved over the well section. This is achieved by using low-profile supports in
the sidewalls, avoiding any significant reduction in the internal width of the vehicle
available for receiving payload.
Rollers may be interposed between the support platform and the load-carrying
platform and between the sidewall support and the load-carrying platform. For
example, the load-carrying platform may support rollers along its longitudinal edges
which run on tracks extending along longitudinal edges of the support platform, The
sidewall supports may include rollers on which formations on the longitudinal edges


of the load-carrying platform roll. The sidewall support rollers may be mounted on
plates defining inner sidewalls of the well section.
The support platform may carry a drive motor for displacing the load-carrying
platform over the well. The drive motor may drive a roller which rotates above an
axis transverse to the vehicle, which projects above an upper surface of the support
platform, and which frictionally engages the surface defined by the load-carrying
platform such that rotation of the roller drives the load carrying platform relative to
the support platform. Alternatively, the drive motor may drive a pinion arranged to
engage a rack provided on the load-carrying platform.
The present invention also provides a vehicle for carrying goods, having a floor
extending from a first end, and comprising at least one first displaceable platform onto
which goods can be loaded from the first end of the vehicle, the platform being
supported such that it can be elevated when loaded and advanced away from the first
end of the vehicle when loaded. Preferred features of trailers embodying the
invention may also be employed in vehicles embodying the invention, with
corresponding advantage.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a trailer in accordance with the present
invention;
Figures 2a to 2h illustrate the trailer of figure 1 as cargo is loaded onto the trailer;
Figures 3 a and 3b are longitudinal sectional views of the trailer of figures 1 and 2,
showing hydraulic lifting gear which is used to move a platform within the trailer of
figure 1;


Figures 4a and 4b are further longitudinal sectional views showing hydraulic lifting
gear used to move a platform within the trailer of figure 1; and
Figures 5a and 5b are longitudinal sectional views of another trailer in accordance
with the present invention.
Figures 6A to 6F illustrate the loading of standard European pallets onto another
trailer embodying the present invention;
Figure 7A to 7F illustrate the loading of roll cages onto a trailer embodying the
present invention;
Figures 8 A to 8F illustrate the loading of standard British pallets onto a further trailer
embodying the present invention;
Figures 9A and 9B illustrate a mechanism for adjusting the floor level of a rear trailer
section in an embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 10 to 19 illustrate details of a rolling and vertically moveable platform which
may be utilised in a trailer embodying the present invention;
Figure 20 is a schematic representation of a wall-mounted track and platform roller
arrangement from an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 21 is a schematic representation of a wall-mounted track and platform roller
arrangement from another embodiment;
Figure 22 is a schematic representation of the vertically movable platform,
horizontally movable platform, and horizontal drive of an embodiment of the
invention;


Figure 23 is a schematic representation of the underside of a horizontally moveable
platform and its horizontal drive from another embodiment;
Figure 24 is a schematic representation of the underside of another horizontally
moveable platform and its horizontal drive from an embodiment;
Figures 25 to 30 illustrate the loading of cargo onto a trailer embodying the invention;
Figure 31 is a side view of the rear platforms and lifting mechanism of a trailer
embodying the invention, in the initial lowered, loading position;
Figure 32 is a side view of the assembly of figure 31, but in an elevated position;
Figure 33 is a rear view of the elevated assembly of figure 32;
Figure 34 is a rear view of the lowered assembly of figure 31;
Figures 35 and 36 are schematic representations of a stop mechanism suitable for use
in embodiments of the invention to support the vertically movable platform at an
elevated position;
Figure 37 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of part of a vehicle embodying
the invention;
Figure 38 is a schematic cross section, along line A-A, of the vehicle shown in fig. 37;
Figure 39 is a schematic rear view of the lifting mechanism for a vertical lift platform
used in a trailer embodying the invention;
Figure 40 is a schematic side view of the lifting mechanism of fig. 39; and
Figure 41 is a schematic plan view of the lifting mechanism from figures 39 and 40.


Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention
Figure 1 shows a trailer 1 having three rear axles supporting wheels 2 and a front
hitch 3 (wliich may also be referred to as a king pin, and which typically is received in
the fifth wheel of the tractor unit). It can be seen that a central part of the floor of the
trailer between the wheels 2 and the front hitch 3 is lower than front and rear floor
sections, so as to allow additional cargo to be carried in the lower part of the trailer
which is hereinafter referred to as a well 4. It can be seen that, in this example, the
well is provided with three vertically moveable platforms 5, 6 and 7 wliich can be
raised and lowered by the action of hydraulic rams 8. In other embodiments, the well
may be provided with a different number of platforms, and the well-platform lifting
may be achieved by other means. For example, and as will be described later, in
certain embodiments the well may have a single platform, lifted by a suitably actuated
scissor jack arrangement.
In this first embodiment, a rear part of the trailer 1 is provided with two platforms,
that is a vertically moveable platform 9, and a longitudinally moveable platform 10.
In use, the vertically moveable platform 9 is lifted such that the longitudinally
moveable platform 10 can be moved foiwards in tracks 11 formed at either side of the
trailer at an appropriate height, as is described with reference to subsequent figures.
Referring to figure 2a, it can be seen that pallets 12 have been loaded into the front
most part of the trailer 1. This loading can be achieved by using either a fork-lift truck
or a manually operated pallet barrow. In either case the cargo enters the trailer
through a rear door 13, and is moved across the longitudinally moveable platform 10
which is positioned so as to be level with a rear floor 14 of the trailer. The cargo is
then moved over the platforms 5, 6, 7, which are initially level with the longitudinally
moveable platform 10, to the front most portion of the floor of the trailer.
Referring to figure 2b, it can be seen that pallets 15 are subsequently loaded onto the
vertically movable platforms 5, 6, 7. This loading can be achieved as was described
with reference to figure 2a. When the pallets have been loaded, the vertically


moveable platforms 5, 6, 7 are moved downwards by the action of the hydraulic rams
8 such that the platforms 5, 6, 7 are positioned on a floor of the well 4 of the trailer.
This configuration is shown in Figure 2c.
Referring to figure 2d, it can be seen that pallets 16 have been loaded onto the
longitudinally moveable platform 10. This loading can be achieved in the manner
described above with reference to figure 2a. When pallets have been loaded onto the
longitudinally moveable platform 10, the vertically moveable platform 9 is moved
upwards to the position shown in figure 2e. In this position, it can be seen that the
longitudinally moveable platform 10 is vertically aligned with the tracks 11 which are
provided by the sides of the trailer. In this position, the longitudinally moveable
platform 10 carrying the pallets 16 can be moved forward in the tracks 11, to adopt
the position shown in figure 2f. This movement of the platform 10 can be achieved by
providing the platform 10 in the form of a rolling floor, having a plurality of rollers
which, in this example, are each provided with a drive motor When the platform 10 is
located at the appropriate height within the trailer, the motors can be energised such
that the rollers move the platform 10 forwards on the tracks 11 provided by the trailer.
Alternatively, a suitable chain drive or the like could be provided to displace the
rolling floor on simple free-running rollers. Indeed, in certain preferred embodiments,
a single horizontal drive motor is utilised, carried by the vertically displaceable
platform, and which drives the longitudinally moveable platform (which will also be
referred to as the load bearing platform) by means of a friction drive or rack and
pinion arrangement. It will be appreciated that the drive chain between the drive
motor(s) and load-bearing platform may take a variety of forms, and may, for
example, include one or more of the following: gears, gear boxes, and drive shafts.
From figure 2f, it can be seen that the platform 9 carries support legs 17 which can be
extended from its lower surface. When the platform 9 is lowered onto the floor of the
trailer (as shown in figure 2g), these support legs now ensure that the platform 9 is
level with the rear floor 14 of the trailer, given that the platform 10 is supported by the
tracks 11 provided by the trailer. Thus, the support legs 17 have a height equal to that
of the longitudinally moveable platform 10. The support legs could be automatically


extended for example by a suitable hydraulic system (not shown) after the platform 10
has been displaced from its initial position above the platform 9. Alternatively, the
platform 9 could be maintained at the level of the rear floor 14 of the trailer as shown
in Figure 2g by for example hydraulically extending support blocks (not shown) from
the trailer floor
Referring to figure 2h, it can be seen that pallets 18 have been loaded onto the
platform 9 at the rear of the trailer. The platform 9 is supported by the support legs 17
so as to be maintained level with the rear floor 14 of the trailer.
It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that the present invention allows
space usage within the trailer 1 to be optimised, given that the pallets 16 are carried
on a platform 10 located above the pallets 15. Furthermore the present invention is
advantageous, because all loading positions can be accessed using a manually
operated pallet barrow without the need for a forklift truck. However, it will be
appreciated that the invention can be used with a forklift truck if desired.
Additionally, the invention can be used with roll cages, if it is desired to carry cargo
in this way. Also, although the up-and-over platform arrangement has been shown in
a trailer, it will be apparent that this arrangement may also be used with advantage in
cargo-carrying vehicles with no detachable trailer. Furthermore, the lifting and
forwardly-extending double-platform arrangement may provide advantages in cargo-
carrying vehicles and trailers that do not possess wells, although when used in
conjunction with load-carrying wells the arrangements are particularly advantageous.
Figures 3a and 3b illustrate that the platform 9 is raised and lowered by two pairs of
hydraulic rams 19,20, only one ram of each pair being shown in Figures 3 a and 3b. A
first pair of hydraulic rams 19 are positioned within the well 4 of the trailer, while a
second pair of hydraulic rams 20 are positioned within respective suitable enclosures
21 (only one of which is shown in Figures 3a and 3b) formed between two wheels 2
of the trailer, such that each of the second pair of hydraulic rams passes through the
floor 22 of the rear part of the trailer 1. It will be appreciated that if the trailer is to be
insulated so as to carry goods under temperature controlled conditions, the enclosures


21 and its attachment to the trailer is designed so as to ensure that the insulated nature
of the trailer is not compromised.
Figure 3b shows the trailer when the hydraulic rams 19, 20 have been extended so as
to raise the platform 9. It can be seen that the first hydraulic ram 19 includes a piston
23 which extends out of a cylinder to lift the platform 9. Similarly, the second
hydraulic ram 20 includes an piston 24 which extends to lift the platform 9.
Figures 4a and 4b show further views of the hydraulic ram 20, taken on the line 4a-4a
of Figure 3 a, and the line 4b-4b of figure 3b respectively. It can be seen from figures
3 a and 3b, and 4a and 4b that the platform 9 is raised and lowered by the action of
four hydraulic rams.
Figures 5 a and 5b, illustrate a further embodiment of a trailer in accordance with the
present invention. Operation of the trailer of figures 5 is effectively the same as that
of figures 2, 3 and 4, however it should be noted that in the embodiment of figures 5,
the three platforms 5, 6, 7 are implemented as a single platform 5 which is moveable
within the well 4. Additionally, two support bars 26 are inserted into the trailer after
the pallets 16 have been loaded into the trailer. These bars 26 prevent forwards
movement of the pallets 16 within the trailer 1. It can be seen that the trailer of
figures 5a and 5b has only two rear wheels 2, and thus, the well 4 can be of larger
size. Thus, as can be seen in figure 5b, four pallets can be fitted into the well 4 in each
row.
The three platforms 5, 6 and 7 shown in Figure 1 can be independently raised and
lowered which makes it possible to gain access to the underside of one platform
which is raised if an adjacent platform is lowered. Maintenance is thus facilitated. In
contrast, access beneath the single platform 5 shown in Figures 5 a and 5b is via an
access in the form of a removable hatch (not shown) in the platform.
In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figures 6A to 6F, once again
the illustrated trailer comprises a front section and a rear section separated by a well 4


within which three vertically moveable platforms 5, 6 and 7 (the well platforms) are
located. Initially the platforms 5, 6 and 7 are aligned with the floor of the front
section of the trailer and with an upper surface of a vertically and horizontally
moveable platform 10 supported in the rear section of the trailer. The platform 10 is
mounted on a support platform 9, the support platform 9 being moveable in the
vertical direction so as to elevate the platform 10, and the platform 10 being
displaceable in the horizontal direction after the support platform 9 has been elevated.
As shown in Figure 6B, initially the movable platforms are arranged to provide a level
loading surface extending along the entire usable length of the interior of the trailer.
This facilitates loading. Then, ten pairs of pallets 21 are loaded into the trailer. The
platforms 5, 6 and 7 are then lowered as shown in Figure 6C, and the support platform
9 is elevated as shown in Figure 6D. The platform 10 is then rolled forward onto
supports provided in the trailer walls and the platform support 9 is lowered, an in
doing so disengages from the rolling platform 10, so that an upper surface defined by
the support platform 9 is aligned with a short floor surface 22 at the entry end of the
trailer. Further pallets 23 are then loaded into the rear section of the trailer. It will be
appreciated that loading is facilitated because at no time does a loader have to load a
pallet directly into an elevated position within the trailer. All loadmg and unloading
is performed at the level of the short floor surface (i.e. just as if one were loading a
conventional trailer, without central well or rolling/lifting platforms).
Figures 7A to 7F illustrate an arrangement similar to that of Figures 6A to 6F but in
which only two platforms 5 and 6 are provided within well 4. The illustrated
configuration is appropriate for the loading of roll cages rather than pallets. As in the
case of the embodiment of Figures 6A to 6F, platforms 5 and 6 are initially elevated
and the trailer is filled with roll cages. The platforms 5 and 6 are then lowered
(Figure 7C) and roll cages loaded into the rear section of the trailer are then raised and
moved forward over the platforms 5 and 6. The final loading of the trailer is then
completed by loading roll cages into the rear section of the trailer.


Referring now to Figures 8A to 8F, this shows an arrangement very similar to that
illustrated in Figures 6A to 6F, but whereas the arrangement of Figures 6A to 6F is
appropriate for carrying pallets of standard European dimensions the arrangement of
Figures 8A to 8F is designed for carrying pallets having the dimensions of standard
British pallets. Once again, in the embodiment of Figures 8A to 8F pallets initially
loaded in the rear section of the trailer are raised and pushed forwards over previously
loaded pallets which have been lowered into the well 4.
Details of the structures and mechanisms which make it possible to manufacture
trailers capable of the operations described with reference to Figures 1 to 8 are given
in the following description. The first detail to be described with reference to Figures
9A and 9B is that which enables the combination of rear load platform 10 and support
platform 9 of Figures 6A to 6F to be initially positioned so that the upper surface of
platform 10 is aligned with floor section 22 (see Figure 6A) and then for the upper
surface of support platform 9 to be aligned with floor section 22 (Figure 6E).
Referring in detail to Figures 9A and 9B, the rear section of the trailer comprises
beams 26 supporting an insulated floor 27 and extending between insulated sidewalls
28. The support platform 9 (see Figures 6A to 6F) is mounted on vertically
displaceable support beams 29 above the floor 27 such that the support platform 9 can
be moved in the direction indicated by arrows 30. Two pairs of blocks 31 are
supported on a slide above the floor 27 and coupled to a hydraulic actuator 32 so as to
be displaceable from the position shown in Figure 9A to a position (not shown) in
which the blocks are located vertically beneath the beams 29.
When the platform 10 is in its initial position as shown in Figure 6A, the blocks 31 are
in the position shown in Figure 9A so that the beams 29 can be lowered into contact
with the floor 27. After the support platform 9 has been raised and the platform 10
has been displaced over the well of the trailer, the blocks 31 are moved to the left in
Figure 9A until they are located beneath the beams 29. The support platform 9 is then
lowered until the beams 29 rest on the blocks 31. As a result the upper surface of the
support platform 9 now assumes the vertical position initially assumed by the upper


surface of the platform 10, that is aligned with the surface 22 (Figure 6E). Thus a
simple mechanism is provided which ensures that the surface onto which a forklift
truck or the like has to be driven is vertically aligned with the edge of the trailer floor
adjacent the entry end of the trailer.
Vertical displacement of the support platform 9 may be achieved using hydraulic
actuators (not shown) extending vertically beneath the floor 27, or any other
convenient means, for example a pneumatically-actuated scissor-lift arrangement such
as that described below, which may conveniently also be used to vertically displace
platforms within the well section of the trailer or vehicle.
Referring now to Figures 10 to 19, details of one arrangement for enabling the
platform 10 of Figures 1 to 8 to be pushed forward within the trailer will be described.
Figure 10 shows the upper horizontally displaceable platform 10 after it has been
pushed forward partially relative to the lower support platform 9. Each edge of the
platform 10 carries a row of rollers 33 (Figure 17) which are aligned with a flat roller
track 34 extending along a respective edge of the support platform 9. The rollers 33
are carried in a support beam 35 connected to an outwardly projecting angle 36. The
lower edge of angle 36 is intended to run on rollers provided in the sidewalls of the
trailer above the well. The support platfonn 9 is reinforced by side beams 37 located
beneath the tracks 34.
Figure 15 shows one edge of the platform 10 after it has been displaced from its initial
position above the support platform 9 onto supports provided on the trailer walls. A
plate 38 secured to an inner wall of the trailer carries rollers 39 which are located
behind a cover plate 40. A series of rollers is provided along each side of the trailer
wall above the well so as to provide a roller track onto which the angle 36 supported
by the platfonn 10 can be displaced. When the platform 10 is fully supported on the
rollers 39 the rollers 33 carried by support beams 35 are not in contact with any
support surface.


Various mechanisms may be provided for applying a force to the platform 10 so as to
displace it on and off the support platform 9. Simple motor and chain drive
assemblies could be provided in the support platform 9 but an alternative arrangement
is illustrated in Figures 10 to 14 in the form of a motor 41 driving a wheel 42 which
projects upwards through an aperture in the support platform 9 as shown in Figure 12.
The wheel 42 is positioned at the front edge of the support platform 9 so as to bear
against the underside of a beam 43 extending along the length of the platform 10. The
beam 43 supports a rubber strip 44 against which the wheel 42 bears. There is good
frictional engagement between the wheel 42 and the strip 44 and thus simply by
driving the motor 41 the platform 10 can be driven as appropriate on to and off the
support platform 9.
It will be appreciated that in embodiments of the invention, cargo can be loaded onto
a platform 10 for subsequent movement up and over the well.
The embodiments described above relate to trailers including wells. It will be readily
apparent that the present invention need not be restricted to trailers including wells,
but is instead applicable to a wide range of different trailers, and cargo-carrying
vehicles in general.
Referring now to figure 20, this shows detail of the trailer track 11 engaging the
horizontally movable platform 10 in an alternative embodiment. The track 11
comprises an elongate member (or bracket) 110 which is secured to the side wall or
panel 28 of the vehicle. Clearly, the side panel 28 must have sufficient strength to
support the platform 10 when loaded. To achieve this, the side panel may have a
laminated construction, and may include one or more steel sheets for example. The
side panels transmit the weight of the loaded platform 10 to the trailer/vehicle chassis.
As can be seen in the figure, the elongate track member 110 defines an upwardly
facing channel between it and the side wall. This channel receives, in turn, rollers or
wheels 33 rotatably mounted on shafts 103 extending transversely from opposite sides
of the upper platform 10. The channels (which are provided by track members on
opposite sides of the trailer interior walls) thus guide and laterally constrain the rollers


as the upper load-bearing platform 10 is driven forward from the elevated support
platform. In this example, the weight of the loaded upper platform is sufficient to
keep the rollers seated in their wall-mounted tracks. To increase the usable area of the
load carrying upper surface 100 of the platform 10, the platform includes extensions
101 extending laterally along each side of the platform, and which cover the roller 33
and axle 103 arrangement. In addition to providing increased area, this arrangement
also improves safety. The underside of the upper platform 10 is labelled 104.
Figure 21 illustrates another track and roller arrangement, suitable for use in
embodiments of the invention. Again, an elongate track member 110 is secured to the
trailer side wall 28 to define a channel. However, an additional track member is
secured to the wall above the first, to define a channel able to receive (by longitudinal
insertion) the array of rollers 33 on sides of the upper platform 10. The shafts 103 of
the rollers 33 extend through the gap between the two track members, but the rollers
are vertically constrained in the defined channel or slot. The arrangement is such that
only longitudinal movement of the platform 10 is permitted (i.e. along the trailer's
length), and the upper track member prevents the upper platform 10 from being
vertically dislodged, even if it is not carrying a load.
Figure 22 illustrates an alternative drive arrangement for driving the upper platform
10 forward from the support platform 9 in embodiments of the invention. Here,
attached to an underside of the upper platform 10, is a rack 105. A drive motor 41 is
housed in, and carried by the lower platform 9, and drives a pinion 46 which engages
the rack 105. Thus, control of the motor controls forward and reverse motion of the
upper platform in the horizontal direction (indicated by arrow H). The motor and
pinion are located proximate the forward end 191 of the support platform 9.
Figure 23 is a highly schematic view of components of another embodiment. The
underside 104 of the load platform 10 is shown, and carries a rack 105 along its centre
line. A motor 41 has a shaft 45 carrying a pinion, which engages the rack. Thus, the
motor (which is attached to the lower support platform, by means not shown) drives
the platform at a central position. In such examples, suitable engagement between the


upper platform and tracks in the trailer/vehicle side walls may be sufficient to prevent
crabbing (i.e. slew of the load platform as it is driven forwards).
Figure 24 illustrates components of an embodiment similar to that shown in figure 23.
However, in this example, the upper platform has two parallel racks 105 running
along its underside 104, and the drive motor 41 drives a gearbox 450 via its shaft 45.
The gearbox has two output shafts 47, on which are driven two pinions 46, each
engaging with a respective one of the racks. Thus, a parallel drive is applied to the
upper platform, and any tendency for it to slew is reduced.
Figures 25 to 30 depict the loading of another trailer embodying the invention. This
trailer 1 includes a central well 4, in which a single moveable load-bearing platform is
located, together with its actuating mechanism. At the rear of the trailer there is a
support platform 9, its actuating mechanism, and an upper platform 10. Before
loading commences, the well platform 5 is brought to its raised position, such that its
upper surface is level with the trailer floor in the forward part of the trailer. The upper
10 and support platforms are arranged such that the upper platform surface is also
level with the well platform upper surface (see figure 25). Next, a plurality of cargo
units 21 (which may be pallets, boxes, crates, roll cages etc.) are loaded into the
trailer, substantially filling the available floor space (see figure 26). It should be
noted that, in the rear portion of the trailer, stop mechanisms 91 are provided, which
are operable to stop the support platform at a slightly elevated position. At this stage
of the loading, however, the stops are not actuated, and the support platform rests in
its lowered position. Then, as shown in figure 27, the well platform 5 is lowered and
the support platform 9 is raised, to bring the upper loaded platform 10 into alignment
with tracks 11 provided on or in the side walls of the trailer. The upper platform,
carrying cargo, is then driven/urged forward by suitable means and is received by, and
engages, the track 11. The track is adapted to limit the forward movement of the
upper platform. It may also be provided with a stop mechanism, operable when the
platform 10 is in its fully forward position to prevent the platform from sliding back
along the track. Thus, the upper platform may be locked in place. Even when the
upper platform is fully forward, there is a degree of overlap between the upper and


support platforms. This is necessary for the longitudinal drive mechanism to be
operated in reverse, during the unloading procedure, to "pull" the upper platform 10
out of the tracks 11. In figure 28, with the support platform fully elevated, the stops
91 have been actuated. From the position shown in figure 28, the support platform 9
is vertically lowered, and this brings about disengagement of the drive mechanism
from the upper platform. The support platform 9 then comes to rest at a slightly
elevated position (compared with its original loading position), sitting on the array of
stops 91 (see figure 29). Lastly, a further quantity of cargo 23 is loaded onto the
support platform 9, as shown in figure 30.
Figures 31 to 34 show the lifting mechanism for the support platform of the
embodiment from figs. 25 to 30 in more detail. The support platform 9 is lifted by an
arrangement comprising first and second pneumatically actuated scissor lifts (which
may also be referred to as scissor jacks) and an air-bag (or pneumatic jack) arranged
between them. The arrangement is shown in the collapsed state in figure 31, and in
the raised, elevated state in figure 32 (in which the upper platform is brought into
alignment with the side wall supports / tracks so that it can de driven forwards, over
the well 4). As can be seen from figure 31, the advantage of the scissor lift
arrangement is that it can collapse to a very flat configuration, and so takes up a small
volume in the trailer/vehicle. Looking at figure 32, the two scissor lift assemblies are
spaced apart along the length of the trailer/ vehicle. Their construction and operation
are the same, so only the forward lift will be described in detail. The forward lift
comprises a first beam 921 connected to a second beam 922 by a pivot 83. Third and
fourth beams are located behind the first and second in the figure, spaced apart across
the trailer width. A first end of the first beam 921 is hingedly attached to an anchor
point 94 which in turn is rigidly attached to a base plate 940 secured to the trailer
chassis. The opposite end of beam 921 carries a roller 96 which engages an underside
surface of the support platform 9. The second beam 922 is hingedly coupled at a one
end to an anchor 95 attached to the underside of the support platform 9, and the
opposite end carries another roller which is free to roll over a fiat roller plate 97
attached to the chassis. The crossed beams 921, 922 thus form a scissor arrangement,
and this is actuated by a pair of airbags 99 which are arranged to expand in a


generally segmental form. These airbags are in contact with plates (not shown)
attached between the scissor beams. Initially (i.e. in the collapsed state) the air bags
99 are deflated. Then, to raise the platform 9 the bags are inflated, causing the scissor
to expand (i.e. the beams pivot, the rollers roll across the plate 97 and platform 9
surfaces). A further lifting force is provided by the central air bag/jack which is
inflated at the same time.
Figure 33 shows the elevated scissor arrangement from the rear of the trailer. The
opposing pairs of pivotally coupled beams 921,922 on either side of the trailer centre
line can be seen, as can the plates 229, against which the air bags 99 exert a force to
expand the scissor arrangement. Figure 34 shows the collapsed state, from the rear.
Although the above example employed pneumatically actuated scissor lifts, it will be
apparent that scissor lifts actuated by different means may be used in embodiments of
the invention. For example, hydraulic actuators or screw mechanisms (screw jacks)
may be used. With the pneumatic systems, it will be apparent that the trailer or
vehicle may conveniently be provided with a compressor and a compressed air
storage vessel for inflating the air bags / air jacks.
Figures 35 and 36 illustrate an alternative stop arrangement for use in embodiments of
the invention to limit the downward movement of the support platform when it is
lowered after depositing the upper platform in its forward, raised position. The stop
comprises a housing 911 and a stop member 91 arranged to rotate about a pivot 910.
The pivot 910 is arranged above the centre of gravity of the stop member 91, which
accordingly tends to adopt the position shown in figure 35 under gravity. A front
lower wall 961 of the housing prevents the lower portion of the stop member 91 from
swinging forward out of the housing. Inside the housing is located an airbag 912, or
some other suitable actuating device. In figure 35, the airbag is deflated, the stop
member is inside the housing, and the side edge of the support platform 9 is free to
move up past the stop assembly. Then, the airbag can be inflated, as shown in figure
36. This exerts a moment on the stop member, causing it to rotate about the pivot
910. This rotation is limited by the lower end of the stop member 91 abutting the rear


inner wall of the housing, and in this position an upper end surface 913 of the stop
member is generally horizontal and extends out from the housing 911. As the
platform 9 is lowered, it engages the protruding upper surface of the stop member,
and rests on it. The weight of the platform keeps the stop in the position shown in
figure 36, even if the airbag fails.
Figure 37 shows part of a vehicle embodying the invention, the vehicle including a
well 4 with a single load-carrying platform 5 in it. The platform 5 can be moved up
and down within the well by means of a scissor lift mechanism, broadly the same in
operation to that described above with reference to figures 31-34. The mechanism
comprises three scissor-jack assemblies 92a, 92b, 92c, spaced apart along the well's
length. As can be seen from figure 37, in this example, two upper platform supports
11A and 11B are secured to the sidewalls, at two different predetermined heights. A
rear support platform and horizontal drive can thus be operated to select the supports
onto which the rear load carrying platform is placed. Figure 38 shows a cross section
of the vehicle, along line A-A from figure 37. Only part of one scissor mechanism is
therefore shown. The crossed scissor members 921, 922 can be seen, anchored at one
end to hinged supports 94, 95, and carrying rollers 96 at the other end. Thus, the
platform 5 is hingedly coupled at one side to the scissor mechanisms, and at the otlier
side is simply resting on the rollers 96. To facilitate maintenance, a hoist anchor point
50 is provided on the vehicle ceiling, above the side of the platform resting on the
rollers. By suitable connection 51 the platform can simply be lifted, such that it
rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 52, thereby permitting access to the volume
beneath it in the well (and hence facilitating maintenance and cleaning of the well and
well-lift assembly). The supports 11A and 11B are in the form of shelf members
extending transversely into the vehicle cargo space from the side walls. The upper
platform can be slid onto the shelves, or may comprise an array of rollers arranged to
rest on and roll along the upper surfaces of the shelf supports 11A and 11B.
Referring now to figures 39 to 41, these show alternative mechanisms for lifting the
support platform in embodiments of the invention. The support platform is connected
to cables 382 which run over an array of pulleys to a single hydraulic ram. These


pulleys include high level pulleys 381 located in the trailer walls 28, low level vertical
pulleys 383 (i.e. arranged to rotate about horizontal axes), low level horizontal pulleys
384 (i.e. arranged to rotate about vertical axes), and pulleys 386 driven (i.e. translated)
by the ram. To raise the platform 9 the ram is extended, so pulling the cables over the
pulley arrangement and lifting the platform at 4 points, 2 on either side of the trailer,
to keep the platform level.


WE CLAIM
1. A trailer (1) defining a floor extending from a first end, and comprising at least one first
displaceable platform (5) onto which goods can be loaded from the first end of the
trailer, the platform being supported such that it can be elevated when loaded and
advanced away from the first end of the trailer when loaded wherein the first
displaceable platform (10) is carried on a further vertically displaceable platform (9),
both the platforms being lifted by a lifting mechanism the first displaceable platform
being displaceable away from the first end of the trailer after the further vertically
displaceable platform has been displaced to an upper position
2. A trailer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second lifting mechanism is arranged to
vertically displace the further platform.
3. A trailer as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lifting mechanism is arranged to maintain
the further platform substantially parallel to the trailer floor.
4. A trailer as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises at
least one scissor lift.
5. A trailer as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises
at least one pneumatic actuator.
6. A trailer as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises two
pneumatically actuated scissor lifts spaced apart in a longitudinal direction and a
pneumatic jack arranged between them.
7. A trailer as claimed in any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises
at least one pulley and at least one pulley chord.
8. A trailer as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 or claim 7, wherein vertical movement of
the further displaceable platform is effected by hydraulic rams.
9. A trailer as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein vertical movement of the further
displaceable platform is effected by screw jacks.

10. A trailer defining a floor extending from a first end, and comprising at least one first
displaceable platform onto which goods can be loaded from the first end of the
trailer, the platform being supported such that it can be elevated when loaded and
advanced away from the first end of the trailer when loaded, wherein the trailer
defines a well, and comprises at least one second displaceable platform which can
be displaced from a first upper position to a second lower position within the well by
second lifting mechanism wherein the first platform can be elevated and advanced
forwards such that at least a part of the first platform is directly above the well.
11. A trailer as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first platform is movable to an elevated
forward position in which it completely covers the well.
12. A trailer as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, comprising a second lifting mechanism
arranged to vertically displace the second displaceable platform.
13. A trailer as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second lifting mechanism is arranged to
maintain the second displaceable platform substantially parallel to the trailer floor.
14. A trailer as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the second lifting mechanism
comprises at least one scissor lift.
15. A trailer as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the second lifting
mechanism comprises at least one pneumatic actuator.
16. A trailer as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the second lifting mechanism
comprises three pneumatically actuated scissor lifts spaced apart in a longitudinal
direction ill the well.
17. A trailer as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the second lifting mechanism
comprises at least one hydraulic actuator.
18. A trailer as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the second lifting mechanism
comprises at least one screw jack.

19. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising means for elevating and
advancing the first displaceable platform, when loaded, to at least one elevated
forward position in the trailer, the trailer further comprising supports mounted on
sidewalls of the trailer, said supports being arranged to support the first displaceable
platform in the elevated forward position.
20. A trailer as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first displaceable platform is
substantially parallel to the trailer floor when in said elevated forward position.
21. A trailer as claimed in claim 20, wherein said supports comprise at least one pair of
tracks mounted on opposite sidewalls of the trailer.
22. A trailer as claimed in claim 21, wherein said tracks are arranged substantially
parallel to the trailer floor.
23. A trailer as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the first displaceable platform
comprises a plurality of rollers, and said tracks provide rolling surfaces for said rollers
such that the first displaceable platform may be elevated and then driven forwards
such that it rolls onto the supports, to the elevated forward position.
24. A trailer as claimed in claim 23, wherein each track defines a channel for receiving
said rollers.
25. A trailer as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the tracks further
comprise end stops arranged to limit forward movement of the first displaceable
platform.
26. A trailer as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 25, further comprising controllable
stops operable to lock the first displaceable platform ill the forward elevated position.
27. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first displaceable platform
can be advanced forwards only from a predetermined vertical position

28. A trailer as claimed in claim 27, wherein the predetermined vertical position is
defined by tracks provided in walls of the trailer, said tracks being fixedly located in
the predetermined vertical position, and the first displaceable platform can be
advanced forward along said tracks.
29. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first displaceable platform is
a load-carrying platform, the trailer comprising a first section defining a load-carrying
front floor, a rear section defining a rear floor, a well section located between the
front and rear sections, and means for lowering payload into the well section,
wherein a support platform is vertically displaceable above the rear floor between
raised and lowered positions, and the support platform carries the load carrying
platform which is horizontally displaceable over the well when the support platform is
in the raised position, the load-carrying platform being displaceable from the support
platform onto supports mounted on sidewalls of the vehicle.
30. A trailer as claimed in claim 29, wherein rollers are interposed between the support
platform and load-carrying platform.
31. A vehicle as claimed in claim 30, wherein the load-carrying platform supports rollers
along its longitudinal edges which m on tracks extending along longitudinal edges of
the support platform.
32. A trailer as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein rollers are interposed
between the sidewall supports and the load-carrying platform.
33. A trailer as claimed in claim 32, wherein the sidewall supports include rollers on
which formations on the longitudinal edges of the load-carrying platform roll.
34. A trailer as claimed in claim 33, wherein the sidewall support rollers are mounted on
plates defining inner sidewalls of the well section.
35. A trailer as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein the support platform
carries a drive motor for displacing the load-carrying platform over the well.

36. A trailer as claimed in claim 35, wherein the drive motor drives a roller which rotates
about an axis transverse to the trailer, which projects above an upper surface of the
support platform, and which frictionally engages a surface defined by the load
carrying platform such that rotation of the roller drives the load-carrying platform
relative to the support platform.
37. A trailer as claimed in claim 35, wherein the load carrying platform comprises a rack
and the drive motor is arranged to drive a pinion which engages the rack.
38. A trailer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the further vertically displaceable platform
carries a drive motor, operable to drive the first displaceable platform forward, away
from the first end of the trailer, after the further vertically displaceable platform has
been displaced to an upper position.
39. A trailer in as claimed in claim 38, wherein the drive motor is arranged to drive a
pinion engaged with a rack provided on the first displaceable platform.
40. A vehicle for carrying goods, having a floor extending from a first end, and
comprising at least one first displaceable platform onto which goods can be loaded
from the first end of the vehicle, the platform being supported such that it can be
elevated when loaded and advanced away from the first end of the vehicle when
loaded, wherein the first displaceable platform is carried on a further vertically
displaceable platform being displaceable away from the first end of the trailer after
the further displaceable platform has been displaced to an upper position.
41. A vehicle comprising a first section defining a load-carrying front floor, a rear section
defining a rear floor, a well section located between the front and rear sections, and
means for lowering payload into the well section, wherein a support platform is
vertically displaceable above the rear floor between raised and lowered positions,
and the support platform carries a load-carrying platform which is horizontally
displaceable over the well when the support platform is in the raised position, the
load-carrying platform being displaceable from the support platform onto supports
mounted on sidewalls of the vehicle.

42. A vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
43. A trailer substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
44. A method for loading a trailer as claimed in claim 1 or vehicle as claimed in claim 10,
the method comprising the steps of loading cargo onto a first displaceable platform
within the trailer or vehicle from a first end of the trailer or vehicle, and elevating and
advancing forwards the first displaceable platform carrying said cargo, wherein the
first displaceable platform is carried on a further vertically displaceable platform, the
first displaceable platform being displaceable away from the first end of the trailer
after the further displaceable platform has been displaced to an upper position.
45. A method as claimed in claim 44, wherein cargo is loaded onto a second
displaceable platform, and the second displaceable platform is lowered into a well of
the trailer or vehicle.
46. A method for loading a trailer or vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with
reference to the accompanying drawings.


A trailer is described, defining a floor extending from a first end, and comprising at
least one
first displaceable platform onto which goods can be loaded from the first end of the trailer.
The first platform is supported such that it can be elevated when loaded and advanced away
from the first end of the trailer when loaded. The first platform is preferably rolled forwards
onto support tracks provided on the sidewalls of the trailer. The trailer may also include a
load-carrying well with its own moveable cargo platform or platforms, and the first platform
is loaded and moved up and over the well, thereby increasing the capacity of the trailer.
Corresponding cargo-carrying vehicles, and loading methods are described and claimed.


Documents:

01812-kolnp-2005-abstract.pdf

01812-kolnp-2005-claims.pdf

01812-kolnp-2005-description complete.pdf

01812-kolnp-2005-drawings.pdf

01812-kolnp-2005-form 1.pdf

01812-kolnp-2005-form 2.pdf

01812-kolnp-2005-form 3.pdf

01812-kolnp-2005-form 5.pdf

01812-kolnp-2005-international publication.pdf

1812-KOLNP-2005-(07-02-2012)-FORM-27.pdf

1812-KOLNP-2005-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

1812-KOLNP-2005-CLAIMS.pdf

1812-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE 1.4.pdf

1812-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE-1.1.pdf

1812-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE-1.2.pdf

1812-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE-1.3.pdf

1812-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE-1.5.pdf

1812-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1812-kolnp-2005-correspondence1.6.pdf

1812-kolnp-2005-examination report.pdf

1812-KOLNP-2005-FORM 1.pdf

1812-kolnp-2005-form 18.pdf

1812-KOLNP-2005-FORM 2.pdf

1812-kolnp-2005-form 3.1.pdf

1812-KOLNP-2005-FORM 3.pdf

1812-kolnp-2005-form 5.pdf

1812-KOLNP-2005-FORM-27.pdf

1812-kolnp-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

1812-kolnp-2005-granted-claims.pdf

1812-kolnp-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

1812-kolnp-2005-granted-drawings.pdf

1812-kolnp-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

1812-kolnp-2005-granted-form 2.pdf

1812-KOLNP-2005-GRANTED-LETTER PATENT.pdf

1812-kolnp-2005-granted-specification.pdf

1812-KOLNP-2005-OTHERS 1.1.pdf

1812-kolnp-2005-others.pdf

1812-kolnp-2005-pa.pdf

1812-KOLNP-2005-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

1812-kolnp-2005-reply to examination report.pdf

abstract-01812-kolnp-2005.jpg


Patent Number 249548
Indian Patent Application Number 1812/KOLNP/2005
PG Journal Number 43/2011
Publication Date 28-Oct-2011
Grant Date 25-Oct-2011
Date of Filing 13-Sep-2005
Name of Patentee MIDDLEGATE MARKETING LIMITED
Applicant Address MIDDLEGATE HOUSE, THE HILL, WORLABY, NEAR BRIGG, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE DN20 ONP, GREAT BRITAIN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 DAWES, PÁULINE MIDDLEGATE HOUSE, THE HILL, WORLABY, NEAR BRIGG, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE, DN20 0NP, UNITED KINGDOM
2 DIBDIN, PETER GLOBE HOUSE, ST. ANDREW'S DRIVE, BURTON ON STATHER, SCHUNTHORPE, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE, DN15 9BY, UNITED KINGDOM
PCT International Classification Number B60P
PCT International Application Number PCT/GB2004/000602
PCT International Filing date 2004-02-16
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 0303502.9 2003-02-15 U.K.
2 0305984.7 2003-03-15 U.K.