AU2023278119A1 - Improvements Relating to Sliding Posts and/or Sliding Suspended Gates for Curtain Sided Trucks and Trailers - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is sliding post (12) and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate (80) system for a curtain sided truck, trailer or cargo enclosure (10) which has a cargo support surface (20), first and second exposable open sides (14, 16), and a roof structure (32) disposed above the cargo support surface (20) which is supported by permanent structural members disposed at the forward and rear ends (22, 24) of the cargo support surface (20), respectively. The system includes: first and second longitudinal rail assemblies (34a, 34b) disposed at respective sides of the roof structure (32) relative to each of the first and second open sides (14, 16) of the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure (10); a plurality of lateral rail assemblies (44n) extending intermediate of, or between, each of the first and second longitudinal rail assemblies (34a, 34b); and a plurality of sliding posts (12) and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates (80), each of which are adapted at an upper end to be hung from and slidable along and between, and selectively engaged with, the first and/or second longitudinal rail assemblies (34a, 34b) and the lateral rail assemblies (44n), and each of which are adapted at a lower end to be selectively engaged with the cargo support surface (20). The arrangement is such that the sliding posts (12) and/or the sliding suspended load restraint gates (80) may be selectively moved to positions along, and intermediate of, the first and second open sides (14, 16) of the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure (10) as desired.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO SLIDING POSTS AND/OR SLIDING SUSPENDED GATES FOR CURTAIN SIDED TRUCKS AND TRAILERS CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This Application is a Divisional of Australian Patent Application No.: 2017203344, filed on 19 May 2017, which is a Complete-After-Provisional Application which claims the benefit of and priority to, Australian Provisional Patent Application No.: 2016904387, filed on 27 October 2016, the entire contents of each of these Applications being incorporated herein by reference thereto.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention is directed to improvements relating to sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates for curtain sided trucks, trailers or cargo enclosures, and more particularly, to systems and methods which enable sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates to be selectively moved to positions along, and intermediate of, the sides of curtain sided trucks, trailers or cargo enclosures.

[0003] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to curtain sided trucks and trailers, however it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use only.

BACKGROUND ART

[0004] Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms a part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia or elsewhere on or before the priority date of the disclosure herein.

[0005] Curtain sided trucks and trailers, of the type which include a roof structure and open sides which can be exposed so that the truck or trailer can be laden with cargo from the sides, typically include a series of posts spaced at intervals along the sides of the truck or trailer for supporting the roof during transit. Without these posts, the roof of such a truck or trailer tends to sag due to the weight of the roof structure. These posts also serve to limit stresses on the forward and rear structural (generally closed) ends of the truck or trailer caused by flexing of the truck or trailer body during transit. So that these posts do not impede the exposed open sides of the truck or trailer during loading or unloading of cargo, many curtain sided trucks and trailers now include sliding side posts which are hung from, and are slidable along, an overhead header rail that extends longitudinally along the sides of the roof structure. This arrangement conveniently enables the sliding side posts to be selectively and temporarily displaced to the forward or rear end of the truck or trailer whilst cargo is being loaded or unloaded. However, before transit, and before closing the side curtain(s) of the truck or trailer, the sliding side posts must be relocated to their respective positions along the side(s) of the truck or trailer. There is currently no way of moving sliding side posts to positions, whether temporary positions or transit positions, intermediate of the sides of curtain sided trucks or trailers.

[0006] Some curtain sided trucks and trailers utilise retractable side curtains, which on their own, only provide a low level of load restraint. Current Australian Load Restraint Guidelines stipulate that the outward deflection of a side curtain under load must not exceed 100mm. It is therefore necessary for such curtain sided trucks and trailers to provide removable load restraints on the inside of the curtain in the form of gates or frames which extend from the coaming rail to a point at or near the header rail of the truck or trailer. These gates or frames provide the necessary load restraint and are rated according to load type, truck or trailer design and intended use.

[0007] Typical load restraint gates or frames (hereinafter "load restraint gate(s)") are manufactured from steel or aluminium and are heavy and cumbersome, and can thus cause Occupational Health and Safety issues. In order to assist with the removal and location of load restraint gates, and to ensure that the load restraint gates do not inadvertently fall to the ground from a truck or trailer, in some instances such load restraint gates may be suspended from the header rail of the truck or trailer by way of gate support straps or the like. These straps are typically connected to roller guides which can slide along a track formed in the header rail, thus enabling the load restraint gates to be selectively and temporarily displaced at any desired location longitudinally along the sides of the truck or trailer for cargo loading and unloading purposes. However, like in the case of typical sliding side posts discussed above, before transit, and before closing the side curtain(s) of the truck or trailer, these sliding suspended load restraint gates must be relocated to their respective positions along the side(s) of the truck or trailer. There is currently no way of moving sliding suspended load restraint gates to positions, whether temporary positions or transit positions, intermediate of the sides of curtain sided trucks or trailers.

[0008] A need therefore exists for improved systems and methods which enable sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates to be selectively moved to positions along, and intermediate of, the sides of curtain sided trucks, trailers or cargo enclosures.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system for a curtain sided truck, trailer or cargo enclosure, the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure having a cargo support surface, first and second exposable open sides, and a roof structure disposed above the cargo support surface which is supported by permanent structural members disposed at a forward end and at a rear end of the cargo support surface, respectively, the system including: a first longitudinal rail assembly spanning a length of a first side edge of the roof structure at the first open side of the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure; a second longitudinal rail assembly spanning a length of a second side edge of the roof structure at the second open side of the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure; a plurality of lateral rail assemblies extending intermediate of, or between, each of the first and second longitudinal rail assemblies; and a plurality of sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates, each of which are adapted at an upper end to be hung from and slidable along and between, and selectively engaged with, the first and/or second longitudinal rail assemblies and the lateral rail assemblies, and each of which are adapted at a lower end to be selectively engaged with the cargo support surface; wherein the arrangement is such that the sliding posts and/or the sliding suspended load restraint gates may be selectively moved to positions along, and intermediate of, the first and second open sides of the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure.

[0010] Preferably, each of the sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates are hung from and slidable along and between the first and/or second longitudinal rail assemblies and the lateral rail assemblies, by way of a roller assembly which can be selectively moved along and between interconnected tracks provided or formed in the first and/or second longitudinal rail assemblies and the lateral rail assemblies.

[0011] Preferably, one or more lateral rail assemblies may form a bridge between respective first and second longitudinal rail assemblies, the bridge enabling selective passage of sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates between the respective first and second longitudinal rail assemblies.

[0012] Preferably, one or more lateral rail assemblies may also terminate at a predetermined position intermediate of the first and second sides of the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure. Preferably, the predetermined position at which the one or more lateral rail assemblies may terminate is in the range of 50% to 65%, more preferably from about 55% to about 60%, of the way across from one of the first or second longitudinal rail assemblies to the other of the first or second longitudinal rail assemblies.

[0013] Preferably, the one or more of the lateral rail assemblies may be disposed at any suitable predetermined angle with reference to either or both of the first and/or second longitudinal rail assemblies. In one practical preferred embodiment, the predetermined angle is or about 90 degrees.

[0014] Preferably, one or more of the lateral rail assemblies may be arranged in the same horizontal plane as the first and second longitudinal rail assemblies. Alternatively, one or more of the lateral rail assemblies may be inclined or declined with reference to the horizontal plane of the first and second longitudinal rail assemblies.

[0015] Preferably, one or more of the lateral rail assemblies may be straight, curved or may include one or more junctions as desired for selectively moving the sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates to positions intermediate of, or between, the first and second open sides of the truck, trailer, or cargo enclosure.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a curtain sided truck, including the sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system as described above.

[0017] According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a curtain sided trailer, including the sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system as described above.

[0018] According to still yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a curtain sided cargo enclosure, including the sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system as described above.

[0019] According to still yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for moving and locating sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates to positions along and at, and intermediate of, exposable first and second open sides of a curtain sided truck, trailer or cargo enclosure, the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure having a cargo support surface and a roof structure disposed above the cargo support surface which is supported by permanent structural members disposed at a forward end and at a rear end of the cargo support surface, respectively, the method including the steps of: providing first and second longitudinal rail assemblies at and spanning a length of each of the respective side edges of the roof structure relative to each of the first and second open sides of the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure; providing a plurality of lateral rail assemblies extending intermediate of, or between, each of the first and second longitudinal rail assemblies; and, providing a plurality of sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates, each of which are adapted at an upper end to be hung from and slidable along and between, and selectively engaged with, the first and/or second longitudinal rail assemblies and the lateral rail assemblies, and each of which are adapted at a lower end to be selectively engaged with the cargo support surface; wherein the sliding posts and/or the sliding suspended load restraint gates may be selectively moved to and located at positions along, and intermediate of, the first and second open sides of the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure by way of the first and/or second longitudinal rail assemblies and the lateral rail assemblies.

[0020] These and other essential and/or preferred aspects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the description that now follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described in detail preferred systems and methods which enable sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates to be selectively moved to positions along, and intermediate of, the sides of curtain sided trucks, trailers or cargo enclosures in accordance with the invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative examples only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] Fig. 1 is a perspective view from above of a curtain sided trailer incorporating a sliding post system made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sliding post system enabling one or more sliding posts to be selectively moved to positions along, and intermediate of, the sides of the trailer;

[0023] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the trailer of Fig. 1;

[0024] Fig. 3 is a side view of the trailer of Figs. 1 & 2, shown without any sliding posts positioned intermediate of the sides of the trailer;

[0025] Fig. 4 is a perspective view from below of the trailer of Figs. 1 to 3, again shown without any sliding posts positioned intermediate of the sides of the trailer;

[0026] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the region marked as "5" in Fig. 4, illustrating a preferred arrangement of rails which enable sliding posts to be selectively moved to positions along, and intermediate of, the sides of the trailer of Figs. 1 to 4;

[0027] Fig. 6A is an enlarged view of the region marked as "6A" in Fig. 4, illustrating how a sliding post may be selectively locked into one of a plurality of predetermined positions at a side of the trailer of Figs. 1 to 4;

[0028] Fig. 6B is a partial cross-sectional side view illustrating how a sliding post may be selectively and slidably moved along the rails disposed at or near the roof of the trailer shown in Figs. 1 to 4;

[0029] Fig. 6C is an enlarged view of the region marked as "6C" in Fig. 1, again illustrating how a sliding post may be selectively locked into one of a plurality of predetermined positions at a side of the trailer of Figs. 1 to 4;

[0030] Figs. 7A to 7C are partial cross-sectional views from below illustrating how a sliding post may be moved between the various rails disposed at or near the roof of the trailer shown in Figs. 1 to 4;

[0031] Fig. 8A is an enlarged view of the region marked as "8A" in Fig. 1, illustrating how a sliding post may be selectively locked into one of a plurality of predetermined positions intermediate of the sides of the trailer of Figs. 1 to 4;

[0032] Fig. 8B is a partial view, shown partially in cross-section, again illustrating how a sliding post may be selectively locked into one of a plurality of predetermined positions intermediate of the sides of the trailer shown in Figs. 1 to 4;

[0033] Fig. 9 is a partial plan view of a roof structure of a curtain sided truck, trailer or cargo enclosure, illustrating further preferred arrangements of rails which enable sliding posts to be selectively moved to positions along, and intermediate of, the sides of the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure;

[0034] Fig. 10 is a partial view of a portion of a preferred rail which includes a preferred latching mechanism for assisting with selectively locating and locking a sliding post at a given predetermined position at, or intermediate of, a side of the trailer shown in Figs. 1 to 4;

[0035] Figs. 11A & 11B are partial cross-sectional views illustrating how a sliding post may be engaged and disengaged with the preferred latching mechanism shown in Fig. 10;

[0036] Figs. 12A to 12E show various views of a preferred sliding post which is suitable for use with the sliding post system incorporated into the trailer of Figs. 1 to 4;

[0037] Fig. 13A is a partial view of the top portion of the preferred sliding post shown in Figs. 12A to 12E, illustrating how components of the preferred sliding post may pivot with respect to one another so as to assist with sliding movement of the sliding post along the preferred rails disposed at or near the roof of the trailer shown in Figs. 1 to 4;

[0038] Fig. 13B is again a partial view of the top portion of the preferred sliding post shown in Figs. 12A to 12E;

[0039] Figs. 14 & 15 are cross-sectional plan views of the trailer of Figs. 1 to 4, or of a similar truck, trailer or cargo enclosure incorporating a sliding post system of the present invention, each view illustrating an example of a preferred cargo carrying configuration that is achievable by way of selective positioning of the preferred sliding posts of the trailer (truck or cargo enclosure); and,

[0040] Fig. 16 is a perspective view from above of a curtain sided trailer incorporating a sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system made in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system enabling one or more sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates to be selecting moved to positions along, and intermediate of, the sides of the trailer.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0041] The following is a detailed description of the invention with reference to the preferred embodiment(s) shown in the drawings. In the detailed description and in the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Those elements are intended to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilised and that procedural and/or structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0042] In Figs. 1 to 4, there is shown a curtain sided trailer 10 which incorporates a sliding post system made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which enables one or more sliding posts 12 to be selectively moved to positions along, and intermediate of, the exposable open sides 14, 16, of the trailer 10. Trailer 10 is configured for use in freight transport and includes a chassis comprising an elongate frame structure 18 on which is supported a deck defining a cargo support surface 20. Cargo support surface 20 is bordered by a longitudinal coaming rail 14a, 16a, at each of open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10. The frame structure 18 of the chassis extends from the forward end 22 to the rear end 24 of trailer 10. Under the forward end 22 of trailer 10, frame structure 18 carries a king pin 26 that in use can be selectively coupled to a fifth wheel (not shown) of a tractor vehicle or a lead trailer (both not shown). Thus, when coupled to a tractor vehicle (not shown), etc., the forward end 22 of trailer 10 may be supported by the fifth wheel of the tractor vehicle, etc., while the rear end 24 of the trailer 10 is supported on a wheel structure 28. When trailer 10 is uncoupled from a tractor vehicle (as is shown in Figs. 1 to 4), etc., the forward end 22 of trailer 10 may be supported by a conventional retractable landing gear system 30, as shown.

[0043] The forward end 22, of trailer 10, is preferably permanently enclosed as shown in Figs. 1 to 4. Likewise, the rear end 24, of trailer 10, may also be permanently enclosed (as shown), but may also include one or more doors (not shown) that enable the rear end 24 of trailer 10 to be selectively opened and closed when required. The forward and rear ends 22, 24, of trailer , provide permanent structural support for a roof structure 32 of trailer 10. Roof structure 32 is bordered by a longitudinal header rail 34a, 34b, at each of open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10. Roof structure 32 also includes a plurality of lateral frame members 36 (not all of such lateral frame members 36 being shown in the drawings) which extend between longitudinal header rails 34a, 34b, and which are spaced at intervals along the length of trailer 10, and an outer skin or covering (not shown) which preferably permanently encloses roof structure 32 of trailer 10. Some of the lateral frame members 36 of roof structure 32, along with the outer skin (not shown) of the roof structure 32, of trailer 10, have been removed for clarity.

[0044] Each of longitudinal header rails 34a, 34b, include a channel which defines a respective longitudinal track 38a, 38b (see, for example, Figs.

11A & 11B), for displacement of a flexible plastics or canvas side curtain (not shown) that is suspended from header rail 34a, 34b, for selectively opening and closing respective open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10. The side curtains of trailer 10 have been omitted from the drawings for clarity. Each of longitudinal header rails 34a, 34b, also include a channel which defines a respective longitudinal track 40a, 40b (again see, for example, Figs. 11A & 11B), for displacement of one or more sliding posts 12 longitudinally along the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, between forward and rear ends 22, 24, of trailer 10. As will be described in further detail below, any desired number of sliding posts 12 may be suspended from each of longitudinal header rails 34a, 34b, which posts 12 may be selectively moved (by way of respective longitudinal tracks a, 40b) and locked into engagement with the respective coaming rail 14a, 16a (see, for example, Fig. 6C), at predetermined positions at the base of the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10. When locked into selected predetermined positions along the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, sliding posts 12 provide additional support for roof structure 32 of the trailer 10. When displaced from their predetermined locked positions along the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, sliding posts 12 may be selectively moved to any desired location longitudinally along the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10 for cargo loading and unloading purposes.

[0045] Longitudinal header rails 34a, 34b, and their respective channels which define each of longitudinal tracks 38a, 38b (for the sliding side curtains) and 40a, 40b (for the sliding posts 12), may comprise a single component (not shown), or may be provided by way of multiple sections (for example, two as shown) that are affixed (by any means, e.g. welding, nuts and bolts, etc. - not shown) to one another during manufacturer and/or assembly of trailer 10. In Figs. 11A & 11B, in particular, it can be seen that each of longitudinal header rails 34a, 34b, also include an additional channel which defines a respective redundant longitudinal track 42a, 42b, which is only shown as a result of part of the header rails 34a, 34b, being an existing off the shelf component. It will be appreciated that redundant longitudinal tracks 42a, 42b, could be readily omitted from header rails 34a, 34b, during the manufacturing process or during the manufacture/assembly of trailer 10.

[0046] To enable one or more sliding posts 12 to be selectively moved to positions intermediate of the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, roof structure 32 of trailer 10 also includes a plurality of lateral rails 44n, which extend between longitudinal header rails 34a, 34b and which are spaced at intervals along the length of trailer 10. Each of lateral rails 44n include a channel which defines a respective lateral track 46n (see, for example, Figs. 5 & 8A), for displacement of one or more sliding posts 12 intermediate of the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10. Lateral tracks 46n, of lateral rails 44n, are arranged in such a fashion that they are each interconnected with at least one of longitudinal tracks 40a, 40b, of longitudinal header rails 34a, 34b. This arrangement is such that sliding posts 12 may be slidably moved between respective tracks 40a, 40b, 46n, as desired, so as to allow sliding posts to be selectively moved to positions along, and intermediate of, the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10.

[0047] Lateral rails 44n may form a bridge between respective longitudinal header rails 34a, 34b (thus enabling selective passage of sliding posts 12 from one longitudinal header rail 34a or 34b to the other longitudinal header rail 34a or 34b - this arrangement not being shown in the drawings) or may terminate at a predetermined position intermediate of the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10. In one preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, as can be best seen in Figs. 2 & 5, the predetermined position intermediate of the open sides 14, 16 of trailer 10, at which the lateral rails 44n may terminate may be approximately at or just over the centre of trailer 10, such as, for example, between the range of 50% to 65%, and preferably from about 55% to about %, of the way across from one header rail 34a or 34b to the other header rail 34a or 34b. Lateral rails 44n may be disposed at (or substantially at) right angles to longitudinal header rails 34a, 34b (as shown in, for example, Figs. 2 & 5), but may also be disposed at any other suitable angle with reference to longitudinal header rails 34a, 34b, as is illustrated by the arrangement of the two alternatively arranged lateral rails 44n shown in Fig. 9 (with the respective alternative angles for those alternatively arranged lateral rails 44n being represented by arrows D and E). Similarly, lateral rails 44n may be arranged in the same horizontal plane as longitudinal header rails 34a, 34b (as shown), but may also be inclined or declined at any suitable angle with reference to the horizontal plane of the longitudinal header rails 34a, 34b (this arrangement not being shown in the drawings). Lateral rails 44n may be straight (as shown), or may be curved (not shown) or may include one or more junctions (also not shown) as desired for selectively moving sliding posts 12 to positions intermediate of the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10. All of lateral rails 44n, of trailer 10, may be the same (e.g. be of the same size, shape, configuration, etc.) as one another, and may be arranged at the same angle, orientation, etc., with respect to longitudinal header rails 34a, 34b, as shown. Alternatively, and as is illustrated by way of, for example, Fig. 9, trailer 10 (or any other suitable cargo enclosure (not shown) incorporating the sliding post system of the present invention) may include lateral rails 44n which are disposed in varying arrangements (i.e. at different angles or orientation, etc.), and may also include lateral rails 44n of different size, shapes, configuration (not shown), etc., as desired to suit varying trailer 10 designs and cargo carrying capacities/configurations, etc. A skilled person will appreciate many such configurations of lateral rails 44n that may be utilised in accordance with the present invention. As such, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the specific examples provided and/or shown in the drawings.

[0048] As is shown in the drawings (for example, in Figs. 5 &8A), where lateral rails 44n terminate at a point intermediate of the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, each of the lateral rails 44n may be structurally supported by one or more lateral frame members 36.

[0049] To provide a better understanding of the operation of the preferred embodiment of the sliding post system shown incorporated onto the trailer 10, of Figs. 1 to 4, reference will now be made to Figs. 6A to 8B, and 10 to 11B (in particular). Other drawings will be referenced as required.

[0050] In Figs. 6A & 6C, a preferred sliding post 12 is shown locked into one of many possible predetermined positions along the open side 14 of trailer 10. Each of the possible predetermined positions being defined by a latching mechanism 48n disposed on longitudinal header rail 34a (which engages with a recess 49 provided in a top plate 50 of each of sliding posts 12), and a correspondingly arranged slot or hole 52n (for receipt of a tab or pin 53 of a sliding post 12) provided in the coaming rail 14a disposed at the base of trailer 10. Trailer 10 may include any suitable number of latching mechanisms 48n, and correspondingly arranged slots 52n (together defining a predetermined position for locking a sliding post 12 into a position along the open sides 14, 16 of trailer 10), disposed at one or both of open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, as required, depending on any number of factors, such as, for example, the trailer configuration, length, cargo carrying capacity/configuration, etc. In the arrangement of preferred trailer 10 shown in Figs. 1 & 2, only five sliding posts 12 are shown for illustrative purposes. It will be appreciated that any number of sliding posts 12 may be provided in accordance with the present invention, and as such, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific examples provided and/or shown in the drawings.

[0051] Turning to Figs. 6B and 7A to 8B, it can be seen that preferred sliding posts 12 are each considered to slide in longitudinal and lateral tracks a, 40b, 46n, of longitudinal and lateral rails 34a, 34b, 44n, and may pass or travel between a respective longitudinal or lateral track 40a, 40b, 46n, as required, by way of one or more roller assemblies 54n (for example, a pair of roller assemblies 54n, as shown). The arrangement of roller assemblies 54n is such that a sliding post 12 may be selectively moved in either longitudinal direction along an open side 14 or 16, of trailer 10, by way of a longitudinal track 40a or 40b, of a respective longitudinal header rail 34a or 34b, as is indicated by arrows A (see, Fig. 6A, 6B or 7A), and when required may be selectively moved (such as, for example, in one direction of arrows B - see, Fig. 7B) from the applicable longitudinal track 40a or 40b, into a lateral track 46n, of a selected lateral rail 44n, after which the sliding post 12 may be selectively moved in either lateral direction intermediate of the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, by way of the lateral track 46n, of the respective lateral rail 44n, as is indicated by arrows C (see, Fig. 7C or 8A).

[0052] Upon being moved to a position intermediate of the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, a sliding post 12 may be temporarily positioned at any point along the lateral track 46n, of the applicable lateral rail 44n, or may be selectively located and locked into a predetermined position intermediate of the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, if desired. The predetermined intermediate locking position being defined by a latching mechanism 48n disposed on lateral rail 44n (which again engages with a recess 49 provided in top plate 50 of each of preferred sliding posts 12), and a correspondingly arranged slot or hole 56n (for receipt of the tab or pin 53 of the sliding post 12) provided in the cargo support surface 20 of trailer 10. Trailer 10 may include any suitable number of latching mechanisms 48n, and correspondingly arranged slots 56n (together defining a predetermined position for locking a sliding post 12 into a position intermediate of the open sides 14, 16 of trailer 10), disposed at any location on cargo support surface 20, of trailer 10, as required, depending on any number of factors, such as, for example, the trailer 10 configuration, length, cargo carrying capacity/configuration, etc.

[0053] Should lateral rails 44n terminate at a point intermediate of the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10 (as shown in the drawings), in order to prevent preferred sliding posts 12 from disengaging with lateral rails 44n, and their respective lateral track 46n, each of lateral rails 44n, may include an enclosed end (not shown), or may include a stopper means 58n (see, Fig. 8A), for preventing the sliding posts 12 roller assembly(ies) 54n from exiting lateral rails 44n.

[0054] As can be best seen in Figs. 10 to 11A, each of latching mechanisms 48n preferably includes a tab 60n which is biased (by any suitable biasing means 62n, such as, for example, by way of a coil spring as shown) to a rest positon adjacent to its respective longitudinal or lateral rail 34a, 34b or

44n. The arrangement is such that when a sliding post 12 is selectively moved along a selected longitudinal or lateral track 40a, 40b or 46n (in the direction of either of arrows A or C), as the sliding post 12 approaches a latching mechanism 48n, the top plate 50 of sliding post 12 urges the tab 60n away from its rest position (against the action of the biasing means 62n), and guides the tab 60n along the outer peripheral edge of top plate 50, until such time that the tab 60n reaches the recess 49 provided in the sliding posts 12 top plate , at which point the tab 60n engages with the recess 49 by way of the biasing means 62n urging the tab 60n back to its rest position. When it is desired to selectively disengage the sliding post 12 from its locked position relative to the applicable latching mechanism 48n, same may be achieved by pivoting the top plate 50 of the sliding post 12 away from the tab 60n of the latching mechanism 48n as represented by the arrow F in Fig. 11B. The action of pivoting or otherwise moving the top plate 50 of sliding post 12 away from tab 60n of latching mechanism 48n, causes tab 60n to snap back to its rest position adjacent to the respective longitudinal or lateral rail 34a, 34b, 44n, by way of the action of biasing means 62n. After top plate 50, of sliding post 12, has been disengaged from latching mechanism 48n (which in practice will occur after tab 53 of the preferred sliding post 12 is selectively disengaged from the applicable corresponding slot 52n, provided in the applicable coaming rail 14a, 16a- the action of which will be described in further detail below with reference to Figs. 12A to 12E), sliding post 12 can then again be selectively moved along longitudinal and/or lateral tracks 40a, 40b, 46n, as desired.

[0055] Although not shown in the drawings, if desired, the same or similar latching mechanisms may be arranged on the top plates 50 of sliding posts 12 instead of being arranged on longitudinal and lateral rails 34a, 34b, 44n. In such an alternative arrangement (not shown) recesses, or the likes, could be disposed at predetermined positions along the longitudinal and lateral rails 34a, 34b, 44n (instead of on top plates 50 of sliding posts 12), such that the tabs of the latching mechanisms affixed to the sliding posts 12 could engage with those recesses to enable the sliding posts 12 to be locked into predetermined positions along, and intermediate of, open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10. A skilled person will appreciate this and other possible alternative designs of latching mechanisms for locking sliding posts 12 relative to longitudinal or lateral rails 34a, 34b, 44n, and as such, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific examples provided and/or shown in the drawings.

[0056] As is shown in Figs. 11B and 13B, to enable the top plates 50 of preferred sliding posts 12 to be moved out of engagement (see, arrow F in Fig. 11B) with a latching mechanism 48n provided on longitudinal and lateral rails 34a, 34b, 44n, and also to assist generally with the movement of sliding posts 12 along and between longitudinal and lateral tracks 40a, 40b, 46n, each of the wheels or bearings of roller assemblies 54n may preferably include a tapered lower surface (as is illustrated by the arrows J shown in Fig. 13B) which enables movement of the roller assembly 54n with respect to, and within, longitudinal and lateral tracks 40a, 40b, 46n. This preferred movement being visible in Fig. 11B as the sliding post 12 is moved to urge its top plate 50 away from engagement with the latching mechanism 48n (in the direction of arrow F). It will be appreciated that although an angle of around 450 for the tapered lower surface of each of the wheels or bearings of roller assemblies 54n is illustrated in the drawings (by arrows J, in Fig. 13B), a taper of any suitable angle, or no taper at all, may be provided in accordance with the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific example provided and/or shown in the drawings.

[0057] As is shown in Fig. 13A, and again to assist generally with movement of preferred sliding posts 12 along and between longitudinal and lateral tracks 40a, 40b, 46n, the top plate 50 portion of each of sliding posts 12 may pivot (about a pivot pin 64, or the likes) with respect to the strut section (70 - see below) of sliding post 12, in order to provide a degree of movement about the axis of the pivot pin 64 - as is illustrated by way of the arrows H shown in Fig. 13A.

[0058] Figs. 12A to 12E, illustrate various detailed views of preferred sliding posts 12 which are suitable for use with the trailer 10 shown in Figs. 1 to 4. Here it can be seen that in order to readily engage and disengage the tabs 53 of sliding posts 12 from slots 52n or 56n, provided in coaming rails 14a, 16a, or on cargo support surface 20, of trailer 10, sliding posts 12 each include a typical knee joint configuration that enables a leg section 66 (which defines or includes the locking tab 53 at is lower end) to pivot (about a pivot pin 68, or the likes) with respect to the main strut section 70 of sliding post 12. This arrangement of the knee joint configuration of the preferred sliding post 12 is such that urging of the main strut section 70 away from the leg section 66 shortens the effective length of sliding post 12, thus allowing release of tab 53 from the applicable slot 52n or 56n, provided in coaming rails 14a, 16a, or on cargo support surface 20, of trailer 10. Of course, the reverse operation (i.e. urging the main strut section 70 back into close engagement with the leg section 66) results in the length of sliding post 12 returning to its original length which readily enables tab 53, of sliding post 12, to be locked into engagement with a respective slot 53n or 56n, providing in coaming rails 14a, 16a, or on cargo support surface 20, of trailer 10. In order to retain a sliding post 12 in its locked position, preferred sliding posts 12 also include a latch assembly 72 (which is biased to its locked position by way of a biasing means 74, such as, for example, a coil spring arrangement as shown) which includes a set of handles 76 for operating the latch assembly 72 as required. Although a specific preferred embodiment of a preferred sliding post 12 is shown in the drawings, it will be appreciated that any suitable form of sliding post(s) 12 may be used in accordance with the present invention. A skilled person will appreciate many possible alternative designs of sliding post(s) suitable for use with the present invention. Similarly, the configuration or design of the preferred sliding post(s) 12 shown in the drawings may vary, such as, for example, by way of enabling removal of pivot pin 68 so as to allow the sliding post(s) 12 to be reversed, as desired, and as such, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific examples of preferred sliding post(s) 12 provided and/or shown in the drawings.

[0059] Although not shown in Figs. 1 to 12E, if desired, each of preferred sliding posts 12 may include an integral load restraint gate section attached to either or both sides of the strut section 70 of sliding post 12. Sliding posts 12 with integral load restraint gates (not shown) are sometimes referred to as wing-gates in the trailer manufacturing industry. A person skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that such a wing-gate design could be readily applied to the preferred sliding posts 12 of the present invention, and as such, the present invention should be construed as including within its scope sliding posts 12 which include integral load restraint gate sections at either or both sides of sliding posts12.

[0060] Where load restraint gates are required for use with trailer 10 of Figs. 1 to 4 (such gates not being shown in these figures), such gates may be of the non-suspended type, and hence, may be manually placed at predetermined locations along the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, utilising slots 52n provided in respective coaming rails 14a, 16a. So as to enable any load restraint gates (not shown in Figs. 1 to 15) to be selectively positioned intermediate of the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, a series of load restraint gate slots 78n (see, for example, Figs. 1, 6C, 14 or 15) may be provided in cargo support surface 20. Such slots 78n readily enabling any load restraint gates (not shown) to be selectively positioned at, for example, the centre of trailer 10 - and possibly alongside one or more sliding posts 12, should sliding posts 12 be selectively located into position intermediate of the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, using latching mechanisms 48n (of lateral rails 44n) and slots 56n provided in cargo support surface 20, of trailer 10.

[0061] In Fig. 16, it can be seen that the sliding post system of the present invention may be adapted to also enable sliding suspended load restraint gates 80 to be selectively moved to positions along, and intermediate of, the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10. Alternatively, the arrangement shown in Fig. 16, may only enable the suspended load restraint gates 80 to be selectively moved to positions along, and intermediate of, the open sides 14,

16, of trailer 10 - with the sliding posts 12 shown in Fig. 16 only being able to be moved longitudinally along the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, as in the case of known sliding side post designs of typical curtain sided trailers. Hence, the trailer 10 shown in Fig. 16, may incorporate a sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system made in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system enabling one or more sliding posts 12 and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates 80 to be selecting moved to positions along, and intermediate of, the open side 14, 16, of the trailer 10.

[0062] The trailer 10 of Fig. 16, may utilise the same longitudinal and lateral rails 34a, 34b, 44n (and their respective tracks 40a, 40b, 46n), as those used by preferred sliding posts 12, in order to enable the sliding suspended load restraint gates 80 to be selectively moved along, and intermediate of, the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10 (as shown), or may include additional longitudinal and/or lateral rails (not shown) specifically provided to enable the sliding suspended load restraint gates 80 to be selectively moved along, and intermediate of, the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10.

[0063] As can be seen in Fig. 16, each of sliding suspended load restraint gates 80 may be hung from longitudinal and lateral rails 34a, 34b, 44n, by way of a strap 82 which is connected at one of its ends to the top of the gate 80, and at the other of its ends to a roller assembly (not shown) which engages the longitudinal and lateral tracks 40a, 40b, 46n, of longitudinal and lateral rails 34a, 34b, 44n, and provides the required sliding movement necessary to selectively move suspended load restraint gates 80 to positions along, and intermediate of, the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10. When sliding suspended load restraint gates 80 are desired to be selectively placed at positons along, and intermediate of, the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, positioning of those gates 80 is achieved by simply placing the gates locking tabs (not shown) within the applicable slots 52n or 78n, provided in either the coaming rails 14a, 16a, or cargo support surface 20, of the trailer 10. Upper latching mechanisms are not necessary to retain the suspended load restraint gates 80 at the desired positons along, or intermediate of, the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, as the weight of gates 80 would typically retain gates 80 in place during transit. Having said that, any suitable form of latching or locating mechanism (not shown) may be provided by trailer 10 for holding the top of gates 80 captive at or near roof structure 32 of trailer 10.

[0064] Figs. 14 & 15, illustrate examples of preferred cargo carrying configurations that are achievable by way of selective positioning of the preferred sliding posts 12, of trailer 10. Although not shown in Figs. 14 & 15, suspended load restraint gates 80 may also be positioned along, and intermediate of, the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10. In Fig. 14, it can be seen that sliding posts 12 may be selectively locked into positions along the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, for carrying standard sized palletised cargo 84. Whereas, in Fig. 15, some of preferred sliding posts 12 are shown as having been selectively locked into positions along the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10, whilst other sliding posts 12 are shown as having been selectively locked into positions intermediate of the open sides 14, 16, of trailer 10. With the arrangement of preferred sliding posts 12 shown in Fig. 15, it is shown that it is possible to carry (and readily load and unload without necessarily having to re-positon sliding posts 12) a combination of both standard sized palletised cargo 84, along with non-standard palletised cargo 86 (for example, very long palletised cargo 86, as shown).

[0065] The present invention therefore provides a new and useful sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system for curtain sided trucks, trailers, or cargo enclosures, which enables the sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates to be selectively moved to positions along, and intermediate of, the sides of the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure, as desired. The invention solves problems often faced by transport companies or individuals that regularly freight cargo of different sizes or configurations. The invention also enables both regular and irregular sized cargo to be loaded and unloaded from a truck, trailer or cargo enclosure, without having to displace sliding posts, should those sliding posts have been previously locked into positions intermediate of the open sides of the truck, trailer or cargo enclose.

[0066] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). The present invention is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0067] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims. Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced.

[0068] Where the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification, they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components referred to, but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components to be grouped therewith.

Claims (14)

CLAIMS:

1. A sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system for a curtain sided truck, trailer or cargo enclosure, the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure having a cargo support surface, first and second exposable open sides, and a roof structure disposed above the cargo support surface which is supported by permanent structural members disposed at a forward end and at a rear end of the cargo support surface, respectively, the system including: a first longitudinal rail assembly spanning alength of a first side edge of the roof structure at the first open side of the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure; a second longitudinal rail assembly spanning a length of a second side edge of the roof structure at the second open side of the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure; a plurality of lateral rail assemblies extending intermediate of, or between, each of the first and second longitudinal rail assemblies; and a plurality of sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates, each of which are adapted at an upper end to be hung from and slidable along and between, and selectively engaged with, the first and/or second longitudinal rail assemblies and the lateral rail assemblies, and each of which are adapted at a lower end to be selectively engaged with the cargo support surface; wherein the arrangement is such that the sliding posts and/or the sliding suspended load restraint gates may be selectively moved to positions along, and intermediate of, the first and second open sides of the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure.

2. The sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates are hung from and slidable along and between the first and/or second longitudinal rail assemblies and the lateral rail assemblies, by way of a roller assembly which can be selectively moved along and between interconnected tracks provided or formed in the first and/or second longitudinal rail assemblies and the lateral rail assemblies.

3. The sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein one or more lateral rail assemblies form a bridge between respective first and second longitudinal rail assemblies, the bridge enabling selective passage of sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates between the respective first and second longitudinal rail assemblies.

4. The sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more lateral rail assemblies terminate at a predetermined position intermediate of the first and second sides of the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure.

5. The sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the predetermined position at which the one or more lateral rail assemblies may terminate is in the range of 50% to 65%, more preferably from about 55% to about 60%, of the way across from one of the first or second longitudinal rail assemblies to the other of the first or second longitudinal rail assemblies.

6. The sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the lateral rail assemblies may be disposed at any suitable predetermined angle with reference to either or both of the first and/or second longitudinal rail assemblies.

7. The sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the predetermined angle is or about 90 degrees.

8. The sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the lateral rail assemblies are arranged in the same horizontal plane as the first and second longitudinal rail assemblies.

9. The sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one or more of the lateral rail assemblies may be inclined or declined with reference to the horizontal plane of the first and second longitudinal rail assemblies.

10. The sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the lateral rail assemblies may be straight, curved or may include one or more junctions as desired for selectively moving the sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates to positions intermediate of, or between, the first and second open sides of the truck, trailer, or cargo enclosure.

11. A curtain sided truck, including the sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

12. A curtain sided trailer, including the sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A curtain sided cargo enclosure, including the sliding post and/or sliding suspended load restraint gate system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A method for moving and locating sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates to positions along and at, and intermediate of, exposable first and second open sides of a curtain sided truck, trailer or cargo enclosure, the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure having a cargo support surface and a roof structure disposed above the cargo support surface which is supported by permanent structural members disposed at a forward end and at a rear end of the cargo support surface, respectively, the method including the steps of: providing first and second longitudinal rail assemblies at and spanning alength of each of the respective side edges of the roof structure relative to each of the first and second open sides of the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure; providing a plurality of lateral rail assemblies extending intermediate of, or between, each of the first and second longitudinal rail assemblies; and, providing a plurality of sliding posts and/or sliding suspended load restraint gates, each of which are adapted at an upper end to be hung from and slidable along and between, and selectively engaged with, the first and/or second longitudinal rail assemblies and the lateral rail assemblies, and each of which are adapted at a lower end to be selectively engaged with the cargo support surface; wherein the sliding posts and/or the sliding suspended load restraint gates may be selectively moved to and located at positions along, and intermediate of, the first and second open sides of the truck, trailer or cargo enclosure by way of the first and/or second longitudinal rail assemblies and the lateral rail assemblies.

44n 44n 8A

34b 44n 32

48n

12

24 12 34a 12 12

72 12 72

E is 72 22

78n 16,16a

78n 78n

14a

28 6C Figure 2023278119 08 Dec 2023

10 44n 44n 8A 34b 36 44n 36 48n 32

24 12 36 12 34a 36 12 72 12 12 1/19

72 72 78n 16, 16a 22 20 78n 78n

14 14a 56n 28

6C 30

Figure 1

16 34b F

78n 78n 78n

36 36 36 36

44n 44n 44n 44n 44n

48n

48n 48n

-6

to & E

E g B

12

24 22

44n 44n 20 44n

44n 34a 32

14 Figure 2 10

32 34a

12 12

24 22

20

72 72

14a d

0 0 0 26

18 30

28 Figure 3 2023278119 08 Dec 2023

16 10 34b

36 78n 78n 78n 44n 44n 36 44n 36 44n 36 44n 48n 48n 48n 24 12 22 44n 44n 20 44n 44n

Figure 2 34a 32 14 10 32 34a 2/19

12 12 24 22

72 72 20 14a

26 18

30 28 Figure 3

6A 6A 10

34a 34a 36

48n 48n

44n

32 32 44n 44n 36 22 36

48n 48n

5 5

34b 34b

36 44n 12 36 44n 12 12

36 44n 44n 36

72 72 44n

14a 14a

12 12 12 3/19

26

12 72 72 26

24

20 20 30

18 18

28 28 4

Figure 4 Figure

48n 62n 60n 36

46n 32

44n 4/19

36 62n 48n 60n

16 40b 34b

Figure 5

34a

14

64 A

50 49

D

A 48n 36

60n

44n

a 36

12 70 46n Figure 6A 2023278119 08 Dec 2023

32 34a 14

64

A 50

49 5/19

A 48n 60n 36

40a 44n

36 12 70

46n

Figure 6A

A

54n 40a,40b 34a,34b

12 6B Figure 2023278119 08 Dec 2023

36 36 32

A

54n 54n 40a, 40b 34a, 34b 6/19

50

64

12

70

Figure 6B

12 52n

74

76 78n 56n 72 70 78n 7/19

76 14a 52n 20

52n

53

Figure 6C

44n 44n 44n

46n 46n 46n C 54n

12

49 50

49

b 54n 40b 54n 49

54n 40b

A A 50

50 54n

34b 54n 34b 34b

B 12

12 Figure 7A Figure 7B Figure 7C 2023278119 08 Dec 2023

44n 44n 44n 46n 46n 46n C 54n 12

49 50 49 40b 54n 54n 40b 54n 49 40b 8/19

A A 50 50 34b 54n 34b 54n 34b B 12 12

Figure 7A Figure 7B Figure 7C

C

36 44n

62n 49

46n 58n 54n 50 60n

48n

64

12 70 Figure 8A 2023278119 08 Dec 2023

C

36 44n

62n 9/19

49 46n 58n 54n 50 60n 48n 64

12

70

Figure 8A