AU2005232272B2 - A Shaker Grid - Google Patents

Description

OI

0 o A SHAKER GRID ci o Field of the Invention.

z This invention is directed to a shaker grid, which is a specially designed grid positioned on the road CA and over which a truck drives to shake excess dirt and C debris from the truck prior to the truck leaving a ci Sconstruction site. The invention is also directed to a ci shaker grid that forms part of a washing bay to remove omud etc from vehicles as they pass over the shaker grid.

Ci The washing bay can be made portable.

Background Art.

In the construction, and particularly in the excavation industry, trucks are loaded with dirt or other excavations. The trucks then remove the dirt, often to a quite remote place. Excavators load the trucks and it is very common for the trucks to contain an appreciable amount of overburden and dirt on their axles, sideboards, and other places.

As the truck leaves the construction site and enters a roadway, this dirt will eventually fall from the truck. Often, this results in an appreciable amount of dirt on the roadway that can become a hazard for other drivers. In addition, the dirt can be washed into adjacent waterways.

For this reason, it is known to provide a steel grid that is basically a steel grate placed somewhat above the ground and over which the truck must drive before leaving the construction site. The known type of steel grate comprises spaced-apart parallel steel bars which cause the truck to shake or vibrate to dislodge most of the excess dirt prior to the truck leaving the construction site.

In 2 0 0 ci However, the known types of grids are not as z effective as they could be as they only provide an "up and down" shaking action to the truck. While this does dislodge some dirt, the particular type of shaking action does not dislodge as much dirt as might otherwise be A possible.

ci n Therefore, there would be an advantage if it ci n 10 were possible to provide a grid that could shake the o truck in a better manner to enable more dirt to dislodge from the truck.

Another disadvantage with conventional grids is that any mud/dirt that is strongly caked onto the vehicle will probably not be removed as the vehicle moves over the shaker grid. The shaker grid works only by shaking loose mud etc and therefore the design is not always highly effective.

There are many instances, especially in a country like Australia where quarantine laws are very strict, where it is extremely desirable to ensure that no foreign matter moves from one geographic area to another geographic area. As an example, there are many types of plants characterised as "weeds" in Australia and care is taken to make sure that the seeds are not transported inadvertently by being stuck to the undercarriage of a vehicle.

For this reason, it is known to provide washing bays.

These devices are generally fixed structures and the vehicle moves through the washing bay to be cleaned.

Strong jets of water wash the underside of the vehicle.

A disadvantage with these devices is that they are generally fixed and are not portable.

It may be known to provide portable vehicle washing bays.

Q These devices generally comprise some form of platform ci onto which a vehicle moves. Strong jets of water/air z then wash the underside and other parts of the vehicle.

Some form of collecting tank is used to collect and 5 possibly recycle the water. Sometimes, side curtains are provided to prevent escape of spray. A disadvantage with Ci these portable devices is that many are quite complicated Ci in construction and therefore difficult to erect and n collapse. Another disadvantage is that most of these ci q 10 devices require the vehicle to be stationary on the washing platform and therefore the cleaning is done only R by the jets of water. Occasionally, scrubbers such as scrubbing brushes are also used to assist in the cleaning process.

Therefore, there would be an advantage if some form of portable vehicle washing bay could be provided which could clean the undercarriage of a vehicle with strong jets of water but which could have other means to assist in dislodgement of mud/debris etc from the vehicle.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Object of the Invention.

It is an object of the invention to provide a grid that may overcome at least some of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a shaker grid, the shaker grid comprising a first zone over which the left-hand wheels of the truck pass, and a second zone O4 o over which the corresponding right-hand wheels of the ci truck pass, each zone being constructed to cause the o wheels of the truck to move up and down as the wheels z pass over the zone, wherein the construction of the first zone relative to the second zone is such that when the wheels of the truck are being lifted in the first zone, Ci the wheels are not being lifted in the second zone.

ci ci C It is found that this construction, as well as ci q 10 providing the known "up and down" motion to the truck, also imparts a sideways shaking to the truck, which is 0 found to improve dislodgement of dirt from the truck prior to the truck entering a roadway or otherwise leaving the construction site.

It is preferred that the arrangement of the first zone and the second zone is that when the wheels are being lifted in the first zone, they are not being lifted in the second zone, and when the wheels are being lifted in the second zone, they are not being lifted in the first zone.

This arrangement can be seen as an "offset" arrangement and it is found that this is more efficient than the known simple up and down motion.

The shaker grid can be positioned at any suitable place to dislodge dirt from a truck or other construction vehicle or any other type of vehicle where it is desirable to remove dirt from the vehicle.

It would be considered logical to place a shaker grid at the exit point of a construction site and it is therefore considered that this will be the most probable placement of the shaker grid. However, it is not considered that the invention should be limited to any particular placement of the shaker grid. For instance, the shaker grid may be positioned in a VS 0 o construction site (typically between one place in the ci construction site and another place in the construction z site). The shaker grid need not be positioned in a construction site and may be positioned anywhere where there is an advantage in shaking off excess dirt (or other particular matter) from a vehicle.

ci Ci The size and shape of the shaker grid may vary ci Sdepending on use. In a construction site, it is ci q 10 envisaged that the shaker grid will be substantially rectangular when viewed in plan and will typically have a C length of between 1-4 metres and a width of between 1-4 metres although this can vary and no particular limitation should be placed on the size of the shaker grid merely by providing these dimensions.

The shape of the shaker grid may vary although it is considered that the most useful shape will be rectangular when viewed in plan. However, the shaker grid may be circular, oval, triangular, or have irregular shapes. In practice, the shaker grid will be rectangular which is consistent with the shape of existing shaker grids.

The shaker grid may be made of any suitable material and it is considered that steel will be suitable as it provides robustness and strength to the grid and is able to accommodate the load of a fully laden truck. The steel may be protected against corrosion by being galvanised, or otherwise treated.

However, the shaker grid can be made of materials other than steel including other types of metal such as aluminium, and metal alloys. It is also considered that the shaker grid could be made of concrete and particularly reinforced concrete. The shaker grid could also be made of materials which are not metal and not concrete and which are strong enough to take the load o of a fully laden truck and these materials may comprise ci certain type of reinforced plastics, composite materials z and the like. The shaker grid may be made of different types of materials in different positions on the shaker grid. Therefore, it is not considered that any particular limitation should be placed on the invention Ci of the choice of materials from which the shaker grid is Ci made.

ci The shaker grid has a first zone and a second zone. The first zone will typically be the position on Ci the shaker grid over which the wheels on one side of the truck (called the lefthand wheels for convenience only) pass, and the second zone will typically be the position on the shaker grid over which the wheels on the other side of the truck (called the righthand wheels for convenience only) pass.

Typically, the first zone and the second zone will be approximately equal in size and it is considered convenient that the shaker grid is constructed in approximately two equal parts, the first part comprising the first zone and the second part comprising the second zone. However, it is also possible that the shaker grid is made of non-equal parts and that the shaker grid contains parts which are in addition to the first zone and the second zone (the additional part may comprise a walkway etc).

The first zone and the second zone are constructed in such a manner to provide an up and down movement to a truck wheel as the truck wheel passes over the zone. One simple and already known way of doing this is to provide each zone with spaced apart parallel bars.

However, there are other ways to provide this motion to a truck wheel other than using parallel spaced apart bars. For instance, it is envisaged that the zone may contain raised portions made of concrete, metal and the

O/

o like which are other than spaced apart metal bars.

ci 0 However, an advantage of spaced apart bars is z that any dislodged dirt can fall between the bars or next to the shaker grid and does not foul the shaker grid itself.

ci Ci If spaced apart bars are used, these are n typically made of metal which may comprise box steel.

ci q 10 Alternatively, the bars may be solid. The bars may be orectangular in cross-section and may have a cross-section Ci size of between 20-50 millimetres although this can vary to suit.

The bars may be spaced apart by a distance of between 10-40 centimetres although the distance should not be too large as this might trap a truck wheel between adjacent bars.

The shaker grid may comprise any suitable number of bars or other types of raised projections or members to cause the up and down motion. Typically, the number of bars etc. will be between 3-20 and more typically between 6-15, although no particular limitation should be placed on the invention merely by the number of bars on the shaker grid.

The construction of the first zone relative to the second zone is to provide a sideways motion or sideways rocking motion to the truck. In a simple manner, this can be achieved by having each zone comprising spaced apart metal bars, the bars in one zone being "offset" to the bars in the other zone such that as the lefthand truck wheel rides over the top of one bar, the corresponding righthand truck wheel passes between adjacent bars.

Of course, there are other means by which this 0 o effect can be achieved and it is not considered that the Cl invention should be limited merely to offset spaced apart z bars. Again, one zone may comprise spaced apart bars, and the other zone may comprise other types of spaced apart members or even raised projections such as concrete humps, etc.

ci Cl Also, it is considered that the shaker grid C having the desired properties could be manufactured by ci providing an array of raised dome-like projections over which the truck wheels must rise with the projections 09 being configured such that as a lefthand wheel passes over the projection, the corresponding righthand wheel passes between projections.

In use, the shaker grid will typically be positioned some distance above the ground to enable dirt to fall through the shaker grid. Thus, some form of support can be provided to support the shaker grid above the ground surface. The support may comprise concrete blocks, but there would be a large number of other ways to support the shaker grid above the ground surface.

Alternatively, a hole or trench can be positioned beneath the shaker grid and the shaker grid can then be placed on the ground. Thus, it is not considered that any particular limitation should be placed on the position of the shaker grid as long as the shaker grid can perform its function.

To provide additional benefit and cleaning to the vehicle, it is envisaged that the shaker grid (or even a conventional grid) can be provided with some form of additional cleaning means. The additional cleaning means may comprise one or more water nozzles to dislodge dirt from the underside or the sides of the truck.

Alternatively, high-pressure air nozzles or blowers may be provided. Alternatively, some form of mechanical brushing means may be provided.

Ic) 9

O

O

ci If the additional cleaning means comprises 0 water nozzles, it is preferred that the water is z recycled. Thus, some form of water reservoir may be 5 provided and it is considered that an efficient place to place the water reservoir would be underneath the shaker grid such that any water sprayed onto the vehicle would C fall back into the reservoir for possible reuse.

ci ci If water is used, some form of pump means can be provided to enable the water to sprayed under pressure C to the vehicle. The pump means may comprise any suitable type of pump means, and the pump may be powered by electricity, by a separate motor, and the like.

In another form, there is provided a vehicle washing bay, the bay comprising a platform onto which the vehicle can drive, the platform comprising a shaker grid, and at least one water nozzle that can spray water against the vehicle.

In this form of the invention, it is considered that the combination of a shaker grid together with the water spray can provide improved cleaning ability. The shaker grid is preferably of the type described above, but may also comprise a conventional shaker grid.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following illustrations in which: Figure 1. Illustrates a conventional grid which only provides an up and down motion.

Figure 2. Illustrates a shaker grid according to an embodiment of the invention to provide an up and 0 1 <Du o down motion and also to provide transverse vibrations.

Cl 0 Figure 3. Illustrates a shaker grid having the z same principles as the shaker grid of figure 2, but having a slightly different design.

C Figure 4. Illustrates a concrete support to Cl support the shaker grid above the ground.

en Figure 5. Illustrates a grid containing water 0 osprayers.

Figure 6. Illustrates the grid of figure 5 in an operating condition.

Figure 7. Illustrates in close-up some of the water spray nozzles.

Figure 8. Illustrates a vehicle washing bay comprising a shaker grid and washing means.

Figure 9. Illustrates a front view of part of the washing day of figure 8.

Detailed Description.

Referring initially to figure 1, this illustrates a conventional type of grid 10 which is positioned along a roadway 11 and typically adjacent the exit point of a construction site. The grid is positioned over a trench 12. The grid is of conventional design which is a rectangular metal grid containing spaced apart bars over which a truck drives. As the truck drives over the bars, the truck wheels are lifted and lowered to dislodge dirt from underneath the truck, sides of the truck, etc.

Referring now to figure 2, this illustrates a Q shaker grid according to an embodiment of the invention.

ci The shaker grid has similarities with the conventional z grid in that it comprises a rectangular grid-like member.

The shaker grid contains a first zone 15 and a second zone 16 and in the particular embodiment, the first zone and the second zone are of the same size and together C comprise substantially the entire shaker grid.

ci en The shaker grid is substantially rectangular ci when viewed in plan and has a length of between 1-3 metres and a width of between 1-3 metres.

The first zone 15 and the second zone 16 both comprise an array of spaced apart parallel steel bars 17, which are made of rectangular box section. In the particular embodiment, each zone has seven such bars although it should be appreciated that there is no limitation to be placed on the invention by the precise number of bars. The bars are spaced apart by the distance of between 10-20 centimetres the distance being sufficient to create an "up and down" action to a vehicle wheel but not too wide to trap the vehicle wheel. The bars have a cross-section diameter of between 10-50 millimetres.

The bars in each zone are supported to prevent the bars from deforming. Thus, the shaker grid comprises a surround frame 18 made of steel section welded together into a strong rigid frame. One end of the steel bars 17 is welded to sidewalls of frame 18. Frame 18 contains a central crossmember 19 and the other end of the steel bars 17 is welded to this crossmember. The crossmember 19 contains a vertical flange to provide a "flush" finish.

Frame 18 contains two further crossmembers 21 that are positioned approximately midway along the steel bars 17 and underneath the steel bars to support I-fl IL 0 o the steel bars in place. These crossmembers are welded ci or otherwise attached to the remainder of frame 18.

0 ZImportantly, the bars 17 in first zone 15 are 0 offset with respect to the bars 17 in the second zone 16, this being clearly illustrated in figure 2.

Consequently, as the wheels on one side of the truck pass iq over the top of bars 17 in the first zone, the ci Scorresponding wheels on the other side of the truck pass between adjacent bars 17 on the second zone. The effect of this is that the truck, as well as having an up and C down motion, also adopts a transverse vibration to the vehicle axle group which in turn shakes the vehicle sideways causing any overburdened materials to dislodge from the chassis, axle, draw bar, etc.

This provides a better cleaning action than a simple up and down motion from a standard shaker grid.

Figure 3 illustrates a shaker grid which is substantially the same as the grid illustrated in figure 2 except that it does not contain the entire peripheral frame. The shaker grid however works in a manner identical to that illustrated in figure 2.

Referring to figure 4, this illustrates one particular embodiment to space the shaker grid above the ground surface, and in this particular embodiment, a pair of L-shaped concrete blocks 22 is provided and the shaker grid can be positioned between the blocks.

Also, it is possible for the shaker grid to be associated with a wash-down spray arrangement comprising one or more water nozzles that draw water from a tank or reservoir which is positioned below the shaker grid, and referring to figure 4, the tank or reservoir can be positioned between the concrete blocks and will typically be opened such that any water dripping from the vehicle w--1MMP n 13 0 o will drip back into the tank or reservoir.

ci o An embodiment of this arrangement is z illustrated in figures 5-7. Referring initially to figure 5, there is illustrated a shaker grid which is similar to that described with reference to figures 1-3 C (although it should be appreciated that in this ci particular embodiment illustrated in figures 5-7, a ci C conventional grid could also be used).

ci 3 The shaker grid is positioned on top of the Lci shaped concrete blocks 22, the blocks having been described with reference to figure 4.

Below the shaker grid is a water catchment tank and a pair of side shields 31 is provided to reduce spray drift and to ensure that all the mud etc washed off the truck passes into the tank A pump 32 is provided which is connected to the tank 30 by a hose 33. Inside the tank and below the shaker grid is an array of water pipes 34 containing nozzles 35 (the nozzles being best illustrated in figure The pump 32 is connected to the water pipes 34 to pump and recirculate water from the tank 30 and through nozzles A float valve (not illustrated) is provided to ensure that the level of water in the tank remains at a usable level, and the float valve is connected to a supply of mains water or tank water etc.

The side shields 31 can be removeably attached to the remainder of the apparatus.

If desired, chemicals or other additives can be added to improve the cleaning action or to provide other beneficial actions. For instance, chemicals such as In3 14 0 o surfactants, dispersants, degreasing agents etc can be ci added. Additionally, additives such as "breakdown"l z additives can be added and this may include chemicals or compounds that breakdown diesel fuel etc. Additional compounds or components may be added to prevent corrosion; flocculants may be added to facilitate C settling of the mud and that may be washed from the C truck, and it should be appreciated that no particular Slimitation should be placed on any additives etc that may ci q 10 be added to the water.

0 C' In use, a truck will be washed down as it passes over the shaker grid and any mud etc will fall into the tank 30 and will settle to the bottom of the tank. The water can be reused, and filters etc may be provided to prevent damage to the pump or clogging of the nozzles The mud etc will settle to the bottom of the tank and occasionally, it will be necessary to remove the mud. This can be done by a conventional apparatus that can remove the mud by suction and dispose of the mud in a safe manner. Alternatively, the tank may be provided with a sufficiently large outlet to enable the mud to be removed. Alternatively, the mud may be simply scooped out of the tank.

Referring to figures 8-9, there is illustrated a vehicle washing bay which is portable. The vehicle washing bay comprises a platform 50 over which the vehicle can pass.

The platform is a shaker grid by which is meant that the platform comprises spaced apart grid members such that as the vehicle drives over the platform, the vehicle is shaken. It is preferred that the shaker grid is of the type described above to also impart the sideways motion, but it is considered that the washing bay may also work with a conventional shaker grid. The platform can have a length of between 3-10 m and a width of between 1.5-4 m.

VS 0 o The longer the platform, the better the vehicle will be ci cleaned, but the more expensive and heavier the platform 0 will be.

z The platform is spaced above the ground by slightly under 1 m. Therefore, the front and rear of the platform have C' ramps 51 to allow the vehicle to move on and off the Splatform. These ramps 51 can be releasably attached to C the front and back of the platform and can also be ci pivoted if desired.

0 Ci Beneath the platform is a catchment reservoir to catch waste water/mud etc. The catchment reservoir can comprise a steel bin. Water nozzles can be provided to spray pressurised water against and underneath the vehicle. The water nozzles are not illustrated in figures 8-9 but would be not dissimilar to that described with earlier figures. Again, the device can contain a pump to pump the water, suitable pipe work and the like.

Side curtains 52 are provided on each side of the platform. The side curtains can be made of sheet members such as corrugated iron or plastic although it is not considered that any particular limitation should be placed on the invention merely by exemplification of corrugated iron or plastic. The curtains can be removed for transportation or storage and can be positioned over the top of the platform during transportation and storage, as may be the ramps 51.

An advantage of the portable washing bay is that it combines the advantages of the shaker grid and the advantages of washing nozzles. As a vehicle drives over the shaker grid, it will shake and together with the high-pressure water sprays, an efficient cleaning of the vehicle is conducted.

Throughout the specification and the claims (if tfl o present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term ci "comprise", or variations such as "Icomprises" or O "comprising", will be understood to apply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Cl Throughout the specification and claims (if Ci present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term Cl cc "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be Cl In 10 limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (7)

1. 2. The grid as claimed in claim i, wherein when the wheels are being lifted in the first zone, the wheels are not being lifted in the second zone, and when the wheels are being lifted in the second zone, the wheels are not being lifted in the first zone.
2. 3. The grid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which is substantially rectangular when viewed in plan.
3. 4. The grid as claimed in claim 3, having a length of between 1-4 m and a width of between 1-4 m.
4. 5. The grid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first zone and the second zone are approximately equal in size.
5. 6. The grid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each said zone comprises spaced apart parallel bars.
6. 7. The grid as claimed in claim 6, wherein the bars are spaced apart by a distance of between 10-40 cm.
7. 8. The grid as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 comprising between 3-20 bars in each zone. ND 18 O 9. The grid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims additionally comprising at least one water nozzle to O direct the jets of water against the vehicle as the vehicle passes over the shaker grid. c- C-I 10. A shaker grid substantially as hereinbefore C- described with reference to the accompanying illustrations. LO L 0 0D (N