Patent Publication Number: US-7581918-B2

Title: Cone collecting and laying apparatus

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to an apparatus for collecting and laying items, especially road traffic items such as traffic cones. 
   In today&#39;s fast moving world the motoring public demands ever greater quality from our road networks, in addition to improved standards of safety. This requires continued maintenance of our roadways to ensure the structural integrity of same, as well as the improvement of existing, or retro fitting of new, safety measures. As a result, the use of temporary road management systems has become an integral part of our road management techniques, and in particular the use of traffic cones, which are often used in significant numbers. For example, if a safety barrier is to be fitted along the central reservation of a carriageway, it is usually necessary to cordon off the central reservation using traffic cones, which may need to be deployed in large numbers and possibly over several kilometers at any given time. 
   The deployment and collection of such a large number of traffic cones is a time consuming and physically demanding task. In order to simplify this process, a cone dispensing/collecting apparatus may be employed, for example of the type shown in the applicant&#39;s earlier UK Pat. No. GB2325683, the details of which are incorporated herein by reference. The apparatus of GB2325683 removes the need for workers to be on the road while traffic cones are being laid or collected. This is particularly important on high speed roads and motorways. The cone dispensing/collecting apparatus of GB2325683 suffers from a number of drawbacks. In particular, the setting out and taking down of a “cone taper”, a term commonly used within the industry to define the tapered off area commonly used at the start of a road closure, can prove difficult to achieve with the apparatus of GB2325683. In addition, the apparatus of GB2325683 cannot reliably be used to collect traffic cones having any form of attachment secured to or adjacent the top thereof, for example a beacon or road sign. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A first aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for collecting traffic cones from a surface to a vehicle, or dispensing traffic cones onto the surface from the vehicle. The apparatus includes a conveyor disposed in use between the vehicle and the surface for transferring cones therebetween, wherein the apparatus further includes means for actuating the conveyor in a transverse direction substantially perpendicular with the direction of movement of the vehicle during use. 
   The conveyor actuating means may include a sliding mechanism for effecting relative sliding movement between the conveyor and the vehicle in the transverse direction. The sliding mechanism may include a base section mountable on the vehicle and a sliding section slidably coupled to the base section for sliding movement in the transverse direction, and means for effecting relative sliding movement between the base section and the sliding section. The conveyor is coupled to the sliding section. Preferably, the sliding section is telescopically coupled to the base section such that at least a portion of the sliding section may slide beyond one or both ends of the base section in the transverse direction. 
   The conveyor is preferably coupled to the sliding mechanism by means of a carriage. The carriage is slidable with respect to the sliding section in the transverse direction. The carriage may be coupled to the sliding section such that sliding movement of the sliding section causes a corresponding sliding movement of the carriage in the same direction. 
   Advantageously, the apparatus further includes means for controlling the speed at which the conveyor actuating means actuates the conveyor. The controlling means is arranged to set the actuation speed of the conveyor depending on the speed of the vehicle. 
   In preferred embodiments, the apparatus further includes a transfer mechanism for transferring traffic cones from the surface to the conveyor. The transfer mechanism includes a toppling device arranged to engage with and tilt a cone as the apparatus is advanced towards the cone, and to release the cone as the apparatus is further advanced towards the cone such that the cone returns to an upright position under the action of gravity. 
   The toppling device may include at least one contact member connected to or including at least one toppling member. The at least one contact member is movable between a rest state, in which the at least one toppling member is positioned to engage with and tilt a cone, and a displaced state, in which the at least one toppling member is displaced from the engage and tilt position. The arrangement is such that, when the at least one toppling member engages with and tilts a cone, the tilted cone engages with the at least one contact member and moves the contact member from the rest state to the displaced state. The at least one contact member is advantageously pivotable with respect to the transfer mechanism. Preferably, the at least one contact member is positioned in the rest state for engagement with the base of a tilted cone. In a preferred embodiment, two contact members are provided, each associated with a respective toppling member and being located on opposing sides of the transfer mechanism. 
   Alternatively, the toppling device may include a toppling member that is movable between a rest state, in which the toppling member is positioned for engagement with a cone, and a displaced state, in which the toppling member is moved generally away from the conveyor with respect to the rest state. The arrangement is such that, when a cone is dispensed from the conveyor and as the apparatus retreats from the cone, the cone engages with the toppling member and moves it to the displaced state. The toppling device may include at least one stop member for preventing the toppling member from being moved towards the conveyor with respect to the rest state. For example, the toppling device may include a support frame carried by the transfer mechanism. The toppling bar may be pivotably mounted on the support frame for swinging movement between the rest and displaced states. 
   The transfer mechanism advantageously includes, or is associated with, means for guiding a cone to the conveyor as the apparatus advances towards the cone. The guide means defines a channel having a relatively wide mouth distal the conveyor and becoming narrower in a direction towards the conveyor. Preferably, the channel includes a relatively narrow portion between the mouth and the conveyor which is substantially aligned with the center of the conveyor. 
   In a preferred embodiment, in a portion of the channel, the guide means is arranged to engage with a tilted cone in order to limit the extent to which the cone can tilt. The guide means may include a respective guide member or rail located at either side of the transfer mechanism and being shaped and dimensioned to define the channel. Preferably, the toppling device is located between the mouth of the channel and the conveyor. Advantageously, the guide means is located adjacent the surface at the mouth of the channel and rises in a direction towards the conveyor. 
   Preferably, the carriage is adapted to enable the angular inclination of the conveyor with respect to the surface to be varied. 
   Preferably, the conveyor is mounted to the carriage via an articulated arm which is capable of raising the conveyor into a retracted position for storage/transport. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least one actuator operable to raise and lower the articulated arm. 
   The conveyor may include retaining or guide rails arranged in spaced relation to a conveying surface of the conveyor, in order to prevent toppling of the cone by engaging the base of the cone while on the conveyor and/or by limiting the degree by which a cone can tilt when on the conveyor. 
   In preferred embodiments, the apparatus includes a secondary conveyor disposed, in use, between the vehicle and the upper end of the conveyor. The secondary conveyor is preferably coupled to the sliding mechanism and/or the conveyor, so as to fix the position of the secondary conveyor relative to the conveyor. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least one guide rail associated with the secondary conveyor for guiding cones from the secondary conveyor onto the vehicle. The guide rail(s) are preferably pivotable with respect to the secondary conveyor about an in use substantially vertical axis. 
   A second aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for collecting traffic cones from a surface to a vehicle, or dispensing traffic cones onto the surface from the vehicle. The apparatus includes a conveyor disposed in use between the vehicle and the surface for transferring cones therebetween, and a transfer mechanism for transferring traffic cones from the surface to the conveyor. The transfer mechanism includes a toppling device arranged to engage with and tilt a cone as the apparatus is advanced towards the cone, and to release the cone as the apparatus is further advanced towards the cone such that the cone returns to an upright position under the action of gravity. Wherein the toppling device includes at least one contact member connected to or including at least one toppling member. The at least one contact member is movable between a rest state, in which the at least one toppling member is positioned to engage with and tilt a cone, and a displaced state, in which the at least one toppling member is displaced from the engage and tilt position. The arrangement is such that, when the at least one toppling member engages with and tilts a cone, the tilted cone engages with the at least one contact member and moves the contact member from the rest state to the displaced state. 
   A third aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for collecting traffic cones from a surface to a vehicle, or dispensing traffic cones onto the surface from the vehicle. The apparatus includes a conveyor disposed in use between the vehicle and the surface for transferring cones therebetween, and a transfer mechanism for transferring traffic cones from the surface to the conveyor. The transfer mechanism includes a toppling device arranged to engage with and tilt a cone as the apparatus is advanced towards the cone, and to release the cone as the apparatus is further advanced towards the cone, such that the cone returns to an upright position under the action of gravity. Wherein the toppling device includes a toppling member that is movable between a rest state, in which the toppling member is positioned for engagement with a cone, and a displaced state, in which the toppling member is moved generally away from the conveyor with respect to the rest state. The arrangement is such that, when a cone is dispensed from the conveyor and as the apparatus retreats from the cone, the cone engages with the toppling member and moves it to the displaced state. 
   A fourth aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for collecting traffic cones from a surface to a vehicle, or dispensing traffic cones onto the surface from the vehicle. The apparatus includes a conveyor disposed in use between the vehicle and the surface for transferring cones therebetween, and a transfer mechanism for transferring traffic cones from the surface to the conveyor. Wherein the transfer mechanism includes, or is associated with, means for guiding a cone to the conveyor as the apparatus advances towards the cone. The guide means defines a channel having a relatively wide mouth distal the conveyor and becoming narrower in a direction towards the conveyor. 
   From a further aspect, the invention also provides a vehicle to which an apparatus of the other aspects of the invention is mounted. 
   Further advantageous aspects, objects, advantages, purposes and features of the invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     An embodiment of the invention is now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals are used to indicate like parts and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cone dispensing/collecting apparatus embodying at least one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus being shown in use on a road; 
       FIG. 2  is an end view of a slideway that forms part of the apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the slideway illustrated in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an alternative topple bar assembly forming part of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , the apparatus being shown approaching a traffic cone having a beacon thereon; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the arrangement of  FIG. 4 , in which the topple bar has contacted, and begun to topple, the traffic cone; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the arrangement of  FIG. 4 , in which the topple bar has been pivoted out of contact with the traffic cone; 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a stored position; 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a plan view of a secondary conveyor, forming part of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a further alternative topple bar assembly in a collecting mode of operation; 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of the illustration of  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the topple bar assembly of  FIG. 9  in a dispensing mode of operation; and 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of the illustration of  FIG. 11 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1  of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a cone collecting apparatus, generally indicated as  10 , for collecting, or lifting road or traffic cones  12  from a roadway  16  or other surface, and for depositing, or laying, traffic cones  12  from a vehicle  14  onto a roadway  16  or other surface. The term “traffic cone” as used herein is intended to embrace any object that may require to be lifted and laid on a surface, especially a road surface, and especially for the purpose of traffic direction or road marking. Such objects need not necessarily be cone-shaped. In general, the objects may be referred to as free-standing markers or pylons. 
   In preferred embodiments, the apparatus  10  is connectable to the vehicle  14  at the rear of the vehicle  14  (as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ). When so connected, the conveyor  18  (or at least a main portion thereof) is preferably disposed substantially parallel with the direction of movement of the vehicle  16  during use, i.e. substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle  14 . Typically, the vehicle  14  has a flat bed storage area, or other storage area, from which cones  12  may be loaded onto the conveyor  18 , and onto which cones  12  may be loaded from the conveyor  18 . In this preferred configuration, when cones  12  are being dispensed, the vehicle  14  drives forward, and when cones  12  are being lifted, the vehicle  14  reverses towards the cones  12 . During use, the vehicle  14  normally travels in a substantially straight line, although some left or right (lateral) adjustment may be required to maintain alignment with the cones  12  to be lifted or with the target area for dispensing cones, and may also negotiate bends in the road. 
   The apparatus  10  includes a conveyor  18 , for example an endless belt type conveyor, which, during use, extends between the vehicle  14  and the road  16 . A transfer mechanism  20  is provided adjacent the, in use, road end of the conveyor  18  and facilitates the lifting of cones  12  onto the conveyor  18 , or the depositing of cones  12  from the conveyor  18  onto the road  16 , depending on the mode of operation of the apparatus  10 . The configuration and operation of the conveyor  18  and transfer mechanism, or transfer means,  20  may for example be the same as the arrangement described in the applicant&#39;s earlier UK Patent GB2325683, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. 
   Unlike the apparatus of GB2325683, the apparatus  10  includes means for actuating the apparatus laterally with respect to the vehicle  14 . The preferred actuating means takes the form of a sliding mechanism, or slideway  22 , for coupling the apparatus  10  to the vehicle  14 . The slideway  22  is arranged to effect movement of the apparatus  10 , and in particular movement of the conveyor  18 , in a lateral or transverse direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the vehicle  14  as cones  12  are being deposited or collected, i.e. normally in a direction substantially perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the “transverse” direction). In the preferred embodiment, the slideway  22  is arranged to effect movement of the apparatus  10 , and in particular movement of the conveyor  18 , in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which cones  12  travel along the conveyor  18  during use. 
   The conveyor  18  is preferably provided with a guide, in the preferred form of a rail  19 , extending along each side of the conveyor, preferably substantially along the full length of the conveyor  18 , to help maintain cones  12  on the conveyor during use. The spacing between the guide rails  19  is advantageously less than the width of the base of the cones  12 , in order to prevent the cones from toppling when on the conveyor  18 . Part of the guide rails  19  are preferably located over but spaced from the surface of the conveyor  18  to allow the base of the cones to pass beneath the rails  19  but to limit the degree to which the cones  12  may tilt as they travel up the conveyor  18 . Preferably, the arrangement is such that the cones  12  are prevented from tilting beyond a point where their center of gravity no longer returns them to the upright position. The guides  19  are advantageously positioned to align the cones  12  with the secondary conveyor  70  (when collecting cones  12 ) or with the transfer mechanism  20  (when laying cones  12 ). In the preferred embodiment, the main conveyor  18 , secondary conveyor  70  and transfer mechanism  20  have a substantially common longitudinal axis, the guides  19  being arranged to align the cones  12  with said longitudinal axis. 
   In a preferred embodiment, a gate (not shown) is provided at the in use lower end  48  of the conveyor  18 . The gate is actuatable between an open state, in which it allows cones  12  to be transferred between the conveyor  18  and the transfer mechanism  20 , and a closed state, in which it prevents cones  12  from being transferred between the transfer mechanism  20  and the conveyor  18 . The gate may, for example, take the form of a bar, plate or other gate member and may for example by pivotably or slidably mounted on the frame  21 , or elsewhere on the apparatus  10 , for pivoting or sliding movement between the open and closed states. The gate is preferably in operative association with actuating means, for example in the form of a hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical ram or actuator for actuating the gate between the open and closed states. The actuating means is advantageously controlled by a control unit which may, for example, include a programmable logic controller (PLC). In use, the gate may be closed and opened in order to control or regulate the dispensing of cones  12  from the conveyor  18  onto the transfer mechanism  20 . For example, the gate may open (and then close) at regular (or irregular) intervals in order to determine the spacing between successive dispensed cones  12 . This may cause a queue of cones  12  to build up on the conveyor  18 . By controlling the dispensing of cones  12  in the manner (especially by means of an automated control unit), the operation of the apparatus  10  is less reliant on the ability of a person (not shown) to load cones  12  onto the conveyor  18  appropriately during the dispensing operation. 
   In a preferred embodiment, one or more guide members (not shown) may be associated with the conveying part of the transfer mechanism  20  (shown as drums  50  in  FIG. 1 ) in order to prevent or limit the misalignment or jostling of cones  12  as they pass over the conveying part of the transfer mechanism  20 . The guide member(s) may take the form of one or more rails disposed above (during use) the conveying part and running substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the conveyor  18  and transfer mechanism  20 , i.e. the direction in which cones are conveyed during use. The guide rail(s) are preferably arranged to engage with the base of a cone  12  as it passes over said conveying part in order to prevent or limit twisting or swiveling movement of the cone  12  about an in use vertical axis. 
   It is further preferred to provide one or more abutments (not shown) for aligning cones  12  that are misaligned as they travel along the conveyor  18  to be dispensed, and/or pass through the transfer mechanism to be dispensed. For example, one or more abutments may be associated with the conveyor  18  and positioned to engage with a misaligned cone  12  on the conveyor such that the relative movement between the misaligned cone  12  and the abutment(s) causes the cone  12  to pivot or swivel (about an axis substantially perpendicular with the conveying surface) thereby improving the alignment of the cone  12 . Conveniently, such abutments are positioned to engage with the base of misaligned cones. This is because the geometry of the base of a typical cone causes it to be wider in a direction transverse of the conveyor  18  if it is misaligned compared to its width when aligned. So, one or more abutments may be located adjacent the conveying surface of the conveyor  18  at a position displaced laterally from the longitudinal axis of the conveyor  18  such that they engage with the base of cones  12  that are misaligned but not with cones  12  that are correctly aligned. One or more similar abutments may be provided elsewhere on the apparatus  10 , for example at or adjacent the mouth  61  of the transfer mechanism  20 . 
   Referring in particular to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the preferred slideway  22  includes a first rail  24 , or base section, for mounting to the vehicle  14 , conveniently at a rear thereof as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and a second rail  26 , or slide, slidable with respect to the first rail  24  in the transverse direction. The preferred slideway  22  further includes a carriage  28  slidable with respect to the second rail  26  in the transverse direction. The carriage  28  is connected to the conveyor  18 , as may best be viewed in  FIG. 1  so that the conveyor  18  moves with the carriage  28  in the transverse direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the second rail  26  is slidably mounted on the first rail  24 , while the carriage  28  is slidably mounted on the second rail  26 . To this end, the second rail  26  and the carriage  28  are advantageously each provided with a respective set of one or more rollers  30  in order to facilitate the relative sliding movement with the first rail  24  and the second rail  26  respectively. The first rail  24  and the second rail  26  are each provided with one or more corresponding roller guides  31 , or runners, for receiving the rollers  30 . In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), the rollers  30  can be replaced with any other suitable bearing (not shown) capable of providing a sliding fit, or sliding movement, between the first rail  24  and the second rail  26 , and between the second rail  26  and the carriage  28 . The slideway  22  allows lateral displacement, in the transverse direction, of the second rail  26  relative to the first rail  24 , and of the carriage  28  relative to the second rail  26 . The preferred slideway  22  is telescopic in the transverse direction. In the preferred embodiment, the second rail  26  is telescopically mounted on, or coupled to, the first rail  24  so that it may extend beyond the first rail in at least one, and preferably both, the left and right directions. Hence, in extreme left hand side and/or right hand side positions (as viewed for example in  FIG. 1 ) the second rail  26  may protrude beyond the vehicle  14  in the transverse direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the carriage  28  does not project beyond the second rail in the transverse direction but may be moved left and right along substantially the entire length of the second rail  26  in the transverse direction. In alternative embodiments, the carriage  28  may be telescopic with respect to the second rail  26 , i.e. may project beyond the second rail transversely in one or both directions. In such arrangements, the second rail  26  may, or may not, be telescopic with respect to the first rail, or base  24 . In any event it is preferred that at least one of the sliding components of the slideway  22  is telescopic (left and/or right) with respect to the base section. 
   The slideway  22  further includes an actuating mechanism, conveniently in the form of a lead screw  32 , for effecting relative movement between the rails  24 ,  26 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lead screw  32  is provided on the first rail  24  and carries a follower  34  (e.g. in the form of a lead screw nut) which is connected or coupled to the second rail  26  via a coupling device in the form of a projection or bracket  36 . Rotation of the lead screw  32  causes movement of the follower  34 , and therefore of bracket  36 , in the transverse direction and so effects lateral displacement of the second rail  26  with respect to the first rail  24  (as a result of the coupling between the bracket  36  and the second rail  26 ), the direction of transverse displacement (i.e. left or right) of the second rail  26  being dependent on the direction of rotation of the lead screw  32 . The lead screw  32  and follower  34  may be replaced by any other suitable mechanism, for example a fluid powered ram (not shown). 
   In the preferred embodiment, in order to effect the displacement of the carriage  28  with respect to the second rail  26 , the slideway  22  is coupled to the first and second rails  24 ,  26  by means of a belt device comprising at least one length of flexible, substantially inelastic line or chain, the chains(s) being fixed to the carriage  28  and to the first rail  24  while being in sliding or rolling contact with the second rail  26 . The arrangement is such that movement of the second rail  26  left or right causes a corresponding left or right movement of the carriage  28  by the action of the second rail  28  on the chains(s) and, in turn, by the chain(s) on the carriage  28 . In the preferred embodiment, the belt device includes four lengths of chain, or other line  38 , each having one end fixed to the first rail  24  and the other end fixed to the carriage  28 . The chains  38  each pass around and engage with an end (two chains per end as shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the second rail  26 , preferably via a respective guide wheel  40  provided at the ends of the second rail  26 . Thus as the second rail  26  is laterally or transversely displaced, the fixed nature of the chains  38  results in the carriage  28  being drawn along the second rail  26  in the direction of displacement of same. In the preferred embodiment, the carriage  28  is able to travel across the entire length of the second rail  26  in the transverse direction. The chains  38  and guide wheels  40  may be replaced by any other suitable actuating mechanism, for example a pneumatic or hydraulic ram (not shown). 
   Advantageously, the apparatus  10  includes a control unit (not shown)—which may for example include a PLC (programmable logic controller) device—that monitors the speed of the vehicle  14 , by any suitable conventional means, and sets the speed at which the conveyor  18  is moved in the transverse direction. In the illustrated embodiment, this corresponds to the speed at which the second rail  26  is actuated which, in turn, is determined by the speed of rotation of the lead screw  32 . The lead screw may be actuated by any suitable drive means (not shown), e.g. a motor, under the control of the control unit. The speed of transverse movement of the conveyor  18 , in conjunction with the speed of movement of the vehicle  14 , is set to allow certain cone configurations, especially tapers, to be lifted or laid. 
   In the preferred embodiment, the carriage  28  is connected to the conveyor  18  by means of an arm  44  ( FIG. 1 ). For example, one end of the arm is connected to a set of lugs  42 , the other end of the arm  44  being connected to the underside of the conveyor  18 . During use, the slideway  22  enables the apparatus  10 , and in particular the conveyor  18 , to be displaced laterally or transversely with respect to the vehicle  14 . As the vehicle  14  traverses the road  16 , dispensing or collecting cones  12 , the conveyor  18  may be displaced from left to right, or vice versa, in order to enable the setting out of a cone taper, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , or other cone configuration. In addition, by positioning the apparatus  10  at or beyond the left or right hand sides of the vehicle  14 , the apparatus  10  may lift or lay cones  12  between traffic lanes while the vehicle  14  itself remains within one traffic lane or off the road (e.g. on a hard shoulder). 
   The apparatus  10  or the vehicle  14  may be fitted with sensors (not shown) mounted on one or both sides of the apparatus  10  or vehicle  14  for detecting the proximity of road markings, such as the white line (not shown) marking dual or multi-lanes of a modern highway or road  16 . When such a marking is detected, the slideway  22  may be automatically actuated in order to displace the apparatus  10  towards the center of the vehicle  14  in order to avoid the apparatus  10  crossing into the path of a vehicle (not shown) in an adjacent traffic lane (not shown). 
   Referring now to  FIG. 7 , in addition to allowing the apparatus  10  to be displaced laterally with respect to the vehicle  14 , the carriage  28  preferably provides a further function. The arm  44  securing the conveyor  18  to the carriage  28  is articulated, being pivotable with respect to both the carriage  28  and the conveyor  18 , and can therefore be raised upwardly from the position illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in order to raise the conveyor  18  into a storage position as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The apparatus  10  preferably includes at least one actuator for moving the conveyor  18  between the use and storage states. In the embodiment illustrated, two actuators in the form of a of hydraulic rams  74  are provided, one having one end connected to a set of lugs  42  provided on the carriage  28 , and the other end connected to the arm  44 , and the other mounted to the apparatus adjacent (above as shown in  FIG. 7 ) the carriage  28  at one end, and to a conventional linkage, e.g. a four bar linkage  76 , at the other end, connecting the upper (as viewed in  FIG. 7 ) hydraulic ram  74  to the arm  44 . Starting from the use state of  FIG. 1 , extension of the lower (as viewed in  FIG. 7 ) hydraulic ram  74 , in combination with extension of the upper hydraulic ram  74 , raises the arm  44  upwardly. As the arm  44  is raised upwardly, the weight of the conveyor  18  and transfer mechanism  20 , in addition to the action of the linkage  76 , causes the conveyor  18  to rotate (anti-clockwise as viewed in  FIG. 7 ) about the arm  44 , towards a substantially vertical position. The final storage position of the apparatus  10  is preferably one in which the arm  44  is extended substantially vertically upwards, with the conveyor  18  disposed generally parallel to the arm  44 , also in a substantially vertical position, as illustrated. The arm  44  and conveyor  18  are suitably dimensioned such that, in this storage position, the entire apparatus  10 , and in particular the transfer mechanism  20 , is raised off the road  16 . To assist in this operation, the transfer mechanism  20  is preferably pivotable with respect to the conveyor  18 . When the apparatus  10  is not in use, it may be raised into the storage position shown in  FIG. 7 , wherein the vehicle  14  can be driven as normal. The apparatus  10  can readily be deployed for use by retracting the rams  74 . The arm  44  and associated actuators also allow the angular disposition of the conveyor  18  with respect to the road  16  to be adjusted. In the preferred embodiment, the angle of the conveyor  18  relative to the road surface  16  is increased with respect to the apparatus of GB 2325683 and this reduces the length of conveyor  18  required. The preferred angle of inclination is between approximately 15 and 45 degrees. The angle of inclination may be varied to suit different types of vehicle  14  having rear sections at different heights. In a preferred embodiment, only a single actuator is used to actuate the apparatus  10  between the use and storage states. The actuator is pivotably mounted between the frame  21  and the conveyor  18  in a manner similar to that of the lower ram  74  shown in  FIG. 7 . The upper ram  74  and linkage  76  may be replaced by a linkage, e.g. a four point linkage, extending between the conveyor  18  and the base of the slideway. 
   In addition to the slideway  22 , the apparatus  10  is advantageously provided with a modified transfer mechanism  20 . As with the apparatus of GB 2325683, the transfer mechanism  20  includes a frame  21  associated with or carrying (directly or indirectly) an abutment in the form of a topple bar  46  ( FIG. 1 ). The frame  21  comprises first and second spaced-apart and substantially parallel arms  23  which, in use, are located adjacent road level. The frame  21 , and more particularly the length of the arms  23 , maintains the topple bar  46  in spaced relation to an in use lower end  48  of the conveyor  18 . The topple bar  46  comprises a cross bar that is spaced-apart from the road  16  by an amount that depends on the height of the cones  12  being lifted/laid. Carried by the arms  23  and disposed between the topple bar  46  and the conveyor  18  are a pair of toothed drums  50  capable of being rotated, on a respective shaft  52  that extends between the arms  23 , about a substantially horizontal axis, in order to advance a cone  12  onto the conveyor  18 , or to deposit a cone  12  from the conveyor  18  onto the road  16 . Each drum  50  includes one or more wheels, preferably toothed wheels, each being rotatable about the shaft  52 . Two drums  50  are preferred although one drum  50 , or more than two drums may alternatively be provided. The drums  50  effectively serve as a conveyor and it will be understood that the drums may be replaced by other conveying means, for example an endless belt type conveyor assembly, or one or more rollers. 
   As with the apparatus of GB2325683, when the apparatus  10  is advanced towards a cone  12 , the topple bar  46  engages with the cone  12  thereby the tilting or toppling the cone  12  as the apparatus  10  is further advanced. The cone  12  is eventually tilted at such an angle that the topple bar  46  passes over the cone  12 , following which the cone  12  begins to right itself under the action of gravity. However, at this stage the leading part of the cone  12  is positioned above the drums  50 , and therefore drops onto the drums  50  as the cone  12  attempts to right itself. 
   The transfer mechanism  20  is preferably also provided with a cross bar or support  54  extending substantially horizontally across the frame  21  adjacent the road level (during use) and between the drums  50  and the topple bar  46 . During use, the cross bar  54  engages the underside of the cone  12  as the apparatus  10  is advanced thus lifting the cone  12  off the road  16  as it drops onto the drums  50 . The drums  50 , which may be freely rotatable but which are preferably rotated during use by any suitable drive means or motor, therefore act to propel the cone  12  onto the conveyor  18 . Hence the spacing (in the direction of travel of the apparatus  10 ) between the cross bar  54  and the topple bar  46  is such that the topple bar  46  has disengaged with a tilted cone before the base tilted cone engages with the cross bar  54 , and the spacing (in the direction of travel of the apparatus  10 ) between the cross bar  54  and the drums  50  is such that the cone falls onto the drums  50  as it rights itself under gravity and as it is lifted by the cross bar  54 . 
   The transfer mechanism  20  is advantageously provided with wheels  25 , conveniently castor-type wheels, to facilitate the transverse movement of the apparatus  10 . Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , it is preferred to provide a set of one or more wheels at the topple bar end of the transfer mechanism  20  in addition to the wheels  25  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   Once the cone  12  reaches an upper end  68  of the conveyor  18 , it is preferably transferred onto a secondary conveyor  70 , which may for example be an endless belt type conveyer or a roller type conveyor, and which, in use, projects at least partially over the cone storage area of the vehicle  14 . Preferably, the conveyor  70  slopes downwardly from the upper end  68  towards the vehicle  14 . The conveyor  70  may be carried by the vehicle itself (in which case it does not necessarily need to be connected to the apparatus  10 ), or may be an integral part of the apparatus  10  (in which case it may or may not be supported by the vehicle  14 ). 
   Referring in particular to  FIG. 8 , the secondary conveyor  70  is preferably associated with a guide rail  72  arranged to direct cones  12  from the conveyor  70  onto the vehicle  14 . The guide rail  72  is particularly advantageous when used to ensure that the cones  12  are deposited onto the vehicle  14  when the conveyor  18  is laterally displaced beyond the side of the vehicle  14 . Preferably, the guide, or side, rail  72  is pivotable (about an in use vertical axis) so that its orientation may be adjusted to suit the lateral position of the conveyor  70 . The guide rail  72  may be mounted on the conveyor  70  or on the vehicle  14 . Preferably, a respective guide rail  72  is provided for each side of the vehicle  14 . For example,  FIG. 8  shows a left hand side guide rail  72  mounted to the vehicle  14  and a right hand side guide rail  72  mounted on the conveyor  70 . Advantageously, the guide rail or each guide rail  72  is capable of pivoting in order to track the lateral position of the secondary conveyor  70 . To this end, the pivoting of the guide rail(s)  72  may be mechanically, or electro-mechanically, linked to the movement of the conveyor  70 . The guide rails  72  are capable of guiding cones  12  off the secondary conveyor  70  onto the rear of the vehicle  14  in a direction that is oblique with respect to the direction in which cones move along the conveyor  70 . In order to allow the secondary conveyor  70  to remained fixed in position relative to the conveyor  18 , the secondary conveyor  70  is preferably mounted on, or connected to, the carriage  28 . Advantageously, the conveyor  70  is provided with wheels  71  which, during use, engage with the storage surface of vehicle  14 , support the conveyor  70  on the vehicle  14  and facilitate lateral movement of the conveyor  70  with respect to the vehicle. 
   Unlike the apparatus of GB 2325683, the transfer means  20  of the present invention is provided with, or associated with, a set of guide members or rails  56 . A respective guide rail  56  is provided at each side of the frame  21  such that a channel is defined between the guide rails  56  along which cones  12  travel on their way to the loading end  48  of the conveyor  18 . Each guide rail  56  may be carried by a respective support bar  57  which is in effect an extension of the respective arm  23  and which therefore may be integral with, or connected to, the respective arm  23 . The topple bar  46  is conveniently carried by the support bars  57 . It is preferred however, that the topple bar  46  is spaced from the free ends  59  of the support bars  57  (in a direction towards the conveyor  18 ) such that the guide rails  56  extend beyond the topple bar  46  with respect to the conveyor  18 . This enables the guide rails  56  to perform some alignment of cones  12  before the cones  12  are contacted by the topple bar  46 . 
   The guide rails  56  are shaped such that the channel defined thereby is relatively wide at its mouth  61 , i.e. at the free ends  59  of the support bars  57 , and narrows in a direction towards the conveyor  18 . Hence, the channel is tapered, or funnel-like, and serves to align cones  12  with the conveyor  18 . The guide rails  56  may thus be used to funnel cones  12 , which may be off center with respect to the conveyor  18 , centrally towards the conveyor  18 , thereby allowing cones  12  to be collected without requiring the excessive steering of the vehicle  14 , or lateral displacement of the conveyor  18  by means of the slideway  22 . 
   The lateral spacing between the guide rails  56  is such that the body or sidewall  58  of a cone  12  may pass along the channel to the conveyor  18 . However, the spacing between guide rails  56  is further arranged such that the base  60  of a cone  12  is prevented from passing therebetween at least in a region between the topple bar  46  and the drums  50 . More particularly, the relatively narrow region of the channel is arranged such that, when a cone  12  is tilted by the topple bar  46 , the base  60  of the cone  12  is prevented from passing between the guide rails  56 . 
   In addition to tapering inwardly towards the conveyor  18 , each guide rail  56  extends, in use, away from the surface of the road  16  as it progresses from the mouth  61  towards the conveyor  18 . The arrangement is such that, at least in the region between the topple bar  46  and the drums  50 , the guide rails  56  are spaced apart from the road surface  16  to allow limited tilting of the base  60  of the cone  12  when the cone  12  is engaged by the topple bar  46 , while preventing the cone  12  from being tilted to the extent that it topples over by engagement with the base  60 . The preferred vertical profile of the guide rails  56  is such that as the cone  12  is toppled, the guide rails  56  generally follow the path of the base  60  as it is raised off the road  16  by the toppling action of the cone  12 . 
   In use, a crossbar  62  of the topple bar  46  contacts the sidewall  58  of the cone  12  as the apparatus  10  is advanced towards the cone  12 . The cone  12  thus begins to tilt, raising the base  60  towards, or into light contact with, the guide rails  56 . As the apparatus  10  is advanced further, increasing the angle of tilt of the cone  12 , the base  60  is raised further (hence the increase in height of the guide rails  56  as they approach the drums  50  to allow the cone  12  to be titled). As the apparatus  10  is further advanced, the cross bar  62  passes over the top of the cone  12 , following which the cone  12  will begin to right itself, resulting in the base  60  landing on the rotating drums  50 , which propel the cone  12  onto the conveyor  18 . As the cone  12  is righting, the apparatus  10  is still advancing, resulting in the support bar or cross bar  54  hitting the edge of the base  60  still on the road  16 . This impact raises the base  60  completely off the road  16 , ensuring that the cone  12  lands cleanly on the drums  50  of the transfer means  20 . The topple bar  46  and the support bar  54  are preferably spaced from one another such that the support  54  contacts the base  60  when the cone  12  is at an angle of between approximately 30 degrees and 45 degrees to the vertical. The support  54  is also preferably raised off the road  16  by a distance of approximately up to 100 mm, depending on the actual dimensions of the cone  12 . 
   Hence, the guide rails  56  are carefully contoured to allow the base  60  to be tilted off the road  16 , while preventing the cone  12  from tilting beyond an angle of inclination which would result in the cone  12  toppling completely onto the road  16 , which would prevent the cone  12  from being passed onto the conveyor  18 . The guide rails  56  therefore allow for an increased speed of collection of the cones  12 , as the topple bar  46  can strike the cone  12  at almost any speed without the impact resulting in the cone  12  toppling over, as the guide rails  56  will contact and restrain the base  60 . 
   If the apparatus  10  is to be utilized for collecting a cone  12  with any form of appendage, e.g. a lamp, secured to the top of the cone  12 , the topple bar  46  would not be able to pass cleanly over the top of the cone  12 . This could result in a cone  12  jamming in the transfer means  20 , or resulting in the topple bar  46  knocking the appendage off the top of the cone  12 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4 to 6 , the apparatus  10 , and in particular the transfer mechanism  20 , may be provided with an alternative topple bar assembly, generally indicated as  146 , for particular use with cones  12  having an appendage such as a lamp or beacon  64  secured to the top thereof. The topple bar assembly  146  includes of a pair of contact members in the form of pivot bars  80 , each of which is pivotable with respect to the transfer mechanism  20  about an, in use, substantially horizontal axis. Extending from each pivot bar  80  is an upright  82  from which extends a crossbar  162 . The arrangement is such that, in a rest state, the respective cross bars  162  extend laterally, or transversely, across the transfer mechanism  20  at a height above the road  16  so as to be able to engage with a cone in order to topple the cone, the free ends of the cross bars  162  being sufficiently close to each other to engage with a cone  12 . In the rest state, the pivot bars  80  may be substantially horizontally disposed and the uprights  82  may be substantially vertically disposed, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In a pivoted state (as shown in  FIG. 6 ), the pivot bars  80  are pivoted about their respective axis thereby causing the cross bars  162  to move away from one another, or open, to allow the passage of a cone  12  therebetween. 
   In use, as the transfer mechanism  20  advances towards a cone  12 , the pair of crossbars  162  contact the side wall  58  of the cone  12 , resulting in tilting of the cone  12 . However, as the base  60  of the cone  12  rises, following the contours of the guide rails  56 , the base  60  (or some other part of the cone  12 ) comes into contact with the pivot bars  80 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
   Referring then to  FIG. 6 , as the cone  12  continues to tilt, and the base  60  thereof continues to raise, it causes the pivot bars  80  to pivot upwardly, thereby resulting in the crossbars  162  opening outwardly away from one another. This action allows the cone  12 , and in particular the beacon  64  mounted thereon, to pass between the opposed portions of the topple bar assembly  146 , to be deposited onto the drums  50 , and subsequently the conveyor  18 , as hereinbefore described. 
   Preferably, the center of gravity of the two opposing portions of the topple bar assembly  146  is arranged such that they adopt the rest state after a cone  12  has passed through. It will be understood that the topple bar assembly  146  need not necessarily include opposing portions on either side of the transfer mechanism  146 —a single pivoting assembly  80 ,  82 ,  162  on one side of the transfer mechanism  30  may alternatively be provided. 
   The topple bar assembly  146  allows cones  12  with appendages such as the beacon  64  or the like to be collected using the apparatus  10 . Using the topple bar assembly  146 , cones (not shown) of different heights can also be accommodated, in addition to double or multi-stacked cones (not shown). The topple bar assembly  146  could be used with prior art cone collecting devices (not shown), such as that disclosed in the applicant&#39;s earlier UK Pat. No. GB 2325683, as could the guide rails  56 . In preferred embodiments, the height of the cross bar  162  above the road  16  is such that it engages during use with cones  12  at a level approximately two thirds of the height of the cone  12 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 9 to 12 , there is shown, generally indicated as  246 , a further alternative topple bar assembly, which may be used with the apparatus  10 , or with the apparatus of GB 2325683. In  FIGS. 9 to 12 , the whole transfer mechanism  20  is not shown—only those parts are shown that allow the location and operation of the topple bar assembly  246  to be understood. Moreover, those parts of the transfer mechanism  20  and apparatus  10  that are shown are not necessarily shown fully in  FIGS. 9 to 12  since this is not necessary for an understanding of the topple bar assembly  246 . 
   The topple bar assembly  246  includes a support frame  290  which carries a toppling member, or cross piece  262  for engaging with cones  12  during use. The cross piece  262  is movable with respect to the support frame  290  in a direction away from the conveyor  18  from a rest state (as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 ) to a displaced state (as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). Preferably, the cross piece  262  is pivotable with respect to the support frame  290  such that it may swing in a direction away from the conveyor  18 . In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by connecting the cross piece  262  to the support frame  290  by arms  292 , each arm being pivotably connected to the support frame  290 . The preferred arrangement is such that the crosspiece  262  adopts the rest state under the influence of gravity. It is preferred that the cross piece  262  is not able to swing towards the conveyor  18  beyond the rest state. To this end, a stop member (not shown) may be provided on the cross piece  262  which engages with the support frame  290  during use to prevent the cross piece  262  from moving towards the conveyor  18  beyond the rest state. 
   The support frame  290  is mountable on the apparatus  10  (or similar apparatus) at or adjacent the transfer mechanism  20  and may conveniently be carried by the arms  23  or support bars  57 . When so mounted, the cross piece  262  extends (at least in the rest state) laterally across the transfer mechanism  20  in a manner similar to the cross bars  62 ,  162 . In the illustrated embodiment, the support frame  290  comprises two posts  294  between which the cross piece  262  is pivotably mounted, each post being mounted on, or mountable on, a respective support bar  57 . 
   It is preferred that the cross piece  262  has a flat surface  265  for engaging with the cone  12  (or an attachment mounted on the cone  12 ) when in a dispensing mode. The flat surface  265  is dimensioned such that it will have a sliding contact with a cone  12  (or attachment) during the dispensing operation. This facilitates the passage of the cone  12  past the cross piece  262  and minimizes the risk that the cross piece  262  will catch on the cone  12  (or attachment). Conveniently, therefore, the cross piece  262  may take the form of a generally flat or planar member. 
   In the rest state, the cross piece  262  extends between the posts  294  at a height above the road surface  16  at which it will engage with cones  12  and/or their attachments. In use, when lifting cones  12  (as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 ) the cross piece  262  engages with and tilts cones  12  in a manner substantially similar to that described for previous embodiments. During this operation, the cross piece  262  remains in the rest state since it is prevented from moving towards the conveyor  18 . 
   When dispensing cones  12  (as illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ), each cone  12  (or an attachment thereon) engages with the cross piece  262  and causes it to move, or swing, away from the conveyor  18  towards the displaced state. Hence, the cross piece  262  effects little or no tilting of the cones  12 . As a result, the cones  12  are dispensed in a more consistent manner since, if the cones  12  are tilted significantly during the laying operation, they can rock or swivel as they settle themselves and this can cause them to come to rest in a location other than that which was intended. 
   Preferably, the height at which the cross piece  262  is located with respect to the road surface  16  is adjustable to accommodate cones  12  of different sizes, or with different attachments. This can be achieved in any convenient manner, for example by providing a plurality of locations at which the arms  292  may be connected to the posts  294 . It is also preferred that the distance between the cross piece  262  and the conveyor  18  is adjustable (e.g. by being able to mount the support frame  290  at various locations along the length of the arms  23  or support bars  57 ) to accommodate cones of different sizes or with different attachments. These adjustments are preferably also provided for in the apparatus  10 . 
   It will be apparent that the topple bar assembly  246  may be present on the apparatus  10 , or similar apparatus, during both the lifting and laying modes of operation. 
   The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, which may be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.