BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Many light-weight trucks include a canopy mounted over a load bed of the truck. Such canopies are typically removable. The Inventor has noticed that it is very difficult, and sometimes impossible, for a person to remove such a canopy from a truck without the aid of another person.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a load removal apparatus which includes attachment means for attaching the apparatus to a load carried on a load bed of a vehicle ; and at least one stand which is configured to be selectively positionable between an in use position, where an end of the stand makes contact with a surface outside the vehicle, and a storage position which reduces the effect of the at least one sand on the operation of the vehicle.

The load may include a canopy configured for mounting over a load bed of a vehicle. The load may include a container, a framework, a pellet, or the like, configured for carrying at least one object to be transported on a load bed of a vehicle.

At least one of the stands may include a wheel at the end of the stand that makes contact with a surface outside the vehicle so that the load can be wheeled off the load bed of the vehicle.

The attachment means may include releasable attachment means for releasable attachment to the load. The releasable attachment means may be configured for attachment to cooperating attachment means located on the load. The attachment means may include fixed attachment means for fixed attachment to the load.

The apparatus may include a brace for supporting the attachment between the load and the at least one stand.

The at least one stand may include a pivot mechanism for pivoting between the in use position and the storage position. The at least one stand may include a sliding arrangement for sliding between the in use position and the storage position.

The at least one stand may be selectively extendable so that the end of the stand which is to make contact with a surface outside the vehicle is able to reach the surface outside the vehicle.

The apparatus may include positioning means for moving the at least one stand between the in use position and the storage position. The positioning means may be manually operable or motorised.

The at least one stand may be configured for compact storage of the stand in the storage position. The at least one stand may be foldable for compact storage.

The apparatus may include at least one covering for covering the at least one stand when in the storage position.

The at least one stand may include a telescopic mechanism.

This aids the stand in being positionable between the in use position and the storage position, in being configured for compact storage of the stand in the storage position, and in being selectively extendable.

The apparatus may include a first locking mechanism for selectively locking the at least one stand in the storage position.

The apparatus may include a second locking mechanism for selectively locking the at least one stand in the in use position.

The apparatus may include a sensing means for sensing whether or not a stand is in the storage position. The apparatus may include an alarm which is activated when the sensing means senses that a stand is not in the storage position.

It is to be appreciated that the invention extends to a system including a plurality of apparatuses as described above. Each apparatus would then typically include one stand.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a load for carrying on a load bed of a vehicle, which load includes at least one stand which is configured to be selectively positionable between an in use position, where an end of the stand makes contact with a surface outside the vehicle, and a storage position which reduces the effect of the at least one stand on the operation of the vehicle.

The load may include a canopy configured for mounting over a load bed of a vehicle. The load may include a container, a framework, a pellet, or the like, configured for carrying at least one object to be transported on a load bed of a vehicle.

At least one of the stands may include a wheel at the end of the stand that makes contact with a surface outside the vehicle so that the load can be wheeled off the load bed of the vehicle.

The stand may form an integral part of the load.

The load may include at least one attachment means for attaching the load to the at least one stand. The attachment means may include releasable attachment means for releasable attachment to the load.

The releasable attachment means may be configured for attachment to cooperating attachment means located on the load. The attachment means may include fixed attachment means for fixed attachment to the load.

The load may include at least one brace for supporting an attachment between the load and the at least one stand.

The load may include at least one pivot mechanism for pivoting the at least one stand between the in use position and the storage position.

The load may include a sliding arrangement for sliding the at least one stand between the in use position and the storage position.

The at least one stand may be selectively extendable so that the end of the stand which is to make contact with a surface outside the vehicle is able to reach the surface outside the vehicle.

The load may include positioning means for moving the at least one stand between the in use position and the storage position. The positioning means may be manually operable or motorised.

The load may be configured for compact storage of the stand in the storage position. The at least one stand may be foldable for compact storage.

The load may include at least one covering for covering the at least one stand when in the storage position.

The at least one stand may include a telescopic mechanism.

This aids the stand in being positionable between the in use position and the storage position, in being configured for compact storage of the stand in the storage position, and in being selectively extendable.

The load may include a first locking mechanism for selectively locking the at least one stand in the storage position.

The load may include a second locking mechanism for selectively locking the at least one stand in the in use position.

The load may include a sensing means for sensing whether or not a stand is in the storage position. The load may include an alarm which is activated when the sensing means senses that a stand is not in the storage position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the following diagrammatic drawings wherein Figure 1 shows, in side view, a vehicle with a canopy including four load removal apparatuses each forming a part of a side of the canopy, in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows a back view of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded view of one of the load removal apparatuses of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a side view of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows, in back view, another embodiment of a load removal apparatus attached to a side of a canopy of a vehicle, in accordance with the invention; Figure 6 shows, in three dimensional view, yet another embodiment of a load removal apparatus attached to the top of a canopy of a vehicle, in accordance with the invention; Figure 7 shows, in back view, a further embodiment of a load removal apparatus attached to a pellet on a load bed of a vehicle ; and Figure 8 shows a top plan view of Figure 7 minus a planar part of the pellet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING With particular reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates one of four identical load removal apparatuses in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the four apparatuses 10 form an integral part of a load in the form of a canopy 12 carried on a load bed 14 of a vehicle 16. Two of the apparatuses 10 are located on one side of the canopy 12 and the other two apparatuses 10 are located on the other side of the canopy 12.

The apparatus 10 each include a stand 18 having a wheel 20 at an end thereof. The stand 18 is configured to enable, in use, contact of the wheel 20 with a surface 22 (typically ground level) outside the vehicle 16 so that the canopy 12 can be wheeled off the vehicle 16. Each of the four stands 18 is situated proximate one of four corners of the canopy 12. The canopy 12 also includes four side handles 22, each handle 22 situated proximate a stand 18.

Each stand 18 is telescopic in nature and comprises a top part 24 attached to the canopy 12, a middle part 26, and a lower part 28. The top part 24 is the largest of the three parts 24,26, 28. The middle part 26 and the lower part 28 are able to move telescopically into the top part 24. This allows the stand 18 to be selectively positionable between an in use position, where the stand 18 allows the canopy 12 to be wheeled off the vehicle 16, and a storage position, where the stand 18 is located out of the way. The telescopic nature of the stand 18 also allows compact storage of the stand 18 in the storage position, and further allows the stand to be selectively extendable so that the wheel 20 of the stand 18 is able to reach a surface 22 outside the vehicle 16.

It is to be appreciated that the stand 18 is configured such that the lower part 28 can move freely up and down inside the middle part 26, but not out at the bottom or top of the middle part 26. Similarly, the middle part 26 can move freely up and down inside the top part 24, but not out at the bottom

or top of the top part 24. Furthermore, both the lower part 28 and middle part 26 can move freely up inside the top part 24 to a level where both the lower and middle parts 28,26 will be completely enclosed inside the top part 24 and can also move freely down to a level where the wheel 20 at the bottom of the lower part 28 reaches surface 22.

Accordingly, it is also to be appreciated that, due to the telescopic nature of the stand 18, the top part 24 forms a cover for covering the stand 18 when in the storage position.

Each stand 18 includes a stand handle 30 and a footplate 32 each pivotally attached to an extension arm 34 fixedly attached to the lower part 28 of the stand 18. Stand handle 30 can lift from the extension arm 34 until it is horizontal. It is kept horizontal by means of lever 36. Footplate 32 can lower until it is horizontal. It is kept horizontal by means of lever 38.

The extension arm 34 is positioned so that it can move freely up and down past the outside of the top part 24, thus moving both the lower part 28 and the middle part 26 completely up, or down to the surface 22. When completely lifted the footplate 32 can be pivoted up and towards the outside of the top part 24, pushing lever 38 through hole 40 in a lower section of the extension arm 34, hole 42 in a lower section of the top part 24, hole 44 in a lower section of the middle part 26, and hole 46 in a lower section of the lower part 28. Holes 40,42, 44,46 are located so as to align with each other when the stand 18 is in the storage position. Safety catch 48 will prevent footplate 32 from moving out of the storage position. In this way footplate 32, lever 38, safety catch 48, and holes 40,42, 44,46 cooperate to keep footplate 32 out of the way in the storage position and also to provide a first locking mechanism for selectively locking the stand 18 in the storage position thereby preventing the middle part 26 and the lower part 28 from moving down.

The stand handle 30 can be pivoted downwards pushing lever 36 through hole 50 in an upper section of extension arm 34, hole 52 in an upper section of the top part 24, hole 54 in an upper section of the middle part

26, and hole 56 in an upper section of the lower part 28. Holes 50,52, 54,56 are located so as to align with each other when the stand is in the storage position. Safety catch 58 will prevent the stand handle 30 from moving out of the storage position. In this way stand handle 30, lever 36, safety catch 58, and holes 50,52, 54,56 cooperate to keep stand handle 30 out of the way and to provide an alternative or backup to the first locking mechanism for selectively locking the stand 18 in the storage position thereby preventing the middle part 26 and the lower part 28 from moving down.

Each stand 18 further includes a second locking mechanism for selectively locking the stand 18 in the in use position. In this embodiment of the invention, the second locking mechanism includes a locking pin 60 located in a bottom section of the middle part 26. The pin 60 is spring-loaded which allows the pin 60 to be pushed through one of a plurality of longitudinally extending holes (not shown) in the lower part 28. In this way, locking pin 60 and the plurality of longitudinally extending holes in the lower part 28 are operable to vary the amount that the lower part 28 extends from the middle part 26 so as to account for a wide variety of distances that the stand 18 can extend to so as to reach the surface 22 outside the vehicle 16.

Similarly, the second locking mechanism also includes another locking pin 62 located in a bottom section of the top part 24. The pin 62 is also spring-loaded which allows the pin 62 to be pushed through one of a plurality of longitudinally extending holes (not shown) in the middle part 26. In this way, locking pin 62 and the plurality of longitudinally extending holes in the middle part 26 are operable to vary the amount that the middle part 26 extends from the top part 24 so as to further account for a wide variety of distances that the stand 18 can extend to so as to reach the surface 22 outside the vehicle 16.

The canopy 12 and/or at least one of the apparatuses 10 may optionally include a sensing means (not shown) for sensing whether or not a stand is in the storage position. The canopy 12 and/or apparatus 10 may then

also include an alarm (not shown) which is activated when the sensing means senses that a stand is not in the storage position.

Figure 5 shows another embodiment of a load removal apparatus 80 attached to a side of a canopy 82 of a vehicle 84. It is to be appreciated that, unless otherwise indicated or otherwise appropriate, the apparatus 80 includes similar or like features to those described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4 : In this embodiment of the invention, a top part 86 of the stand 90 is pivotally attached to the side of the canopy 82 by way of a pivot mechanism 88. The pivot mechanism 88 may be a releasable pivot mechanism or a fixed pivot mechanism. A safety door 94 and safety pin 96 will keep the stand 90 folded into the canopy 82 when in a storage position.

By opening the safety door 94 and releasing the safety pin 96 the stand 90 can be pivoted outwards and downwards using handle 98. Thereafter, lower part 100 of the stand 90 can be lowered down to ground level 102.

Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that the stand 90 is shown upside down in Figure 5 as the stand 90 pivots outwards and downwards when released (as indicated by arrow 112).

Footplate 104 will fold out of the lower part 100 untill it is horizontal. Side handle 106 is integrated into the canopy 82 next to the stand 90. Locking pin 108 is attached, in spring loaded fashion, to a bottom portion of the top part of the stand (when folded down) and pushes through hole 108a also in the bottom side of the top part 86 of the stand 90. On a top portion of the lower part 100 (when folded down) holes 110a, 110b and 110c are provided. If the lower part 100 reaches a desired level in relation to the top part 86, locking pin 108 may be pushed through hole 110a, hole 110b, or hole 110c.

In use when removing the canopy 82, a user must first release safety pin 96 and then open the safety door 94. The stand 90 (with the bottom part 100 retracted telescopically within the top part) must then be folded out with handle 98. Now by stepping on footplate 104 and lifting side

handle 106 the canopy 82 may be lifted to the desired level until locking pin 108 pushes through hole 110a, 11 Ob or 110c. This process is then repeated with the other three apparatuses (not shown) at other corners of the canopy 82.

In this embodiment of the invention, the stand 90 does not include a wheel at an end of the stand 90 that makes contact with a surface 102 outside the vehicle 84. Accordingly, the vehicle 84 must now be removed from under the canopy 82.

Figure 6 shows yet another embodiment of the invention wherein two identical load removal apparatus 120,122 are attached to the top of a canopy 124 mounted on a load bed 126 of a vehicle. Each apparatus 120,122 includes two tubular attachment members 128,130 attached side by side to each other by way of two attachment blocks 131. Member 128 is releasably attached to cooperating attachment members 132 located on the top of the canopy 124. Each apparatus 120 also includes two stands 134, 136 each having a wheel 138 at the end of a lower portion of the stand 134, 136 that makes contact with a surface outside the vehicle so that the canopy 124 load can be wheeled off the load bed 126 of the vehicle. Stand 134 and stand 136 are tubular and are configured for sliding within member 128 and member 130, respectively, from an in use position where the stands 134,136 extend from the members 128,130 to a storage position where at least most of the stands 134,136 are located within the members 128,130.

Each stand 134,136 includes a lockable pivot mechanism 140 which allows the lower portion of the stand 134,136 having the wheel 138 to pivot downwardly towards the ground. The lower portion of the stand 134, 136 is telescopic in nature allowing the stand 134,136 to extend to any one of a plurality of lengths so as to reach the ground. It is to be appreciated that the heights of various canopies and the height above the ground of a load bed of various vehicles varies and, accordingly, the stand 134,136 must be adaptable to cope with any or all of these variations.

The canopy 124 also includes four U-shaped support mechanisms 142. Each mechanism 142 is located towards a lower end of a side of the canopy 124 adjacent the stand 134,136 when the stand 134,136 is in use. Each support mechanism 142 traps the stand 134,136 against the canopy 124 for support. Each mechanism 142 includes a bar 144 which is configured to selectively trap or release the stand 134,136. Each mechanism also optionally includes a handhold 146 for pulling the canopy 124.

Furthermore, members 128,130 each include a plurality of utility hooks 148 on the side thereof.

Figures 7 and 8 show a further embodiment of a load removal apparatus 150 attached to a pellet 152 located on two spacers 153 on a load bed 154 of a vehicle. The apparatus 150 includes four uprights 156 releasably attached to the four corners of the pellet 152. The four uprights 156 are typically connected to each other by way of adjustable elongate poles 157 to form a robust framework. Each upright 156 is pivotally connected to an L-shaped member 158 which extends outwardly and downwardly from the framework beyond the sides of the vehicle. The downwardly extending part of the L-shaped member 158 is tubular. A telescopic stand 160 extends from member 158. The stand 160 is configured to extend all the way to the ground 161 in an in use position. The stand 160 is also configured to retract within member 158 in a storage position. The stand 160 includes a wheel 162 at an end of the stand 160 which makes contact with the ground 161.

When in the in use position, the apparatus 150 can be wheeled away from the vehicle by first lowering a back flap 166 of the vehicle and then pulling handle 168 attached to the pellet 152.

The pivotal connection between the members 158 and the uprights 156 allows the members 158 to pivot inwardly to a storage position when the stands 160 are retracted in the storage position.

It is to be appreciated that the apparatus 150 may include the pellet 152. The pellet 152 may include a base 164 which is configured to be enlarged or made smaller according to the size of the load bed 154.

It is also to be appreciated that the apparatus 150 may exclude the framework in circumstances where the apparatus is configured for releasable attachment to a load in the form of a framework or container.

It is to be understood that the apparatuses described above can also be used for the replacement of a canopy, or any other suitable load, onto a load bed of a vehicle in a similar manner to the removal thereof as described above.

It is also to be appreciated that the invention as described above, with reference to the drawings, may be extended to include a motorised positioning means for moving the at least one stand between the in use position and the storage position. Accordingly, all the movements described above with relation to the positioning of the stands can be automated to be operable by way of activating a switch.

The Inventor believes that it is an advantage of the invention that it allows a person to remove a canopy or any other suitable load from a load bed of a vehicle without necessitating aid from another person. The invention also allows for the replacement of a canopy or any other suitable load in a similar manner.