AU2016201601A1 - Gate Pivot for a Freight Vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A gate pivot 28 for pivotably supporting a gate 30 of a freight vehicle 10. The pivot 28 includes a vehicle mount portion 32 for mounting the pivot 28 to a wall or frame structure 22 of the vehicle 10, and a gate mount portion 38 for mounting the pivot 28 to a side edge region 40 of the gate 30. The gate mount portion 38 is pivotably connected to the vehicle mount portion 32. In use, the gate mount portion 38 is pivotable relative to the vehicle mount portion 32 about a generally vertical axis Y. The vehicle mount portion 32 includes a fastener receiving aperture. The fastener receiving aperture is provided for receiving a fastener to mount the vehicle mount portion 32 to the wall or frame structure 22 such that, in use, the vehicle mount portion 32 is pivotable relative to the wall or frame structure 22. <filename>

Description

GATE PIVOT FOR A FREIGHT VEHICLE

Introduction [0001] The present invention relates to a freight vehicle, particularly a top loadable freight vehicle such as a tipper truck or trailer. More particularly, the invention relates to a gate hinge for a freight vehicle and will hereinafter be generally described in this context. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to this context.

Background of the Invention [0002] Freight carrying vehicles have evolved into a wide variety of forms in response to a myriad of user needs and requirements. This is particularly so with regard to road vehicles, including freight carrying trucks and trailers.

[0003] With particular regard to tipper truck and trailers, freight transported therein is generally loaded through an open top, and unloaded by tipping the freight enclosure, such that the freight empties through an opening (typically) in the rear end wall structure (or a sidewall structure) of the enclosure. The freight may be in a variety of forms, including particulate materials such as grain and soil, as well as rocks, rubble, scrap metal and the like.

[0004] A gate is typically mounted across such openings, with the gate moveable from a closed position, in which the gate acts as a barrier preventing unloading of the freight through the opening. When it is desired to unload the freight the gate must be moved to an open position, thereby no longer preventing the freight exiting through the opening when the enclosure is tipped.

[0005] These types of gates are usually pivotably held in position using one or more gate pivots and/or hinges. While such arrangements are generally suitable for most applications, it would be desirable to provide an improved or at least alternative gate pivot.

[0006] More particularly, it would be desirable to provide a gate pivot that is easily adapted for use on a range of vehicles and for a variety of possible applications. It would also be desirable to provide a pivot that is robust, cost effective to manufacture, and relatively simple to install.

Summary of the invention [0007] According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gate pivot for pivotably supporting a gate of a freight vehicle. The pivot includes a vehicle mount portion for mounting the pivot to a wall or frame structure of the vehicle, and a gate mount portion for mounting the pivot to a side edge region of the gate. The gate mount portion is pivotably connected to the vehicle mount portion. In use, the gate mount portion is pivotable relative to the vehicle mount portion about a generally vertical axis. The vehicle mount portion includes a fastener receiving aperture. The fastener receiving aperture is provided for receiving a fastener to mount the vehicle mount portion to the wall or frame structure such that, in use, the vehicle mount portion is pivotable relative to the wall or frame structure.

[0008] Preferably, the vehicle mount portion is pivotably mounted to the wall structure about a generally horizontal axis.

In a preferred form, the gate pivot is provided in the form of a tailgate pivot for supporting a vehicle tailgate. In such an arrangement, the vehicle mount portion is provided for mounting to a side wall or frame structure of the vehicle. The invention will hereinafter be generally described in this context. However, it is to be appreciated that the gate pivot may be in the form of a side gate pivot for supporting a vehicle side gate, with the vehicle mount portion provided for mounting to a front or rear wall or frame structure of the vehicle.

[0009] In one form, the fastening receiving aperture is provided for receiving a fastener in the form of a threaded pin or bolt, with the pin or bolt provided for extending through an aperture provided in the wall structure and fastened in position with a nut.

[0010] The vehicle mount portion preferably includes a recess for receiving a head of the fastener.

[0011] In one preferred form, the fastener head is receivable in the recess in a keyed configuration with the recess to prevent relative rotation between the fastener and the vehicle mount portion.

[0012] The pivot has been specifically, but not exclusively designed for use on a top loadable freight vehicle, such as a tipper trailer.

[0013] Preferably, the vehicle mount portion includes a substantially planar mounting face for mounting to an upstanding (preferably, substantially vertical) outer surface of the wall structure.

[0014] So far, the invention has been described broadly in the context of a gate pivot. However, the invention is also broadly directed to a freight vehicle incorporating a gate pivot of the type generally described above. Thus, according to another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a freight vehicle. The vehicle includes a chassis having ground or track engaging wheels, a floor over the chassis for supporting freight, longitudinally spaced front and rear end wall structures, and opposed side wall structures, with the front, rear and opposed side walls structures and the floor defining an enclosure for freight. The vehicle also includes a gate pivot that pivotably supports a gate of the vehicle. The pivot includes a vehicle mount portion mounted to a wall or frame structure of the vehicle, and a gate mount portion mounted to a side edge region of the gate. The gate mount portion is pivotably connected to the vehicle mount portion. The gate mount portion is pivotable relative to the vehicle mount portion about a generally vertical axis. The vehicle mount portion is mounted to the vehicle with a fastener received through an aperture provided in the vehicle mount portion, such that the vehicle mount portion is pivotable relative to the vehicle.

Again, the gate pivot is preferably in the form of a tailgate pivot that pivotably supports a tailgate of the rear wall structure of the vehicle. In such an arrangement, the vehicle mount portion is mounted to a wall or frame structure, which is in the form of a side wall or associated side wall frame structure, such that the vehicle mount portion is pivotable relative to the side wall structure.

[0015] It is envisaged that, in one preferred form, the side wall structure includes a rail along an upper edge of the side wall structure, with the aperture in the side wall structure provided through the rail. In this arrangement, the vehicle mount portion is mounted to the rail. Further, a sleeve may be provided that is integrally attached to or within the rail (or other suitable portion of the side wall structure) for receiving the pin or bolt.

[0016] Preferably, the gate mount portion is mounted to an upper side edge region of the gate.

[0017] Preferably, the gate pivot is mounted to the rail (or other suitable side wall structure location) such that the pivot (when in an “at rest” position) is below the upper edge of rail. This is desirable, particularly where the rail supports a retractable cover for the freight enclosure, because the pivot doesn’t interfere with opening and closing of the cover.

[0018] The freight vehicle is preferably a top loadable freight vehicle, such as a tipper trailer, although embodiments are also contemplated in which the vehicle is a side-tipper trailer.

[0019] It is to be appreciated that spatial references used within this specification such as “vertically”, “horizontally”, “upper”, “front”, “rear”, “side” and the like are to be interpreted in the context of the invention in it’s normal in-use (upright) orientation of a freight vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0020] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The particularity of the drawings is to be understood as not limiting the preceding broad description of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective rear view of a freight vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the rear tailgate in a closed position.

Figure 2 is a perspective rear view of a portion of the freight vehicle shown in Figure 1, but with a retractable canopy fitted.

Figure 3 is a perspective rear view of a portion of the vehicle shown in Figure 1 with the rear tailgate shown in an open position.

Figure 4 is a side perspective view of a portion of the vehicle shown in Figure 1, with the rear tailgate open as also shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the vehicle shown in Figure 1, with the rear tailgate in a closed position.

Figure 6 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is an exploded view of a tailgate pivot shown on the vehicle in Figure 1. Figure 8 is a view of the assembled tailgate pivot shown in Figure 7 when in an open position.

Detailed Description of the Drawings [0021] Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated, a freight vehicle 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 10 shown is in the form of a top loadable freight vehicle, specifically a tipper trailer.

[0022] The vehicle 10 includes a chassis (not clearly shown) having wheels 14, a floor 16 over the chassis for supporting freight, longitudinally spaced front and rear end wall structures, 18, 20, respectively, and opposed side wall structures 22, 24. The front and rear end wall structures 18, 20, side walls structures 22, 24 and the floor 16 define an enclosure 26 for freight in the form of a tub 25.

[0023] The vehicle 10 also includes a tailgate pivot 28 that pivotably supports a tailgate 30 of the rear end wall structure 20 of the vehicle 10. The pivot 28 includes a vehicle mount portion 32 mounted to a rail 34 provided along the upper edge of the side wall structure 22 (indeed, a rail 34 is provided along the upper edge of each side wall structure 22, 24). The rails 34 are utilised to, inter alia, support a retractable canopy 36 (shown in Figure 2). The pivot 28 also includes a tailgate mount portion 38 mounted to an upper side edge region 40 of the tailgate 30, such as by welding thereto. The tailgate mount portion 38 is pivotably connected to the vehicle mount portion 32 with a pin 42 about a generally vertical axis Y.

[0024] It is to be appreciated that the axis Y is vertical when the tailgate 30 is closed, but may not be vertical when the tailgate 30 is open, for example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Thus, the term “vertical” is to be understood as referring to the orientation of the pin 42 and axis Y with the tailgate 30 in the closed position and the floor 16 in a generally horizontal orientation.

[0025] The vehicle mount portion 32 is mounted to the rail 34 of the side wall structure 22 with a fastener in the form of a bolt (or pin) 44. The bolt 44 is received through an aperture 46 (shown in Figure 7) provided in the vehicle mount portion 32; such that the vehicle mount portion 32 is pivotable relative to the side wall structure 22 about a generally horizontal axis X extending longitudinally through bolt 44. The bolt 44 is fastened in position to the rail 34 with a nut (not shown) attached via the inner side 35 of the rail 34.

[0026] The pivot 28 may be manufactured in any practical way. It is envisaged that it may be fabricated, although it could, for example, be cast.

[0027] The ability of the pivot 28 to provide rotation of the tailgate 30 relative to the sidewall structure 22 about either of the axes X and Y is particularly useful. A typical mode of opening (and closing) the tailgate 30 may be as shown in Figures 3 and 4, wherein the pivot 28 enables the tailgate 30 to pivot about the axis X. However, this opening (and closing) mode may not always be the most practical. For example, when very large objects (such as large rocks or large pieces of scrap metal) are to be tipped out of the freight enclosure 26 (by inclining or tipping the enclosure 26) they may be too large to exit below the upper edge region 70 of the tailgate 30. As such, the pivot 28 design desirably allows for the tailgate 30 to instead be swung open about the axis Y, such that the tailgate 30 does not in any way block or otherwise interfere with the unloading process. In this mode, the tailgate 30 is also supported by and swings about a separate tailgate hinge 62. In the former mode (pivoting about axis Y) the tailgate hinge 62 is disengaged, and the tailgate 30 is instead also pivotably supported by a latch/lock mechanism 64 provided in the upper rear corner 66 of the side wall structure 24.

[0028] An illustration showing the tailgate 30 in the second possible opening mode (wherein the tailgate 30 pivots about axis Y) isn’t shown, although it can be envisaged from Figure 8. In this opening mode the tailgate 30 may be swung up to approximately 270° about axis Y to end up adjacent the side wall structure 22.

[0029] An aperture (not shown) is provided in the rail 34 of the side wall structure 22 for receiving the bolt 44. A sleeve 45 (shown in Figures 7 and 8) is integrally mounted (welded) within the rail 34 and pivotably supports the bolt 44 therein. The sleeve 45 would typically be incorporated into the rail 34 during manufacture of side wall structure, with the vehicle mount portion 32 then fitted to the side wall structure 22 during the final assembly of the tipper.

[0030] It can be seen (especially in Figures 5 and 6) that the pivot 28 is mounted to the rail 34 below upper edge 48 of the rail 34. This is desirable because the pivot 28 doesn’t interfere with opening and closing of the retractable canopy 36.

[0031] The vehicle mount portion 32 includes a recess 50 for receiving the head 52 of the bolt 44. The head 52 is receivable in the recess 50 in a keyed configuration with the recess to prevent relative rotation between the bolt 44 and the vehicle mount portion 32, thus ensuring that only lubricated parts move relative to one another. The provision of recess 50 is considered unique to the present invention. The above referred keyed configuration is also considered unique to the present invention. Referring to Figure 8, it is to be appreciated that the vehicle mount portion 32 includes a substantially planar mounting (rear) face 70 for mounting to the vertical outer surface 72 (see Figure 6) of the rail 34. Conventional pivot hinges, particularly those currently used in Australia utilise a completely different mounting arrangement.

[0032] Advantageously, the pivot 28 is easily adapted for use on a range of vehicles for a variety of possible applications, other than the application illustrated. It may be utilised in applications in which it is desired to open and close a gate (such as a tailgate) about a substantially horizontal axis; as well as being utilised in applications wherein it is desired to open and close a gate about a substantially vertical axis; or a combination of substantially horizontal and vertical axes. Thus the pivot is easily utilised in a variety of freight vehicle configurations and applications. Desirably, components of the pivot 28 (such as the vehicle mount portion 32, which is simply bolted in position on the vehicle) are relatively easily replaceable in the event that they are damaged or otherwise fail.

[0033] In Australia, two main types of tarp systems are used with top loadable freight vehicles, these being retractable tarps and roll over tarps. Retractable tarps work from the front of a tub to the tub rear; while roll over tarps generally work from the left side of the tub to the right. Multiple hinge types and hinge positioning is required with these existing arrangements, and these vary depending on the chosen tarp system. The present invention has been specifically designed such that it may be utilised for a range of desirable pivot configurations, including: 1. One way tail-gate, forward mounted, retractable tarp. 2. One way tail-gate, forward mounted, roll over tarp. 3. One way tail-gate, flush mounted, retractable tarp. 4. One way tail-gate, flush mounted, roll over tarp. 5. Two way tail-gate, forward mounted, retractable tarp. 6. Two way tail-gate, forward mounted, roll over tarp. 7. Two way tail-gate, flush mounted, retractable tarp. 8. Two way tail-gate, flush mounted, roll over tarp.

[0034] The present invention thus provides a way of minimising the assembly time of freight vehicles by providing a hinge capable of being utilised in a range of applications. Moreover, it potentially minimises engineering department input in pivot design, as well as potentially minimising welding, blasting and, undercoating steps required to freight vehicles when, for example, importing the unassembled vehicles from overseas and then assembling them in Australia (or elsewhere). All of these aspects contribute to a potential reduction in vehicle assembly time, required assembly skill and lower overall assembly cost, which is very desirable. The present hinge design also eliminates the need for sloping the rear of the tubs to fit certain tail-gate options, as required with some conventional designs, which is a further advantage of the present invention.

[0035] Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the construction and arrangement of the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of this invention.

Claims (25)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. A gate pivot for pivotably supporting a gate of a freight vehicle, the pivot including: a vehicle mount portion for mounting the pivot to a wall or frame structure of the vehicle; and a gate mount portion for mounting the pivot to a side edge region of the gate; the gate mount portion being pivotably connected to the vehicle mount portion; wherein, in use, the gate mount portion is pivotable relative to the vehicle mount portion about a generally vertical axis; and the vehicle mount portion including a fastener receiving aperture for receiving a fastener to mount the vehicle mount portion to the wall or frame structure such that, in use, the vehicle mount portion is pivotable relative to the wall or frame structure.
2. 2. A gate pivot according to claim 1, wherein, in use, the vehicle mount portion is pivotably mounted to the wall or frame structure about a generally horizontal axis.
3. 3. A gate pivot according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening receiving aperture is provided for receiving a threaded pin or bolt, the pin or bolt provided for extending through an aperture provided in the wall or frame structure and fastened in position with a nut.
4. 4. A gate pivot according to claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the vehicle mount portion includes a recess for receiving a head of the fastener.
5. 5. A gate pivot according to claim 4, wherein the fastener head is receivable in the recess in a keyed configuration with the recess to prevent relative rotation between the fastener and the vehicle mount portion.
6. 6. A gate pivot according to claim 3, or claim 4 or 5 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 3, including a sleeve for integrally attaching to or within a rail of the wall or frame structure, the sleeve provided for receiving the pin or bolt.
7. 7. A gate pivot according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gate pivot is configured for use with a top loadable freight vehicle.
8. 8. A gate pivot according to claim 7, wherein the gate pivot is configured for use with a top loadable freight vehicle in the form of a tipper trailer.
9. 9. A gate pivot according to claims 7 or 8, wherein: the gate pivot is a tailgate pivot for pivotably supporting a tailgate of a freight vehicle; the vehicle mount portion is provided for mounting the pivot to a side wall structure of the vehicle; the gate mount portion is a tailgate mount portion for mounting the pivot to a side edge region of the tailgate; and the fastener receiving aperture is provided for receiving a fastener to mount the vehicle mount portion to the side wall structure such that, in use, the vehicle mount portion is pivotable relative to the side wall structure.
10. 10. A gate pivot according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the gate pivot is configured for use with a top loadable freight vehicle in the form of a side tipper trailer.
11. 11. A gate pivot according to claim 10, wherein: the gate pivot is a side gate pivot for pivotably supporting a side gate of a freight vehicle; the vehicle mount portion is provided for mounting the pivot to a front or rear wall or frame structure of the vehicle; the gate mount portion is a side gate mount portion for mounting the pivot to a side edge region of the side gate; and the fastener receiving aperture is provided for receiving a fastener to mount the vehicle mount portion to the front or rear wall or frame structure such that, in use, the vehicle mount portion is pivotable relative to the front or rear wall or frame structure.
12. 12. A tailgate pivot according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle mount portion includes a substantially planar mounting face for mounting to an upstanding outer surface of the wall or frame structure.
13. 13. A freight vehicle including a chassis having ground or track engaging wheels, a floor over the chassis for supporting freight, longitudinally spaced front and rear end wall structures, and opposed side wall structures, with the front, rear and opposed side walls structures and the floor defining an enclosure for freight; the vehicle including a gate pivot that pivotably supports a gate of the vehicle; the pivot including a vehicle mount portion mounted to the vehicle, and a gate mount portion mounted to a side edge region of the gate; the gate mount portion being pivotably connected to the vehicle mount portion; wherein, the gate mount portion is pivotable relative to the vehicle mount portion about a generally vertical axis; the vehicle mount portion mounted to the vehicle with a fastener received through an aperture provided in the vehicle mount portion such that the vehicle mount portion is pivotable relative to the vehicle.
14. 14. A freight vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the vehicle mount portion is pivotably mounted to the vehicle about a generally horizontal axis.
15. 15. A freight vehicle according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the fastener is a threaded pin or bolt, the pin or bolt extending through an aperture provided in the vehicle and is fastened in position to the vehicle with a nut.
16. 16. A freight vehicle according to claim 13, 14 or 15, wherein the vehicle mount portion includes a recess for receiving a head of the fastener.
17. 17. A top loadable freight vehicle according to claim 16, wherein the fastener head is receivable in the recess in a keyed configuration with the recess, thereby preventing relative rotation between the fastener and the vehicle mount portion.
18. 18. A freight vehicle according to any one of claims 15 to 17, the vehicle including a rail along an upper edge of the vehicle, with the aperture provided through the rail.
19. 19. A freight vehicle according to claim 18, including a sleeve integrally attached to or within the rail for receiving the pin or bolt.
20. 20. A freight vehicle according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the gate pivot is mounted below an upper edge of the rail.
21. 21. A freight vehicle according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the vehicle is a top loadable freight vehicle.
22. 22. A freight vehicle according to claim 21, wherein vehicle is a tipper trailer.
23. 23. A freight vehicle according to claim 21 or 22 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 13, wherein the gate pivot is a tailgate pivot that pivotably supports a tailgate of the rear wall structure of the vehicle, with the vehicle mount portion mounted to a side wall or frame structure of the vehicle.
24. 24. A freight vehicle according to claim 21 or 22 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 13, wherein the gate pivot is a side gate pivot that pivotably supports a side gate of one of the side wall structures of the vehicle, with the vehicle mount portion mounted to one of the front or rear wall structures or an associated frame structure.
25. 25. A freight vehicle according to any one of claims 13 to 24, wherein the vehicle mount portion includes a substantially planar mounting face for mounting to an upstanding outer surface of the vehicle.