Device for securing a material handling device in fixed location inside a transport vehicle and related method

An apparatus for securing a material handling device within a transport vehicle, wherein the material handling device has a platform for supporting a load above a support surface, the platform being configured to be raised or lowered relative to the support surface, a steerable traction element operatively supported on the platform for engagement with the support surface so that the platform is steerably movable thereacross, at least one auxiliary traction element operatively supported on the platform for engagement with the support surface so that the platform is supported for movement across the support surface, and a handle having a shaft operatively coupled to the steerable traction element for manually steering said steerable traction element and a gripping portion supported on the shaft at a spaced location from the platform and arranged for grasping by a user, wherein the handle is configured to actuate raising or lowering of the platform relative to the support surface, and wherein the handle is further configured for movement between a locked position in which the handle is in fixed position relative to the platform so as to be substantially inoperable to move the platform and a working position in which the handle is movable relative to the platform so as to be operable to steer the platform, the apparatus comprising:

• an arm extending between first and second ends;
• a first attachment member at the first end configured for attaching to the shaft of the handle of the material handling device;
• a second attachment member at the second end configured for attaching to the transport vehicle;
• wherein the arm is movable relative to the first attachment member between a working position in which the arm is arranged to extend outwardly from the shaft of the handle to position the second attachment member at a spaced location therefrom for connecting to the transport vehicle, so as to secure the material handling device in fixed relation to the transport vehicle, and a storage position in which the arm is arranged generally parallel to the shaft of the handle to position the second attachment member at or adjacent the shaft.