AU2021107369A4

AU2021107369A4 - Walking Floor Trailer

Info

Publication number: AU2021107369A4
Application number: AU2021107369A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Cody McDowell; Matthew Mcdowell
Original assignee: Walking Floors Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Walking Floors Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-25
Filing date: 2021-08-25
Publication date: 2021-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-25

Abstract

An adjustable storage apparatus for mounting to a trailer, the apparatus comprising a receptacle for storage of material; the receptacle comprising a base portion and at least two side portions which are connected to the base portion; wherein when the apparatus is mounted to a trailer, at least one side portion can be adjusted within one or more dimensions of the trailer. - 1/4 22 16 12 10. .... 16 34 563 50 58 58 FIGURE 1

Description

- 1/4

16 12 22

10. .... 16

34

563 50

58 58

FIGURE 1

Walking Floor Trailer

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable storage apparatus for mounting to a trailer. More particularly, the present invention relates to a storage apparatus that can be permanently or releasably attached to an existing trailer bin and expanded to fit the internal dimensions of the bin.

Background

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Walled trailer bins, for example on dump and tip trucks and trailers have been used extensively for years for transporting everything from rubble, soils and sand, through to valuable agricultural crops and ore.

[0004] However, dump and tip trucks and trailers that empty their loads by tipping the trailer bin are facing increasing limitations on their use. This is often related to local environmental concerns and regulations due to the release of dust and potentially harmful materials, as well as the related noise, particularly when in and adjacent residential and commercial locations. Additionally, the ability to tip with over hanging trees, power lines, tunnels, bridges and uneven ground limits the use of tipping trailers for a range of environmental, safety and quality measures. On top of this the lack of control a when tipping a load and the flow of material or cross winds brings incredibly dangerous working conditions when using a tip truck.

[0005] For these reasons, there has more recently been a transition particularly in certain industries and locations to trailer bins that utilise a 'walking floor to empty the load of the trailer. This 'walking floor' commonly uses a 'walking floor' or conveyor belt type arrangement to empty the load out of the rear of the trailer thereby minimising release of dust and the associated noise. However, this transition by transport and other companies or individuals, for example, farmers and sole trader truck owners, can come at a significant cost in replacing their existing trucks and trailers. This is of particular importance considering the unlikely ability to trade in or sell out-dated tipping trailers when industry regulations are wide spread.

[0006] It would therefore be of benefit to have a more cost-effective alternative to assist the transition from tip trucks and trailers due to regulations and for those who want to benefit from the newer'walking floor' technologies.

[0007] Throughout the specification unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0008] Throughout the specification unless the context requires otherwise, the word "include" or variations such as "includes" or "including", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Summary of Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an adjustable storage apparatus for mounting to a trailer, the apparatus comprising a receptacle for storage of material; the receptacle comprising a base portion and at least two side portions which are connected to the base portion; wherein when the apparatus is mounted to a trailer, at least one side portion can be adjusted within one or more dimensions of the trailer.

[0010] In an embodiment, at least one side portion can be adjusted to substantially fit one or more dimensions of the trailer.

[0011] In an embodiment, the trailer comprises a bin. In another embodiment where no bin is present, the trailer comprises a flatbed trailer.

[0012] In an embodiment, the one or more side portions substantially fit at least one dimension of the bin.

[0013] In an embodiment, at least one side portion abuts a wall of the bin.

[0014] In an embodiment, the receptacle further comprises at least one front portion connected to the base portion.

[0015] In an embodiment, the at least one front portion is hingedly connected to the base portion.

[0016] In an embodiment, the at least one front portion can be adjusted within one or more dimensions of the trailer.

[0017] In an embodiment, the at least one front portion can be adjusted to substantially fit one or more dimensions of the trailer.

[0018] In an embodiment, the receptacle comprises one or more additional plates or portions for connecting a forward edge of each side portion to a respective edge of the at least one front portion.

[0019] In an embodiment, the receptacle further comprises one or more cross members.

[0020] In an embodiment, each end of the one or more cross members is coupled at or adjacent to an upper edge of a respective side portion.

[0021] In an embodiment, the one or more cross members can extend/retract to accommodate adjustments of the side portions.

[0022] In an embodiment, the one or more cross members comprise a telescopic arrangement.

[0023] In an embodiment, the telescopic arrangement is hydraulic.

[0024] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises one or more restraint members for restraining movement of the apparatus relative to the trailer.

[0025] In an embodiment, the one or more restraint members are adjustable.

[0026] In an embodiment, each side portion comprises a plurality of sections or sub portions.

[0027] In an embodiment, the side portions extend substantially the length of the trailer.

[0028] In an embodiment, the sections or sub-portions are adjustable with respect to each other so as to fit one or more dimensions of the trailer.

[0029] In an embodiment, each side portion comprises one or more structural members coupled to a surface of the side portion.

[0030] In an embodiment, wherein the one or more structural members comprise a hinged connection to the base portion or a connection point associated with the base portion.

[0031] In an embodiment, the or each side portion can pivot about the hinged connection relative to the base portion.

[0032] In an embodiment, the hinged connection or the connection point further permits arced motion of each of the at least two side portions relative to the base portion.

[0033] In an embodiment, the or each side portion directs the material towards the centre of the base portion.

[0034] In an embodiment, a surface of the base portion is moveable with respect to the remainder of the apparatus.

[0035] In an embodiment, the base portion comprises a continuous track or an endless belt.

[0036] In an embodiment, the base portion comprises a conveyor belt.

[0037] In an embodiment, the base portion comprises a motor.

[0038] In an embodiment, the motor comprises a hydraulic motor.

[0039] In an embodiment, the motor is driven by a hydraulic system of the trailer.

[0040] In an embodiment, the trailer or bin comprises a tailgate.

[0041] In an embodiment, the tailgate comprises an aperture.

[0042] In an embodiment, the base portion of the receptacle is positioned adjacent to the tailgate when closed such that material can be discharged through the aperture when the base portion conveys the material.

[0043] In an embodiment, the tailgate comprises a chute.

[0044] In an embodiment, the chute extends and rotates within in a horizontal plane relative to the tailgate to direct the material as it discharges.

[0045] In an embodiment, the storage apparatus is releasably or permanently mounted onto the trailer.

[0046] In an embodiment, the apparatus is retrofitted onto an existing trailer.

[0047] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of producing an adjustable storage apparatus as described herein.

[0048] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of storing a material in an adjustable storage apparatus as described herein.

[0049] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing an adjustable storage apparatus as described herein.

[0050] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a method of discharging a load from an adjustable storage apparatus as described herein.

[0051] Advantages

[0052] The inventor thereby created the invention as a cost-effective solution to adapt existing trailer bins on trucks and trailers, for example, tip trucks and trailers, to a 'walking floor trailer' type arrangement. This being a significantly lower investment than replacing a whole trailer or truck.

[0053] A key advantage is the adjustability of the storage apparatus to be able to be placed within a variety of different sized trailer bins (or within trailer dimensions or trailer frames), and then be adjusted to maximally fit the dimensions of the trailer bin so there is minimal reduction in the size of the load, but is still significantly strong enough to hold the load without deforming.

[0054] Another advantage is the ability to move the adjustable storage apparatus of the invention between trailers or trucks as is needed for greater versatility, for example, within a transport fleet, or for a company or individual when replacing a truck or trailer.

[0055] However, while the present invention can assist to reduce costs by converting existing trailers into walking floor trailers without the cost of purchasing a new trailer, the present invention may also be applied to new trailers as there are additional benefits, for example, the ease of replacement and maintenance.

[0056] Tip trucks still play a large part in the global trucking industry. When tipping bulk rubble, sharp aggregates, waste concrete and large spalls the adjustable storage apparatus of the invention may simply be removed from a tip truck or tip trailer to cater for this use as required.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0057] In order to provide a better understanding, embodiments of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of the adjustable storage apparatus being lowered into a trailer bin according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the adjustable storage apparatus in an unadjusted condition according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is an isometric view of the adjustable storage apparatus in an unadjusted condition within a trailer bin according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is an isometric view of the adjustable storage apparatus in an adjusted condition according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is an isometric view of the adjustable storage apparatus in an adjusted condition within a trailer bin according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a front side view of the adjustable storage apparatus in an unadjusted condition; and

Figure 7 is a front side view of the adjustable storage apparatus in an adjusted condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0058] Referring to Figure 1, there is provided an adjustable storage apparatus 10 which may be mounted to a trailer, a trailer bin 50, a frame of a trailer or similar. The adjustable storage apparatus 10 defines a receptacle 12 which is suitable for receiving, storing, transporting and discharging a material therefrom. The receptacle 12 comprises at least a base portion 10 at least two side portions 16 which are connected to the base portion 10. In the present embodiment, each of the side portions 16 can adjust through a combination of rotation and arc movement to adjust the effective shape and size of the receptacle 12 to increase the capacity within the receptacle 12. The side portions 16 of the adjustable storage apparatus 10 may be adjusted in a number of alternative ways which are discussed below.

[0059] Throughout this specification reference may be made specifically to the trailer bin 50. However, the person skilled in the art would readily appreciate and understand that the storage apparatus and features disclosed herein may be equally applied to a trailer, a frame or bin which is affixed to the trailer or similar without expressly referencing said configurations and/or components.

[0060] Preferably, the side portions 16 may be adjusted to fit one or more of the dimensions of the trailer bin 50 (i.e. height, width and/or length). In the present embodiment as seen in Figure 3, when the adjustable storage apparatus 10 is mounted to the trailer bin 50, the height of each the side portions 16 when orthogonal to the base portion 14 may extend past the relative height of sides of the trailer bin 50. However, when the side portions 16 are adjusted within and/or to fit one or more dimensions of the trailer bin 50, an upper edge of each of the side portions 16 may meet with an upper edge or surface 56 of the trailer bin 50. The trailer bin 50 may comprise an upper edge or surface 56 which may be configured to abut and support a respective side portion 16 or at least a section of the respective side portion 16. In this manner, the adjustable storage apparatus 10 has been adjusted within the height and width of the trailer bin 50. The or each side portion 16 may be further shaped to contour to the shape of the trailer bin 50 such that when adjusted, the adjustable storage apparatus 10 substantially fits one or more dimensions of the trailer bin 50. In an alternative embodiment, at least one side portion 16 abuts a wall of the trailer bin 50.

[0061] The or each side portion 16 may also have an rubber or plastic lip. The rubber or plastic lip may cover one or more edges of the side portions 16. The rubber or plastic lip may reduce rattling of the side portions 16 against the trailer bin 50. The rubber or plastic lip may also

[0062] In the present embodiment, the adjustable storage apparatus 10 further comprises at least one front portion 18. The front portion 18 may be adjustable with respect to the base portion 14. For example, the front portion 18 may be hingedly connected to the base portion 14. Prior to mounting the adjustable storage apparatus 10, the front portion 18 is releasably coupled to a cross member 22 in a stowed position as seen in Figures 2 and 3. Once mounted, the front portion 18 is released from the cross member 22 and adjusted within one or more dimensions of the trailer bin 50 similar to the or each side portion 16 as mentioned above. The or each front portion 18 may be further shaped such that when adjusted the front portion 18 substantially fits one or more dimensions of the trailer bin 50. In the present embodiment, the front portion 18 is adjusted towards the front of the trailer bin 50. After adjustment, there may be one or more gaps between the or each side portion 16 and the front portion 18. The or each gap may be closed with one or more additional plates 20 as seen in Figures 4 and 5. The additional plates 18 couple to a respective edge of the front portion 18 and a respective side portion 16. The front portion 18 and each of the side portions 16 may comprise one or more connection plates 28 projecting from the edges for connecting the additional plates 20.

[0063] In one or more of the embodiments, the load of material within the receptacle 12 may place a substantial load on the side portions 16. The adjustable storage apparatus may further comprise one or more cross members 22. The or each cross member 22 may assist in bearing some of the load placed on the or each side portion 16. The one or more cross members 22 may extend across the receptacle 12 having each end of the respective cross member 22 coupled to a respective side portion 16 at or near an upper edge or surface of the side portion 16. The or each cross member 16 may have a telescoping arrangement such that a portion of the or each cross member 16 retracts within and/or extends from within itself so as to accommodate a change in length required for the or each cross member 22. The telescoping arrangement may be assisted through use of a hydraulic cylinder within the cross member 22. The change in length required by the or each cross member 16 may be in response to the adjustment of the or each side portion 16. The or each cross members 22 may also assist in restraining the side portions 16 and/or front portions 18 of the receptacle 12 during stowing, loading, mounting, adjusting and/or transporting.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the adjustable storage apparatus 10 is lowered into a trailer bin 50. To mount the adjustable storage apparatus 10, one or more mounting faces 34 of the base portion 14 are aligned with one or more mounting brackets 58 (as seen in Figure 1) of the trailer bin 50. In the present embodiment, a bolt (not shown) is used to releasably couple the base portion 14 to the mounting bracket 58. The person skilled in the art would readily appreciate that there are a number of fasteners known in the art which may be used to releasably couple the base portion 14 to the mounting bracket 58. Furthermore, in certain circumstances, it may be desirably to have the adjustable storage apparatus permanently affixed to the trailer bin 50. Accordingly, the base portion may be permanently affixed to the trailer bin 50 by welding or some other permanent fastening means known in the art. The mounting bracket 58 may be releasably affixed to the trailer bin 50. The mounting bracket 58 may be installed as part of a new trailer bin 50 or retrofitted to an existing trailer bin 50. In this way, the present invention may be used in conjunction with a new system specifically designed for this purpose, or alternatively, retrofitted into existing systems.

[0065] The base portion 14 and an inner surface of the trailer bin 50 may also comprise one or more connection points, such as an eye bolt. The adjustable storage apparatus may further comprise one or more restraint members 24 as seen in Figures 2, 4, 6 and

7. Each restraint member may be connected and adjusted between a connection point of the base portion 14 and a respective connection point of the trailer bin 50 so as to releasably restrain movement of the adjustable storage apparatus 10 relative to the trailer bin 50. The restraint members 24 may assist in preventing lateral, vertical and/or rotational movement of the adjustable storage apparatus 10 relative to the trailer bin 50. The connection points may be releasably affixed to the trailer bin 50 and the base portion 14. The connection points may be installed as part of a new trailer bin 50 or retrofitted to an existing trailer bin 50.

[0066] The or each side portion 16 may comprise one or more sections or sub-portions. The or each side portion 16 may undergo non-uniform wearing. For example, the sections of side portions 16 nearest the rear of the adjustable storage apparatus 10 will likely see the most wear from abrasive material or loads which impact and rub against these sections during discharge of the material or load. The side portions 16 comprising one or more sections or sub-portions will allow for maintenance of each section to occur at rates consistent with the particular wear patterns experienced. This may save on costs associated with maintenance and parts.

[0067] The side portions 16 may extend substantially the length of the trailer bin 50. In the present embodiment, the sections or sub-portions of the side portions 16 may extend the substantially the length of the trailer bin 50. In the present embodiment, the sections or sub-portions are fixed with respect to each other. However, the or each section or sub portion of the side portions 16 may be adjustable with respect to the other sections or sub-portions so as to adjust to one or more dimensions of the trailer bin 50. For example, the sections or sub-portions of the side portions 16 may slide to/from behind or front of an adjacent section or sub-portion and extend to the height of the trailer bin 50. In such embodiment, the sections or sub-portions may comprise a lock to seize and prevent further movement relative to each other.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the or each side portion 16 comprises one or more structural members in the form of a rib or bracket 62 affixed to a rear surface of a respective side portion 16. The or each bracket 62 provides a point of connection to connect the side portions 16 to the base portion 14 or one or more projections or brackets 66 associated with the base portion 14. The or each bracket 62 of the side portions 16 are connected at hinges 64 to a respective bracket 66 associated with the base portion 14. The brackets 66 may be spaced along the length of the based portion 14 preferably, at lengths complementary to the brackets 62 spacing along the rear surfaces of the side portions 16. The brackets 66 may be integrally formed with or rotatably coupled to the base portion 14. Bracket 66 being rotatably coupled provides for the or each side portion 16 to rotate at the hinge 64 as well as move in an arc motion about the connection of bracket 66 to the base portion 14. The adjustable storage apparatus 10 may comprise one or more of these connection features to assist in adjusting the side portions to one or more of the dimensions of the trailer bin 50.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the base portion 14 comprises an endless or continuous track or belt in the form of a conveyor belt 26. The conveyor belt 26 provides for a surface of the base portion 14 to move with respect to the remainder of the adjustable storage apparatus 10. The conveyor belt 26 may also assist in unloading or discharging of a material within the receptacle 12. The side portions 16 are preferably adjusted to direct the material in the receptacle towards the centre of conveyor belt 26. Such configuration assists in ensuring the conveyor belt 26 can substantially discharge or unload the material within the receptacle as well as prevent ingress of any particulates into the sides of the conveyor belt 26 of the base portion 14. The lower edges of the side portions 16 may comprise a rubber or plastic sub-portion. The rubber or plastic sub portion may abut and come into contact with the conveyor belt 26 to reduce wear and prevent damage to the conveyor belt 26. The rubber or plastic sub-portion is resiliently flexible so as to accommodate variations in the layer of the material immediately adjacent the conveyor belt 26.

[0070] Conveyor belt 26 is more preferable to an endless track when considering receptacle 12 is envisaged to receive a material which is a particulate such as gravel or sand. Accordingly, conveyor belt 26 will not have the same issues as a track when considering the ingress of particulates into crevices of the track during flexion and extension. While the present invention utilised the conveyor belt 26, the person skilled in the art would readily appreciate that a continuous or endless track may be used.

[0071] The base portion may further comprise a motor, such as hydraulic motor 80 as seen in Figures 6 and 7. The hydraulic motor 80 may be driven by an independent hydraulic pump and control system or be driven by a hydraulic system associated with the trailer or truck.

[0072] Referring to Figures 3 to 5 generally, the receptacle 12 may be further enclosed by a tailgate 52. The tailgate 52 is preferably rotatably coupled to the trailer bin 50. However, in an alternative embodiment, the receptacle may comprise the tailgate 52. Tailgate 52 may also comprise an aperture 72 which can be opened and closed. The material or load may be discharged from the receptacle 12 through the aperture 72. The conveyor belt 26 may be positioned such that as it rotates, the material is discharged from the aperture 72. The tailgate 52 may further comprise a chute 74 adjacent to the aperture such that the material being discharged is directed outwards from the trailer bin 50. The chute 74 may extend away from the trailer bin 50 and may be configured to rotate within a horizontal plane so as to allow the material to be spread out upon being discharged. To facilitate this, base portion 14 may be positioned such that the conveyor belt 26 is adjacent the aperture wherein a lower edge of the aperture 72 may be positioned slightly lower than the rear end of the conveyor belt 26.

[0073] The aperture 72 may be closed by a cover 76 which is pivotably coupled to the tailgate 52 about an upper edge of the cover 76. In the present embodiment, each side of the cover 76 is pivoted out from the tailgate 52 by way of hydraulic cylinder 78. The hydraulic cylinders 78 positioned on each side of the cover 76 extend/retract so as to open/close the cover allowing discharge of the material within the receptacle 12. The hydraulic cylinders 78 may be connected and controlled to the same hydraulic system as the hydraulic motor 80.

[0074] A method of installing and unloading an adjustable storage apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings generally.

[0075] The adjustable storage apparatus 10 is lowered into the trailer bin 50 aligning the mounting faces 34 with the mounting brackets 58. The adjustable storage apparatus 10 is secured to the mounting brackets by way of a bolt. Installing adjustable restraint members 24 between the front corners of the adjustable storage apparatus 10 and a connection point (not shown) of the trailer bin 50. Adjusting each side portion 16 such that the upper edge of each side portion 16 to the width and/or height of the trailer bin 50. Releasing the front portion 18 from the cross member 22 and moving said front portion 18 towards the front of the trailer bin 50. Installing additional plates 20 between the front portion 18 and respective side portions 16. Extending the cross members 22 accommodating movement of the upper edges of the side portions 16 away from the stowed position. Filling the receptacle 12 with a material. Opening the aperture 72 of the tailgate 52. Activating the conveyor belt 26 to move the material in the receptacle 12 towards the aperture 72 causing a portion of the load to be discharged through the aperture 72 off the chute 74.

[0076] The transition of the adjustable storage apparatus 10 from a stowed position can be seen in Figures 2 and 3 wherein Figure 3 shows the adjustable storage apparatus 10 having been lowered into the trailer bin 50. The adjusted/expanded position can be seen in Figures 4 and 5 wherein Figure 5 shows the adjustable storage apparatus installed in a trailer bin 50.

[0077] Modifications may be made to the present invention within the context of that described and shown in the drawings. Such modifications are intended to form part of the invention described in this specification.

Claims

Claims 1. An adjustable storage apparatus for mounting to a trailer, the apparatus comprising:

a receptacle for storage of material;

the receptacle comprising a base portion and at least two side portions which are connected to the base portion;

wherein when the apparatus is mounted to a trailer, at least one side portion can be adjusted within one or more dimensions of the trailer.

2. An adjustable storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one side portion can be adjusted to substantially fit one or more dimensions of the trailer.

3. An adjustable storage apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the trailer comprises a bin and wherein the one or more side portions substantially fit at least one dimension of the bin.

4. An adjustable storage apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the receptacle further comprises one or more cross members and each end of the one or more cross members is coupled at or adjacent to an upper edge of a respective side portion, and wherein the one or more cross members comprise a telescopic arrangement and can extend/retract to accommodate adjustments of the side portions.

5. An adjustable storage apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a surface of the base portion is moveable with respect to the remainder of the apparatus, wherein the base portion comprises a continuous track or an endless belt or a conveyor belt.

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12 22 16

10 16 2021107369

34

14

56 50

58 58

FIGURE 1

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22 28 18 22

28 16 22 62 10 26 2021107369

24 16 62 62 14 72 62 78 78 74 76

52 FIGURE 2

16 28 56 22 18 16 22 26 14 10 50 22 62 16

62 78 62 72

62 78 74 76

52

FIGURE 3

- 3/4 - Aug 2021

20 22 18 22 20 26 22 2021107369

22 24

72 14

78 78 74 76 52 FIGURE 4

20 18 22

22 20

56 26 22

16 22

72

78

74 76 78 52

FIGURE 5

- 4/4 - Aug 2021

28 18 22 28

16 16 2021107369

62 62 64 64

80 24

24

34 34 14 FIGURE 6

18 22

20 16 20 16 62 62 64 64 80

24 24

58 14 58 FIGURE 7