VEHICLE TAIL LIFT PROTECTION APPARATUS

A load platform () configured for use as part of a tail lift on a vehicle, the load platform comprising a protector device () in the form of a flexible sheet () that is configurable, when said load platform is attached to a vehicle, to cover a gap between the tail lift and the vehicle, the tail lift characterised in that the protector device () is, at a first end, anchored to the load platform by an elasticated fixing arrangement and at a second end that is opposite the first end, configured for attachment to a supporting structure of the tail lift () or to a part of a given vehicle to which the tail lift is attached; wherein, upon the load platform being attached to a vehicle, when said load platform () is in a first position, substantially at ground level, said protector device () is oriented such that it occupies a plane that is substantially vertical and covering the gap as exists between the rear of the tail lift and the vehicle; when said load platform () is in a second position, substantially raised from ground level and at the level of the vehicle load deck, said protector device () is oriented such that it occupies a plane that is substantially parallel to a main plane of the load platform; and during movement of said load platform () from said first position to said second raised position, said elasticated fixing arrangement contracts in order to thereby draw said device into said main plane of said load platform; and during movement of said load platform () from said second position to said first position, said elasticated fixing arrangement expands in order to thereby enable said device as is attached to said supporting structure, to be drawn from said load platform () in order to cover said gap.