AU2018223008B2 - Support arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

A support arrangement, including: a platform for supporting an object thereon; a height adjustment mechanism to facilitate height adjustment of the platform relative to an upstanding support; the height adjustment mechanism including: a ratchet pivotably mounted to a platform saddle, the platform saddle mounted to the platform; and at least two vertically spaced ratchet engagement surfaces associated with the upstanding support, with the height of the platform relative to the upstanding support selected by engaging the ratchet with a desired ratchet engagement surface from the at least two vertically displaced ratchet engagement surfaces; wherein raising of the platform relative to the upstanding support causes the ratchet to move in a ratcheting motion upon encountering each respective ratchet engagement surface; and lowering of the platform relative to the upstanding support requires: initially raising the platform to activate a ratchet disengagement actuator, which displaces the ratchet away from the upstanding support; then lowering the platform relative to the upstanding support to a position where the ratchet is located at least proximate to or below the height of a desired ratchet engagement surface; then raising the platform to deactivate the ratchet disengagement actuator, whereupon a new platform height may be selected. <filename> FIG I F cn

Description

FIG I

F cn

SUPPORTARRANGEMENT

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a freight vehicle, such as a truck or trailer, a freight container or rail car. The invention is particularly adapted for use on curtain sided semi-trailers and truck bodies, and will hereinafter be generally described in this context.

Background of Invention

[0002] Conventional mezzanine decks are utilised in curtain sided freight trucks and trailers when two (or more) freight receiving levels within an existing space are desired. Mezzanine decks are particularly useful in receiving palletised freight, and can also be used for receiving a wide range of non-palletised freight.

[0003] Mezzanine decks can be useful in reducing the likelihood of over stacking freight, which can result in freight being crushed or otherwise damaged because of the weight of other freight stacked on top of it.

[0004] In many instances, the use of mezzanine decks leads to a height reduction of freight stacked on individual pallets, which may otherwise lead to instability issues and the potential for the stacked freight to topple over. It also reduces the likelihood of a crush injury to an operator due to an unstable freight pile toppling over.

[0005] While conventional mezzanine decks provide the above referred advantages, one noted problem exists when the deck (or platform) height needs to be altered. The heights of some decks rarely, if ever, require altering; but the height of other mezzanine decks do need to be altered on a more regular basis, depending on the mode of operation of the transport company. Regardless of the frequency with which the deck height needs to be altered, the process in doing so can be relatively labour intensive and subject the operator to OH&S risks.

[0006] An operator must first lift the deck, which is usually undertaken using a forklift. The safest approach is to lift the deck with the forklift and remove the deck through an open side of the truck or trailer, and then place the deck on the ground. Following this, the four deck saddles, each attached to a respective supporting post, are removed from their existing positions on the posts and repositioned to the new higher or lower position. Once the saddles have been repositioned and fixed in position to the posts, the forklift can be used to lift the deck back into its seated position on the four saddles. The above sequence is relatively labour intensive, as it requires an operator to (using a forklift) remove the deck from the truck or trailer and then manually reposition each of the saddles, before returning the deck to its seated position on the saddles. There are risks associated with this process. Lifting and removing the deck from the truck or trailer carries with it a risk of the deck slipping and falling. Decks typically weigh several hundred kilograms, and so a falling deck poses the risk of a significant crush injury or death. When shifting a deck, if the operator tries to save time by not removing the deck from the truck or trailer, but instead simply lifts the deck with the forklift and retains it in a raised positon while they or another operator works underneath the raised deck to reposition the saddles, they are exposed to greater risks. In this scenario, if the deck was to slip from its raised position or if the forklift were to fail then it could lead to a significant crush injury or death.

[0007] An alternative arrangement currently exists, which uses motorised automated mezzanine decks, operated by pneumatic, hydraulic or mechanical mechanisms, but these are options that are offered at a higher price.

[0008] It would therefore be desirable to provide an arrangement that at least partially addresses some of the issues referred to above that are associated with conventional mezzanine deck designs at a lower price than established automated mezzanine deck solutions.

Summary of Invention

[0009] According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support arrangement. The support arrangement includes a platform for supporting an object thereon, and a height adjustment mechanism to facilitate height adjustment of the platform relative to an upstanding support. The height adjustment mechanism includes a ratchet pivotably mounted to a platform saddle, with the platform saddle

mounted to the platform; and at least two vertically spaced ratchet engagement surfaces associated with the upstanding support. The height of the platform relative to the upstanding support is selected by engaging the ratchet with a desired ratchet engagement surface from the at least two vertically displaced ratchet engagement surfaces. Raising of the platform relative to the upstanding support causes the ratchet to move in a ratcheting motion upon encountering each respective ratchet engagement surface. Lowering of the platform relative to the upstanding support requires initially raising the platform to activate a ratchet disengagement actuator, which displaces the ratchet away from the upstanding support; then lowering the platform relative to the upstanding support to a position where the ratchet is located at least proximate to or below the height of a desired ratchet engagement surface; then raising the platform to deactivate the ratchet disengagement actuator, whereupon a new platform height may be selected.

[0010] In one preferred embodiment, the platform saddle is mounted to the platform with a mounting arrangement providing limited movement between the platform saddle and the platform. This is desirable, because the applicant has determined that the provision of limited movement between the platform saddle and the platform lessens the likelihood of jamming between the saddle and upstanding support when raising or lowering the platform.

[0011] In one form, the mounting arrangement includes a fastener (such as a threaded fastener) extending through a fastener receiving aperture provided in the platform and a fastener receiving aperture provided in the platform saddle. It is to be appreciated that the fastener is configured to allow at least a small amount of relative movement between the platform and saddle. In this regard, one or both of the apertures provided in the platform and saddle may be oversized and/or non-circular so as to allow movement between the platform and saddle.

[0012] In a preferred form, the ratchet is biased towards the upstanding support. This is desirable from at least a safety point of view, because it facilitates engagement of the ratchet with a ratchet engagement surfaces once the two are aligned.

[0013] In a preferred form, deactivation of the ratchet disengagement actuator requires the ratchet disengagement actuator being raised relative to the upstanding

support so as to contact a deactivation surface associated with the upstanding support. Once deactivation occurs, the ratchet can again be supported by a desired ratchet engagement surface, such that the platform is returned from a height adjustment mode to a load supporting mode.

[0014] The deactivation surface may be associated with (that is, immediately above) or located below the desired ratchet engagement surface.

[0015] In a particularly preferred form, the support arrangement includes at least two (and preferably more than two) vertically displaced apertures provided in the upstanding support, with each aperture including a ratchet engagement surface and a deactivation surface. The provision of at least two apertures thereby allows the selection of a platform height from any one of at least two (and preferably more than two) possible platform heights.

[0016] In one preferred form, each aperture is at least generally in the form of a slot, with a lower end of each slot including the ratchet engagement surface, and an upper end of each slot including the deactivation surface.

[0017] It is envisaged that, at least in one preferred embodiment, the ratchet disengagement actuator is engageable with an activation surface associated with the upstanding support so as to activate the ratchet disengagement actuator. Preferably, the activation surface is provided on the upstanding support at or towards an upper end of the upstanding support. However, the ratchet disengagement actuator may be separately engageable with any one of at least two vertically displaced activation surfaces provided on the upstanding support so as to activate the ratchet disengagementactuator.

[0018] Preferably, the ratchet disengagement actuator is separately engageable with any deactivation surface so as to deactivate the ratchet disengagement actuator.

[0019] In one preferred form, the ratchet disengagement actuator is pivotably mounted to the platform saddle, and biased towards an inactivate position. It is envisaged that, when in an activated position, the ratchet disengagement actuator is displaced from its inactivate position so as to engage the ratchet and retain it in a

retracted position. In this position, the ratchet is prevented from engaging with any of the ratchet engagement surfaces.

[0020] Preferably, the upstanding support includes a height indicator applied to at least one surface thereof.

[0021] Preferably, the platform saddle (or platform) also includes a height indicator associated with the height indicator provided on the upstanding support. The provision of the height indicators would be of assistance to an operator when adjusting the platform height. Preferably, the height indicators are sufficiently visible to be seen by an operator when seated at the controls of a forklift used to raise or lower the platform, so that the operator need not leave the forklift to determine whether the desired platform height has been achieved. Further, the operator need not climb on or under the platform to determine the platform height, which is a very dangerous thing to do.

[0022] Preferably, the support arrangement also includes a ratchet engagement indicator for indicating when the ratchet is engaged with a ratchet engagement surface. This would be a particular safety benefit, as it would provide a visual indicator for an operator to easily establish that the platform is safely supported. Preferably, the ratchet engagement indicator is visible by an operator when seated at the controls of a forklift, so that the operator need not leave the controls of the forklift to confirm that the platform is safely supported.

[0023] It is also preferred that the ratchet engagement indicator is visible from various angles and from both sides of the platform, so that an operator can view the indicator regardless of what side of the platform he is located on.

[0024] So far, the support arrangement has been described in the context of having a single upstanding support. The arrangement may include as few as one upstanding support, with the platform extending from or about the upstanding support. In other forms, the arrangement includes two upstanding supports, with the platform supported extending at least partially between the upstanding supports. In a particularly preferred form, the arrangement includes four upstanding supports, with the platform supported between the four supports. It is to be appreciated that,

preferably, a respective height adjustment mechanism is associated with each upstanding support.

[0025] Each upstanding support is preferably in the form of a post, although other upstanding supports beside posts may also potentially be utilised.

[0026] The invention has been broadly described in the context of a support arrangement. More specifically, it is to be appreciated that the support arrangement is suitable for use in a freight vehicle, such as a truck, trailer or railcar, for use in a freight container or for use in warehouse racking.

[0027] When configured for use in a truck, trailer, railcar or freight container, a respective upstanding support (and an associated height adjustment mechanism) may be provided in, at or towards each corner of the freight receiving space of the truck/trailer/railcar/container. In other arrangements, multiple support arrangements may be provided in an end-to-end configuration in the freight receiving space, and so two of the upstanding supports may be provided at or towards front or rear corners of the space, and the remaining two upstanding supports may be provided along or towards respective sides of the space. A support post located along the side of the space might support two platforms, one forward of the post, and one rearward of the post.

[0028] The invention also, therefore, pertains to a truck, trailer, railcar or freight container including a support arrangement according to any one or more of the embodiments broadly referred to above.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0029] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying figures. The particularity of the figures is to be understood as not limiting the preceding broad description of the invention.

[0030] Figure 1 is an upper perspective side view of a support arrangement according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is an upper sectional perspective side view of one corner of the support arrangement illustrated in Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 3 is another upper sectional perspective side view of the corner of the support arrangement shown in Figure 2.

[0033] Figure 4 is another upper sectional perspective side view of the corner of the support arrangement shown in Figure 2, but further progressed in the height adjustment sequence.

[0034] Figure 5 is another upper sectional perspective side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 4, but further progressed in the height adjustment sequence.

[0035] Figure 6 is an upper sectional perspective view of the corner of the support arrangement illustrated in Figure 5, but still further progressed in the height adjustment sequence.

[0036] Figure 7 is an upper sectional perspective side view of the corner of the support arrangement illustrated in Figure 6, but further progressed in the height adjustment sequence.

[0037] Figure 8 is an upper sectional perspective side view of the corner of the support arrangement illustrated in Figure 7, but further progressed in the height adjustment sequence.

[0038] Figure 9 is an upper perspective side view of the corner shown in Figure 2.

[0039] Figure 10 is an upper perspective end view of the corner of the support arrangement shown in Figure 2.

[0040] Figure 11 is a plan view of the corner of the support arrangement shown in Figure 10.

[0041] Figure 12 is a lower perspective end view of the corner of the support arrangement shown in Figure 10.

Detailed Description

[0042] Referring to the figures, there is shown a support arrangement 10.

[0043] The illustrated support arrangement 10 has been specifically configured for use as an alternative to conventional mezzanine decks used in freight trucks and trailers, and so the following description is provided in the context of these applications. However, it is to be appreciated that the support arrangement 10 may be adapted for other applications, including for use in a freight container, railcar or as a vehicle lifting/hoist arrangement.

[0044] The support arrangement 10 makes it possible to configure the freight receiving space of a truck or trailer from an arrangement having a single freight support surface to one having two (or more) freight support surfaces. The support arrangement 10 has been designed to support freight of several thousand kilograms, and so is considered to be particularly strong and robust.

[0045] The support arrangement 10 includes a platform 12 (and may potentially include more than one platform) for supporting freight thereon; as well as four upstanding supports 14, each in the form of steel posts. The platform 12 may be suitable for receiving a palletised load two pallets wide and three pallets long (totalling six pallets), or may be provided in any other suitable dimensions for a given application. The upstanding supports 14 would typically be securely mounted in a substantially vertical orientation within the freight receiving space.

[0046] The slots 15 provided in the upstanding supports 14 are not part of the invention, and are to be ignored.

[0047] The platform 12 is adjustably mounted to each of the upstanding supports 14.

[0048] The support arrangement 10 also includes a respective height adjustment mechanism 16 associated with each upstanding support 14. The height adjustment mechanisms 16 enable height adjustment of the platform 12 relative to the upstanding supports 14 in a manner that is considered unique to the applicant's invention. Moreover, the height adjustment mechanisms 16 provide what is considered by the applicant to be a significantly simpler and safer height adjustment process when compared to that required for existing mezzanine deck arrangements.

[0049] The following description is provided in the context of a single height adjustment mechanism 16. However, it is to be understood that this description is relevant to each of the four height adjustment mechanisms 16.

[0050] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, a saddle 21 is mounted to the platform 12 by a nut and bolt arrangement 13 that allows for a small amount of movement between the saddle 21 and platform 12. This small amount of movement is important because it has been shown by the applicant to limit jamming of the platform 12/saddle 21 with the upstanding support 14 when raising and lowering the platform 12. The bolt 13a extends through a fastener receiving aperturel3b provided in the platform 12 and a fastener receiving aperture 13c provided in the saddle 21. It is to be appreciated that the nut and bolt arrangement 13 is configured to allow at least a small amount of relative movement between the platform 12 and saddle 21. In this regard, one or both of the apertures 13b, 13c provided in the platform 12 and saddle 21 may be oversized and/or non-circular so as to allow a small amount of movement between the platform 12 and saddle 21. Another benefit of a nut and bolt arrangement 13 connecting the saddle 21 to the platform 12 is that the saddle 21 can easily be removed should repair, maintenance or replacement be necessary. The provision of limited movement between the saddle 21 and the platform 12 is considered by the applicant to be unique to their invention.

[0051] A saddle side cover plate 21a has been removed from most of the figures so that the inner workings of the saddle 21 can be seen. The cover plate 21a is, however, shown in Figure 9.

[0052] The saddle 21 includes a low friction surface to assist in smooth sliding contact between the saddle 21 and the upstanding support 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the low friction surface is provided in the form of a nylon layer 17 secured to the saddle 21 (using fasteners 17a - see Figure 9) between the saddle 21 and upstanding support 14. The provision of a low friction surface is considered by the applicant to be unique to their invention.

[0053] It isn't clearly shown in the figures, but the saddle 21 extends about the upstanding support 14, such that the saddle 21 is captive to the support 14. This, in part, enables the upstanding supports 14 to be significantly thinner than existing,

conventional supports. This, in turn, desirably maximises the freight receiving space available in the truck or trailer.

[0054] The height adjustment mechanism 16 includes a ratchet 18. The ratchet 18 is pivotably mounted to a mount 19 provided on the saddle 21, such that it is pivotable about pivot axis 20. The mount 19 is integrally formed with and extends from an inner side wall surface 23 of the saddle 21. The illustrated ratchet 18 is biased to rotate about the axis 20 in a counter-clockwise direction CCW (indicated in Figure 2) by a tension spring 22. The spring 22 is mounted between a hook 18a on a rear side of the ratchet 18 and a mount 24 on saddle 21. However, it is to be appreciated that the figures don't presently show the spring 22 extending all the way to the hook 18a. The provision of tension spring 22 ensures that any unintended downward movement of the platform 12 relative to the upstanding support 14 will be limited by the ratchet 18, as it will be biased into engagement with the next lowest ratchet engagement slot 26.

[0055] The height adjustment mechanism 16 includes a plurality of vertically spaced ratchet engagement slots (or apertures) 26 provided in a vertically extending array in the surface of the upstanding support 14. The vertical alignment of the ratchet engagement slots 26 can be seen in Figures 2 to 9. In Figures 2 to 8 the slots 26 are shown as being sectioned, while Figure 9 shows the slots 26 in their entirety. Thus, from Figure 9 it can be appreciated that the slots are generally rectangular or square in shape.

[0056] The horizontal lower edge 28 of each slot 26 provides a support surface (or ratchet engagement surface) for supporting the ratchet 18 (and therefore also the platform 12 and saddle 21) thereon. An operator can adjust the height of the platform 12 by selecting which slot 26 is to receive the ratchet 18.

[0057] When it is desired to raise the platform 12 to a new height, an operator (using a forklift or other suitable lifting device) simply raises the platform 12 relative to the upstanding support 14. This causes the ratchet 18 to move in a ratcheting motion (by virtue of tension spring 22) upon encountering each respective ratchet engagement slot 26, until a new desired height of the platform 12 relative to the upstanding support 14 is obtained, whereupon the raising process is completed and the ratchet 18 rests within the desired ratchet engagement slot 26. This lifting process

is significantly simplified and safer when compared to that required for conventional mezzanine decks having saddles that must be manually repositioned - often requiring an operator to be within the freight space beneath a temporarily suspended platform, and having to work at height when repositioning the platform saddles.

[0058] Lowering of the platform 12 relative to the upstanding support 14 is also a process that an operator seated at the controls of a forklift can potentially complete without the need to leave the forklift (and without the assistance of another operator), thereby greatly simplifying the lowering process and improving operator safety when compared to the lowering process required of conventional mezzanine decks. This lowering process involves initially raising the platform 12 to near the top of the upstanding support 14. In this position the ratchet 18 contacts a projection 31 (see Figure 5) provided on the upstanding support 14 at or towards the top of the upstanding support 14. The projection 31 causes the ratchet 18 to rotate slightly in a clockwise CW1 direction about pivot axis 20 (as shown in Figures 5 and 6), and against the bias of the tension spring 22. This, in turn, causes the ratchet 18 to be retracted away from the upstanding support 14, such that it is no longer capable of engaging with any of the ratchet engagement slots 26. With the ratchet 18 is this position, platform 12 can be lowered without interference from the ratchet 18.

[0059] The ratchet 18 is retained in the retracted state shown in Figure 5 by virtue of its contact with the ratchet disengagement actuator 30. Figure 5 shows the ratchet disengagement actuator 30 in its activated state, wherein the ratchet 18 is retained in its retracted position. The ratchet 18 is retained in this retracted position until such time as the ratchet disengagement actuator 30 is deactivated. It is to be appreciated that the actuator 30 has been omitted from some of the drawings for clarity purposes.

[0060] The ratchet disengagement actuator 30 is pivotably mounted to an inner surface (not shown) of the saddle 21 by mount 30a, and pivots about pivot axis 32. The ratchet disengagement actuator 30 is biased into a neutral (horizontal) position by a tension spring 34 mounted between the hook 30b of ratchet disengagement actuator 30 and the mount 21c provided on the saddle 21. This neutral position is shown in Figures 6 and 8. It is to be appreciated that the spring 34 has been omitted from all except Figure 5. It is to be understood that the spring 34 is connected to the hook 30b, even though this isn't specifically shown in Figure 5. A low friction roller 30c

is rotatably mounted to the end of the actuator 30 for contact with the upstanding support 14.

[0061] The actuator 30 includes a contact surface 35. In its activated state (as shown in Figure 5), the contact surface 35 contacts a protrusion 37 extending from a side surface 39 of the ratchet 18, thereby retaining the ratchet 18 in its retracted state, and so allowing the platform 12 to be lowered without interference from the ratchet 18.

[0062] Again, it is to be appreciated that raising of the platform 12 relative to the upstanding support 14 involves the relatively simple task of lifting the platform 12 until the desired platform height is reached, whereupon the ratchet 18 ratchets into engagement with the desired ratchet engagement slot 26 so as to securely and safely retain the platform 12 at the desired height. Unlike conventional mezzanine decks, this is done without the need for an operator to climb on or under the platform 12 to adjust any platform saddle or platform locking/securing arrangement, which is a very dangerous task. This danger is, in part, due the possibility of falling from the platform, and well as the platform itself falling and leading to a crush injury or death. In this regard, platforms often weigh several hundred kilograms (and significantly more when loaded with freight).

[0063] It is also to be appreciated that the platform 12 may be lowered without the need for an operator to climb on or under the platform 12 which, again, results in a significant safety improvement when compared to height adjustment techniques for conventional mezzanine decks. Instead, the platform 12 of the present invention can be lowered by an operator relatively safely seated at the controls of a forklift. The platform 12 lowering process merely requires the operator to raise the platform 12 to or at least towards the top of the upstanding support 14, following which the platform 12 is lowered to or slightly below its new intended height, and then raised into position to its new intended height, whereupon the ratchet 18 engages the new desired ratchet engagement slot 26 to safely retain the platform 12 in position.

[0064] It is to be appreciated that only one projection 31 has been shown and described. However, two or more vertically displaced projections may be provided on the upstanding support 14. Such an arrangement may allow for lowering of the

platform 12 without having to first raise it to, or at least proximate to, the top of the support 14. Instead, it contemplates an arrangement whereby the platform need only be raised sufficiently for the ratchet 18 to be displaced by the next highest projection 31.

[0065] Reference has been made above to the platform 12 typically being raised and lowered using a forklift. In other embodiments, the support arrangement 10 may be automated, such that the platform 12 is able to be raised and lowered, as required, using an integrated raising and lowering arrangement (not shown in the illustrated embodiment). The integrated raising/lowering arrangement may be in any suitable form such as, for example, a pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical arrangement.

[0066] The ratchet disengagement actuator 30 is separately engageable with any one of the deactivation surfaces 40 provided at the upper end of each slot 36. Contact by the actuator 30 with a deactivation surface 40 deactivates the ratchet disengagement actuator 30, causing the actuator 30 to rotate in the clockwise direction CW (as shown in Figures 4 and 5) to then return to its neutral position, such as shown in Figures 6 and 8, by virtue of a bias applied by tension spring 34.

[0067] This, in turn, removes the protrusion 37 from contacting the contact surface 35 of the ratchet 18, thereby allowing the ratchet 18 to return to its ratcheting position shown in Figures 2 and 3 under the bias of tension spring 22. Once returned to this position, it can then be received in an appropriate ratchet receiving slot 26 for supporting the platform 12 at a new, lowered height. The platform 12 may need to be raised a small amount once the actuator 30 has returned to its neutral position before the ratchet 18 can be received in its desired new ratchet receiving slot 26.

[0068] The upstanding support 14 includes a height indicator 42 applied to its surface. The platform 12 also has a height indicator (not shown). An upward or downward adjustment of the platform 12 can been seen from these indicators, and the specific amount of movement can be controlled so that the desired platform 12 height is achieved by monitoring movement of the platform height indicator relative to the stationary indicator 42. The provision of indicators is desirable because it potentially allows a single operator seated at the controls of a forklift to establish (from their seated position) when a desired new platform height has been achieved. Given

that similar indicators are provided at each corner of the platform, this also provides a useful reference for the operator to ensure that the platform 12 is retained in a horizontal orientation when platform height adjustment is required. (In saying this, it is assumed that the desired platform 12 orientation in all applications is horizontal, which may not necessary be the case). The indicators also potentially avoid the need for an operator to climb on or under the platform 12 during the height adjustment process, which would be potentially very dangerous.

[0069] A ratchet engagement indicator 46 (coloured green) for indicating when the ratchet 18 is engaged with a ratchet engagement slot 26 is provided. This provides a visual means for the operator to confirm that the ratchet 18 is securely engaged within a ratchet engagement slot 26. Indicator 46 further assists an operator in safely adjusting the height of the platform 12, without the need to climb on or under the platform 12 while adjusting the platform 12 height. Preferably the indicator 46 can be seen from either side of the platform 12, such than an operator can see the indicator 46 regardless of which side of the platform 12 the operator is located.

[0070] Again, the above description of the illustrated embodiment has been provided in the context of a single upstanding support 14 and its associated height adjustment mechanism 16. It is to be understood that this description is relevant to each upstanding support 14 and its associated height adjustment mechanism 16.

[0071] Desirably, the processes for raising and lowering the platform 10 are simplified when compared to that of conventional mezzanine deck designs. The design of the support arrangement 10 is such that an operator can potentially raise and lower the platform 12 from their relatively safely seated position at the controls of a forklift, and without the need for an operator to climb onto or under a suspended deck, or be required to work at a height while repositioning any saddles. The platform 12 does not need to be removed from the truck or trailer in order to alter the platform 12 height. Further, the supporting arrangement 10 is designed such that is devoid of separate saddles that require repositioning when altering the platform 12 height.

[0072] The design disclosed in the present application is considered to be a variant of, and potential improvement to the design detailed in the applicant's existing Australian provisional patent application no. 2017900699. It is a potential

improvement because of the simplified design of the support arrangement and height adjustment mechanism 16 when compared to that of application no. 2017900699. The present invention is also considered less likely to jam when raising or lowering the platform 12 when compared to that disclosed in application no. 2017900699, since a degree of freedom has been provided between the saddle 21 and the platform 12, that is absent from the earlier design.

[0073] The applicant considers that the invention may be adaptable for use in other applications where it is necessary to support objects, including relatively heavy objects. One such application is as a vehicle support, which may be used in place of a conventional vehicle hoist. In such an application, the support arrangement may be fitted with a self-lifting/lowering arrangement, so as to dispense with the need for a forklift or other external lifting device. It is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the construction and arrangement of the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of this invention.

[0074] Future patent applications may be filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of or claiming priority from the present application. It is to be understood that the following claims are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future application. Features may be added to or omitted from the claims at a later date so as to further define or re-define the invention or inventions.

[0075] The disclosure provided in the specification of Australian provisional patent application no. 2017900699 is herein incorporated by reference.

Claims (23)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. A support arrangement, including: a platform for supporting an object thereon; a height adjustment mechanism to facilitate height adjustment of the platform relative to an upstanding support; the height adjustment mechanism including: a ratchet pivotably mounted to a platform saddle, the platform saddle mounted to the platform; and at least two vertically spaced ratchet engagement surfaces associated with the upstanding support, with the height of the platform relative to the upstanding support selected by engaging the ratchet with a desired ratchet engagement surface from the at least two vertically displaced ratchet engagement surfaces; wherein raising of the platform relative to the upstanding support causes the ratchet to move in a ratcheting motion upon encountering each respective ratchet engagement surface; and lowering of the platform relative to the upstanding support requires: initially raising the platform to activate a ratchet disengagement actuator, which displaces the ratchet away from the upstanding support; then lowering the platform relative to the upstanding support to a position where the ratchet is located at least proximate to or below the height of a desired ratchet engagement surface; then raising the platform to deactivate the ratchet disengagement actuator, whereupon a new platform height may be selected.
2. 2. A support arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the platform saddle is mounted to the platform with a mounting arrangement providing limited movement between the platform saddle and the platform.
3. 3. A support arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the mounting arrangement includes a fastener extending through a fastener receiving aperture provided in the platform and a fastener receiving aperture provided in the platform saddle.
4. 4. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratchet is biased towards the upstanding support.
5. 5. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein deactivation of the ratchet disengagement actuator requires the ratchet disengagement actuator being raised relative to the upstanding support so as to contact a deactivation surface associated with the upstanding support.
6. 6. A support arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the deactivation surface is associated with, located immediately above, or located below the desired ratchet engagement surface.
7. 7. A support arrangement according to claim 5 or 6, including at least two vertically displaced apertures provided in the upstanding support, with each aperture including a ratchet engagement surface and a deactivation surface.
8. 8. A support arrangement according to claim 7, including a plurality of vertically displaced apertures provided in the upstanding support, with each aperture of the plurality of vertically displaced apertures including a ratchet engagement surface and a deactivation surface.
9. 9. A support arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each aperture is at least generally in the form of a slot, with a lower end of each slot including the ratchet engagement surface, and an upper end of each slot including the deactivation surface.
10. 10. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratchet disengagement actuator is engageable with an activation surface associated with the upstanding support so as to activate the ratchet disengagement actuator.
11. 11. A support arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the activation surface is provided on the upstanding support at or towards an upper end of the upstanding support.
12. 12. A support arrangement according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the ratchet disengagement actuator is separately engageable with any one of the at least two vertically displaced activation surfaces provided on the upstanding support so as to activate the ratchet disengagement actuator.
13. 13. A support arrangement according to claim 5, or any one of claims 6 to 12 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 5, wherein the ratchet disengagement actuator is separately engageable with any deactivation surface so as to deactivate the ratchet disengagement actuator.
14. 14. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratchet disengagement actuator is pivotably mounted to the platform saddle, and biased towards an inactivate position.
15. 15. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when in an activated position, the ratchet disengagement actuator is displaced from its inactivate position so as to engage the ratchet and retain it in a retracted position, thereby preventing engagement of the ratchet with any of the ratchet engagement surfaces.
16. 16. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upstanding support includes a height indicator applied to at least one surface thereof.
17. 17. A support arrangement according to claim 16, wherein the platform saddle includes a height indicator associated with the height indicator provided on the upstanding support.
18. 18. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, including a ratchet engagement indicator for indicating when the ratchet is engaged with a ratchet engagement surface.
19. 19. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform is adjustably mounted to four upstanding supports.
20. 20. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, including a separate height adjustment mechanism associated with each upstanding support.
21. 21. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each upstanding support includes an upstanding post.
22. 22. A support arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support arrangement is configured for use in a vehicle, such as a truck, trailer or railcar, for use in a freight container, or for use in warehouse racking.
23. 23. A support arrangement according to claim 22, when configured for use in a truck or trailer, with a respective upstanding support provided in a freight receiving space of the truck or trailer at or towards each corner or side of the freight receiving space.