Load support platform system

Abstract

A vehicle / trailer load support platform system has a platform (130, fig 2) and a barrier member 300 with an engagement feature (e.g. stem 312 and head 314) engageable with another engagement feature (

Description

The present disclosure relates to a load support platform system. In particular the disclosure is concerned with a load support platform system for a vehicle or for a trailer. Background Load support platforms which form part of a vehicle or a trailer towed behind a vehicle, are configured to carry articles of various sorts. In some instances barriers may be provided at the sides of the load support platforms to retain the loads on the load support platform. In some examples barriers may be welded and / or bolted to the edges of the trailer to hold them permanently in place, and thereby fix the available area for supporting a load on the support platform. However, a load support platform system which is configured to include barriers and is also operable to allow the load support area to be easily varied to accommodate a variety of different sized loads, is highly desirable. Summary According to the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus and a method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows. Accordingly there may be provided a load support platform system (600) for a vehicle (200) or for a trailer (100). The load support platform system (600) may comprise a load support platform (130). The load support platform (130) may comprise a first end (102) and a second end (104) spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal length (L) of the load support platform (130). The load support platform (130) may comprise a first side edge (106) spaced apart from a second side edge (108) across a width (W) of the load support platform (130). The load support platform (130) may comprise a load support region (110) which faces upwardly. The load support region (110) may extend between the first end (102), the second end (104), the first side edge (106) and the second side edge (108). The load support platform (130) may comprise a first engagement feature (402) in the region of the first side edge (106) and / or in the region of the second side edge (108) of the load support platform (130). The load support platform system (600) may comprise a barrier member (300) comprising a second engagement feature (302) for coupling to the first engagement feature (402). The load support platform system (600) may have a first configuration in which the first engagement feature (402) and the second engagement feature (302) are coupled together and fixed relative to one another such that the barrier member (300) is fixed relative to the load support platform (130) at a locked position on the load support platform (130). The load support platform system (600) may have a second configuration in which the first engagement feature (402) and the second engagement feature (302) are slideable relative to one another such that the barrier member (300) is slideable relative to the load support platform (130) between the locked position and a catch-release position, the barrier member (300) being operable to be removed from the load support platform (130) at the catch-release position. The load support platform system (600) may comprise a lock arrangement (500) wherein in the first configuration the lock arrangement (500) is engaged to lock the barrier member (300) relative to the load support platform (130) at the locked position. In the second configuration the lock arrangement (500) is dis-engaged such that the barrier member (300) is slideable relative to the load support platform (130) between the locked position and the catch-release position. The lock arrangement (500) may comprise a locking member (502) and a locking cavity (504). The locking member (502) may be fixed to one of the load support platform (130) or the barrier member (300). The locking cavity (504) may be provided on the other of the load support platform (130) or the barrier member (300). The locking member (502) may be operable to have an extended configuration in the first configuration and a retracted configuration in the second configuration. The locking member (502) may be received in the locking cavity (504) defines the first configuration. The locking member (502) being disengaged from the locking cavity (504) defines the second configuration. The locking member (502) may be biased towards the extended configuration. The first engagement feature (402) may comprise at least one engagement cavity (404). The second engagement feature (302) may comprise an engagement member (304). The engagement cavity (404) may define a predetermined path (410) along which the barrier member (300) is configured to slide relative to the load support platform (130) between the locked position and the catch-release position. The second engagement feature (302) may be configured to engage with the engagement cavity (404) of the first engagement feature (402) and to slide relative to the load support platform (130) within the engagement cavity (404) when the barrier member (300) transitions between the locked position and the catch-release position. The engagement cavity (404) may comprise a release portion (426) configured to permit release of the second engagement feature (302) therefrom. The engagement cavity (404) may comprise a guide portion (416) configured to constrain the second engagement feature (302) to slide along the predetermined path (410) between the locked position and the catch-release position. The first engagement feature (402) may comprise at least two engagement cavities (404). The second engagement feature (302) may comprise at least two engagement members (304). The guide portion (416) defined by the engagement cavity (404) may extend in the direction of the longitudinal length (L) of the load support platform (130), such that in the second configuration the barrier member (300) is slidable in the direction of the longitudinal length (L) of the load support platform (130). The load support platform system (600) may comprise a plurality of first engagement features (402) spaced apart along the length (L) of the load support platform (130). Each of the first engagement features (402) may be configured for receiving an engagement member (304). The first configuration of the load support platform system (600) may define a first load support platform area (A1) on the load support platform (130). The load support platform system (600) may define a second load support platform area (A2) when the or each barrier member (300) has been removed. The first load support platform area (A1) may be smaller than the second load support platform area (A2). The load support platform system (600) may further comprise a main support section (702) and a ramp section (700), the ramp section (700) extending from the second end (104) of the load support platform (130) to the main section (702), the main section (702) extending from the ramp section (700) to the first end (102). There may be provided a vehicle (200) or trailer (100) comprising a load support platform system (600) according to the present disclosure. There may be provided a method of operation of a load support platform system (600). The load support platform system (600) may comprise a load support platform (130) comprising a first end (102) and a second end (104) spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal length (L) of the load support platform (130), a first side edge (106) spaced apart from a second side edge (108) across a width (W) of the load support platform (130), a load support region (110) which faces upwardly, the load support region (110) extending between the first end (102), the second end (104), the first side edge (106) and the second side edge (108). The load support platform (130) may comprise a first engagement feature (402) in the region of the first side edge (106) and / or the second side edge (108) ofthe load support platform (130). The load support platform system (600) may further comprise a barrier member (300) comprising a second engagement feature (302) for coupling to the first engagement feature (402). The method may comprise positioning the barrier member (300) such that the first engagement feature (402) engages with the second engagement feature (302) in a catch-release position. The method may comprise sliding the barrier member (300) relative to the load support platform (130) such as to transition the barrier member 300 from the catch-release position to a locked position on the load support platform (130) in which the first engagement feature (402) and the second engagement feature (302) are coupled together and fixed relative to one another such that the barrier member (300) is fixed relative to the load support platform (130). The load support platform (130) may further comprise a lock arrangement (500), wherein sliding the barrier member (300) relative to the load support platform (130) to transition the barrier member (300) from the catch-release position to the locked position comprises engaging the locking arrangement (500). The method may further comprise sliding the barrier member (300) relative to the load support platform (130) to transition the barrier member (300) from the locked position to the catchrelease position at which the barrier member (300) is operable to be removed from the load support platform (130). The method may further comprise removing the barrier member (300) from the load support platform (130). The method may comprise the step of disengaging the locking mechanism (500) before sliding the barrier member (300) relative to the load support platform (130) to transition the barrier member (300) from the locked position to the catch-release position. Hence there is provided a load support platform system and method of operation of a load support platform, which is configured to include barriers and is also operable to allow the load support area to be easily varied to accommodate a variety of different sized loads. Brief Description ofthe Drawings Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a vehicle comprising a load support platform system according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of a vehicle comprising a load support platform system according to the present disclosure; Figures 3, 4 are schematic perspective views of an example of a barrier member for a load support platform system according to the present disclosure; Figure 5 shows a schematic plan view of an example of a barrier member; Figure 6 shows a schematic plan view a side edge region of a load support platform according to the present disclosure; Figure 7 shows a schematic side view of the barrier member and the side edge region of the load support platform during installation of the barrier member onto the load support platform; Figure 8 shows a schematic plan view of the barrier member and the side edge region of the load support platform during installation of the barrier member onto the load support platform; Figures 8, 9 show a schematic plan view of the barrier member and the side edge region of the load support platform during installation of the barrier member onto the load support platform; Figure 10 shows a schematic side view of the barrier member and the side edge region of the side edge of the load support platform during installation of the barrier member onto the load support platform system as shown in figures 8, 9; Figures 11,12 show a schematic plan view of the barrier member installed onto the load support platform; Figure 13 shows a schematic side view of the barrier member and the side edge region of the load support platform having the barrier member installed thereon, as shown in figures 11, 12; and Figures 14, 15, 16 shows a sequence of steps for unlocking and removing the barrier member from the load support platform. Detailed Description The present disclosure relates to a load support platform system 600 for a vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 may be a fixed bed truck 210 with a tractor unit 212. The vehicle 200 may be a flatbed truck 210 with a tractor unit 212. The present disclosure relates to a load support platform system 600 for a trailer 100. The present disclosure relates to a trailer 100 (e.g. configured for being towed behind a tractor unit 212) comprising a load support platform system 600. In some examples, the vehicle 200 may comprise the trailer 100 and a tractor unit 212 fortowing the trailer 100 comprising a load support platform system 600. In some examples, the vehicle 200 may comprise the trailer 100 (e.g. in isolation from a tractor unit 212). The present disclosure relates a method of operation of a load support platform system 600. The present disclosure relates to a vehicle 200 comprising a load support platform system 600. As shown in the figures, the vehicle 200 may be a truck or other wheeled vehicle 200. In examples in which the load support platform system 600 forms part of a trailer 100, the trailer 100 may be a wheeled trailer (i.e. a platform supported by, and moveable using, wheels 214). That is to say, the vehicle 200 and / or trailer 100 may comprise tyres / wheels 214 which are configured to engage with a supporting surface 800 (e.g. the ground, a substrate) and support the load support platform 600 apart from the supporting surface 800. The load support platform system 600 may comprise a load support platform 130. As shown in figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 200 may be provided as a fixed bed (or flatbed) truck 210, with the load support platform 130 providing the “fixed bed” (or “flatbed”) part of the vehicle 200 for supporting a load (e.g. an article to be transported). In this example the vehicle 200 may comprise a drive section 202, for example comprising a drive unit (e.g. an engine, motor, gear box etc) and a cabin 218. In all examples, and as shown in figures 1, 2, the load support platform 130 comprises a first end 102 and a second end 104 spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal length L of the load support platform 130. As shown in figure 2, the load support platform 130 further comprises a first side edge 106 spaced apart from a second side edge 108 across a width W of the load support platform 130. The load support platform 130 comprises a load support region 110 which faces upwardly. The load support platform 130 may additionally comprise an underside region 112 which faces downwardly. The load support region 110 may be spaced apart from the underside region 112 along a height H of the load support platform 130, the height H being perpendicular to the width W and the length L. The load support platform system 600 may comprise a main support section 702 and a ramp section 700. Hence the first side edge 106 and the second side edge 108 may extend along the main support section 702 and the ramp section 700. The ramp section 700 may extend from the second end 104 of the load support platform 130 to the main section 702. The main section 702 may extend form the ramp section 700 to the first end 102. The ramp section 700 may extend at an angle from the main support section 702 such that the second end 104 will be closer to the substrate 800 than the first end 102. The ramp section 700 may be fixed relative to the main support section 702. The ramp section 700 and main support section 702 may be integrally formed (e.g. be of the same structure, ratherthan one structure attached to another). A moveable ramp element 704 may be coupled to the ramp section 700. The moveable ramp element 704 may be slideable and / or pivotable relative to the ramp section 700, and configured to slide and / or pivot relative to the ramp section 702 such that it is extendable from the ramp section 700 to the substrate 800 to provide a support path from the substrate 800 onto the ramp section 700 and / or main section 702. Hence the ramp section 702 (and in examples where provided, the ramp element 704) are configured to enable articles (e.g. vehicles) to be loaded onto the ramp section 700 and / or main section 702 from ground level. The load support region 110, and optionally the underside region 112, of the load support platform 130 extends between the first end 102, the second end 104, the first side edge 106 and the second side edge 108 of the load support platform 130. The first side edge 106 and / or the second side edge 108 of the load support platform 130 may comprise a first engagement feature 402. The load support platform 130 may comprise a first engagement feature 402 in the region of the first side edge 106 and / or in the region of the second side edge 108 of the load support platform 130. That is to say, the first engagement feature 402 may be provided at or close to the first side edge 106 and / or provided at or close to the second side edge 108 of the load support platform 130. That is to say, the first engagement feature 402 may be located on an upper surface 132 of the load support platform 130. Examples of such a first engagement feature 402 are shown in figures 1,6, 7, 9, 10, 12 to 16. In examples of the present disclosure, the load support platform system 600 may comprise a plurality of first engagement features 402 spaced apart along the length L of the load support platform 130. Additionally or alternatively, the load support platform system 600 may comprise a plurality of first engagement features 402 spaced apart along the width W of the load support platform 130 (e.g. along and / or in the region of the second end 104). The load support platform system 600 may further comprise a barrier member 300 comprising a second engagement feature 302 for coupling to the first engagement feature 402. Examples of the barrier member 300 and second engagement feature 302 are shown in figures 4, 7, 9, 10, 12to 16. The barrier member 300 may be mounted at a plurality of positions on the load support platform 130. The mounting of a plurality of barrier members 300 on the load support platform 130 may be carried out by coupling of the or each first engagement feature 402 with the or each second engagement feature 302. For example, a plurality of barrier members 300 may be provided adjacent one another or at intervals along one or more edge regions of the load support platform 130. As illustrated, one or more barrier members 300 may be provided on the main section 702. For example, one or more barrier members 300 may be provided at, or in the region of, the first side edge 106 and / or the second side edge 108 of the main section 702. As illustrated, one or more barrier members 300 may be provided on the ramp section 700. For example, one or more barrier members 300 may be provided at, or in the region of, the first side edge 106 and / or the second side edge 108 of the ramp section 700. Each of the first engagement features 402 may be configured for receiving an engagement member 304, and thus each of the first engagement features 402 may be operable for mounting a barrier member 300 or plurality of barrier members 300 to the load support platform 130. The barrier member 300 may be of any suitable shape, size and configuration. The barrier member 300 may be configured to resist forces (for example from an article / load / user on the load support platform 130). The barrier member 300 may comprise a base member 390 and a wall member 380 which extends from the base member 390. An example of a base member 390 and a wall member 380 are shown in figures 3 to 5, 7 to 16. The base member 390 may be configured for being located on, seated on and / or fixed to the load support platform 130. The base member 390 may define a load support platform engagement surface 350 (e.g. the “underside” of the barrier member 300, when in use). The wall member 380 may be configured for abutment with articles, loads, users. When the barrier member 300 is fitted to the load support platform 130 by the base member 390, the wall member 380 will extend upwards (e.g. vertically) away from the load support platform 130. The barrier member 300 may have an elongate structure (i.e. longer than it is high or wide). In some examples, the height of wall member 380 is in the range of 10mm to 2000mm. In some examples, the height of wall member 380 is in the range of 30mm to 1500mm. In some examples, the height of wall member 380 is in the range of 30mm to 1000mm. In some examples, the height of wall member 380 is in the range of 30mm to 500mm. In some examples, the height of wall member 380 is in the range of 30mm to 300mm. In some examples, the height of wall member 380 is in the range of 20mm to 250mm. In some examples, the height of wall member 380 is in the range of 20mm to 150mm. In some examples, the height of wall member 380 is in the range of 20mm to 100mm. In some examples, the height ofwall member 380 is no more than 50mm. The base member 390 and wall member 380 may be integrally formed. As shown in the figures, the barrier member 300 may have a “L” shaped cross-section, with the base member 390 and wall member 380 forming the “horizontal” and “vertical” parts of the “L” respectively. In other examples, not shown, the barrier member 300 may have an inverted “T” shaped cross-section, with the base member 390 and wall member 380 forming the “horizontal” and “vertical” parts of the “T” respectively. In other examples, not shown, the barrier member 300 may have a polygonal, circular or other shaped cross-section. The load support platform system 600 has a first configuration in which the first engagement feature 402 (of the load support platform) and the second engagement feature 302 (of the barrier member 300) are coupled together and fixed relative to one another such that the barrier member 300 is fixed relative to the load support platform 130 at a locked position on the load support platform 130. The load support platform system 600 has a second configuration. In the second configuration the first engagement feature 402 and the second engagement feature 302 are slideable relative to one another such that the barrier member 300 is slideable relative to the load support platform 130 from the locked position to a catch-release position at which the barrier member 300 is operable to be removed from the load support platform 130. As will be explained, the catch-release position is the location at which the barrier member 300 maybe initially engaged with the load support platform 130 (e.g. prior to being moved to the locked position). The catch-release position is the location at which the barrier member 300 may be removed / disengaged from the load support platform 130 (e.g. after being moved from the locked position). In the second configuration the first engagement feature 402 and the second engagement feature 302 are slideable relative to one another such that the barrier member 300 is slideable relative to the load support platform 130 between the locked position and the catchrelease position. The barrier member 300 is operable to be removed from the load support platform 130 at the catch-release position. Hence the barrier member 300 may be unlocked from the load support platform 130 when in the second configuration (and hence the second configuration may also be termed an “unlocked configuration”). The load support platform system 600 may further comprise a lock arrangement 500. An example of a lock arrangement 500 is illustrated in figures 7, 10, 13, 14 to 16. The lock arrangement 500 may comprise a locking member 502 and a locking cavity 504. The locking member 502 and the locking cavity 504 are sized relative to one another so that the locking member 502 may extend into the locking cavity 504. That is to say, the locking member 502 may have a smaller width, diameter and / or circumference than the locking cavity 504, so that the locking member 502 may be received into the locking cavity 504 with a sliding fit or larger clearance. Hence in the first configuration in which the first engagement feature 402 and the second engagement feature 302 are coupled together, the first engagement feature 402 and the second engagement feature 302 are fixed relative to one another by the lock arrangement 500. In some examples, and as shown in the figures, the locking member 502 may form part of a lock mechanism 510. In the examples shown, the locking member 502 extends from a body 506 which is fixed to the load support platform 130 by a mount 508, wherein the lock mechanism 510 comprises the locking member 502, body 506 and mount 508. The lock mechanism 510 may be fixed (i.e. coupled) to one of the load support platform 130 or the barrier member 300. The locking cavity 504 may be provided on the other of the load support platform 130 orthe barrier member 300. The locking cavity 504 may be an aperture which extends the full depth of the material it is provided in. The locking member 502 may be fixed (i.e. coupled) to one of the load support platform 130 or the barrier member 300. The locking cavity 504 may be provided on the other of the load support platform 130 or the barrier member 300. In the example shown in the figures, the lock mechanism 510 is fixed (i.e. coupled) to the load support platform 130 and the locking cavity 504 is provided in / on the barrier member 300. In other examples, the lock mechanism 510 is fixed to the barrier member 300 and the locking cavity 504 is provided in / on the load support platform 130. In the example shown in the figures, the locking member 502 is fixed (i.e. coupled) to the load support platform 130 and the locking cavity 504 is provided in / on the barrier member 300. In other examples, the locking member 502 is fixed to the barrier member 300 and the locking cavity 504 is provided in / on the load support platform 130. The locking member 502 may be supported and actuated in any conventional manner. The locking member 502 may be supported by / in the body 506 and actuated in any conventional manner (for example a spring, magnetic catch, electromagnetic catch, compressed fluid and / or a motor). The locking member 502 is thus retained either on the barrier member 300 or (as shown in the figures) on the load support platform 130. The locking member 502 being received in the locking cavity 504 defines the first configuration. The locking member 502 being received in the locking cavity 504 defines the locked position. The locking member 502 may be disengaged from the locking cavity 504 to define the second configuration. The locking member 502 may be disengaged from the locking cavity 504 to enable the catch-release position. The locking member 502 extends from the body 506 to a free end 512. The locking member 502 may be moveable relative to the body 506, for example to slide relative to the body 506 between an extended configuration (as shown in figures 7, 13, 14, 16) and a retracted configuration (as shown in figures 10, 15). That is to say, the locking member 502 may be moveable relative to the body 506, to move relative to the body 506 between an extended configuration (in which the free end 512 of the locking member 502 is at its maximum distance from the body 506, as shown in figures 7, 13, 14, 16) and a retracted configuration (in which the free end 512 of the locking member 502 is closer to the body 506 than in the extended configuration, as shown in figures 10, 15). The locking member 502 may be operable to have an extended configuration in the first configuration (as shown in figures 13, 14) and a retracted configuration in the second configuration (as shown in figures 10, 15). The locking member 502 may be operable to have an extended configuration in the locked position (as shown in figures 13,14) and a retracted configuration in the catch-release position (as shown in figures 10, 15). The locking member 502 may be operable to have an extended configuration when the barrier member 300 is spaced apart from or removed from its mount position, for example as shown in figures 7, 16. The locking member 502 may be biased towards the extended configuration. For example, the lock mechanism 510 may comprise a resilient member (e.g. a spring) which acts on the locking member 502 to bias the locking member 502 to the extended configuration. In the first configuration the lock arrangement 500 is engaged to lock the barrier member 300 relative to the load support platform 130 at the locked position (as shown in figures 13, 14). In the second configuration the lock arrangement 500 is dis-engaged (e.g. retracted, as shown in figures 10, 15) such that the barrier member 300 is slideable (e.g. free to slide) relative to the load support platform 130 from the locked position to the catch-release position. In the second configuration the lock arrangement 500 is dis-engaged (e.g. retracted, as shown in figures 10, 15) such that the barrier member 300 is slideable relative to the load support platform 130 between the locked position and the catch-release position. The first engagement feature 402 may comprise at least one engagement cavity 404. As illustrated in figures 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13 to 16, the or each engagement cavity 404 may be provided as an aperture which extends through the thickness of the material of the load support platform 130 (i.e. having an opening on the upper side / surface 132 and lower side / surface 134 of the load support platform 130, and extending therebetween). The second engagement feature 302 may comprise an engagement member 304, as illustrated in figure 4, 7, 10, 13 to 16. As illustrated in figures 6, 9, 12, the engagement cavity 404 may define a predetermined path 410 along which the barrier member 300 is configured to slide relative to the load support platform 130 between the locked position and the catch-release position. The second engagement feature 302 may be configured to engage with the engagement cavity 404 of the first engagement feature 402 and configured to slide relative to the load support platform 130 within the engagement cavity 404. The second engagement feature 302 may be configured to engage with the engagement cavity 404 of the first engagement feature 402 and configured to slide relative to the load support platform 130 within the engagement cavity 404 when the barrier member 300 transitions between the locked position and the catch-release position. That is to say, the engagement cavity 404 defines a guide which constrains the second engagement feature 302, and hence the barrier member 300, to move / slide along the predetermined path 410. As illustrated in figures 6, 9, 12, the engagement cavity 404 may comprise (i.e. be defined by) a release portion 426 and a guide portion 416. The guide portion 416 may extend to the release portion 426. The release portion 426 may be configured to permit release of the second engagement feature 302 therefrom. The guide portion 416 may be configured to constrain the second engagement feature 302 to slide along the predetermined path. The engagement cavity 404 may comprise a guide portion 416 configured to constrain the second engagement feature 302 to slide along the predetermined path 410 between the locked position and the catch-release position. The release portion 426 of the engagement cavity 404 may be defined by a larger opening than the guide portion 416. The first engagement feature 402 may comprise at least two engagement cavities 404 and the second engagement feature 302 may comprise at least two engagement members 304 for engagement with the engagement cavities 404. The engagement members 304 may have any suitable configuration which enables them to fit into and slide along the guide portion 416 (i.e. the predetermined path 410) defined by the first engagement feature 402. As shown in figures 4, 7, 10, 13 to 16, the engagement members 304 may extend from the load support platform engagement surface 350 of the barrier member 300. The engagement members 304 may each comprise a stem 312 and a head 314. The stem 312 extends away from the barrier member 300 to the head 314. The head 314 may have a greater cross-sectional area than the stem 312. That is to say, the head 314 may be wider (e.g. have a larger diameter) than the stem 312. The stem 312 has a length chosen to match the depth of the or each engagement cavity 404 (i.e. the aperture of the load support platform 130 which receives the engagement members 304). The release portion 426 may be configured for receiving the head 314 of the engagement member 304. The guide portion 416 of the engagement cavity 404 may be narrower than the head 314 of the engagement member 304. The guide portion 416 may be wider than the stem 312 such that the stem 312 is free to slide along the guide portion. The guide portion 416 defined by the engagement cavity 404 may extend in the direction of the longitudinal length L of the load support platform 130, such that in the second configuration the barrier member 300 is slidable in the direction of the longitudinal length L of the load support platform 130. Alignment of the predetermined path 410 with the longitudinal length L of the load support platform 130 may be advantageous as it means any lateral force (i.e. in the width direction W) is absorbed by the engagement members 304 and the locking member 502. As illustrated in figure 1, the first configuration of the load support platform system 600 may define a first load support platform area A1 on the load support platform 130. The load support platform system 600 may define a second load support platform area A2 when the or each barrier member 300 has been removed (e.g. when the load support platform system 600 is in the second configuration). The first load support platform area A1 may be smaller than the second load support platform area A2. Figure 1 illustrates an example in which barrier members 300 are provided along both the first side edge 106 and the second side edge 108 in the first configuration (defining a first load support platform area A1 on the load support platform 130) and that no barrier members 300 are provided along the first side edge 106 or the second side edge 108 in the second configuration (defining a second load support platform area A2). In another example (not shown) a single barrier member 300 is provided along one or other of the first side edge 106 and the second side edge 108 in the first configuration (defining a first load support platform area A1 on the load support platform 130) and no barrier members 300 are provided along the first side edge 106 or the second side edge 108 in the second configuration (defining a second load support platform area A2). In other examples, two or more barrier members 300 are provided along one or other of the first side edge 106 and the second side edge 108 in the first configuration (defining a first load support platform area A1 on the load support platform 130) and no barrier members 300 are provided along the first side edge 106 or the second side edge 108 in the second configuration (defining a second load support platform area A2). In other examples, two or more barrier members 300 are provided along one or other of the first side edge 106 and the second side edge 108 in the first configuration (defining a first load support platform area A1 on the load support platform 130) and fewer barrier members 300 are provided along the first side edge 106 or the second side edge 108 in the second configuration (defining a second load support platform area A2). Hence in the first configuration (defining a first load support platform area A1 on the load support platform 130), the barrier members are present, configured to provide a guide barrier to prevent an article, vehicle and / or person from accidentally reaching and falling off the side edge region where the barrier member is located. In the second configuration the support area A2 is larger (i.e. overall and local to where the or each barrier member has been removed from) which allows for an article and / or vehicle to overhang the side edge, if needed to accommodate its larger size. There may be provided a method of operation of a load support platform system 600. As illustrated in figure 7, the method may comprise positioning the barrier member 300 such that the first engagement feature 402 engages with the second engagement feature 302 at the catch-release position. As illustrated in figure 7, the method may comprise positioning the barrier member 300 onto the first side edge 106 or second side edge 108 of the load support platform 130 such that the first engagement feature 402 engages with the second engagement feature 302 at the catch-release position. Hence the head 314 may be entered into the release portion 426 by lining up the head 314 and the release portion 426 (as shown in figure 7). When the base member 390 is seated / in contact with the upper surface 132 of the load support platform 130 (as shown in figure 10), the head 314 has passed the full depth of the engagement cavity 404, and sits beneath the lower surface 134 of the load support platform 130. In the example shown, the lock arrangement 500 is fitted to the load support platform 130, and extends through a lock guide aperture (or passage) 136 in the load support platform 130 such that its free end 512 extends above the upper surface 132 of the load support platform 130 (as shown in figure 7). When the base member 390 is seated / in contact with the upper surface 132 of the load support platform 130 (as shown in figure 10), the locking member 502 is operable to partially retract so the free end 512 is in engagement with the underside of the base member 390. The method may comprise sliding the barrier member 300 relative to the load support platform 130 such as to transition the barrier member 300 from the catch-release position (as shown in figures 8, 9, 10) to the locked position on the load support platform 130 in which the first engagement feature 402 and the second engagement feature 302 are coupled together and fixed relative to one another such that the barrier member 300 is fixed relative to the load support platform 130 (as shown in figures 11, 12, 13). That is to say, if the barrier member 300 is moved from its position in figure 10, being moved in the length direction L, so that the stem 312 moves away from the release portion 426 and into the guide portion 416 (as indicated by the arrow), then the head 314 engages with the lower surface 134 of the load support platform 130 and hence prevents the barrier member 300 from being lifted free of the load support platform 130 (i.e. because the guide portion 416 is narrower than the head 314). If the barrier member 300 is moved further along the guide portion 416, then the locking member 502 is brought into alignment with the locking cavity 504, at which point the locking member 502 will move into the locking cavity 504. This is illustrated by the transition between the configuration shown in figures 8, 9, 10 to the configuration shown in figures 11, 12, 13. Hence sliding the barrier member 300 relative to the load support platform 130 to transition the barrier member 300 from the catch-release position to a locked position may comprise engaging the locking arrangement 500. Hence sliding the barrier member 300 relative to the load support platform 130 to transition the barrier member 300 from the catch-release position to a locked position may comprise the locking member 502 moving from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration. Removal of the barrier member 300 is illustrated in figures 14 to 16. The method may comprise the step of disengaging the locking mechanism 500 before sliding the barrier member 300 relative to the load support platform 130 to transition the barrier member 300 from the locked position to the catch-release position. The locking mechanism 500 may be disengaged by pressing the locking member 502 down (which, in the locked position in figure 14 extends above the base member 390) so the free end 512 is retracted to the level of, or below, the upper surface 132 of the load support platform 130 (as shown in figure 15) (i.e. so the free end 512 does not extend through beyond the lock guide aperture 136 and / or so the free end 512 does not extend into the locking cavity 504). The method may further comprise sliding the barrier member 300 relative to the load support platform 130 to transition the barrier member 300 from the locked position (in figure 14), along the predetermined path 410 defined by the guide portion 416 (as shown in figure 15) to the catch-release position (in figure 16) so that the head 314 of the second engagement feature 302 aligns with the release portion 426 of the first engagement feature 402. At this position the barrier member 300 is operable to be removed from the load support platform 130. The method may include the step of removing the barrier member 300 from the load support platform 130, for example by lifting the barrier member 300 free of the load support platform 130, as indicated in figure 16. In the examples shown the barrier member 300 is fitted and removed from the load support platform 130 using a manual process. In alternative examples, the process may be automated. For example the system may comprise a motor (controlled by a user directly, or by a control system) to retract and extend the locking member 502, to slide the barrier member 300 relative to the loading platform 130 and / or locate / remove the barrier member 300 from the loading platform. Hence there is provided a load support platform system, and method of operation of a load support platform, which is configured to include barriers and is also operable to allow the load support area to be easily varied to accommodate a wider variety of different sized loads. The configuration of load support platform system 600 of the present disclosure enables easy removal of a barrier member 300 (i.e. by sliding from a locked position to a catch-release position) and easy installation of a barrier member 300 (i.e. by engaging the barrier member 300 with the load support platform 130, and sliding from a catch-release position to a locked position), which may be done manually, require no tooling an no physical alteration to the structure of the load support platform 130. The barrier members 300 of the present disclosure may also be easily replaced with barrier members of different form and dimensions (e.g. as most appropriate for the article to be transported). Additionally, the positions, number and pattern of the barrier members 300 on the side edge 106, 108 of the load support platform 130 may also be varied. The load support platform system of the present disclosure provides barrier members 300 which are easily attached to and removed from a load support platform 130 so that the available load support platform area for supporting articles may be varied. Hence one or more barrier members 300 may be provided at one or more locations / edges 108 on the load support platform 130 if the article to be transported will fit within the boundary of the first load support platform area A1 (e.g. the article fits within the width dimension of the space defined between barrier members 300 fitted to opposite edges 108 of the load support platform 130). If the article to be transported is too large to fit within the width dimension of the space defined between barrier members 300 fitted to opposite edges 108 of the load support platform 130, then one or more barrier members 300 (as required) can be removed to accommodate the article (e.g. to allow it to overhang the side edge 106, 108 of load support platform 130). The load support platform 130 may be used to support a first wheeled vehicle. The provision of barrier members 300 to one or both side edges 106, 108 of the load support platform 130 may therefore prevent the wheels of the first wheeled vehicle from extending beyond the side edge 106, 108 of the load support platform. However, should a second wheeled vehicle, which has a wider wheel base than the width W of the load support platform 130, need to be transported, the barrier members 300 will prevent the second wheeled vehicle from being loaded onto the load support platform 130. In this scenario, one of more of the barrier members 300 may be removed so that one or more wheels may overhang one or more of the side edges 106, 108 of the load support platform 130, while the remainder of the wheel(s) remains on the load support platform to support the second wheeled vehicle. In another scenario, it may be advantageous to load or unload equipment from a side edge 106, 108 of the load support platform 130. In example of the related art, this may mean an operator needs to lift the load above the top of the barrier member 300, or must remove one of more of the barrier members, requiring the use of some form of tooling to first remove and then re-install the barrier members, which may be time consuming. With the system of the present disclosure, one or more barrier members may be easily and quickly removed and re-installed, saving the operator time. Since the engagement features and lock arrangement of the system of the present disclosure are retained on and / or form part of the barrier member 300 and / or load support platform 130, when the barrier member 300 is removed from the load support platform 130, a user only needs to store a single part (i.e. the barrier member 300). Hence there are no nuts, bolts or other fixing means which need to be stored in addition to the barrier member 300, which also avoids the risk of such being misplaced / lost which may prevent the barrier member 300 from being easily re-installed. Additionally, all of the engagement features and lock arrangement of the system of the present disclosure being retained on the barrier member 300 and / or load support platform 130 means that installation of a barrier member 300 is extremely simple, avoiding the need for tooling and / or handling of multiple parts to fix the barrier member 300 in place. Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A load support platform system (600) for a vehicle (200) or for a trailer (100), wherein the load support platform system (600) comprises:a load support platform (130) comprising a first end (102) and a second end (104) spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal length (L) of the load support platform (130); a first side edge (106) spaced apart from a second side edge (108) across a width (W) of the load support platform (130); a load support region (110) which faces upwardly; the load support region (110) extending between the first end (102), the second end (104), the first side edge (106) and the second side edge (108);wherein the load support platform (130) comprises a first engagement feature (402) in the region of the first side edge (106) of the load support platform (130) and / or in the region of the second side edge (108) of the load support platform (130); andthe load support platform system (600) further comprises a barrier member (300) comprising a second engagement feature (302) for coupling to the first engagement feature (402);wherein the load support platform system (600) has:a first configuration in which the first engagement feature (402) and the second engagement feature (302) are coupled together and fixed relative to one another such that the barrier member (300) is fixed relative to the load support platform (130) at a locked position on the load support platform (130); anda second configuration in which the first engagement feature (402) and the second engagement feature (302) are slideable relative to one another such that the barrier member (300) is slideable relative to the load support platform (130) along a predetermined path (410) defined by the first engagement feature (402) between the locked position and a catchrelease position, the barrier member (300) being operable to be removed from the load support platform (130) at the catch-release position;wherein the load support platform system (600) further comprises a lock arrangement (500) wherein:in the first configuration the lock arrangement (500) is engaged to lock the barrier member (300) against sliding relative to the load support platform (130) at the locked position; andin the second configuration the lock arrangement (500) is dis-engaged such that the barrier member (300) is slideable relative to the load support platform (130) between the locked position and the catch-release position.

2. A load support platform system (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock arrangement (500) comprises a locking member (502) and a locking cavity (504);the locking member (502) is fixed to one of the load support platform (130) or the barrier member (300); andthe locking cavity (504) is provided on the other of the load support platform (130) or the barrier member (300);the locking member (502) is operable to have an extended configuration in the first configuration and a retracted configuration in the second configuration;such that:the locking member (502) being received in the locking cavity (504) defines the first configuration; andthe locking member (502) being disengaged from the locking cavity (504) defines the second configuration.

3. A load support platform system (600) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the locking member (502) is biased towards the extended configuration.

4. A load support platform system (600) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein:the first engagement feature (402) comprises at least one engagement cavity (404); andthe second engagement feature (302) comprises an engagement member (304);the engagement cavity (404) defines the predetermined path (410) along which the barrier member (300) is configured to slide relative to the load support platform (130) between the locked position and the catch-release position;the second engagement feature (302) is configured to engage with the engagement cavity (404) of the first engagement feature (402) and to slide relative to the load support platform (130) within the engagement cavity (404) when the barrier member (300) transitions between the locked position and the catch-release position.

5. A load support platform system (600) as claimed in claim 4 wherein the engagement cavity (404) comprises:a release portion (426) configured to permit release of the second engagement feature (302) therefrom; anda guide portion (416) configured to constrain the second engagement feature (302) to slide along the predetermined path (410) between the locked position and the catch-release position.

6. A load support platform system (600) as claimed in claims 4, 5wherein the first engagement feature (402) comprises at least two engagement cavities (404) and the second engagement feature (302) comprises at least two engagement members (304).

7. A load support platform system (600) as claimed in any one of claims 5, 6 wherein the guide portion (416) defined by the engagement cavity (404) extends in the direction of the longitudinal length (L) of the load support platform (130), such that in the second configuration the barrier member (300) is slidable in the direction of the longitudinal length (L) of the load support platform (130).

8. A load support platform system (600) as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the load support platform system (600) comprises a plurality of first engagement features (402) spaced apart along the length (L) of the load support platform (130); each of the first engagement features (402) configured for receiving an engagement member (304).

9. A load support platform system (600) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first configuration of the load support platform system (600) defines a first load support platform area (A1) on the load support platform (130); andthe load support platform system (600) defines a second load support platform area (A2) when the or each barrier member (300) has been removed;wherein the first load support platform area (A1) is smaller than the second load support platform area (A2).

10. A load support platform system (600) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 further comprising a main support section (702) and a ramp section (700), the ramp section (700) extending from the second end (104) of the load support platform (130) to the main section (702), the main section (702) extending from the ramp section (700) to the first end (102).

11. A vehicle (200) or trailer (100) comprising a load support platform system (600) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method of operation of a load support platform system (600), wherein the load support platform system (600) comprises:a load support platform (130) comprising a first end (102) and a second end (104) spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal length (L) of the load support platform (130); a first side edge (106) spaced apart from a second side edge (108) across a width (W) of the load support platform (130); a load support region (110) which faces upwardly; the load support region (110) extending between the first end (102), the second end (104), the first side edge (106) and the second side edge (108);wherein the load support platform (130) comprises a first engagement feature (402) in the region of the first side edge (106) and / or the second side edge (108) of the load support platform (130); andthe load support platform system (600) further comprises a barrier member (300) comprising a second engagement feature (302) for coupling to the first engagement feature (402);the method comprising:positioning the barrier member (300) such that the first engagement feature (402) engages with the second engagement feature (302) in a catch-release position;sliding the barrier member (300) relative to the load support platform (130) along a predetermined path (410) defined by the first engagement feature (402) to transition the barrier member (300) from the catch-release position to a locked position on the load support platform (130) in which the first engagement feature (402) and the second engagement feature (302) are coupled together and fixed relative to one another such that the barrier member (300) is fixed against sliding relative to the load support platform (130);wherein the load support platform (130) further comprises a lock arrangement (500), wherein sliding the barrier member (300) relative to the load support platform (130) to transition the barrier member (300) from the catch-release position to the locked position comprises engaging the locking arrangement (500).

13. The method of operation as claimed in claim 12, the method further comprising:sliding the barrier member (300) relative to the load support platform (130) to transition the barrier member (300) from the locked position to the catch-release position at which the barrier member (300) is operable to be removed from the load support platform (130), andremoving the barrier member (300) from the load support platform (130).

14. The method of operation of a load support platform system (600) as claimed in claim 13, comprising the step of disengaging the locking mechanism (500) before sliding the barrier5 member (300) relative to the load support platform (130) to transition the barrier member(300) from the locked position to the catch-release position.