AU2004233547A1 - Load carrying platform - Google Patents

Description

Regulation 3.

O

SAUSTRALIA

SPATENTS ACT 1990

C)

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

(ORIGINAL)

Ci, c1 Name of Applicant: Darren Noel Johnson Actual Inventors: Darren Noel Johnson Address for Service: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, Level 3, 303 Coronation Drive, Milton 4064, Queensland.

Invention Title: "Novel load carrying platform" Details of Associated Provisional Application(s) No(s): 2003906636 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: Q:\OPERALC20041DECEMBER 2004\12494592 AU COMPLETE APPL 336 DOC 1/12/04 ?VWtak\Spmiftcton fled\2494592 AU cop1ac apgt 136d~c-O1tZ'04 LOAD CARRYING PLATFORM FIELD OF THE INVENTION The field of the invention relates to load carrying platforms on vehicles.

en More specifically, this invention relates to a load carrying platform such as used in heavy .4 commercial vehicles and preferably, although not exclusively, articulated vehicles. In o particular, the invention is directed to a novel trailer or load carrying platform which is adapted for easy loading.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENITON The transport industry is of global fundamental importance to the orderly functioning of economics and societies. The scope of activities in the transport industry extends across a wide range including transport of people, trucking, rail and shipping services. However, movement of freight is perhaps the most significant part of the transport task and in particular movement of freight by road is of primary significance and involves transport of massive tonnages of freight in any significant period of time.

Articulated trucks are responsible for the largest percentage of the freight transport task performed. by road.

Using Australia for an example, in the year ended 31 October 2000, articulated trucks accounted for some 100,000,000,000 tonne-kilometres (ie. load x distance). This compared with approximately 24,000,000,000 tonne-kilometres for rigid trucks and only 5,500,000,000 tonne-kilometres for light commercial vehicles. These figures are very significant even compared with rail freight operations which traditionally carry significant total tonnages.

During the same period, freight-carrying vehicles accounted for 17% of all vehicles and 22% (42,676,000,000 kilometres) of total distance travelled. Total fuel consumption by all vehicles was estimated at approximately 26,000,000,000, litres with freight-carrying vehicles accounting for 34% or 8,865,000,000 litres. The average consumption of fuel by articulated trucks during this period was 53 litres per 100 FP:\WCSpccfiCadoa Us MOMa!12494592 AUccplac ApoI 3l6d-01117m04 o -2kilometres. Freight vehicles travelled an estimated 22,500,000,000 kilometres for business purposes and while laden, carrying a total of 1,482,000,000 tonnes of goods. A total of 132,442,000,000 tonne-kilometres was travelled by all freight vehicles in the 12 months ended 31 October 2001. Articulated trucks recorded the largest proportion of total tonne kilometres at 77%. Rigid trucks accounted for 19% and light commercial vehicles en for 4%.

Crude materials accounted for the largest total tonnes carrying in the period o at 33% or 492,000,000 tonnes. This was followed by food and live animals which accounted for 17% of the total loads carried.

One figure that does not appear in these statistics is the number of kilometres travelled unladen. At any one time, it is estimated that up to 30% of freight vehicles are travelling unladen resulting from the inability to capture return or ongoing loads after an initial load carrying run. Travelling empty may be for the entire period of a return to origin trip or the operator may be fortunate enough to acquire at least some load along the j ourney.

The practice of operating a truck without cargo is referred to as deadheading in some circles of the transport industry.

One of the difficulties in acquiring a return load may arise from the type of vehicle and its suitability for accepting a particular type or range of loads.

Many products need to be protected from the weather, and if their size and weight facilitate the process, may be loaded into a closed container or compartment.

A typical example of such a closed loading platform will comprise a load bearing platform with sides and a roof forming a compartment-defining top section. The sides may be formed with a head board, a tail board and lateral walls. The lateral walls may be permanently fixed or in some embodiments are formed as curtain walls which may be retracted to allow better access to the load bearing platform.

Although this approach has improved the versatility of enclosed trailers and improved the ability to load a broad range of different loads into the same space, there is still limited access to the platform of a closed-in trailer.

Particularly long or heavy loads still present problems and one significant problem arises because overhead loading with a crane is impossible. Similarly high loads P: 'i\SpcrcifilCAi as 11vW2494592 AU owpLct ap* 336 doc-0I/1204 0 o ci -3or awkwardly shaped loads may be impossible to be loaded using forklifts without serious risk to the vehicle, the load, or even worse, to operators.

0 A driver of an enclosed semi trailer may be more restricted in opportunity to pick up loads if he is unable to accept loads that are long or require vertical deposition on the tray.

en, The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the ocommon general knowledge in any country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an improved load carrying arrangement, or at least to provide an alternative to existing arrangements.

In a first broad aspect, the invention resides in a load carrying compartment for a truck or trailer, comprising a load carrying platform and top section wherein the top section is hingedly fixed to the load carrying platform and rotatable between a closed position and an open position wherein the open position provides improved access, preferably vertical access, to the platform.

The top section may comprise a roof portion and wall members. The top section may extend along the full length of the load carrying platform. Alternatively, the top section may extend only along a portion of the length of the load carrying platform.

The roof section may be continuous and imperforate. The roof section may be formed from any suitable material such as metal, fibreglass or polymer. The roof may be formed as a screen, web or similar.

The wall members may comprise frame members, the frame members may be vertical posts or may include vertical posts. The vertical posts may be removable. The wall members may, additionally or alternatively, comprise a head board, a tail board and side walls. The side walls may be retractable. The side walls may be formed as retractable curtains.

The top section may be hinged for rotation around a substantially horizontal axis. Preferably the top section is hinged directly to the platform. The top section may be AOp 4alcSpdficflatios as file 2494592 AUl ca'pletc lpp 336 d,-01o12Va4 0 -4-

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hinged at front and rear corresponding corners of the platform. The top section may be hinged along the side of the platform at one or more positions. The top section may be continuously hinged along a side of the platform. It is possible for the top section to be hinged at one or more of the front and rear edges of the platform.

The hinged attachment is preferably disengageable for removal of the top section.

It is preferred if the load carrying compartment further comprises rotation omeans for rotating the top section between closed and opened positions. The rotation means may comprise a bracket or other configuration adapted to engage an external moving means. The external moving means may be a forklift, crane, ram or other device suitable for engaging the bracket and rotating the top section.

Preferably, the rotation means is a mechanical arrangement carried on or in association with the load carrying compartment. The mechanical arrangement may be a geared apparatus for activation by winding. Winding may occur manually or via motor drive means such as an electric motor. A winching arrangement may also be used.

Most preferably the rotation means is one or more rams, preferably hydraulic, arranged for extension and retraction and associated opening and/or closing of the top section. The rams may be switch operated. Preferably the rams are remotely operated. The one or more rams may be pivotally mounted at both ends, a first end to the platform and a second end to the top section. The preferred arrangement may include cooperating rams located at the front and rear of the top section and preferably attached to the head board and tail board, respectively.

The load carrying compartment preferably includes rotation limiting means for limiting rotation into the open position. The rotation limiting means may be any suitable mechanical arrangement known to a person skilled in the art. The mechanical arrangement may comprise a tethering cord fixed to the platform at a first end of the cord and to the top section of a second end of the cord. Two or more cords may be used.

Alternatively, or additionally, the limit of rotation may be fixed by the hydraulic rams or other rotation means. Further, alternatively or additionally, a stop means or plurality of stop means may be located adjacent the hinged section of the top section of the platform to thereby limit movement.

PVWuWcNSP~ifnd.I. i-Ntc\24945fl AU cc.,ac &Wi 336 doc-OLiL/0 Most preferably the load carrying compartment further comprises locking means for locking the top section into travelling position relative to the platform. The locking means may be any suitable mechanical arrangement. The mechanical arrangement may rely on retraction and fixing of the hydraulic rams. Preferably one or more lock pin arrangements are utilised. The lock pin arrangement may be driven by a ram. The ram may be remotely activated to slide the lock pin into a receiving aperture in the top section.

The ram and lock pin are preferably fixed to the platform, although they may be fixed to o the stop section for insertion into a receiving aperture on the load platform. The lock means may comprise two or more of such lock pin arrangements.

The load carrying compartment is preferably located on a semi trailer. The load carrying compartment may be located on any form of trailer or even on the rear of a non-articulated vehicle.

The top section may include curtain restraining means for restraining the curtains in position during rotation. The curtain restraining means may be in the form of a frame member rotatably mounted to the top section and movable between a travelling, stowed position and a deployed curtain restraining position. The frame member may be substantially in the form of a triangle. The invention may include support means for supporting the top section independently of the trailer. The support means may comprise four or more jacks.

In a further aspect, the invention resides in a method of providing improved access to a load carrying platform, the method comprising the steps of: fixing a top section of a load carrying compartment to a load carrying platform in hinged relationship, rotating the top section from a closed travelling position to an open position wherein access to the load platform is improved; positioning a load on the load carrying platform; rotating the top section from an open position to a closed travelling position; and locking the top section in position for travelling.

The step of rotating the top section either to the open or the closed position may further comprise the step of activating one or more hydraulic rams thereby leading to associated movement of the top section. The method may further include removing one or P2 OWnWtcSpecificaiw, 5lcd\2494592 AU cePlfle PPI 3364.O-113/04 o -6more side frame members and/or opening side curtains and fixing them in place during rotation of the top section.

The invention may also be said to reside in a truck or trailer having a compartment as indicated above or that carries out a method as indicated above.

en BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS o Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a prime mover and semi-trailer including the load carrying compartment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is the arrangement of Figure 1 with side curtains retracted.

Figure 3 is the arrangement of Figure 2 with the top section rotated into an open position.

Figure 4 is a rear view of the arrangement of Figure 1 in a closed position.

Figure 5 is a rear vision of the arrangement of Figure 2 in an open position with a load being positioned on the load carrying platform.

Figure 6 is a side sectional view of a locking arrangement.

Figure 7 is a view of an arrangement for rotating the top section in two directions.

Figure 8 shows the arrangement of Figure 7 tipped to the right.

Figure 9 shows the arrangement of Figure 7 tipped to the left.

Figure 10 is a top part sectional view showing the operation of a curtain restrainer.

Figure 11I shows a rear perspective part view of the operation the curtain restrainer of Figure Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an example of a locking arrangement.

Figure 13 shows a rear view of the top section removed from the load carrying platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to Figure 1 there is seen a truck and trailer arrangement comprising a prime mover 11 and semi-traiker 12. The semi-trailer is formed in part by a load carrying platform 13 and top section 14.

?:YCpcSpcdflcadjw, &3 M[dMl2494592 AUapide Wpp J36.duC-OIIZ04 .47 The top section 14 comprises a roof 15, tail board 16 and head board 17 (see Figure 2).

The tail board 16 has crossed bracing members 18, 19 and a lower gusset The head board may have a similar arrangement on its anterior surface. A hydraulic ramn 21 is pivotally attached to the platform 13 at first pivot joint 22. The ramn 21 is likewise pivotally attached to the bracing member at second pivot joint 23. A hydraulic line 24 is shown in part hidden detail and acts as a delivery line for providing hydraulic o fluid to the ram 21 under pressure. Once a remote hydraulic pump is activated delivery of pressurised fluid will lead to extension of the ranm 21.

The top section is further comprised of side walls which in this case, are formed of an anterior section 25A and posterior section Referring now to Figure 2, it can be seen that the side walls are curtain walls which are slideably mounted so that the anterior section 25A and posterior section are drawn to the head board 17 and tail board 16 respectively thus revealing central vertical roof support posts 26, 27. Upper surface 28 of the load carrying platform 13 is also now visible. The trailer may have removable roof support posts to allow better access to the load bearing platform with the posts subsequently reinserted after a heavier or a longer load has been placed into position on the platform.

In Figure 3 the hydraulic ram 21 and corresponding forward ram 29 have both been extended thereby revealing hinged attachments 30, 31 at the front and rear corners at one side of the load carrying platform 13. The hinged attachments 30, 31 allow rotation of the top section 14 to an open position thereby improving access to the upper surface 28 of the load carrying platform 13. This rotation provides vertical clearance. The anterior sections 25A, 25B of the side walls are held in position by ties 32, 33, respectively.

While it is preferred if both sides are retracted to provide improved access to the upper surface 28, it may also be acceptable to provide only one retractable side as the off side clears the platform when rotated. However, with heavy loads or long loads such as logs or piping there may be a risk of damage to the offiside wall and subsequent advantage in removing it from harms way.

MP aWa'Spcflcficw m f~lNS~I4592 AUccoIlt ppl 3i6do-OI12/04 o -8- It may also be desired to provide only a partial section of the top and walls which is rotatable. For example, the top section may be formed as two. or even more cooperating sections of roof and walls. One of more of those sections may be differentially rotatable relative to the other.

In a further embodiment, if may be desired to provide alternative rotation.

en That is, the hinge points may be moveable from side-to-side with corresponding rotating means on alternate sides to provide the versatility of rotating the top section in either o direction. This may be of advantage in confined spaces where the clearance on one side may be impeded.

In Figure 3, tethering cords 33, 34 are shown at the rear and front of the semi-trailer respectively. The cords are shown at full extension thereby limiting the arc of rotation of the top section 14. The rams 21, 29 may provide accessory limitation Or indeed in some embodiments, primary limitation. The tethering cord 33 may be seen in loose configuration in Figures 1 and 2. The cords 33, 34 may be formed of any suitable material such as wire or rope, web, straps, or other hard wearing and strong material.

Figures 4 and 5 show the relative movement of the top section 14 from a closed travelling position in Figure 4 to an open loading position in Figure 5. In Figure 4, the tether 33 is loose and ram 21 retracted. The hinge attachment 30 is better seen in this view. The hinge attachment 30 is pivoted to the platform 13 through pin 35. A locking pin aperture 36 is also visible and will receive a locking pin (further discussed in relation to Figure 6) when in the travelling position.

In Figure 5, the ram 21 is extended and tether 33 is linearly stretched to limit rotation. A vertical axis 37 is shown approximately parallel to the bracing strut 19 thereby providing an angle of around 45-50'C or rotation.

A heavy long load of pipes 38 supported on a base 39 and lowered by a crane 40 while fixed into position by strap 41 is shown being positioned with easy access to the load carrying platform 13 due to the rotation of the top section.

Figure 6 is a side part sectional view of one non-limiting example of a locking means in the form of a pin fixed to a telescopic ramn 43 which in turn is fixed to an underside of the load carrying platform 13. The pin 42 is received in an aperture 36 seen in partial section and which is formed in a tongue 44 of the tail board 16. When the top P:\Opraic\S c-ti-m fIcd\I2494392 AUcwPldc ap3I 336 dcc.01I12/04 section is rotated into a closed travelling position the tongue inserts into a receiving aperture 45 which in turn leads to the aperture 36 being aligned with retracted pin 42. The ram 43 is then extended to drive the pin 42 into the aperture 36 and provide positive mechanical locking. The tethering points 46, 47 are shown for the tether cord and allow rotation of the ends of the cord as the top section itself rotates.

Figure 7 shows a rear view of a semi-trailer 45 of a further embodiment of the invention. In this arrangement, the top section 46 is hinged at a first pivot arrangement o 47 and a second pivot arrangement 48. This configuration allows for alternative tipping of the top section 46. Operation of the tipping action occurs through centre mounted ram 49 which is pivotally attached to the platform through a first pivot connection 50 and pivotally connected to a support frame 51 formed in the back board 52, through second pivot point 53. Tyres 54, skid plate and king pin 55 and support legs 56 are also apparent in this view.

Figure 8 shows the top section 46 rotated to the right round a second pivot arrangement 48 through extension of the central hydraulic ram 49 after release of locking means which may free the left hand wall 57 relative to the load bearing platform 58. The fluid delivery hoses 59 for operating the ram 49 are also apparent in this view. The ram may be pneumatically operated if preferred.

In Figure 9, the right hand or opposite side wall 60 has been released from the locking hinge point 48. Extension of the ram 49 in this case causes rotation to the left hand side of the trailer.

The utility of the centre mounted ramn 49 is therefore apparent as its extension or retraction will cause movement in direction depending on which side of the top section 46 has been released.

Figures 10 and 11 show the operation of a curtain restraint which is exemplified by a triangular frame member 61. The triangular member 61 is supported by an offset hinge 62 to swing between a travelling position shown in hidden detail at 63 and a curtain restraining position shown at 6 1. The position at 62 is adjacent the back wall 5 2 of the top section. The load carrying floor 64 is also apparent. In operation the frame member 61 is swung from the stowed position 63 to that shown at 61 in Figure 11I and the curtain 65 is positioned outwardly of the frame member 61 and held in position during rotation. The frame member 61 is swung through approximately 2700 to abut against an P 1tpo iflmiam a !Ioi12494592 AU cwptatc BMp 336.doc-oi/1210

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edge or end 66 of the back wall 52. The curtains may be tethered in that position or simply allowed to stay in place under the influence of gravity. This prevents the curtains falling into a position where they may be damaged by the load or dragged across the top of a load when the top section is being realigned for travel.

Figure 12 shows a locking and pivot arrangement which in this case are en both performed by the same device. A ramn 67 actuates a sliding pin 68 which is dimensioned to pass through bush 69 and into socket 70. The bush 69 is formed in a o bottom corner 71 of the back wall 52. The side coaming 72 and pipe tie rail 73 are also apparent in this view.

In operation, the sliding pin is refracted to allow rotation of the back wall through operation of the ramn 67. In this case, the locking means can act as a pivot point as well. Release of the sliding pin 68 on one side allows rotation around the sliding pin on the other side. It is envisaged that a similar arrangement would be positioned at front and back ends of the load platform. The centre mounted ram 49 is bolted to the platform through pivot plate 74. In one preferred embodiment, the pivot place 74 may be simply unbolted from the platform 64 to allow removal of the entire top section as described with reference to Figure 13.

In this view, the top section 46 has been entirely removed from the load carrying platform 64. The bolts 75 on pivot plate 74 have been released both at the front and rear of the trailer. Jacks 76 are attached to the top section 46 through jaws 77 and are extended upwardly by reciprocating action of handles 78. The hydraulic hoses 59 have been disconnected and hose lines capped.

The flat bed platform 64 may now be hooked up to a prime mover and driven away for use as a flat bed trailer. This modification simply maximises the utility of the present configuration allowing a driver to accept any type of load suitable for either of the alternative configurations. It is envisaged that a trucking line may have a series of interchangeable top sections for use with their fleet allowing drivers to carry a load one way, add on or abandon a top section for a load in a different direction with the alternative configuration being used by subsequent driver and rig leaving the same area.

While the utility of using the same pivot and locking arrangement has been described, it may be preferred on occasion to configure this arrangement such that the i flWINu24W4f AU cplt I. 336.doc01/124 0 O -11pivot point arrangement and lock pins are separate. The organisation of such an arrangement would be clear to a skilled addressee.

The advantages of the present invention are readily apparent. A first load may be formed from material which is easily loaded through the side walls of the load carrying compartments. Pallets of material may be positioned easily from either or both sides of the trailer during loading with a retractable curtain walls subsequently fixed for the trip. Once the initial load is off loaded, an operator may then easily accept a completely odifferently configured load such as logs, tubes, heavy machinery or other difficult to load items which require vertical or crane assisted loading. Further, awkward loads which may present a risk to the vehicle or operators may also be easily positioned with forklifts or other lifting gear. The versatility of the present system allows an operator to maximise use of the vehicle while reducing lost overhead costs and maximising use of resources such as fuels with decreased environmental contamination for commercially pointless unloaded travel.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Those of skill in the art will therefore appreciate that, in light of the instant disclosure, various modifications and changes can be made in the particular embodiments exemplified without departing from the scope of the present invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims (6)

1. A load carrying compartment for a truck or trailer, including a load carrying platform and top section wherein the top section is hingedly fixed to the load carrying t 5 platform and rotatable between a closed position and an open position wherein the open Cc position provides access to the platform.

2. A compartment according to claim 1 wherein the top section is hinged along one side of the platform and has an open or openable face on the other side of the platform to provide vertical access to the platform.

3. A method of providing access to a load carrying platform, including: fixing a top section of a load carrying compartment to a load carrying platform in hinged relationship, rotating the top section from a closed travelling position to an open position wherein access to the load platform is improved; positioning a load on the load carrying platform; rotating the top section from an open position to a closed travelling position; and locking the top section in position for travelling.

4. A load carrying compartment for a truck or trailer substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A method of providing access to a load carrying platform substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

PpcakSpccideeig..a 6ilsf1349459AU plw pp4 336do"t/I21G4 O O -13-

6. A truck or trailer substantially as herein described with reference to the Saccompanying drawings. DATED this 1st day of December, 2004 Darren Noel Johnson en by DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys for the Applicants 0 0 ci