Vehicle load securing device

Claim 2

A vehicle load securing device for use in the transport of cylindrical objects comprising a flat rectangular framework in which are mounted a plurality of pairs of pivotally-mounted platforms wherein: said platforms are arranged so that each pair is individually moveable from a first position in which the two platforms of that pair are coplanar to a second position in which the two platforms are relatively inclined and between them provide a support for one of said cylindrical objects; one platform in each pair is located on one side of the longitudinal axis of the framework while the other platform in each pair is located on the opposite side of said longitudinal axis; the pivot axes of all the platforms on said one side of the longitudinal axis are coincident, and wherein the pivot axes of all the platforms on said opposite side of the longitudinal axis are also coincident; said pivot axes are equally spaced from said longitudinal axis; each platform is movable from said first position to said second position under the control of a pair of support arms, each pivotally attached at one end thereof to the platform; and each of said support arms is pivotally attached at the other end thereof to an axle carrying tracking means running on tracks extending transversely of the framework.

Claim 3

A vehicle load securing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the center of each axle is provided with a nut or threaded block, such as a nut, located on a threaded rod extending transversely of the framework.

Claim 4

A pallet as claimed in claim 1, provided with means for removably attaChing it to a road vehicle.

Claim 5

A vehicle load securing device as claimed in claim 1, provided with means for removably attaching it to a rail truck.

Claim 6

A vehicle load securing device as claimed in claim 1, in combination with a transportable container.

Claim 7

A vehicle load securing device as claimed in claim 1, in combination with a road vehicle as an integral part thereof.

Claim 8

A vehicle load securing device as claimed in claim 1, in combination with a rail truck as an integral part thereof.

Claim 9

A vehicle load securing device as claimed in claim 1, in combination with a transportable container as an integral part thereof.

Claim 10

A pallet as claimed in claim 8, wherein said container has a removable cover or a removable top and sides.

Claim 11

A vehicle load securing device for use in the transport of cylindrical objects comprising a flat, rectangular framework in which are mounted a plurality of pairs of pivotally mounted platforms, wherein: said platforms are arranged so that each pair is individually moveable from a first position in which the two platforms are relatively inclined and between them provide a support for one of said cylindrical objects; one platform in each pair is located on one side of the longitudinal axis of the framework while the other platform in each pair is located on the opposite side of said longitudinal axis; the pivot axes of all the platforms on said one side of the longitudinal axis are coincident, and wherein the pivot axes of all the platforms on said opposite side of the longitudinal axis are also coincident; said pivot axes are equally spaced from said longitudinal axis; each platform is moveable from said first position to said second position under the control of a pair of support arms, each pivotally attached at one end thereof to the platform; each of said support arms is pivotally attached at the other end thereof to an axle carrying tracking means such as friction pads or wheels running on tracks extending transversely of the framework; the center of each axle is provided with a nut or threaded block located on a threaded rod extending transversely of the framework; and each pair of platforms is controlled by a single rod, the portion of said single rod engaging with one of said nuts or blocks having a thread of one hand and the portion of said rod engaging with the other of said nuts or blocks having a thread of the opposite hand, the arrangement being such that rotation of said rod in one direction causes the two platforms of the pair to rise about their pivot axes and rotation of said rod in the opposite direction causes said two platforms to fall about their pivot axes.

Claim 12

A vehicle load securing device for use in the transport of cylindrical objects comprising a flat, rectangular framework in which are mounted a plurality of pairs of pivotally mounted platforms, wherein: said platforms are arranged so that each pair is individually moveable from a first position in which the two platforms are relatively inclined and between them provide a support for one of said cylindrical objects; one platform in each pair is located on one side of the longitudinal axis of the framework while the other platform in each pair is located on the opposite side of said longitudinal axis; the pivot axes of all the platforms on said one side of the longitudinal axis are coincident, and wherein the pivot axes of all the platforms on said opposite side of the longitudinal axis are also coincident; said pivot axes are equally spaced from said longitudinal axis; each platform is moveable from said first position to said second position under the control of a pair of support arms, each pivotally attached at one end thereof to the platform; each of said support arms is pivotally attached at the other end thereof to an axle carrying tracking means such as friction pads or wheels running on tracks extending transversely of the framework; the center of each axle is provided with a nut or threaded block located on a threaded rod extending transversely of the framework; and each pair of platforms is controlled by a single rod, the portion of said single rod engaging with one of said nuts or blocks having a thread of one hand and the portion of said rod engaging with the other of said nuts or blocks having a thread of the opposite hand, the arrangement being such that rotation of said rod in one direction causes the two platforms of the pair to rise about their pivot axes and rotation of said rod in the opposite direction causes said two platforms to fall about their pivot axes.

Claim 13

A vehicle load securing device as claimed in claim 10, wherein both ends of each of said rods extend through the sides of the framework and are provided with means for the attachment of keys.

Claim 14

A vehicle load securing device as claimed in claim 10, wherein separate threaded rods are provided for each platform, and wherein the two rods controlling each pair of platforms are connected to a gearbox located substantially on the longitudinal axis of the framework, the arrangement being such that, when the input shaft of any of said gearboxes is rotated, the two threaded rods connected to that gearbox are rotated in the directions necessary to move the two platforms of the respective pair upwards or downwards together.

Claim 15

A vehicle load securing device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the input shafts of said gearboxes are coupled through longitudinally-extending shafts and universal joints to an operating position at one end of the framework.