AU2015200648A1 - An improved side structural component for the deck of a curtain sided vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A side structural component for the deck of a curtain sided vehicle, includes a coaming rail that has top and bottom laterally extending flanges joined by an upstanding web. The component further includes a plurality of facing members secured to the coaming rail and spaced along the length of the coaming rail over an outwardly facing surface of the web. The facing members are of elongate form, a longitudinal, outwardly facing surface and end surfaces by which the facing member is adapted to guide successive hooks or similar devices along a lower margin of a side curtain, as the curtain is drawn along the vehicle deck. <filename> CLn Nl

Description

1 Title of Invention An Improved Side Structural Component for the Deck of a Curtain Sided Vehicle Technical Field [0001] This invention relates to an improved side structural component for the deck of a curtain sided vehicle, such as a truck or trailer, and to an improved deck structure and curtain sided vehicle each having an improved side structural component. Background of Invention [0002] One type of curtain sided vehicle, such as a truck or trailer, typically has a body defined by a deck on which a load is able to be transported, front and rear end walls each supported on and extending upwardly from a respective end of deck, and a roof extending between and supported on the end walls. The body of a vehicle of that one type is completed by respective longitudinal sides of which at least one is a side curtain able to be adjusted to close, or to enable access to, a cargo carrying space defined within the body. The side curtain is suspended by being retained along a top edge of the curtain by roller assemblies engaged on a rail system extending along a side of the roof of the body. The arrangement with the vehicle of the one type is such that the curtain can be drawn so as to extend between the end walls and tensioned longitudinally, to thereby close the one side of the cargo space or, with release of longitudinal tension, drawn to or towards either end wall to enable access to the cargo space for loading or unloading the body. Also, the side curtain has a respective engager or engageable member at each of a number of locations along a lower margin by which the curtain, when horizontally tensioned, is adapted to be secured by an engageable or engager member, respectively, so as to be vertically tensioned or at least held in relation to the adjacent side of the deck. The arrangement is such that, when the curtain is vertically tensioned or held, the lower edge of the curtain is adjacent to a coaming rail that extends along that side of the deck.

2 [0003] In a long established arrangement still in wide use, side curtains are vertically tensioned by having engager members comprising hooks or similar devices that are able to engage with engageable members disposed along the adjacent side of the deck, such as openings in a coaming rail or locations along a tie-rail. Typically each hook is at the lower end of a respective flexible but relatively inextensible, curtain-strengthening strap that is attached at its upper end to a respective roller assembly. A respective buckle is provided at the end of each strap and has a body portion secured to the strap and, hence to the curtain, while each hook is attached to an adjustable portion of a respective buckle by a relatively short connecting-strap that may be extensible to a small degree. The arrangement generally is such that by manually undoing or doing up each buckle in turn, and pivoting the adjustable portion downwardly or upwardly relative to the body portion, each hook can be lowered or raised, respectively, as required for vertical tensioning of the curtain by engagement with the engageable members, or to release the tension to enable the curtain to be drawn along the vehicle body. As there can be about 22 or more hooks and buckles along each side of a curtain sided vehicle, such as a truck or trailer, this manual operation is time consuming and, in poor weather conditions, it can be dangerous. [0004] Regulations currently governing the transportation of cargo by road vehicles in Australian States set stringent minimum requirements for load restraint. Where a side curtain of a curtain sided vehicle is to provide restraint against lateral movement of cargo in transit, the side curtain is required to be able to comply with test conditions related to a particular cargo load, setting a maximum allowable outward deflection of the curtain of 100 mm. These conditions are unable to be satisfied by the curtain-strengthening straps described above. In order for a side curtain to be both flexible so it can be drawn along the vehicle body, and also to comply with the maximum deflection load restraint requirement, one practice adopted is to replace each curtain-strengthening straps with a respective upwardly extending, elongate reinforcing member in the form of a reinforcing batten or slat having physical characteristics that enable the reinforcing members to comply with the side restraint requirement. Each reinforcing member may be secured in relation to the curtain in any suitable manner. For example, if of a suitable material, the reinforcing members may be welded or adhesively bonded to the curtain. Alternatively, each reinforcing member may be located in a respective sleeve secured on or defined by the curtain.

3 [0005] Each reinforcing member usually is secured at its upper end to a respective roller assembly. Also each of the engageable members, by which the lower margin of the curtain can be secured, is connected to the lower end of a respective reinforcing member so that, with the side curtain vertically tensioned, the reinforcing members are secured in relation to the adjacent side of the deck of the vehicle body. It is with the upper and lower ends of each reinforcing member so secured that the reinforcing members can provide compliance with the load restraint requirement. Thus, while the members may be relatively rigid, they alternatively may be quite flexible given their length so as to be readily bendable prior to installation. However, in either case, the reinforcing members need to be relatively inextensible, so that with their ends secured, they are able to provide the required load restraint compliance. The reinforcing members can be made of a number of suitable materials, such as in the form of battens or slats of a metal such as steel or, as is preferred for weight saving, of suitable plastics materials, preferably fibre reinforced plastics materials. One suitable form of reinforcing member is formed of fibre reinforced plastics material, such as fibreglass reinforced plastics material, formed into reinforcing members by the pultrusion process. [0006] The development of battens or slats, able to provide side curtains with load restraint complying with Regulations governing road transportation of cargo, has been accompanied by the development of automated systems for attaining vertical tensioning of side curtains. In these automated systems, the curtain is provided with what are herein referred to as "engageable" members since, even though these may comprise hooks or similar devices, they are engaged by engager members movable by actuators to engage the engageable members of the curtain. The automated, so called "buckle-less", systems have overcome some of the problems associated with the preceding system using manually operable buckles for curtain tensioning. Under quiescent conditions those automated systems can operate satisfactorily since, under those conditions, the side curtain can hang as required for vertical tensioning. However, with the side curtain of a trailer that is tilted sideways on a surface that slopes to one side, the side curtain at the lower side of the trailer will tend to hang too far from the deck at that side, despite being longitudinally tensioned, thereby preventing the engager members from engaging with the engageable members. Problems also can arise with a side curtain at the high side of the trailer. Additionally, 4 windy conditions frequently are encountered and such conditions can make it impossible for an operator acting alone to secure and vertically tension the side curtain. In each case the operator needs the assistance of others available to hold the side curtain in place while it is being tensioned. [0007] When the engager members of the curtain in the manual systems, and engager members movable by actuators in the automated systems, are separated from engagement with the engageable members to release vertical tensioning, the curtain can be drawn to one or other end of the vehicle body. However, it is found that the respective members of the curtain can catch on structure along the adjacent side of the vehicle body deck. This is a particular problem under strong or gusty wind conditions and can result in the members being tightly jammed and difficult to free. [0008] The present invention seeks to provide an improved side structural component, for the deck of a curtain sided vehicle, that at least reduces the risk of members catching on structure of the adjacent side of the vehicle body deck. The invention also seeks to provide both an improved deck structure for a curtain sided vehicle, and a curtain sided vehicle, having a deck structure with an improved side structural component. Summary of the Invention [0009] In a first form, the invention provides a side structural component for the deck of a curtain sided truck or trailer, wherein the component includes a coaming rail that, relative to the in-use orientation of the coaming rail when the component is installed along a side of a vehicle deck, has top and bottom laterally extending flanges and an upstanding web joining the top and bottom flanges; and the component further includes a plurality of facing members secured to the coaming rail and spaced along the length of the coaming rail over an outwardly facing surface of the web of the coaming rail. The facing members are of elongate form and have their longitudinal extent along the coaming rail. Each successive pair of facing members are spaced from each other at a respective location on the coaming rail at which, with the component so installed, is adjacent to a respective one of a plurality of locations on a side curtain at which the side curtain is to be engaged for vertical tensioning. Each facing member has a longitudinal, outwardly facing surface and end surfaces by 5 which the facing member is adapted to guide successive hooks or similar devices along a lower margin of the curtain, as the curtain is drawn along the vehicle deck. [0010] In a second form the invention provides an improved deck structure for a curtain sided vehicle, wherein the deck structure has a base assembly including longitudinal and lateral structural members, and load carrying decking provided over the base assembly, and wherein the deck structure further has secured along at least one side of the base assembly the side structural component of the first form of the invention. [0011] In a third form the invention provides a curtain sided vehicle, such as a truck or a trailer, wherein the vehicle has a body defined by a deck on which a load is able to be transported, front and rear end walls each support on and extending upwardly from a respective end of the deck, and a roof extending between and supported on the end walls, the body having respective longitudinal sides of which at least one is provided by a side curtain able to be adjusted to close or enable access to a cargo carrying space defined within the body, the side curtain is suspended by being retained along a top edge of the curtain by roller assemblies engaged on a rail system extending along a side of the roof of the body such that the curtain can be drawn so as to extend between the end walls and tensioned longitudinally, and thereby close one side of the cargo space or, with release of longitudinal tension, drawn to or towards either end wall to enable access to the cargo space for loading or unloading the body, the side curtain has a respective engager or engageable member at each of a number of locations along a lower margin by which the curtain, when horizontally tensioned, is adapted to be secured by an engageable or engager member, respectively, so as to be vertically tensioned or at least held in relation to the adjacent side of the deck such that the lower edge of the curtain, when the curtain is vertically tensioned or held, is adjacent to a coaming rail that extends along that side of the deck, and wherein the coaming rail is provided by the side structural component of the first form of the invention. [0012] The coaming rail of the side structural component of the invention may have a C-shape in end elevation, with an outwardly open channel defined by the top and bottom flanges and the web. With this form of coaming rail the facing members are secured within the channel, such as by bonding or by fasteners extending through 6 at least one of the web, the top flange and the bottom flange. The outwardly facing surface of each facing member may be closely adjacent to a plane that extends across the mouth of the channel. The plane may be substantially vertical but, in any event, the plane preferably contains the outer edge of each of the top and bottom flanges. The outer surface of each facing member preferably is in that plane or just beyond that plane, such as by up to about 3 mm. [0013] The coaming rail of the side structural component preferably is of Z-shape in end elevation, with the top and bottom flanges extending outwardly and inwardly, respectively, from the web. The facing members are secured to the coaming rail below the top flange, such as by bonding or by fasteners extending through the web, or the top flange or each of the web and the top flange. The outwardly facing surface of each facing member may be closely adjacent to a substantially vertical plane containing the outer edge of the top flange, and the outwardly facing surface preferably is in that plane or just beyond that plane, such as by up to about 3 mm. [0014] With each form of coaming rail in the side structural component of the invention, each facing member may have a top surface that is shorter than a bottom surface. Thus, each end surface of the facing members is inclined upwardly from the bottom surface to the top surface. The end surfaces may be inclined at an angle of from about 45 0 to 55 0 to the bottom surface. The i nclined end surfaces assist in or facilitate guiding upwardly the hooks or like devices on the side curtain, as the curtain is drawn to one or other ends of a vehicle, to minimise the risk of the hooks or like devices catching on structure of the deck of which the side structural component forms a part. [0015] In a preferred curtain sided vehicle according to the invention, the vehicle has a side curtain at a side of the body of the vehicle at which a side structural component forms part of the deck. The curtain has at each of a number of locations along a lower edge margin of the curtain a respective engageable member, such as a hook, loop or other form of device with which the engager member of a tensioning device can cooperate. Each engageable member is able to be engaged by respective engager member to enable the curtain to be vertically tensioned or at least held in relation to, such as against, the adjacent side of the body. A tensioning system for the preferred vehicle includes a plurality of tensioning devices mounted in 7 series in relation to and along the deck of the body of the vehicle, at or adjacent to the side of the deck at which curtain is provided. Each of the tensioning devices has at least one engager member movable between a first position and a second position such that, with the devices so mounted, movement of each engager member from the first position towards the second position enables the engager member to engage a respective engageable member of the curtain for vertically tensioning the curtain or at least hold the hold the curtain in relation to the adjacent side of the deck of the body and, movement of each engager member from the second position towards the first position enables each engager member to release and move out of engagement with the respective engageable member. Each tensioning device includes an actuator operable in response a supply of pressurised fluid, for moving the engager member at least to the second position, with a linkage system between the actuator and the at least one engager member. The tensioning system includes a controller device that is operable to enable the supply pressurised fluid from a source of the fluid to the actuator of each tensioning device for moving the respective engager member at least to the second position. [0016] In the preferred curtain sided vehicle, the linkage system can be of a number of different forms. In one convenient arrangement, the linkage system has a hub mounted for rotation on an axis extending longitudinally with respect to the deck of the vehicle body, with the hub having respective arms by which it is connected to the actuator and to the engager member. In that arrangement, one of the arms is pivotally connected to the actuator, while a link is pivotally connected to the other arm and extends from the hub, in a direction away from the actuator, for connection to the engager member. The connection to the engager member is by a pivotal connection between the end of the link remote from the hub and an arm project from the engager member. In one convenient arrangement for the tension device, when installed in relation to the deck of a curtain sided vehicle, the link of the linkage system extends through an opening formed in the coaming rail of the vehicle deck to its connection with the engager member, with the opening preferably through the web of the coaming rail. . [0017] For the preferred vehicle, the engager member may comprise a shaft that is mounted for rotation by the actuator, and that has at least one laterally projecting 8 engager portion by which the engager member is able to engage an engageable member. With a coaming rail of C-shape in end elevation, the shaft of the engager member may be mountable within the laterally open channel defined by the coaming rail, and rotatable on an axis extending within the channel, longitudinally with respect to the coaming rail. The shaft of the engager member may be contained in a part of the channel defined by the coaming rail and the facing members, and preferably between the top flange and web of the coaming rail, and a rebated upper part of the facing members. The mounting of the shaft is such the engager portion is located between successive facing members, or each engager portion is located between respective successive facing members. The arrangement is such that, when in the first position the or each engagement portion projects outwardly beyond the top flange, and downwardly in spaced relation to the web when in the second position. [0018] With a coaming rail of Z-shape in end elevation, a channel is not defined by the flanges and web, as the top and bottom flanges extend from the web in opposite directions. However, the shaft the engagement member of the preferred actuator may be contained in channels defined by the top flange and web of the coaming rail in a manner similar to that described for a rail of C-shape in end elevation. However, with a preferred form of rail of Z-section, the outer edge of the top flange has a series of depending flange sections along at least a major part of the length of each facing member, to define a series of downwardly open channel sections. The arrangement with that preferred rail of Z-section preferably is such that the shaft of each engager member is mountable within successive channel sections, with the mouth of each channel section closed by a respective facing member. Thus, the shaft is containd in elongate spaces, each defined on three sides by the rail and on a fourth side by the facing members. In that arrangement, the engager portion of each engager member is located between respective successive flange portions and successive facing members, to project outwardly beyond the flange portions when in the first position and downwardly between successive channel sections when in the second position. Each facing member may fit into the mouth of the respective channel section, between the lower edge of the respective flange portion and the web, so as to brace the flange section against damage from relatively low order unintended impacts such as from the tynes of forklift loaders.

9 [0019] The facing members may be of a number of suitable materials. They could be of hardwood or of a suitable metal. However, they preferably are of energy absorbing material, such as an engineering plastics material, for example Nylon, high density polyolefin, or such as a suitable high hardness rubber, such as a synthetic rubber. [0020] The tensioning devices preferably are mountable below the upper surface of the deck of the vehicle body, such as by being mounted against the underside of support structure of the deck. As indicated, each engager member is mounted adjacent to the side of the deck and the side structural component. The arrangement preferably is such each actuator is mounted under the deck at a location spaced from that side of the deck adjacent to which the engager member is mounted. Most conveniently the actuator and the linkage system act along a line that extends laterally towards, and with respect to, that side of the deck, such as substantially perpendicularly with respect to that side. The actuator of each tensioning device may be secured to the support structure of the deck such as by connectors of the actuator being secured to a depending plate attached to the support structure. As a preferred actuator comprising a pneumatic brake booster typically has a relatively large diameter, the actuator may be disposed so that its line of action is inclined upwardly towards the side of the deck adjacent which the engager member is mounted, such as at an angle of from about 3 0 to 70 The hub of the linkage system may be journalled in bearings carried by depending flanges of a sub-frame secured to the support structure of the deck. Each bearing may be fitted in a plate secured over on opening in the respective depending flange, for ease of installation and repair. [0021] As indicated, the tensioning devices may simply hold the curtain in relation to the adjacent side of the deck. The arrangement may be such that little if any vertical tension is applied to the curtain, such as with simply holding of the curtain by the devices only causing tensioning as a result of wind forces acting on the curtain during road travel at usual speeds. However, it is preferred the tensioning devices do apply vertical tension to the curtain such that the curtain will remain substantially flat during normal operating and windy conditions 10 Brief Description of Drawings [0022] In order that the invention may more readily be understood, description now is directed to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a deck of a curtain sided trailer, showing a tensioning device and parts of a side structural component of the invention, with the tensioning device in its first, or release, condition; [0024] Figure 2 corresponds to Figure 1, but shows the device in its second, or engage, condition; [0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the arrangement of Figure 1, taken from below; [0026] Figure 4 is a side elevation of the arrangement of Figure 2, as used in vertically tensioning a side curtain; [0027] Figure 5 corresponds to Figure 4, but with side curtain drawn to one end; [0028] Figure 6 corresponds to 4, but is illustrated as if the side curtain is transparent; [0029] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the arrangement of Figure 6; [0030] Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view on line A-A of Figure 4; [0031] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 5, but showing the tensioning device in its first, or release, condition; [0032] Figure 10 is a perspective view of Figure 9; [0033] Figure 11 shows enlarged detail from Figure 8; and [0034] Figure 12 corresponds to, and illustrates a degree of movement permitted by, the arrangement of Figure 11.

11 Detailed Description of the Drawings [0035] In Figures 1 to 12 there is shown a side support component S of the invention, shown in relation to a trailer deck 60 for a curtain sided vehicle having a series of tensioning devices 110. Each device 110 is mounted, and is operable in relation to, the illustrated trailer deck 60 and its side curtain 76 that has, spaced along its lower edge margin, a plurality of engageable members 78, each in the form of an upturned hook in the arrangement shown. The component S includes the coaming rail 112 and, secured on rail 112, a plurality of elongate fittings 72 mounted on rail 112 in end-to-end spaced relation and, at intervals along at least some fittings 72, fittings 74. The fittings 72 comprise facing members, while fittings 74 comprise spacers. The nature and purpose of fittings 72 and 74 will become apparent later in the description of Figures 1 to 12. [0036] In Figures 1 to 12, there is shown parts of the deck 60 of a flat top trailer. The trailer deck includes transverse beams 62 extending laterally with respect to longitudinal main beams (not shown), a coaming rail 112, and a tie-rail 64 supported below coaming rail 112 by connectors 66. The device 110 includes an engager member 114, an actuator 116 and a linkage system 118. The engager member 114 comprises an elongate shaft 120 and, at each plurality of locations spaced along shaft 120, a respective one of a plurality of engager members or tongues 122 projecting laterally from shaft 120 in a common plane. The coaming rail 112 has a body of Z shaped cross-section formed by a web 11 2c extending between a laterally outwardly extending top flange 11 2a and a laterally inwardly extending bottom flange 11 2b. However, at each of a plurality of intervals spaced along rail 112, the top flange 11 2a has a series of downturned outer edge flange portions 11 2e that, with web 11 2c, define a longitudinally spaced series of downwardly open channel sections 11 2d. Shaft 120 of engager member 114 is housed in successive channel sections 11 2d, with each engager member or tongue 122 located at a respective spacing between successive flange portions 11 2e and channel sections 11 2d. [0037] The device 110 is connected by a sub-frame 134 to support structure 68 (see Figure 10) for the decking 60. A hub (not shown) corresponding to hub 36 of device 10, is mounted in sub-frame 134 and secured by bearing plates 138. The hub has arms 140a and 140b to which one end of elongate link 150 is pivotally connected 12 by a pin 147. Also, the hub has an arm 140c, with arms 140b and 140c pivotally connected by pin 146 to one end of a turnbuckle connector 148, with the other end of connector 148 secured to an end a shaft (not shown) of pneumatic actuator 116 operable to longitudinally advance and retract the shaft and turnbuckle connector 148 for reversibly rotating the hub and its arms 140a, 140b and 140c in unison. At its end remote from the hub from which arms 140a, 140b and 140c extend, link 150 is pivotally connected, through an opening 154 cut in web 11 2c of coaming rail 112, to the ends of a pair of arms 152 that are integral with and project laterally from a mid length section of shaft 120. [0038] As indicated, the shaft 120 of engager member 114 is housed in the channel sections 11 2d of the coaming rail 112. In channel sections 11 2d, the extent to which shaft 120 can move laterally in any direction is constrained by a plurality of fittings of two types that work together and constrain lateral movement of shaft 120. The fittings 72 of the first type are elongate and somewhat rectangular in end elevation. Each fitting 72 has a length substantially corresponding to that of a flange portion 11 2e of coaming rail 112 and has a width between front and rear surfaces such that the fitting 72 can be secured against the web 11 2c of coaming rail 112, against the lower edge of a respective flange portion 11 2e, so as to close the channel sections 11 2d behind that flange portion 11 2e. However, each fitting 72 is rebated along its upper, outer corner so that an upper part of the fitting is a neat fit within the mouth of the channel sections 11 2d. Thus, the upper part of each fitting 72 is located between the respective flange portion 11 2e and web 11 2c of coaming rail 112, and thereby braces flange portion, such as against a measure of inadvertent impact in use, such as from the tynes of a forklift device. When in that relationship, a respective fitting 72 is secured at each flange portion 11 2e, such as by fasteners (not shown) inserted through pre-formed lateral openings 72a through the fittings 72 and engaged in the web 112c of the coaming rail 112. [0039] The fittings 74 of the second type comprise spacer blocks that serve to limit the extent to which shaft 120 of engager member 114 can move laterally away from the flange portions 11 2d of the coaming rail 112, towards the web 11 2c. At intervals along the length of the first fittings 72, there is a recess 72b formed in the inner, upper corner of fittings that is closed laterally by the web 11 2c of the coaming rail 12, but 13 that opens upwardly. A respective second fitting 74 stands in, and projects above, each recess 72b so as to occupy a major part of the of the width of the channel sections 11 2d not occupied by shaft 120. The fittings 74 can be formed of the same materials as the first fittings 72. [0040] The second fittings 74 may be positioned in relation to each first fitting 72 as the fitting 72 is presented for securement in relation to the coaming rail 112. To assist with fittings 74 remaining in position while the fitting 72 is positioned and secured, each fitting 74 may be a firm fit in a respective recess 72a, or it may be bonded in position. Alternatively, there may be only a single, integral form of composite fitting, each fitting of integral form having an elongate body corresponding to fitting 72 but with upstanding projections at appropriate intervals along the length of the body or an elongate upstanding projection along at least a substantial part, such as a major part, of the length of the body. However, in a further alternative, the arrangement may be such that the fittings 74 are removable, preferably without the need to remove fittings 72. Fittings 74 that are so removable are convenient where the coaming rail is to accommodate, for its trailer, side gates that are located by downwardly projecting spades intended to locate into openings in the top of the coaming rail, such as through the top flange 11 2a in the case of coaming rail 112. Thus, at each of a number of locations along the length of rail 112 spaced to correspond with the spacing between depending spades of a given side gate, coaming rail 112 may have respective openings 11 2f through the top flange 11 2a, each for receiving a respective spade of the side gate. For such openings 11 2f that are not occupied by a spade of a gate, a respective second fitting 74 can be provided, with the fittings 34 and gate spades each able to limit the extent to which shafts 120 are able to move laterally in the respective channel sections 11 2d. [0041] In limiting the extent to which shafts 120 are able to move laterally, second fittings 74 serve a function similar to that of brackets 24 in device 10 of Figures 1 to 10. As a consequence of this constraint on shafts 120 (as with shafts 20 of device 10), the engager members 116 (16) operate reliably in that the engager members or tongues 122 (22) are movable between first, or release, positions and second, or engage, positions by each traversing a substantially fixed arcuate path that remains substantially constant in each cycle of use. As a consequence, all engager members 14 or tongues 122 (22) can be controlled so that, when in the first, or release position, they project laterally outwardly from the coaming rail 122 (12) to a substantially uniform extent. This enables the device 110 (10) to be installed with respect to a side curtain 76 in a designed arrangement that minimises the risk of a hook 78 of the curtain 76 catching on an engager member or tongue 122 (22) as the curtain is drawn towards one or other end of the deck 60 of the trailer. However, that risk is further reduced by the first fittings 72 in the device 110 of Figures 11 to 22, as explained in the following. [0042] The coaming rail 12 of device 10 of Figures 1 to 10 has a laterally open channel 12d. In contrast, the coaming rail 112 of device 110 of Figures 11 to 22 is closed below the laterally outer edge of top flange 11 2a, along a major part of the length of rail 112. That is, flange portions 11 2e result in channel sections 11 2d that open downwardly, with each channel section 11 2d closed laterally outwardly by a respective flange portion 11 2e. Also, each first fitting 72 provides a downward continuation of the laterally outer surface of a respective flange portion 11 2e, while each fitting 72 has a length substantially the same as that of a flange portion 11 2e. Thus, the system of coaming rail 112 and fittings 72 is such that it is laterally open only at the location of each successive engager member or tongue 122 so the hooks 78 of curtain 76 are guided substantially out of engagement with the members or tongues 122, minimising the risk of a hook 78 catching on a portion or tongue 122 as curtain 76 is drawn to one or other end of the trailer deck 60. That risk is further reduces by each engager member or tongue 122 having side edges 122a that taper to the end remote from shaft 120, so that the portions or tongues 122 have a substantially trapezoidal, preferably a substantially isosceles trapezoidal, form that enables the side edges 122a to facilitate avoidance of engagement by a hook 78. Also, as shown, the first fittings 72 preferably have end faces 72c that follow the nearer side edge 122a of the adjacent portion or tongue 122. [0043] The fittings 72 and 74 can be made of a variety of different materials. At one extreme, they could be made of timber, such as a suitable hardwood, given the relatively low cost involved. At the other extreme, they can be made of a suitable metal, such as aluminium or steel, produced by a suitable machining operation or by casting. However, the fittings 72 and 74 preferably provide a degree of protection for 15 coaming rail against inadvertent impacts, while the fittings themselves preferably have some resistance to impact forces. The fittings therefore most preferably are made of a suitable plastics material, such as an engineering plastics material such as Nylon or a high density polyolefin such as polyethylene, or a high hardness rubber, such as a synthetic rubber. [0044] The system of coaming rail 112 and fittings 72 can reduce the risk of an operator having a hand trapped between the coaming rail 112 and an engager member or tongue 122, as device 110 is actuated to adjust the engager members or tongues 122 from the first, or release condition to the second, or engage condition. [0045] The device 110 of Figures 1 to 12 is shown in a working relationship with the curtain 76, although the device 10 could be used in place of device 110. While not shown, a trailer having the deck 60 will have the deck 60 as the deck of an elongate body including front and rear end walls, a roof extending between and supported by the end walls, and with the curtain 76 suspended along its top edge by a plurality of roller assemblies engaged on a rail extending along a side of the roof of the body. The curtain 76 is able to be extended between the end walls and to be horizontally tensioned, in which condition each engager member or tongue 122 is laterally aligned with a respective engageable member 78 and the curtain is able to be vertically tensioned by device 110. With release of the horizontal and vertical tension, the curtain is able to be drawn to one or other end of the trailer body by the roller assemblies running along the rail. Some known trailer bodies that are so arranged are characterised as providing a so-called "buckle-less" system for vertical tensioning of the side curtain. However, the buckle-less system has a number of disadvantages as discussed in the following and, while the devices 10 and 110 of the present invention can be used in a buckle-less arrangement, a device of the invention preferably is used in a system that includes buckles. Also, the devices 10 and 110 may be used with a side curtain adapted to comply with regulations governing requirements for load restraint. [0046] In the curtain installation shown in Figures 1 to 12, only a single device 110 can be seen, with the device 110 having three engager members or tongues 122 spaced substantially uniformly along a common shaft 120. However, the shaft may be of longer length and have a greater number of portions or tongues 122 uniformly 16 spaced along its length. It is possible for a single device 110 to extend along the full length of deck 60 although, particularly given the usual front to rear arching of trailer decks, it is more practical to utilise a plurality of devices 110 disposed along the length of deck 60, with the respective shafts substantially aligned end to end. With use of a plurality of devices 110 most, if not all, preferably each have three engager members or tongues 122. However, for a required spacing between members or tongues 122 and a given length of deck 60, it may be necessary to have at least one device 110 with, for example, two, four or even five portions or tongues 122, in preference to only a single portion or tongue 122. [0047] Each engageable member 78, in the arrangement shown, is located adjacent to the lower end of a respective upright batten 82 that is secured in relation to the curtain 76. The battens preferably are able to provide load restraint, by safeguarding against movement of cargo during transportation. For this purpose the battens need to be relatively inextensible so that, when secured at each end, they can't readily be deformed outwardly. Thus, although the battens may be relatively flexible due to their length, they also are relatively rigid when held under longitudinal tension. The battens may be of a suitable metal, such as steel, or of a suitable plastics material, such as a fibre-reinforced plastics material. A preferred fibre reinforced plastics material, with for example fibreglass or carbon fibres reinforcement, is that produced by the process of pultrusion. [0048] The curtain has a plurality of battens 82 that are space laterally with respect to each other along the side of the trailer body, with each batten 82 disposed substantially vertically when the curtain is fully extended. In one convenient arrangement, each batten 82 is located in an elongate sleeve defined by the curtain 76. Each batten 82 has its upper end secured to a respective one of the roller assemblies by which the curtain 76 is able to be drawn along the rail mounted along the roof of the trailer body, while a respective buckle 84 is secured to the lower end of each batten 82. The buckles 84 may be of a conventional over-centre form, having a main body portion 84a by which it is secured to the respective batten 82 by pins 86 , and a release portion 84b able to be manually pivoted relative to the body portion 84a between an over-centre, engaged position shown and a lower, release position. Each engageable member 78 has an elongate section 78a secured at one end to the 17 respective buckle 84 so to depend from the buckle 84 and position an upturned lower end section 78b at the lower edge of the curtain 76. Securement of the upper end of the section 78a to the buckle 84 is by means of a strong fabric strap 88 engaged with both the section 78a and the release portion 84b of buckle 84, but with a part of the length of section 78a overlapping and held firmly against the main body portion 84a of the buckle 84. The arrangement is such that, with buckle 84 closed, that is with its portion 84b in its over-centre, engaged position, each engageable member 78 is held by the strap 88 so as to be substantially fixed, relative to the respective batten 82, against tension applied longitudinally of the batten 82. Also, each member 78 is held by the strap so as to be substantially fixed relative to the respective batten 82 and buckle 84 against a force directed laterally outwardly with respect to deck 60 but, as shown in Figure 12, the securement by straps 88 enables each member 78 to pivot relative to the respective batten 82 and buckle 84, under a sufficient force directed laterally inwardly towards deck 60. [0049] In strong wind conditions, a side curtain can be blown up onto the deck. Where the curtain has battens, it can be very difficult for a sole operator to pull the curtain back to the side of the deck, particularly where the hooks or other engagement members are relatively short and the battens end close to the lower edge of the curtain, due to the relative rigidity of the battens. However, in the arrangement shown, the relative long length of the sections 78a of engageable members 78, the correspondingly shorter battens 82, and the ability of members 78 to pivot inwardly relative to the battens, simplifies the task of pulling the curtain back to the side of the deck. [0050] With the arrangement shown, a control apparatus (not shown) provided on the trailer body enables pneumatic pressure to be simultaneous applied to, or released from, the actuator 116 of each of a plurality of devices 110 via a common conduit from a source of pneumatic pressure. The control apparatus enables an operator to actuate each of a plurality of devices 110 simultaneously to achieve vertical tensioning of the curtain 76, after the curtain 76 has been horizontally tensioned between the front and rear ends of the trailer body, to bring each engageable member 78 of the curtain into lateral and vertical alignment with a respective engager member or tongue 122 of a respective device 110. The vertical 18 tensioning is achieved by the application of pneumatic pressure to the actuator 116 of each device 110 so that the shaft 120 of each engager member 114 is caused to rotate under the action of the pneumatic pressure, in causing rotation of the hub and longitudinal adjustment of the linkage system 118, so that each engager member or tongue 122 is moved from its first position to its second position and thereby engages and applies downward pressure on a respective engageable member 78 of the curtain 76 . Similarly, the operator is able to release vertical tension in the curtain, by releasing pneumatic pressure from the actuators, to enable rotation of the shaft 120 of each device 110 under the action of the return spring of each actuator 116, so that each engager member or tongue 122 is moved from its second to its first position, freeing the respective engageable member 78 of the curtain 76. [0051] The tensioning device of the invention provides a robust, reliable arrangement for retaining the lower edge of a side curtain that is well suited for a long, reliable operating life. Also, the device can be maintained with relatively simple service requirements, particularly as points requiring periodic lubrication are readily accessible.

Claims (21)

1. A side structural component for the deck of a curtain sided truck or trailer, wherein the component includes a coaming rail that, relative to the in-use orientation of the coaming rail when the component is installed along a side of a vehicle deck, has top and bottom laterally extending flanges and an upstanding web joining the top and bottom flanges; and the component further includes a plurality of facing members secured to the coaming rail and spaced along the length of the coaming rail over an outwardly facing surface of the web of the coaming rail; the facing members are of elongate form and have their longitudinal extent along the coaming rail, the facing members of each successive pair are spaced from each other at a respective location on the coaming rail at which, with the component so installed, is adjacent to a respective one of a plurality of locations on a side curtain at which the side curtain is to be engaged for vertical tensioning, and each facing member has a longitudinal, outwardly facing surface and end surfaces by which the facing member is adapted to guide successive hooks or similar devices along a lower margin of the curtain, as the curtain is drawn along the vehicle deck.

2. The side structural component of claim 1, wherein the coaming rail has a C shape in end elevation, with an outwardly open channel defined by the top and bottom flanges and the web.

3. The side structural component of claim 2, wherein the facing members are secured within the channel, such as by bonding or by fasteners extending through at least one of the web, the top flange and the bottom flange.

4. The side structural component of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the outwardly facing surface of each facing member is closely adjacent to a plane that extends across the mouth of the channel.

5. The side structural component of claim 1, wherein the coaming rail has a Z shape in end elevation, with the top and bottom flanges extending outwardly and inwardly, respectively, from the web. <filename> 20

6. The side structural component of claim 5, wherein the facing members are secured to the coaming rail below the top flange, such as by bonding or by fasteners extending through the web, or the top flange or each of the web and the top flange.

7. The side structural component of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the outwardly facing surface of each facing member is closely adjacent to a substantially vertical plane containing the outer edge of the top flange.

8. The side structural component of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each facing member has a top surface that is shorter than a bottom surface so that each end surface of the facing members is inclined upwardly from the bottom surface to the top surface.

9. The side structural component of claim 8, wherein the end surfaces are inclined at an angle of from about 45 0 to 55 0 to th e bottom surface, to facilitate the inclined end surfaces assist in guiding upwardly the hooks or like devices on the side curtain, as the curtain is drawn to one or other ends of a vehicle, and thereby minimise the risk of the hooks or like devices catching on structure of the deck of which the side structural component forms a part.

10. The side structural component of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the facing members are of energy absorbing material, such as an engineering plastics material, high-density polyolefin, or such as a suitable high hardness rubber, such as a synthetic rubber.

11. A deck structure for a curtain sided vehicle, wherein the deck structure has a base assembly including longitudinal and lateral structural members, and load carrying decking provided over the base assembly, and wherein the deck structure further has secured along at least one side of the base assembly the side structural component of any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A curtain sided vehicle, such as a truck or a trailer, wherein the vehicle has a body defined by a deck on which a load is able to be transported, front and rear end walls each support on and extending upwardly from a respective end of the deck, and a roof extending between and supported on the end walls, the <filename> 21 body having respective longitudinal sides of which at least one is provided by a side curtain able to be adjusted to close or enable access to a cargo carrying space defined within the body, the side curtain is suspended by being retained along a top edge of the curtain by roller assemblies engaged on a rail system extending along a side of the roof of the body such that the curtain can be drawn so as to extend between the end walls and tensioned longitudinally, and thereby close one side of the cargo space or, with release of longitudinal tension, drawn to or towards either end wall to enable access to the cargo space for loading or unloading the body, the side curtain has a tensioning system having a respective engager or engageable member at each of a number of locations along a lower margin by which the curtain, when horizontally tensioned, is adapted to be secured by an engageable or engager member, respectively, so as to be vertically tensioned or at least held in relation to the adjacent side of the deck such that the lower edge of the curtain, when the curtain is vertically tensioned or held, is adjacent to a coaming rail that extends along that side of the deck, and wherein the coaming rail is provided by the side structural component of any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the tensioning system includes a plurality of tensioning devices mounted in series in relation to and along the deck of the body of the vehicle, at or adjacent to the side of the deck at which curtain is provided, each of the tensioning devices has at least one engager member movable between a first position and a second position such that, with the devices so mounted, movement of each engager member from the first position towards the second position enables the engager member to engage a respective engageable member of the curtain for vertically tensioning the curtain or at least hold the hold the curtain in relation to the adjacent side of the deck of the body and, movement of each engager member from the second position towards the first position enables each engager member to release and move out of engagement with the respective engageable member.

14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein each tensioning device includes an actuator operable in response a supply of pressurised fluid, for moving the engager member at least to the second position, with a linkage system provided between the actuator and the at least one engager member. <filename> 22

15. The vehicle of claim 13 or claim14, wherein the tensioning system includes a controller device that is operable to enable the supply pressurised fluid from a source of the fluid to the actuator of each tensioning device for moving the respective engager member at least to the second position.

16. The vehicle of claim 14, the linkage system has a hub mounted for rotation on an axis extending longitudinally with respect to the deck of the vehicle body, with the hub having a first arm connected to the actuator and a second arm connected to the engager member, with the connection to the engager member provided by a link pivotally connected to the second arm and extending from the hub, in a direction away from the actuator, to a connection to the engager member.

17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the connection to the engager member is by a pivotal connection between the end of the link remote from the hub and an arm project from the engager member, with the link of the linkage system extends through an opening formed in the coaming rail, such as through the web of the coaming rail, to its connection to the engager member.

18. The vehicle of any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein, the engager member comprises a shaft that is mounted for rotation by the actuator, and that has at least one laterally projecting engager portion by which the engager member is able to engage an engageable member.

19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the coaming rail is of C-shape in end elevation, and the shaft of the engager member is mounted within the laterally open channel defined by the coaming rail, and rotatable on an axis extending within the channel, longitudinally with respect to the coaming rail with the shaft of the engager member contained in a part of the channel defined by the coaming rail and the facing members, between the top flange and web of the coaming rail, and a rebated upper part of the facing members, and wherein each engager portion is located between respective successive facing members such that, when in the first position, the or each engagement portion projects outwardly beyond the top flange, and downwardly in spaced relation to the web when in the second position. <filename> 23

20. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the coaming rail is of Z-shape in end elevation, and the shaft the engagement member is contained in channels defined by the top flange and web of the coaming rail and a series of depending flange sections the outer edge of the top flange along at least a major part of the length of each facing member, to define a series of downwardly open channel sections, such that the shaft of each engager member is mountable within successive channel sections, with the mouth of each channel section closed by a respective facing member whereby the shaft is containd in elongate spaces, each defined on three sides by the rail and on a fourth side by the facing members.

21. The vehicle of claim 20 wherein, the engager portion of each engager member is located between respective successive flange portions and successive facing members, to project outwardly beyond the flange portions when in the first position and downwardly between successive channel sections when in the second position, with each facing member fitting into the mouth of the respective channel section, between the lower edge of the respective flange portion and the web, so as to brace the flange sections against damage. <filename>