AU2005101019A4 - Load deflector - Google Patents

Description

P/00/012 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention Title: "LOAD DEFLECTOR" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 0 o TITLE ci C. LOAD DEFLECTOR 00 FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to device and method for use with a tipping tray of a truck or trailer. More particularly, the invention relates to a 0 2device and method for deflecting the path of flowable material towards an Sexit or discharge gate of the tray during emptying.

N A preferred embodiment provides one or more deflectors for positioning in a tray to guide the flowable material towards a discharge door or gate. The invention is particularly suitable for use with grain trucks and trailers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Grains such as wheat, sorghum, canola and corn are usually transported in trucks or semi-trailers from the grain grower to storage silo sites. Grains such as wheat are traditionally unloaded from a truck by pivotally elevating the truck tray in the direction of the rear of the truck such that grain is released under gravity and flows from the rear of the truck tray or bin. However, grain may be emptied from several truck types having different discharge gate configurations, depending on the load size and receiving facility. Grain is sometimes delivered to large installations such as those run by statutory authorities. These authorities, such as the Grain Board may provide pits or grids of sufficient dimensions to receive a full width discharge from the rear of a tray. The grain trucks may by operated to give o full rear discharge whereby grain is released by raising a single rear gate ci o covering the entire rear side of the truck, usually over and into a receiving 00 grid.

0 More commonly, grain is delivered to smaller installations such as farms or small silo premises where the facilities are of lesser scale.

0 2In these smaller operations, the grain trucks may have partial rear tray S discharge, whereby grain is released through a discharge gate located in the N rear of the truck. Such trucks may have sections of a full width gate that may be locked off during tipping, thereby providing a narrower discharge gate.

The grain in these vehicles is often released into a hopper containing an auger which transfers the grain into a storage silo. Unfortunately, due to the semi-closed configuration of the emptying rearwall, residual grain is retained within the two lowermost corners of the tray.

Removal of this residual grain is inconvenient and time consuming. It may also be dangerous. The operator usually climbs into the tray to remove the residue. The volume of residual grain in each corner is typically 40 to kilograms per truck load and over an average four to six loads per day, may be a considerable amounts in total. Further, clearing of grain is compulsory when changing grain types to avoid cross-crop contamination. Issues may arise if an inferior quality or spoiled sample of grain of the same type is left to contaminate a subsequent load from the same or a different grower.

It is also known for truck operators to leave the tray in an elevated position and then brake while moving off in an effort to jolt the residual o material clear of the tray. This places stress on the tray and truck ci a components and also distributes grain into the environment thereby 0 encouraging the presence of vermin.

0 While the problem of fully discharging a load is particularly relevantto grain transport, it may also arise in relation to other flowable material such as 0 2sand, soil or gravel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 0 0 Throughout this specification, unless the context otherwise requires, "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" are used inclusively rather than exclusively, in that one or more other integers or groups of integers may be included with the stated integer or group of integers.

In a first aspect although it may not be the only or broadest aspect, the invention resides in a deflecting device for positioning in a rearward corner of a tipping tray, the deflecting device including a guiding surface adapted to direct the path of flowable material towards a discharge gate which may be an intermediate gate. The flowable material may be channelled either directly or indirectly towards the gate.

The deflecting device may be formed as a plate-like arrangement.

The plate-like arrangement may be dished thereby providing the guiding surface with a concave configuration. The surface may be any suitable shape and may be flat. The plate-like arrangement may have one or more edges configured for close apposition to walls of the tray. The outer edges of the plate like arrangement may be formed substantially in a triangular o shape. The outer edges may be curved. The plate like arrangement may ci form a substantially vertically curved surface, at least in the travel position.

0 The deflecting device may include support means. The support 0 means may be formed as one or more bracing members. Each bracing member may be formed as a strut.

0 2In an alternative embodiment the deflecting device may be formed in V a substantially box like configuration. The box like configuration may be 0 0 pyramidal, formed to sit into the corner and having a base forming the guiding surface. The box may be solid, or alternatively, hollow.

The deflecting device may be formed so that the guiding surface is resiliently flexible.

The deflecting device may be formed from steel or may be formed from other metals such as aluminium or other alloys. Alternatively, the deflecting device may be formed from a polymeric material with sufficient strength characteristics to withstand loads placed on it during operation.

One suitable polymeric material may be polyethylene and in particular high density polyethylene ("HDPE polyethylene"). Other polymers may also be suitable.

The guiding surface may be treated to enhance flow. The surface may be polished or coated with a surface coating agent to reduce friction.

The deflecting device may be adapted for permanent fixation in a corresponding corner. In one embodiment, the deflecting device may be fixed to a base wall and/or a side wall to thereby permit opening of the full o discharge gate during operation. The deflecting device may alternatively be o adapted for releasable positioning in the corner. The deflecting device may OO include locking means such as one or more bolts adapted for location in 0 corresponding threaded bores located in one or more walls of the tray.

Alternatively hook and co-operating ring fasteners may be used. In a 0 2simplest embodiment, the deflecting device may be adapted to for Spositioning in the corner with subsequent retention under the effect of the c, weight of a load.

A sealant may be used to seat any gaps between edges of the deflecting device and the walls of the tray.

The invention preferably comprises two deflecting devices substantially as described above with each adapted for location in a respective one of the opposite corners of the tray. The two devices may be positioned to form a chute.

In a second embodiment, the invention may reside in a tipping tray including one or more deflecting devices substantially as described above.

The one or more deflecting devices may be permanently fixed in a corresponding corner for example by welding. Edges of the one or more deflecting device may be sealed for example with an elastic material to eliminate gaps between the edges and abutting wall of the tray. Alternatively the one or more deflecting devices may be releasably positioned in a corresponding corner.

In the third aspect, the invention may reside in a method of improving o the discharge of a flowable material such as grain from a tipping tray, the o method comprising deflecting lateral material towards the centre of the tray 00 and/or a discharge gate during tipping. The method may include locating 0 one or more deflectors in one or both rearward corners of the tray, the one or more deflectors adapted to direct the path of the flowable material towards 0 2an exit gate during tipping.

SThe method may further comprise the step of forming a concave N surface in the deflector device, the concave surface configured to channel material towards the exit gate during tipping.

The method may further comprise the step of positioning the surface to direct the path of material towards the exit gates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order for the present invention to be more readily understood and placed into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a rearward perspective view of a known prime mover and semi-trailer arrangement with the tray of the trailer in tipping position.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a tipping trailer of the prior art.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a modified tipping trailer of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cut away perspective view of a rearward corner of a tipping trailer including a deflecting device of the present invention.

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o FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view of a deflecting device including a ci I) strut.

0 FIG. 6 is a cut away perspective view of an alternative embodiment of 0 the deflecting device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective cut away view of a further embodiment of the 0 2deflecting device of the present invention.

'DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 0 0, Referring to FIG. 1 there is seen a transport truck 10 comprising a prime mover 11 and tipping trailer 12. The tipping trailer 12 comprises a chassis 13 and tray 20 which is pivotally mounted at a rearward end so that a hoist 15 may raise and lower the tray 20. The tray 20 has a left side wall 21 and right side wall 22 as well as two fixed rear panels namely left rear panel 23 and right rear panel 24 which bracket an intermediate discharge gate Rather than a full width rear discharge gate, the intermediate discharge gate is narrower to correspond with a receiving pit or box 40 which typically will include an augur for urging grain loaded into the box 40 towards a holding facility such as a silo. This arrangement is typical in smaller installations where large full width pits and grids are not available to receive loads of grain. This may arise at an animal rearing enterprise where grain may be stored for subsequent use as feed for stock. Often, small mobile argurs are used to transfer grain to holding bins such as silos. While the description is directed towards a semi-trailer, it is clear that a similar arrangement may apply in relation to a truck with a fixed tipping tray.

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0 o FIG. 2 is a side view of a prior art transport truck 10 with the tray 20 in ci full elevation due to extension of the hoist 15. This view shows residual grain o 41 trapped in a corner as is common with prior art arrangements. In order to 0 remove this material, a driver or other operator must enter the tray 20 and physically remove the material thereby giving rise to problems already 0 2discussed.

n FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a modified trailer 30 having a 0 deflecting device 50 fixed into a right rearward corner formed by a right side wall 31, bottom wall 32, and rearward wall 33. An intermediate discharge gate 34 is also apparent. The term "intermediate" indicates the gate is mounted to pivot from between the two fixed panels to a discharge position.

It is common for the intermediate gate to be formed in a width rear gate. The latter may be operated as a discharge arrangement. However, when desired, the full gate may be locked in position and the intermediate gate released to provide a confirmed exit aperture.

FIG. 4 shows a cut away view of the arrangement wherein an outer surface 51 of the deflecting device 50 is configured as a guiding surface adapted to channel material centrally and towards the exit gate. Directing the path of flowable material towards the intermediate discharge gate may include indirectly channelling the material by urging it towards the centre of the bottom wall 32 so that gravity will naturally pull the material towards and through the gate 34. The edges 52, 53, 54 substantially describe a triangle with the edges each being curved to abut closely to a corresponding wall of o the modified tray SIn one embodiment, it is preferred if the surface 51 is concave to 0 thereby avoid retaining any of the grain in recesses. However, other shapes 0 may be suitable and preferably provide the function of effectively directing flow of the material. The deflecting device 50 may be fixed permanently in 0 2place for example by welding and tack welding may be sufficient. Gaps between the edges of the device 50 and the walls of the tray 30 may be filled 0 0 by any suitable tenacious material such as a silicone filler.

Any suitable dimensions may be used for the present collecting device. A representative rearward wall may be approximately 2500 mm across and 1800 mm high. A suitable deflecting device may extend to approximately 900 to 1000 mm up the wall and may extend anteriorly approximately 1 metre and medially approximately 1 metre although these dimensions are representative of only and not to be regarded as limiting.

Referring to FIG. 5 there is seen a transverse sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 4 showing a side wall 31 and bottom wall 32 with a plate like arrangement providing outer surface 51 and also highlighting a support member in the form of a strut 55. The strut 55 is an elongate member or may be a plate member which is dimensioned to contact the under side of the plate like member 56 and brace it by insertion in the corner formed by walls 31, 32. Other bracing arrangements may be applied if desired.

Referring to FIG. 6 there is shown a cutaway perspective view of a further embodiment of a deflecting device 60 formed as a substantially

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o pyramidal box-like structure. The deflecting device 60 has a concave base 61 which is supported by three substantially triangular sides 62, 63 and 64 all 0 of which are not visible in this view but are shown in broken detail. The walls 0 66 of the tipping tray 120 have a chamfered join 67 which results in consequential changes to the shape of the deflecting device 60. The box-life 0 2deflecting device 60 may be formed as a solid or may alternatively be hollow.

The deflecting device 60 may be permanently fixed in position or realisably 0 0, fixed in position by the use of a material such as an adhesive. A suitable material may be a silicone based product. Alternatively, locking arrangements such as hooks locatable in loops or rings formed on the walls of the tipping tray 120 may be provided. Alternatively, through bolts may be positioned in threaded bores formed in the walls. The deflecting device may be screwed, welded or bolted onto the base and side wall thereby allowing use of the full width gate with the device in position. An operator may then have the option to easily switch between both configurations. Other mechanisms may be applied to releasably retain the deflecting device The deflecting devices are preferably formed from metal such as steer or aluminium. However, they may be formed from a material such as a polymer and in particular high density polyethylene may be suitable for the present invention.

Paired deflectors may be positioned to cooperate each with the other to thereby provide a chute-type arrangement to direct the flowable material towards the discharge gate.

II

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o In a further embodiment shown in FIG 7 the deflecting device 70 is ci 6) formed with an arcuate surface 71 curving away from the lateral wall 72 to 0 the rear wall 73. This surface is substantially vertical when the tray is in a 0 travelling position and describes a curved deflector directing material towards a discharge gate (not shown) in the rear wall 73. A bottom wall 74 sits flush 0 2against the base wall 76. An anterior edge 75 sits flush against the side wall 72. A medial edge 76 sits flush against the rear wall 73. An upper ledge 77 0 0 is formed to nest snugly into the walls and avoid displacement of grain behind the device.

The ledge 77 may be substantially horizontal in the transporting position. Alternatively, the ledge may be extended upwardly and angled into the side and rear wall thereby providing a slanted surface which may also be dished in some embodiments.

The present embodiment may be simply formed by curving a plate and then trimming an upper region to correspond to the outline of the walls at the line of contact. The device preferably extends upwardly around one metre for the arcuate surface and may extend further as suitable with the ledge. Of course, the arcuate surface may be dimensioned to extend the full depth of the tray if preferred. Again this embodiment may be formed as a simple plate-like member with a ledge or alternatively formed as a full box which would be substantially triangular in cross section with a curved base forming the arcuate surface 71.

The present invention provides a cheap and effective means of o providing a self cleaning tipping tray. This may be of particular assistance in ci o the grain carrying industry but is not necessarily so restricted. The use of the 0 present invention provides a response to safety concerns arising from the 0 needs for an operator to enter an elevated tray to remove the residual material during unloading.

0 2It will be appreciated by the persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in detail herein and N that a variety of other embodiments can be contemplated which are nevertheless consistent with the broad scope of the invention.

Claims (3)

1. 2. The deflecting device of Claim 1 further comprising support means to 0 2support the guiding surface, the support means comprising one or more S bracing members or a box-like structure. S3. A tipping trailer for use with a truck, the tipping trailer including one or more deflecting devices according to either one of Claims 1 or 2.
2. 4. A method of improving the discharge of flowable material from a tipping tray of a truck, a semi-trailer or similar, the method comprising the steps of: locating one or two deflecting devices respective in rearward corners, the deflecting devices adapted to direct the path of flowable material towards a discharge gate during tipping. A deflecting device mounted in a tipping tray substantially as described herein with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 or FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 or FIG.
3. 7. DATED this Eighth day of December 2005. CHRIS HAROLD REIMERS MICHELLE RUTH REIMERS By their Patent Attorneys FISHER ADAMS KELLY