A load transport vehicle and apparatus of a load transport vehicle

Abstract

A modular load transport vehicle 1 apparatus comprising a movement means (20, Fig.1) and an attachment unit 3, the load transport vehicle comprising a load handling device 2 removably attached to the

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for attaching a load handling device thereto, to form a load transport vehicle. The present invention also relates to a load transport vehicle, to a kit of parts of a load transport vehicle, to a method of assembly of a load transport vehicle and to a method of changing a load handling device of a load transport vehicle. Background of the Invention It is known to use various different types of load transport vehicles, for different respective tasks. For example, a hand pallet truck with a front fork, is used to lift and transport a load on a pallet. Another example of a known load transport vehicle is a cage puller, which is a vehicle that pulls a caged load. However, each type of load transport vehicle is bespoke and is manufactured independently of the other. The applicant has identified that this provides for inefficiencies in production and a lack of flexibility of use. The present invention seeks to address or mitigate at least some of the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively, or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved load transport vehicle. Alternatively, or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved method of assembly of a load transport vehicle. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for attaching a load handling device thereto, to form a load transport vehicle, the apparatus comprising: an attachment unit mounted on a movement means, wherein the attachment unit is configured such that a first load handling device can be attached to the attachment unit, to form a load transport vehicle of a first type, the first load handling device can be detached from the attachment unit and a second load handling device can be attached to the attachment unit, instead of the first load handling device, to form a load transport vehicle of a second type. This may advantageously allow for the apparatus to be used to form a plurality of different types of load transport vehicles, for example load transport vehicles with different types of load handling devices. This may allow for a common apparatus to be used to assemble a plurality of different types of load transport vehicles, thereby providing for substantial cost savings and flexibility in production and use. It may also allow for the load handling device of a load transport vehicle to be replaced, for repair / maintenance purposes . Optionally the attachment unit comprises an attachment means for use in interchangeably attaching the first and load handling devices to the attachment unit. Optionally the attachment means comprises: at least one aperture for receiving a fastener member; and / or at least one fastener member. In embodiments of the invention the fastener member is a member of a non-permanent fastener, i.e. a fastener that can be moved between a fastening configuration and a non-fastening configuration to attach and detach two objects respectively. The fastener member may be engageable with another fastener member to form a fastener, for example the fastener member may be a threaded bolt that a nut that can be screwed onto, and unscrewed from. The fastener member may be a member of a mechanical fastener . Optionally the attachment unit comprises an attachment plate provided with said attachment means. Optionally the attachment unit comprises at least one fixing plate mounted to the attachment plate, the at least one fixing plate having at least one aperture coincident with a respective aperture in the attachment plate for a fastener member to pass through the coincident apertures, for use in attaching a load handling device to the attachment unit. The fixing plate may spread the load exerted on the attachment plate. Optionally the attachment means comprises first and second apertures and / or fastener members that are laterally spaced apart. It will be appreciated that the movement means is configured such that load transport vehicle is movable along a surface (e.g. the ground). The palletised load carrier may comprise a fork. The cage attachment device may comprise a cage attachment formation for attachment to a cage of a caged load. Optionally the cage attachment formation is configured such that is attachable to and detachable from a cage of a caged load. The cage attachment formation may be a hook. Optionally the cage is a roll cage. In this respect, optionally the cage is mounted on movement means such that the cage is rollable along a surface (e.g. the ground). The movement means may comprise a rotationally mounted movement means. The movement means may be of any suitable type, including at least one wheel, roller, caster, ball, etc The, or each, load handling device may comprise a movement means. The fork of the palletised load carrier may be mounted on a movement means. The cage attachment formation may be mounted on a movement means. The movement means of the apparatus and the movement means of the load handling device are configured such that the vehicle is movable along a surface. Optionally the movement means is configured to be movable along a surface (e.g. the ground). Optionally the movement means is configured such that when a load handling device is attached to the attachment unit, to form a load transport vehicle, the load transport vehicle is movable along a surface (e.g. the ground). In each case, the movement means may comprise at least one rotationally mounted movement means, for example at least one wheel, roller, caster, etc. The movement means may be rotationally mounted to the vehicle, i.e. to a part of the vehicle. The movement means that the attachment unit is mounted on may be rotationally mounted to a support structure that the attachment unit is mounted to. The movement means of each load handling device may be rotationally mounted to a part of the load handling device. The vehicle may comprise a source of power arranged to power movement of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle may comprise a motor (e.g. an electric motor) and / or engine connected to a rotationally mounted movement means of the vehicle (e.g. one or more wheels, casters, rollers, balls) etc. to drive the movement means. Alternatively, the vehicle may be powered by a human operator pushing and / or pulling the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle may not comprise a source of power arranged to power movement of the vehicle. The vehicle may comprise a steering means, configured to steer movement of the vehicle. The apparatus may comprise the steering means. The vehicle may comprise a lifting means configured to lift the load handling device. The apparatus may, at least in part, comprise the lifting means. The apparatus may comprise at least part of the lifting means. The load handling device may comprise at least part of the lifting means. The lifting means may, for example, comprise a pump (e.g. a hydraulic or pneumatic) pump, which may be actuated by hand or by a source of power (e.g. a motor). Any suitable lifting means may be used. Optionally the second load handing unit can be attached to the attachment unit in the same place as the first loading handling unit, i.e. in the place of the first load handling unit. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a load transport vehicle comprising an apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention and a load handling device attached to the attachment unit of the apparatus. In embodiments of the invention the, or each, load handling device and the attachment unit are configured such that the load handling device is attachable to the attachment unit, to form a load transport vehicle and is detachable from the attachment unit. Optionally the load transport vehicle comprises a means of selectively attaching and detaching the, or each, load handling device to the attachment unit. Optionally the, or each, load handling device is attached to the attachment unit by at least one non-permanent fastener, i.e. a fastener that can be moved between a fastening configuration and a non-fastening configuration to attach and detach two objects respectively. The fastener may be a mechanical fastener, for example a nut and bolt. The load handling device may be attached to the attachment unit by a plurality of non-permanent fasteners. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a load transport vehicle comprising an attachment unit mounted on a movement means and a load handling device attached to the attachment unit, wherein the load handling device and the attachment unit are configured such that the load handling device is attachable to the attachment unit and is detachable from the attachment unit. Optionally the load handling device is a palletised load carrier device for carrying a palletised load, or a cage attachment device for attachment to a cage containing a load. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts of a load transport vehicle comprising an apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention and a load handling device, wherein the load handling device and the attachment unit are configured such that the load handling device is attachable to the attachment unit, to form a load transport vehicle and is detachable from the attachment unit. Optionally the kit of parts comprises a means of selectively attaching and detaching the, or each, load handling device to the attachment unit. Optionally the load handling device is a palletised load carrier device, for carrying a palletised load, or a cage attachment device for attachment to a cage containing a load. Optionally the load handling device is a first load handling device and the kit of parts comprises a second load handling device, wherein the first and second load handling devices and the attachment unit are configured such that first load handling device can be attached to the attachment unit, to form a load transport vehicle, the first load handling device can be detached from the attachment unit and the second load handling device can be attached to the attachment unit, instead of the first load handling device, to form a load transport vehicle. The load transport vehicle formed by the first load handling device may be a load transport vehicle of a first type and the load transport vehicle formed by the second load handling device may be a load transport vehicle of a second type. In this respect, optionally the first load handling device is of a first type and the second load handling device is of a second type. Optionally the first load handling device is a palletised load carrier device, for carrying a palletised load, and the second load handling device is a cage attachment device, for attachment to a cage containing a load. According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a load handling device for use as a load handling device in any preceding aspect of the invention. Optionally the load handling device is configured such that it can be attached to an attachment unit mounted on a movement means, to form a load transport vehicle and can be detached from the attachment unit. Optionally the load handling device is a palletised load carrier device for carrying a palletised load or a cage attachment device for attachment to a cage containing a load. According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of assembly of a load transport vehicle comprising : providing an apparatus comprising: an attachment unit mounted on a movement means, wherein the attachment unit is configured such that a first load handling device can be attached to the attachment unit, to form a load transport vehicle of a first type, the first load handling device can be detached from the attachment unit and a second load handling device can be attached to the attachment unit, instead of the first load handling unit, to form a load transport vehicle of a second type; and wherein the method comprises attaching a load handling device to the attachment unit of the apparatus, to form a load transport vehicle. According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of changing a load handling device of a load transport vehicle, the method comprising: providing a load transport vehicle according to the second aspect of the invention; wherein the load handling device is a first load handling device; detaching the first load handling device from the attachment unit, and attaching a second load handling device to the attachment unit instead of the first load handling device, to form a load transport vehicle. The load transport vehicle formed by the first load handling device may be a load transport vehicle of a first type and the load transport vehicle formed by the second load handling device may be a load transport vehicle of a second type. In this respect, optionally the first load handling device is of a first type and the second load handling device is of a second type. Optionally one of the first and second load handling devices is a palletised load carrier device, for carrying a palletised load, and the other is a cage attachment device, for attachment to a cage containing a load. The features of any of the above aspects of the invention may be combined with one or more features of any of the other aspects of the invention, in any combination. Other preferred and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the following description. Description of the Drawings A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the description and drawings. Figure 1 shows a side view of a load transport vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention, where the load transport vehicle comprises a first load handling device, of a first type (in the form of a palletised load carrier device), such that the load transport vehicle is of a first type (where some parts of the vehicle have been omitted for illustrative purposes); Figure 2 shows a perspective exploded view of part of an apparatus of the vehicle of Figure 1 and of the load handling device of the vehicle in Figure 1; Figure 3a shows a perspective view, from below, of the load handling device of the vehicle shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 3b shows a perspective view, from above, of the load handling device of the vehicle shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows a front perspective view of an alternative version of the load transport vehicle shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 5 shows a rear perspective view, from below, of the load transport vehicle shown in Figures 4; Figure 6 shows a side view of the load transport vehicle shown in Figures 4 and 5, where the vehicle is transporting a palletised load; Figure 7 shows a view corresponding to that of Figure 2, but where the load handling device is a second load handling device, of a second type (a cage attachment device), such that the load transport vehicle is of a second type; Figure 8a shows a perspective view, from the rear and below, of an alternative design of the cage attachment device of the vehicle shown in Figure 7; Figure 8b shows a perspective view, from above, of the cage attachment device shown in Figure 8a; Figure 8c shows a perspective view, from the front and below, of the cage attachment device shown in Figures 8a and 8b; Figure 9 shows a front perspective view of the load transport vehicle shown in Figure 7, but where the cage attachment device is that shown in Figures 8a to 8c, and Figure 10 shows a schematic side view of the hook 120 of the load transport vehicle shown in Figure 9, attached to a roll cage . Detailed Description Referring to Figure 1 there is a shown a load transport vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, where the load transport vehicle 1 comprises a first load handling device 2, of a first type. In more detail, the load transport vehicle 1 comprises an apparatus 3 for attaching a load handling device 2 thereto, to form a load transport vehicle 1. The load transport vehicle 1 extends in a longitudinal direction from a rear end 51 to a front end 52 and in a lateral direction between first and second sides. The apparatus 3 comprises a support structure 4 in the form of a frame 4. In the currently described embodiment the frame 4 is a plate folded to form a general A-shape. In this respect, the frame 4 comprises a plate folded to have first and second side walls 4a, 4b joined along respective rear edges by a rear wall 4c. The first and second side walls 4a, 4b and opposed to each other and inclined towards each other such that if the first and second side walls 4a, 4b were extended upwards, they would meet to form the vertex of a triangle. A front cover 4d is attached to the front side of the first and second side walls 4a, 4b. In the version shown in Figures 1 to 3, the frame 4 is mounted on a movement means, in the form of a pair of wheels 20. The wheels 20 are rotationally mounted, to the rear of the frame 4. In this respect the wheels 20 are laterally spaced apart and mounted on an axle 31 that is rotatably mounted to a mechanical linkage 32 that it mounted to the support frame 4. The wheels 20 are steerable by a user operable handle 61 (see Figure 6), that acts in the form of a tiller. The handle 61 is mechanically connected to the wheels 20 by a mechanical linkage 62 configured such that the wheels 20 are steerable by rotational of the user operable handle 61, so as to steer the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 comprises an electric motor 28 that is connected to the wheels 20 to rotatably drive the wheels 20, so as to drive the vehicle forwards and backwards. The electric motor 28 is controllable by a human operator, by a control (e.g. a throttle) on the handle 61. In the alternative version shown in Figures 4 to 10, there is a single wheel 20, instead of the pair of wheels 20. The apparatus 3 further comprises an attachment unit 40 mounted to the frame 4. The attachment unit 40 comprises an attachment plate 5, first and second fixing plates 6a, 6b and a lateral support in the form of a bolster 7. The attachment plate 5 is a generally thin, rectangular, flat plate. It has first and second attachment regions 5a, 5b, at first and second lateral ends of the plate 5. Each of the first and second attachment regions 5a, 5b is provided with a set of four apertures 8a, 8b that pass through the thickness of the plate 5. Each set of apertures 8a, 8b is arranged in the pattern of four corners of a square. Each fixing plate 6a, 6b is a generally thin, rectangular, flat plate. Each corner of the plate 6a, 6b is provided with an aperture 9a, 9b that extends through the thickness of the plate 6a, 6b. In the currently described embodiment the fixing plates 6a, 6b are each welded to an underside of the frame 4. However, it will be appreciated that any means of mounting the attachment unit 40 to the frame 4 may be used, or indeed any means of mounting the attachment unit 40 on a movement means. In the load transport vehicle 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the load handling device 2 is a first load handling device, of a first type, in the form of a palletised load carrier device 18, such that the load transport vehicle 1 is of a first type, in the form of a hand pallet truck 1. In this respect, the palletised load carrier device 18 comprises a fork 2. The fork 2 comprises first and second fork members 2a, 2b that are laterally spaced apart, opposed and substantially parallel to each other. Each fork member 2a, 2b is a generally elongate member that extends in a longitudinal direction from a rear end to a front end. Each fork member 2a, 2b is provided, towards its front end, with a roller 61a, 61b that protrudes above an upper surface of the fork member 2a, 2b. The rollers 61a, 61b facilitate the movement of the fork members 2a, 2b into / under a pallet 51 (see Figure 6) . In use, the fork members 2a, 2b are inserted into and / or under a pallet 51 of a palletised load 50 to lift and transport the pallet 51 and load 52 that is on the pallet 51. It will be appreciated that the term palletised load is used to refer to a pallet and a load that is on the pallet. Each fork member 2a, 2b is generally hollow and of generally rectangular cross-sectional shape formed by opposed upper and lower walls and opposed side walls. Each fork member 2a, 2b is mounted on a respective pair of wheels 21a, 21b provided towards the front end of the fork members 2a, 2b. The lower side of rear wheels 20 and fork wheels 21a, 21b are at substantially the same level. The load transport is moveable along the ground on rear wheels 20 and fork wheels 21a, 21b. A rear end region of each fork member 2a, 2b is provided with a set of four apertures Ila, 11b that pass through the thickness of the upper wall of the fork member 2a, 2b. Each set of apertures Ila, 11b is arranged in the pattern of four corners of a square. Each aperture Ila, 11b is coincident with a respective aperture 8a, 8b in a respective attachment region 5a, 5b of the attachment plate 5 and a respective aperture 9a, 9b in a fixing plate 6a, 6b. In respect of each set of concentrically aligned apertures Ila, 11b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, a first fastener member in the form of a threaded shaft of a bolt 10a, 10b passes through the aligned apertures 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, Ila, 11b with a head of the bold in abutment with an upper surface of the respective fixing plate 6a, 6b. A second fastener member, in the form of a nut is screwed onto the threaded shaft so that it abuts against the lower surface of the upper wall of the respective fork member 2a, 2b, so as to attach the fork members 2a, 2b to the attachment plate 5 and thereby to the frame 4. It will be appreciated that the nut and bolt together form a non-permanent fastener, i.e. a fastener that can be moved between a fastening configuration and a non-fastening configuration to attach and detach two objects respectively. The bolster 7 is generally hollow and of generally cuboidal shape formed by opposed upper and lower walls and opposed side walls . Each corner of the upper wall of the bolster 7 is provided with an aperture 23a, 23b that passes through the thickness of the upper wall. The attachment plate 5 is also provided with two pairs of apertures 24a, 24b (see Figure 7), each respective pair being located inwardly adjacent to a respective attachment region 5a, 5b of the plate 5. In each pair of apertures 24a, 24b, the apertures 24a, 24b are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, being provided towards the front and rear of the plate 5 respectively. Each aperture 23a, 23b in the upper wall of the bolster 7 is coincident with a respective aperture 24a, 24b in the attachment plate 5. In respect of each set of concentrically aligned apertures 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b a threaded shaft of a respective bolt passes through the aligned apertures 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b with a head of the bold in abutment with an upper surface of the upper wall of the plate 5. A nut (not shown) is screwed onto the threaded shaft so that it abuts against the lower surface of the upper wall of the bolster 7, so as to attach the bolster 7 to the attachment plate 5. The inner side wall of each fork member 2a, 2b is provided, towards the rear end of the fork member 2a, 2b, with a pair of longitudinally spaced apertures 25a, 25b. Each side wall of the bolster 7 is provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced apertures 26a, 26b. Each aperture 26a, 26b in the side walls of the bolster 7 is coincident with a respective aperture 25a, 25b in the fork members 2a, 2b. In respect of each set of concentrically aligned apertures 26a, 26b, 25a, 25b a threaded shaft of a respective bolt passes through the aligned apertures 26a, 26b, 25a, 25b with a head of the bold in abutment with an inner surface of the side wall of the fork member 2a, 2b. A nut (not shown) is screwed onto the threaded shaft so that it abuts against an inner surface of a respective side wall of the bolster 7, so as to attach the bolster 7 to the fork member 2a, 2b. The bolster 7 provides lateral support to the fork members 2a, 2b. The vehicle 1 further comprises a lifting mechanism configured to raise the fork members 7a, 7b away from the ground, so as to raise a palletised load off the ground for transport (discussed further below). In the currently described embodiment the lifting mechanism comprises a hydraulic jack 60 that is operated by the handle 61, which is connected to a hydraulic cylinder 62. The hydraulic cylinder 62 is mechanically connected to the fork members 7a, 7b by mechanical linkages 63a, 63b (which are connected together when the load handling device is attached to the apparatus 3), that extend along the underside of the fork members 2a, 2b such that the jack 60 can be operated to raise the fork members 2a, 2b by pushing the wheels 8a, 8b downwardly, to produce an opposite, upwards, reaction force on the fork members 2a, 2b. In this respect, the wheels 21a, 21b are mounted to the fork members 2a, 2b by articulated mechanical linkages such that they allow for the fork members 2a, 2b to be raised and lowered, whilst the wheels 21a, 21b remain in contact with the ground. A control on the handle 61 is actuated to release the hydraulic pressure and lower the fork members 2a,2b (or side members 102a, 102b - see below). It will be appreciated that, in the described embodiment where the attached load handling device is a palletised load carrier device, the vehicle 1 is a hand pallet truck. In use, the fork members 2a, 2b are inserted into and / or under a pallet to lift and transport the pallet and a load that is on the pallet. In order to transport a palletised load 50, comprising a pallet 51 and a load 52 mounted on the pallet 51, the vehicle 1 is driven forwardly such that the fork members 2a, 2b are inserted into and / or under the pallet 51 (see Figure 6) . The lifting mechanism is then operated to raise the fork members 2a, 2b, to lift the pallet 51 (and load 52) clear of the ground. The vehicle 1 is then driven so as to transport the palletised load 50. In order to change the type of the load transport vehicle 1, the palletised load carrier device 18 is detached from the attachment unit 40, by unscrewing the nut on each bolt that attaches the fork side members 2a, 2b to the plate 5 and bolster 7 and detaching the palletised load carrier device 18 from the plate 5 and bolster 7. Figure 7 shows a view corresponding to that of Figure 2 but where the load handling device is a second load handling device, of a second type (a cage attachment device), such that the load transport vehicle is of a second type, namely a cage tug. In this respect, the second load handling device is a cage attachment device 102. The apparatus 3 is the same as that in Figures 4 to 6 and corresponding features are given corresponding reference numerals. In relation to the load handling device, corresponding features are given corresponding reference numerals but incremented by 100. The cage attachment device 102 comprises first and second side members 102a, 102b that are spaced apart, in the lateral direction, opposed and substantially parallel to each other. Each side member 102a, 102b is a generally elongate member that extends in a length direction from a rear end to a front end. The side members 102a, 102b are connected, at their front ends, by a front member 102c that is generally elongate, extending along the lateral direction, substantially perpendicular to the side members 102a, 102b. Each of the first and second side members 102a, 102b and the front member 102c is generally hollow and of generally rectangular cross-sectional shape formed by opposed upper and lower walls and opposed side walls. Each side member 102a, 102b is mounted on a respective pair of wheels 121a, 121b, provided towards the front end of the side members 102a, 102b. The lower side of wheels 20 and wheels 121a, 121b are at substantially the same level. The load transport vehicle is moveable along the ground on the wheels 20, 121a, 121b. As with the palletised load carrier device 18, the cage attachment device 102 is provided with mechanical linkages in the underside of the side members 102a, 102b that are connected to the jack 60 such that the jack 60 can raise and lower the cage attachment device 102. The wheels 121a, 121b are mounted to the side members 102a, 102b by articulated mechanical linkages such that they allow for the side members 102a, 102b to be raised and lowered, whilst the wheels 121a, 121b remain in contact with the ground. A cage attachment hook 120 is mounted to the front member 102c. The cage attachment hook 120 is attachable to a roll cage 90 that contains a load 91 such that the caged load can be transported by the vehicle 1. In Figures 8a to 10, the cage attachment device 102 is of a alternative design, in which the first and second side members 102a, 102b, the front member 102c and the bolster 7 are formed as a single plate. As shown in Figure 10, the roll cage 90 comprises a cage 92 mounted on a wheels 93 such that the cage 92 is moveable along a surface (e.g. the ground) on the wheels 93. In the currently described embodiment the cage 92 is a steel wire cage comprising a plurality of horizontally extending steel wires 99a, vertically spaced apart, and plurality of vertically extending steel wires 99b, horizontally spaced apart, with the horizontally extending steel wires 99a interlaced with the vertically extending steel wires 99b to form a mesh, shaped generally in the shape of a cuboid, to form a cage. It will be appreciated that any type of cage may be used and the cage may be mounted on any type of movement means. Alternatively, the cage may not be mounted on a movement means and may be dragged along the ground by the vehicle 1. The cage attachment device 102 is attached to the cage 90 by hooking the cage attachment hook 120 under the cage, onto one or more of the horizontally extending steel wires 99a in a base of the cage 92 (by moving the vehicle such that the hook 120 is positioned under the cage 90 and using the lifting mechanism to raise the hook 120 upwards to hook onto the underside of the cage 92. The vehicle 1 can then be driven to transport the caged load. Each side member 102a, 102b (or the equivalent side region in the version shown in Figures 8a and 8b) is provided with apertures Illa, 111b, 125a, 125b (as applicable) corresponding to those of the side members 2a, 2b of the fork 2 in Figure 2 and is attached to and detached from the attachment unit 40, using nuts and bolts, in the same way as the palletised load carrier device 18. Accordingly the apparatus 3 may be used to form a plurality of different types of load transport vehicles, for example load transport vehicles with different types of load handling device. This may allow for a common apparatus 3 to be used to assemble a plurality of different types of load transport vehicles, thereby providing for substantial cost savings and flexibility in production and use. It may also allow for the load handling device of a load transport to be replaced, for repair / maintenance purposes. It will be appreciated that numerous modifications to the above-described design may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, in the currently described embodiments the attachment plate 5 and bolster 7 are provided with apertures 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b that each receive a threaded shaft of a bolt. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more threaded shafts (or any suitable type of fastener) may be permanently attached to the plate 5, bolster 7 and / or load handling device (e.g. by being integrally formed or otherwise attached therteto. A bolt may be screwed onto the shaft to attach the load handling device to the plate 5 or bolster 7 respectively. It will be appreciated that any suitable arrangement of one or more apertures in the plate 5, bolster 7 or load handling device may be used. It will be appreciated that any suitable means of attachment a load handling device to the attachment unit may be used. For example, the attachment unit may comprise an attachment formation and each load handling unit may have a complimentary formation for releasable attachment to said formation. It will be appreciated that any suitable type of load handling device may be used with the apparatus 3. In this respect, the first and second load handling devices may be of any type and are not limited to a palletised load carrier device, or a cage attachment device. Any suitable attachment unit may be used. For example, the fixing plates and / or bolster may be omitted. In this respect the attachment unit may (just) be the attachment plate 5. In the described embodiment, the load transport vehicle 1 is powered, to move the vehicle (forwards and backwards) by a motor. However, it will be appreciated that the vehicle 1 may alternatively, or additionally, by human powered, e.g. by a person pushing / pulling the vehicle. Similarly, in the described embodiment the load transport vehicle comprises a lifting mechanism, to lift a palletised load on the palletised load carrier device 18, in the form of a hand powered hydraulic jack. However, it will be appreciated that any form of lifting mechanism may be used. For example, any type of jack may be used, including a jack comprising a pump / compressor that is powered by an actuator (e.g. an electric motor). Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the load transport vehicle may have no lifting mechanism for the palletised load carrier device 6. In this case, a palletised load may be moved along the ground, for example. It will also be appreciated that the vehicle may have any type or arrangement of movement means, to allow the vehicle to travel along a surface (e.g. the ground). In this respect, the vehicle is not limited to only having the arrangement of a single, or pair of steerable rear wheel (s) 20, with front wheels 8a, 8b provided on the load handling device but could have any suitable arrangement and type of movement means. For example, one or more wheels, casters, rollers, etc. could be used as the movement means, in any suitable arrangement. Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable 5 equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features 10 of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims.

Claims

1. A load transport vehicle, the load transport vehicle comprising:a base apparatus including an A-shape frame mounted on at least one steerable wheel, wherein the A-shape frame comprises a plate folded to have first and second side walls joined along respective rear edges by a rear wall;a front cover attached to the front side of the first and second side walls of she A-shaped frame;an attachment unit mounted by welding to an underside of the A-shape frame; anda load handling device removably attached to the attachment unit using bolts;wherein the attachment unit comprises an attachment plate, first and second fixing plates fixed to an upward-facing surface of the attachment plate at opposing lateral sides, and a bolster fixed to a downward-facing surface of the attachment plate at a central position between the first and second fixing plates to provide lateral support to the load handling device;wherein the attachment plate is a flat plate and has a first attachment region, a second attachment region and a central attachment region, the first and second attachment regions each comprising a set of four through-hole apertures arranged in the pattern of four corners of a square;wherein each fixing plate is a flat plate, where each corner of each fixing plate is provided with a through-hole aperture to correspond to the through-hole apertures of the first and second attachment regions, wherein the fixing plates are disposed behind the front cover of the A-shaped frame;wherein the central attachment region of the attachment plate further comprises two pairs of apertures;07 03 24wherein the bolster is generally hollow and of generally cuboidal shape, where each corner of an upper wall of the bolster is provided with a through-hole aperture arranged to align with a respective one of the apertures in the central attachment region of the attachment plate; and wherein each side wall of the bolster is provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced apertures for the attachment of the load handling device.

2. The load transport vehicle of claim 1, wherein the load handling device is attached to the downward-facing surface of the attachment plate.

3. The load transport vehicle of claim 2, wherein the load handling device is attached to the downward-facing surface either side of the bolster.

4. The load transport vehicle of claim 3, wherein the load handling device is bolted to lateral sides of the bolster.

5. The load transport vehicle of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second fixing plates are welded to the underside of the A-shape frame.

6. The load transport vehicle of any preceding claim, comprising a lifting mechanism that is a hand-powered hydraulic jack, wherein the hand-powered hydraulic jack is connected to the load handling device with a mechanical linkage and is operable with a handle to raise the load handling device while the at least one steerable wheel remains in contact with the ground.

7. The load transport vehicle of claim 6, wherein the handle is pivotable to raise the load handling device.

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