AU2013273840B2

AU2013273840B2 - Curtain Sided Vehicles

Info

Publication number: AU2013273840B2
Application number: AU2013273840A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Joel James Balmer; Hugh John Lees; Daniel David Mcnaulty
Original assignee: Australian Trailer Solutions Group Property Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Australian Trailer Solutions Group Property Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-12-23
Filing date: 2013-12-23
Publication date: 2019-03-14
Anticipated expiration: 2033-12-23
Also published as: AU2013273840A1

Abstract

A curtain sided vehicle includes a vehicle body that has first and second longitudinally spaced ends and a cargo space defined between the first and second ends by a floor, 5 roof and front and rear end walls; a curtain suspended from a rail track so the curtain is able to be extended longitudinally between the ends for closing the cargo space or to be drawn to enable access to the cargo space; a first and a second post assembly suspended from and movable along the track and including a post engaged with a respective end of the curtain; a first and a second engagement device adjacent to the 10 first and the second end to engage the post of the first and the second post assembly, respectively, with the first engagement device adapted for rotating its post on an upwardly extending axis; and the rail track has and end section, adjacent to the first end wall, that extends beyond the first end wall, and curves part-way across the first end wall to enable the first post assembly to be move along the curved end section for 15 engagement by the first engagement device. C:\poi\word\SPEC-989427.docx -A A' - -A - 'NZK NN.' ~ N' 'N 'N N' N-.' 1, N.' I: as 'N-N ~ ~N NN 'N 'Nt'tNN '"z 2. C >li "'"'N"' U ' 'TcttoQ i) -V V.A' ' cJl'2 V..' 'N 'N 'N 'N <V (2 S.'.'

Description

CURTAIN SIDED VEHICLES

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to curtain sided vehicles. In particular the invention in various aspects relates to a post for the curtain system of a curtain sided vehicle, a curtain system for a curtain sided vehicle, and a vehicle having at least one such curtain system.

Background

One form of freight transporting vehicle in current use is referred to as a curtain sided trailer or truck. This vehicle has a vehicle body with a floor, roof and front and rear end walls that together define a load carrying cargo space. The vehicle body also has a curtain for closing the cargo space along a side of the vehicle body, typically with a respective curtain at each side. The curtain enables closing of its side of the cargo space but is able to be drawn to one or other end of the body for loading and unloading from the side of the cargo space. The curtain is suspended from a rail track extending along the side edge of the roof of the vehicle body. The suspension of the curtain is by a number of roller assemblies engaged with the track and each secured to the curtain at a respective one of a number of locations spaced along an upper edge margin of the curtain. For loading and unloading of the vehicle, the curtain can be drawn to a required end of the cargo space. However, for transportation, the curtain is drawn to cover the full cargo space along its side of the vehicle body, and the curtain then is tensioned horizontally and usually vertically.

The horizontal tensioning of the curtain of a curtain sided vehicle usually is by means of a respective post adjacent to each end wall of the vehicle body. The posts are mounted so as to extend from the floor to the roof of the vehicle body. A first one of the posts, usually at the rear of the vehicle, is secured to one end of the curtain and, when mounted in relation to the vehicle body, acts as an anchor for that end of the curtain. The second post is secured at the other end of the curtain and is mounted so

2013273840 15 Feb 2019 as to be rotatable on its longitudinal axis to function as a core around which the curtain can be wound and sufficiently tensioned. In some instances, the second post may be mounted in a post, open-sided member that extends between the roof and the floor so as to be rotatable on an upright or substantially vertical axis to function as the 5 core onto which the curtain can be wound. A wrench or ratchet mechanism, or other suitable drive arrangement, can be used to tension the extent of the curtain between the two posts, or to release the tension. When the tension is released, one or other of the posts is able to be removed from its mounting and then used to pull or draw the curtain to enable or prevent access to the load carrying space.

In the arrangement described above, for tensioning a side curtain, each post may have male to female coupling between its upper end and an upper structure adjacent to the roof, and between its lower end and a lower structure adjacent to the floor, of the vehicle body. The upper and lower ends of the post may be hollow by which it is 15 able to engage with a pin projecting from the upper and lower structure, respectively.

Alternatively, each structure may define an opening in which the respective end of the post is able to locate. In a further arrangement, a combination of these alternatives can be used. In each case, the length of the upper end of the post engaged with the upper structure can be increased by lifting the post, to enable the lower end of the 20 post to be engaged with, or disengaged from, the lower structure.

There is a number of disadvantages with the form of post engagement described above. The weight of the post is significant, particularly as the post can be difficult to grip when wet and/or is handled in high wind conditions. In grasping and lifting the 25 post, there is a risk of an operator’s fingers being pinched and possibly damaged.

Also, when a post is disengaged, it hangs from a length of curtain between the post and the nearest roller by which the curtain is suspended. Under high wind conditions, that length of curtain can be blown about with a risk of the operator being struck, and possibly injured, by the post.

The present invention is directed to providing a curtain sided vehicle provided with an improved rail track and curtain post mounting arrangement. At least in preferred forms, the invention overcomes or ameliorates at least one of the disadvantages detailed above.

2013273840 04 Dec 2018

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a curtain sided vehicle, such as a trailer or truck, wherein the vehicle includes:

a vehicle body that has first and second longitudinally spaced ends and that has a cargo space defined between the first and second ends by a floor, roof and front and rear end walls;

a rail track extending along the roof at one side of the vehicle body;

a curtain suspended from the rail track by a respective roller assembly at each of a number of locations spaced along an upper edge margin of the curtain, with each roller assembly having rolls or wheels engaged with the rail track so the curtain is able to be extended longitudinally between the first and second ends for closing the cargo space at the one side or to be drawn to or towards one of the ends to enable access to the cargo space for loading and unloading of the cargo space from the one side;

a first and a second post assembly, each including a post and a roller device by which the post is suspended from the rail track, with the roller device of each post assembly including rolls or wheels engaged with the rail track to enable movement of each post longitudinally of the vehicle body along the one side, and with each post engaged with a respective one of opposite ends of the curtain so each of the first post assembly and the second post assembly enables the curtain to be drawn to or away from the first and second end, respectively, thereby to enable or preclude access to the cargo space;

a first and a second engagement device respectively located adjacent to the first and the second end of the vehicle body and able to engage the post of the first and the second post assembly, respectively, with the first engagement device adapted for rotating the post of the first post assembly relative to the respective roller device on an upwardly extending longitudinal axis of the first post; and the rail track has an end section, adjacent to the first end wall, that extends beyond the first end wall, in a direction away from the second end wall, and that curves part30 way across the first end wall, away from the one side, to enable the first post assembly to be moved along the curved end section for engagement by the first engagement device.

2013273840 23 Dec 2013

The rail track preferably is longer for a given vehicle body length than in curtain sided vehicles, such as trailers or trucks, in current use. With a vehicle in current use, the length of the track extends in a substantially straight line, along its side of the roof of the vehicle body, between the each end wall of the vehicle body. In a vehicle 5 according to the invention, the rail track extends beyond the first end wall to which the first post assembly can be moved to fully extend the curtain, with the first end wall preferably being the front end wall of the vehicle body. As indicated, the track has a curved end section that extends arcuately, as a relatively smooth transition from a main extent of the track, beyond and inwardly around and partially across, the first 10 end wall of the body. Most preferably the track is formed in a continuous length with the curved end section integral with and a continuation of a substantially straight section that extends along the side of the vehicle body, between the first and second end walls. However, converting a current vehicle to a vehicle according to the invention necessitates modifications including retrofitting a curved track section to one 15 end of the substantially straight track of the current vehicle. The modifications further include providing the first engagement device beyond the first end wall, in a direction away from the second end wall, and inwardly from the one side of the vehicle body.

The first engagement device may include a laterally open channel member that the 20 post of the first post assembly is laterally receivable, with the channel member extending between the respective level of both the roof and floor of the vehicle body adjacent to the first end wall. In one arrangement the channel member is fixed relative to the vehicle body and has a tensioning ratchet device mounted at its lower end. In that arrangement the ratchet device preferably has an upwardly projecting 25 shaft that the lower end of the post is adapted to engage to enable the ratchet device to rotate the post, relative to its roller device and link member, and thereby draw an end length of the curtain around the post for horizontally tensioning the curtain. Alternatively, in another arrangement, the channel member as a whole may be mounted for rotation around a vertical axis so that, with the post of the first post 30 assembly received in the channel member, rotation of the channel member enables tensioning of the curtain by rotation of the post member, by the channel member functioning as a core around which the curtain is drawn. In each case, the post of the first post assembly is able to be located in the channel member by an operator

2013273840 23 Dec 2013

The roller device of each post assembly preferably has a carriage mounted on the rolls or wheels, with the carriage hanging from a hub on which the rolls or wheels are rotatable, and the post hanging from a lower part of the carriage. The arrangements is such that, with the rolls or wheels of the roller device engaged with the track, the 5 post can be pulled along the track. Thus, with the post secured to an end edge of the curtain and suspended from the track, at least the lower end of the rod is able to be pulled along the side of the body of the trailer or truck, both to draw the curtain by moving the post into a position for engagement with the respective engagement device to enable closure of the storage space and tensioning of the curtain, and also 10 to draw back the curtain to enable access to the storage space.

The post of each post assembly most conveniently is in the form of a rod or a tube, and made of a material having suitable strength characteristics, such as a steel or aluminium alloy. At an upper end of the post, the post device preferably includes a 15 link member by which the post is engaged with the carriage of the roller device. The link member may have a first portion secured within or on the upper end of the post, and a second portion projecting axially of the post, beyond the upper end, to a connection with the carriage. Where the post is in the form of a solid rod the first portion of the link member may be accommodated in a recess formed in the upper 20 end of the post. The connection between the link member and the carriage preferably a pivot connection that enables the relative pivotal movement between the post and the carriage about a pivot axis that is a transverse axis in that it extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the post.

The post of the first post assembly preferably is rotatable around its longitudinal axis relative to the link member. In that form, the carriage of the roller device may be of elongate form, such as of elongate plate form, with the rolls or wheels mounted on a hub at an upper end of the carriage and the connection between the link member and the carriage at a lower end of the carriage. The transverse pivot axis of the 30 connection between the link member and the carriage preferably is substantially parallel to an axis or axes on which rolls or wheels of the roller device are rotatable. In that case, the transverse axis will be substantially perpendicular to the rail track. Accordingly, the post is able to pivot on the pivot axis substantially in a vertical plane perpendicular to the pivot axis, relative to the roller device. Tolerances in the

2013273840 15 Feb 2019 connection between the post and the carriage of the roller device, and/or in the engagement between rolls or wheels of the roller device with the rail, may enable the post to also move so as to hinge, or to swing, outwardly from the vehicle body through several degrees, such as up to about 7 degrees, to thereby space the lower end of 5 the post from the curtain and facilitate the post being moved along the vehicle body for opening or closing the cargo space. However, despite such tolerances, the freedom for the post to move preferably is principally due to pivoting on the transverse axis and, while the range for that movement can be greater, it usually need not exceed a range of from about 10 to 25 degrees to the vertical, in either direction. The 10 arrangement is such that an operator is able to manually grip the lower end of the post and, with pivoting of the post relative to the carriage of the roller device on the transverse pivot axis, pull the first post assembly along the straight section of the rail track, towards the first end wall. At least when the post is approaching the first end of the vehicle body, its lower end can be manipulated to move the wheel device of the 15 first post assembly along the curved section of the track, to a position above the first engagement device. The operator then is able to lift the post and move the post to a position in which its lower end engages with the engagement device as the post is lowered. Assuming the post of the second post assembly already has been engaged with the second engagement device, the first engagement device can be operated for 20 tensioning the curtain horizontally. Such engagement of the post of the second post assembly can be achieved similarly by an operator, but occurs at the end of the straight extent of the rail track, adjacent to the second end wall.

In a first arrangement for the first post assembly, the first portion of the link member 25 defines an annular collar in which an upper end portion of the post is received and secured. The post may be retained and rotatable relative to the link member, such as by provision of a bearing between the inner periphery of the collar and the end portion of the post. Alternatively, the post may be retained by other means, such as by at least one pin, for example a resiliently loaded pin, projecting outwardly from the post, 30 or inwardly from the inner periphery of the collar, and engaging in an annular groove in the inner periphery of the collar, or in the outer periphery of the end portion of the post, respectively.

2013273840 23 Dec 2013

In a second arrangement for the first post assembly, the first portion of the link member is received and secured within an upper end portion of the post. Again, the post may be retained and rotatable relative to the link member, such as by provision of a bearing between the inner surface of the end portion and the outer surface of the 5 link member, or provision of a pin and annular groove connection as detailed for the first arrangement of the first form of the post.

Also in the first post assembly, the link member may have an overall form such that the second portion comprises a clevis. Thus, the second portion of the link member 10 may be in the form of two projecting parts, such as fingers or tabs, that project from the first portion, with the carriage extending between the ends of the projecting parts. The transverse pivot axis is defined by a pin extending through aligned holes in the carriage and in each projecting part.

In the second post assembly, the post may be either rotatable around its longitudinal axis, relative to the link member, or fixed against such rotation. Also, while there again is a pivot connection on a transverse axis between the link member and the carriage of the roller device, the transverse axis for that connection preferably is substantially perpendicular to the axis or axes on which the rolls or wheels of the roller device are rotatable. Thus, the transverse axis in this instance will be substantially parallel to the rail track. Accordingly, the post is able to pivot on the transverse axis, in a vertical plane that is substantially perpendicular to the rail track, between a position adjacent to the vehicle body and a position in which the lower end of the post is spaced outwardly from the vehicle body. If required, the angle can be 25 substantial, although it usually need not exceed a range of from about 10 to 25 degrees to the vertical. Tolerances, similar to those detailed above, may enable the post to hinge, or the post to swing, in either direction substantially parallel to the rail track , such as up to about 7 degrees to the vertical, although the freedom of the post to move preferably is principally due to pivoting on the transverse axis.

In the second post assembly, the lower end of the carriage has a connection portion at which the pivot connection between the link member and the carriage is provided. The connection portion may be in the form of a bar or arm that preferably is round in cross-sections and is disposed so that it defines the transverse pivot axis that extends

2013273840 23 Dec 2013 substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the post. In one form, the carriage defines a ring or loop that hangs below the rolls or wheels by which the roller device runs on the rail along the side of the roof of the vehicle body, with the connection portion of the carriage forming a lower part of the loop. The loop may 5 comprise a waisted ring having an upper part that fits over a hub on which the rolls or wheels are mounted for rotation, with a lower part of the ring defining the connection portion

The link member of the second post assembly may define a hook at the end of its 10 second portion that is remote from the post. The arrangement preferably is such that the hook is able to engage the connection portion of the carriage and form the pivot connection between the carriage and the link member for pivoting of the post on the transverse axis. The hook form may be such that the remote end of the link member is held captive on the connection portion of the carriage, although the pivot 15 connection preferably can be disconnected. In one convenient arrangement, the link member consists of two separate elongate, laterally adjacent members, each having a first portion secured in relation to the upper end of the post and a second portion that extends axially relative to the post, beyond the upper end of the post. Also, the end of each second portion that is remote from the post has the form of a hook that 20 can form part of the pivot connect between the carriage and the link member. The hooks preferably open oppositely with respect to each other such that the connection portion of the carriage can be held between opposed hooks.

The at least one hook may be at the end of an arm comprising the second portion of 25 link member. Where the link member consists of two separate, laterally adjacent members, each hook may be at the end of a respective arm comprising the second portion of the link member. The, or each, arm may have a central section along its length that curves away from the vehicle body. The curvature may be such that a lesser angle of pivoting of the post outwardly from the vehicle body, to enable the post 30 to be moved for extending or retracting the curtain, can be required to ensure the post can be moved free of the structure of the vehicle body. The, or each, arm may be secured in relation to the post by at least one pin through the post and the first portion of the link member. Where the link member consists of two separate, laterally adjacent members having oppositely open hooks, the hooks may be engaged with the

2013273840 23 Dec 2013 connection portion of the carriage, with the post engaged by the first portion of the link member defined by the adjacent members, such as by the first portion being received in the upper end of the post and secured by at least one pin.

In order that the invention may be understood more readily, description now is directed to the accompanying drawings, in which:

General Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view, of one corner of one side of a vehicle body of a curtain sided vehicle, showing a post of the first form of the invention in a position for anchoring one end of a tensioned side curtain;

Figure 2 corresponds to Figure 1, but shows an upper part of the corner on an 15 enlarged scale;

Figure 3 corresponds to Figure 2, but with components removed to show internal detail;

Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3, but with further components removed;

Figure 5 is a perspective view from below of the upper part of the corner of Figure 1 20 on the scale of Figure 2;

Figure 6 corresponds to Figure 1, but shows a lower part of the corner on an enlarged scale;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an upper part of a corner of the vehicle body at the other side, and at the other end, of the vehicle body of the vehicle of Figure 1;

Figure 8 corresponds to the arrangement of Figure 7, but viewed upwardly from a lower position;

Figure 9 shows a lower part of the corner shown in Figure 7; and

Figure 10 shows an alternative arrangement for components of the corner of Figure 7.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

In Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a perspective view of a corner of a vehicle body 10 of a curtain sided trailer 12. The corner may be a front or rear corner, with Figure 7 showing a rear or front corner, respectively. Most preferably, each of Figures 1 to 5

2013273840 23 Dec 2013 shows a front corner and Figure 7 shows a rear corner. In relation to that preference, Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a trailer 12 having a front wall 16, a floor 18 extending laterally of the length of body 10 between respective coaming rails 20, and a roof 22. Along each side, roof 22 is bordered by a longitudinal head beam 24 (of which only one is visible in Figures 1 to 5), while a transverse head beam 26 of wall 16 extends across the front end of roof 22, with a similar transverse beam of a rear wall (both not shown in Figures 1 to 5) extending across the rear end of roof 22. Between floor 18 and roof

22, vehicle body 10 has a cargo carrying space 28 that, in the complete vehicle body

10, can be closed along each side by a respective side curtain 30. The curtain for the 10 nearer side has been omitted for ease of illustration.

A respective rail track 32 is mounted on, and extends along, each longitudinal beam

24. In Figures 1 to 3, the rail track 32 is behind by a pelmet 33 and is not visible, although it can be seen in Figures 4 and 5. As seen most clearly in Figure 4, the track 32 has laterally adjacent track sections 34 separated by a longitudinal slot 36.

As also shown most clearly in Figure 4 rail track 32 has a curved, forward end section (shown in broken outline in the broken away view of Figure 4) which extends from the main longitudinal length of track 32, forwardly beyond the longitudinal side of vehicle body 10. The curved track section 38 extends a short distance across the external face of front wall 16 of body 10, into the upper end of a laterally open, upright channel 39 extending between floor 18 and roof 22 of body 10.

Each curtain 30 has a respective end post of an end post assembly secured to each of its ends, with each end post assembly extending upwardly from the floor 18 to the roof 22. Neither end post assembly for the curtain 30 shown is visible in Figures 1 to

5. However, for the omitted curtain to go along the nearer side of vehicle body 10 as viewed in Figures 1 to 5, one of the end post assemblies is illustrated at 40. The one post assembly 40 shown is of the first form described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention and, as seen most clearly in Figure 4, it has an upright post

42, a roller device 44 and a link member 46 that provides a connection between post and roller device 44. The post 42 of post assembly 40 comprises a tube defining a through bore, or a rod having recessed upper and lower ends, with the bore or recessed upper end 48 being shown in Figure 4. The roller device 44 has a carriage depending from a pair of rollers or wheels 52. The link member 46 has a first

2013273840 15 Feb 2019 portion 54 secured in bore or recessed upper end 48 of post 42, and a second portion 56 connected to the lower end of carriage 50.

The side curtain to be associated with post 40 would have an upwardly extending end margin secured to post 40, along a major part of the length of post 42. With a respective post secured at each end, the curtain is suspended from rail track 32 by a plurality of roller devices, with each roller device secured along the top edge of the curtain and having at least one respective roll or wheel in rolling engagement with each track section 34 of the track 32. Thus, the roller devices secured along the top 10 edge of the curtain are supported by track 32 so that the curtain suspended from those roller devices also is supported by track 32. The roller devices by which the curtain is suspended may be similar to, or they may differ from, the device 44 of post 40. Also, the post at the end of the curtain remote from post 40 preferably is, but need not be, a pole according to the present invention. In any event, each of the 15 rollers or wheels 52 of roller device 44 also is engaged on, and supported by, a respective section 34 of track 32, with the carriage 50 depending through slot 36 between track sections 34 to a connection with link member 46.

The carriage 50 of the roller device is in the form of an elongate, thin plate having 20 major faces parallel with track 32, with the rollers or wheels 52 mounted at the upper end of the carriage 50 for rotation on a common axis perpendicular to those faces. When post 40 is moved from the position shown in Figures 1 to 5, so that the rollers or wheels 52 are on the main longitudinal extent of track 32, the common axis also is perpendicular to a substantially vertical plane along the side of vehicle body 10 and a 25 side curtain when extended along that side. Thus, the carriage 50 is able to pivot parallel to that plane on the common axis on which rollers or wheels 52 are rotatable. The lower end of carriage 50 is pivotally connected to the upper end of the second portion 56 of link member 46 such that post 42 and link member 46 are able to pivot relative to carriage 50 on an axis perpendicular to the major faces of carriage 50.

Thus, post 42 is able to pivot, relative to link member 46, substantially parallel to the substantially vertical plane along the side of vehicle body 10 and a side curtain extended along that side.

2013273840 23 Dec 2013

In the arrangement shown, the second portion 56 of the link member 46 is in the form of a clevis in having substantially parallel pair of fingers or tabs 58 projecting from a web 60, with the first portion 54 is in the form of a shank extending from the web 60 in the opposite direction to the fingers or tabs 58. The first portion 54 of the link member

46 has a reduced diameter end part 62 that extends, and is secured, co-axially within the bore or recessed upper end 48 of post 42. Link member 46 may be secured in relation to post 42 by means of a pin 64 inserted diametrically through the upper end of post 42 and securing a bearing (not shown) in which part 62 of first portion 54 is journalled to enable relative rotation between the post 42 and link member 46 on the longitudinal axis of post 42. The connection between roller device 44 and link member 46 is provided by the lower end of carriage 50 being received between the upper ends of fingers or tabs 58 remote from first portion 54 of member 46, and a pin inserted aligned holes 68 in fingers or tabs 58 and a corresponding hole in carriage 50. The pin 66 defines an axis on which post 42 is able to pivot relative to link member 46, with that axis substantially parallel to the common axis of rollers or wheels 52. Thus, with the rollers or wheels of roller device 44 on the main longitudinal extent of track 32, the post is able to pivot substantially parallel to the longitudinal side of vehicle body 10 and to a side curtain extended along that side.

The arrangement is such that, assuming the lower end of post 42 is free, post 40 can be pulled longitudinally with respect to vehicle body 10, away from or back to the position shown in Figures 1 to 5, with rollers or wheels 52 of roller device 44 running along track 32. Thus, with post 40 having an end margin of a side curtain secured to post 42, that end of the curtain is able to be drawn from a longitudinally extended position, towards the rear end of vehicle body 10, to enable access to the cargo carrying space 28 for loading and unloading vehicle body 10, or to be drawn back to the position shown for post 40 for closing the space 28.

As indicated, the pivot connections at the common axis for rollers or wheels 52 and at pin 66 are perpendicular to a vertical plane along the side of vehicle body 10 when the post 40 is pulled from the position illustrated to one in which the rollers or wheels of roller device 44 are on the main longitudinal extent of track 32. Pivoting of post therefore is somewhat constrained to pivoting movement substantially parallel to that plane. However tolerances in the connections between rollers or wheels 52 and

2013273840 23 Dec 2013 carriage 50, and between carriage 50 and post 42, enable post 42 to hinge outwardly from that plane through a small acute angle, such as of up to about 7 degrees from the vertical, to enable the lower end of post 42 to be pulled laterally out from the side of the vehicle body 10. This facilitates an operator being able to pull the post 40 5 along the side of body 10, particularly when post 40 is away from the position shown in Figures 1 to 5.

As detailed, Figures 1 to 5 show post 40 in a position in which it is stowed when the curtain with which it is used is fully extended along the side of vehicle body 10. As 10 shown in Figure 6, post 40 when in that position is in front of and a short distance across the front wall 16 so as to locate in channel 39. As post 40 is pulled into that position, its lower end is presented down onto a plate 70 that is mounted across the lower end of channel 39 and that comprises an upper part of a housing 72 of a ratchet tensioning device 74. Horizontally disposed within housing 72, device 74 has a 15 ratchet wheel (not shown) from which a shaft (also not shown) projects upwardly through plate 70 and engages with the bore 48, or a recess in the lower end, of post 42. The arrangement is such that, as the shaft of the pawl wheel rotates under the action of a ratchet handle 76, post 42 is rotated around its longitudinal axis, with a pawl (not shown) mounted within housing 72 able to hold the ratchet wheel as 20 required for holding tension applied to the side curtain. Thus, with one end of a curtain secured to post 40 and the other end of the curtain held by another post, horizontal tension is able to be applied to the curtain by an end section of the curtain being wound onto post 40.

Figures 7 to 9 relate to a corner at the other side and other end of the vehicle body 10, relative to Figures 1 to 5. Figures 7 to 9 show a post assembly 140 of which part corresponding to those of assembly 40 of Figures 1 to 5 have the same reference numeral, plus 100. Each other component of vehicle body 10 have the same reference numeral as in Figures 1 to 5.

Post assembly 140 has a post 142, a roller device 144 (seen only in Figure 10) and a link member 146 between the upper end of post 142 and roller device 144. Also, device 144 has a carriage 150 depending from a hub on which rollers or wheels 152 are rotatable.

2013273840 23 Dec 2013

The carriage 150 of roller device 144 is in the form of a waisted ring or loop 51 that has an upper part 51a that partly encircles the hub for rollers or wheels 152 and a lower part 51b that hangs below that hub. The loop 51 comprising of the carriage 150 is parallel to a substantially vertical plane that is substantially perpendicular to an axis on which rollers or wheels 152 are rotatable. The lower extent 51c of the loop 51 is relatively straight and extends substantially horizontally, and substantially parallel to that plane, and therefore extends along the line of the main longitudinal extent of rail track 32. The straight lower extent 51c of the carriage 150 defines a pivot axis on which link member 146 is pivotally connected to the roller device 144.

The link member 146 has two similar members 53 and 55 that, in assembly, function as a single member. The link member 146 is of elongate form but longitudinally divided to provide members 53 and 55, with each of members 53 and 55 of 15 rectangular cross-sections and each defining a respective part of first portion 154 and second portion 156 of link member 146. The first portion 154 is received into the upper end of post 142, such as in a bore or recessed upper end 148 of post 142, and is secured by a pin 57 extending diametrically through post 142 and each member 53 and 55. The second portions 156 project beyond the upper end of post 142 and, at its 20 end remote from that end of post 142, each member defines a respective hook 59.

The hooks 59 open oppositely with respect to each other such that each can extend around a respective side of the lower extent 51c of the loop 51 comprising carriage 150. Thus, post 142 and link member 146 are pivotally suspended from the carriage 150.

The arrangement is such that the lower end of post 142 can be gripped by an operator, and pivoted outwardly so as to be able to be pulled longitudinally, along rail 32, away from and back to the position shown in Figures 7 to 10. Thus, the end of a side curtain secured to post 142 is able to be drawn back to the opposite end of the 30 vehicle body 10, or extended along the full length of the side of vehicle body 10 for horizontal tensioning. When in the position shown in Figures 7 to 9, the post is stowed in the laterally open, upright channel 139 extending between the floor 18 and roof 22 of vehicle body 10 and adjacent to the rear end wall 17. The channel 139, at its side wall 139a nearer to the front end wall 16, has a number of tabs 61 that project

2013273840 23 Dec 2013 part-way across the opening of the channel 39. The arrangement is such that tabs 61 retain the post 142 within the channel 139 when a side curtain secured to post 142 is horizontally tensioned from the other end of the curtain.

The members 53 and 55 comprising link member 146 each has an outwardly curved part 63 at a mid-region of its length between the first portion 154 and the respective hook 59. This facilitates clearance of the upper corner of the side wall 39a of channel 39. However, where such clearance is not required, the post assembly of Figure 10 can be used. The arrangement of Figure 10 is similar to that of Figures 7 to 9, except 10 that the members 53 and 55 do not exhibit curved parts, like parts 63.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A curtain sided vehicle, such as a trailer or truck, wherein the vehicle includes:

a vehicle body that has first and second longitudinally spaced ends and that has a cargo space defined between the first and second ends by a floor, roof and front and

5 rear end walls;

a rail track extending along the roof at one side of the vehicle body;

a curtain suspended from the rail track by a respective roller assembly at each of a number of locations spaced along an upper edge margin of the curtain, with each roller assembly having rolls or wheels engaged with the rail track so the curtain is able 10 to be extended longitudinally between the first and second ends for closing the cargo space at the one side or to be drawn to or towards one of the ends to enable access to the cargo space for loading and unloading of the cargo space from the one side;

a first and a second post assembly, each including a post and a roller device by which the post is suspended from the rail track, with the roller device of each post assembly 15 including rolls or wheels engaged with the rail track to enable movement of each post longitudinally of the vehicle body along the one side, and with each post engaged with a respective one of opposite ends of the curtain so each of the first post assembly and the second post assembly enables the curtain to be drawn to or away from the first and second end, respectively, thereby to enable or preclude access to the cargo 20 space;

a first and a second engagement device respectively located adjacent to the first and the second end of the vehicle body and able to engage the post of the first and the second post assembly, respectively, with the first engagement device adapted for rotating the post of the first post assembly relative to the respective roller device on 25 an upwardly extending longitudinal axis of the first post; and the rail track has an end section, adjacent to the first end wall, that extends beyond the first end wall, in a direction away from the second end wall, and that curves partway across the first end wall, away from the one side, to enable the first post assembly to be moved along the curved end section for engagement by the first 30 engagement device.
2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the rail track extends beyond the first end wall to which the first post assembly can be moved to fully extend the curtain, with the first end wall preferably being the front end wall of the vehicle body, has an arcuately <filename>

2013273840 04 Dec 2018 curved portion that extends beyond and inwardly around and partially across, the first end wall of the body.
3. The vehicle of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the track is formed in a continuous length

5 with the curved end section integral with and a relatively smooth continuation of a substantially straight section that extends along the side of the vehicle body, between the first and second end walls.
4. The vehicle of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the track has a curved track section fitted 10 to one end of the substantially straight track.
5. The vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein first engagement device is positioned beyond the first end wall, in a direction away from the second end wall, and inwardly from the one side of the vehicle body.
6. The vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first engagement device includes a laterally open channel member that the post of the first post assembly is laterally receivable, with the channel member extending between the respective level of both the roof and floor of the vehicle body adjacent to the first end wall.
7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the channel member is fixed relative to the vehicle body and has a tensioning ratchet device mounted at its lower end, with the ratchet device preferably having an upwardly projecting shaft that the lower end of the post is adapted to engage to enable the ratchet device to rotate the post, relative to its roller

25 device and link member, and thereby draw an end length of the curtain around the post for horizontally tensioning the curtain.
8. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the channel member as a whole is mounted for rotation around a vertical axis so that, with the post of the first post assembly received

30 in the channel member, rotation of the channel member enables tensioning of the curtain by rotation of the post member, by the channel member functioning as a core around which the curtain is drawn.

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2013273840 04 Dec 2018
9. The vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the post of each post assembly is in the form of a rod or a tube of a steel or aluminium alloy and, at an upper end of the post, the post device includes a link member by which the post is engaged with a carriage of the roller device, with the link member having a first portion secured within

5 or on the upper end of the post, and a second portion projecting axially of the post, beyond the upper end, to a connection with the carriage.
10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the first post assembly is rotatable around its longitudinal axis relative to the link member, with the carriage of the roller device of

10 elongate form, such as of elongate plate form, with the rolls or wheels mounted on a hub at an upper end of the carriage and the connection between the link member and the carriage at a lower end of the carriage, and a transverse pivot axis of the connection between the link member and the carriage substantially parallel to an axis or axes on which rolls or wheels of the roller device are rotatable such that the 15 transverse axis is substantially perpendicular to the rail track and the post is able to pivot on the pivot axis substantially in a vertical plane perpendicular to the pivot axis, relative to the roller device, such that an operator is able to manually grip the lower end of the post and, with pivoting of the post relative to the carriage of the roller device on the transverse pivot axis, pull the first post assembly along the straight 20 section of the rail track, towards the first end wall.
11. The vehicle of any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the link member has a second portion comprising a clevis with two projecting parts, such as fingers or tabs, that project from the first portion, with the carriage extending between the ends of the

25 projecting parts and the transverse pivot axis defined by a pin extending through aligned holes in the carriage and in each projecting part.
12. The vehicle of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the second post assembly has a post that is either rotatable around its longitudinal axis, relative to the link member, or

30 fixed against such rotation, with a pivot connection on a transverse axis between the link member and the carriage of the roller device that is substantially perpendicular to the axis or axes on which the rolls or wheels of the roller device are rotatable such that the transverse axis is substantially parallel to the rail track and the post is able to pivot on the transverse axis, in a vertical plane that is substantially perpendicular to <filename>

2013273840 04 Dec 2018 the rail track, between a position adjacent to the vehicle body and a position in which the lower end of the post is spaced outwardly from the vehicle body.
13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein in the second post assembly, the lower end of

5 the carriage has a connection portion at which the pivot connection between the link member and the carriage is provided, with the connection portion in the form of a bar or arm that preferably is round in cross-sections and is disposed so that it defines a transverse pivot axis that extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the post.
14. The vehicle of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the carriage defines a ring or loop that hangs below the rolls or wheels by which the roller device runs on the rail, with the connection portion of the carriage forming a lower part of the loop and the loop preferably comprising a waisted ring having an upper part that fits over a hub on
15 which the rolls or wheels are mounted for rotation, with a lower part of the ring defining the connection portion.

15. The vehicle of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the link member of the second post assembly defines a hook at the end of its second portion that is remote from the

20 post, with the hook engaged with the connection portion of the carriage to form the pivot connection between the carriage and the link member for pivoting of the post on the transverse axis.
16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the hook is such that the remote end of the link 25 member is held captive on the connection portion of the carriage, although the pivot connection is able to be disconnected.
17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the link member consists of two separate elongate, laterally adjacent members, each having a first portion secured in relation to

30 the upper end of the post and a second portion that extends axially relative to the post, beyond the upper end of the post, with the end of each second portion that is remote from the post has the form of a hook that can form part of the pivot connect between the carriage and the link member, the hooks preferably opening oppositely <filename>

2013273840 04 Dec 2018 with respect to each other such that the connection portion of the carriage can be held between opposed hooks.
18. The vehicle of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the link member consists of two

5 separate, laterally adjacent members, with each hook at the end of a respective arm comprising the second portion of the link member, and each arm has a central section along its length that curves away from the vehicle body.