AU640908B2 - Improvements in or relating to trailers - Google Patents

Description

1P.

P/00/011 Form PATENTS ACT 1 952-1 973 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

FOR OFFICE USE Class: Int. CI: Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification-Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority: Related Art: es 0 0 0 0* .r~ame of Applicant: *0

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0 Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor: *0*S 0* 0S 0

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S 0* TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT TO9TMART TY.LT-D- Te)~ LAu (5 i e Luiici 105 Peter Bouzinelos t-1 112 019 06Address for Service: *OBERINS patent Trade Mark Attorney$ 27a Kardinia Crescent, Warranwood, Vic.toria, 3134. Australia Complete Specification for the invention enititled: IMPROVEMENTS iq OR RELATING TO TRAILERS *he ollwig sateen isa flldescription of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 'Note The description is to be typed in double spacing, pica type face, in an area not exceeding 250 mm in depth and 160 mm in width, on tough white paper of good quality and it Is to be inserted inside this form.

11710/76-L 117 1/76-LC. 1. Tiiompsu%. Comnmonwealth Government Prinier. Canherra The present invention relates to trailers of the type adapted for coupling to a prime mover. More particularly the invention relates to trailers suitable for use in carrying automobiles.

Trailers for carrying automobiles are known which include an upper deck and a main deck. The upper deck is generally supported by a plurality of stanchions which are permanently affixed to the trailer. Such khown trailers are not suitable for carrying containers or general freight. However, on many occasions a trailer which is fully loaded with automobiles on an outward journey is empty or under utilized on the return journey since a full load of automobiles is not available.

Such under utilization of trailers is essentially uneconomic.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide, in one embodiment, a trailer suitable for use in carrying automobiles on at least two decks which is also adapted for carrying containers and/or general freight.

The present invention accordingly provides, in one embodiment, a trailer comprising a chassis supporting a main deck for carrying automobiles at a first level and an upper deck for carrying automobiles at a second higher level, said chassis comprising a pair of spaced apart longitudinally extending side members, said side members extending substantially along the sides of the said trailer at the level of the main deck, the trailer being adapted for conversion hydraulically to a configuration suitable for carrying containers and/or general freight in which configuration the said upper deck in tekirst lowered position lies between said side members.

A trailer according to the invention may also include a lower deck for carrying automobiles at a level below those on the main deck.

A trailer according to the present invention may include a plurality of c, ground engaging wheels situated toward the rear of the trailer, moans for coupling to a prime-mover and optionally means for supporting the trailer when the prime-mover is uncoupled. Such features and ancillary features including lights, brakes and suspension may be constructed and arranged as is already well known °oe in the art.

i.0. The chassis may comprise a pair of spaced apart longitudinally extending side members extending substantially along the sides of the trailer preferably at the levelofthe d ,Q r a~o c 2 0 0 000 0 main deck.

The main deck of a trailer according to the present invention may be mounted directly on the chassis and may extend between the longitudinally extending side members.

The main deck may comprise a pair of tracks spaced apart and extending longitudinally of the trailer. The tracks may be constructed and arranged to receive the wheels of automobiles loaded on the trailer. The tracks may be of a solid, open weave, expanded mesh or other construction suitable to carry automobiles as is known in the art.

The main deck is preferably substantially horizontal throughout its length. In one preferred arrangement according to the invention a portion of the main deck toward the rear of the trailer and preferably rearward of the wheels is angled downwardly whereby the rear most edge is closer to the ground than the remainder of the main deck whereby to facilitate vehicle loading.

The length of the main deck may be to some extent governed by registration requirements in the place of intended operation. Where regulatory authorities allow it has been found that an overall length of at least 40 feet preferably between 40 feet and 45 feet and most preferably about 41 feet 9*OS is particularly suitable for a trailer according to the S invention.

oe.. To increase the number of cars which can be carried on a *main deck of any given length it has been found advantageous to provide, in accordance with the invention, one or more @605 adjustable ramp sets for use on the main deck. Each ramp set preferably comprises ramp means adapted to be supported on stile means whereby to support an automobile at an angle with respect to the main deck. In this way the longitudinal space taken up by each automobile may be reduced and by raising one end of a first automobile a second automobile may be O partially placed thereunder.

The stile means preferably comprises a pair of legs. Each of the pair of legs may be removably mountable adjacent a different longitudinal edge of the trailer. Most preferably So Se 3 6 5 each of the pair of legs comprises an inverted channel shaped member. Each of the free ends of the arms of the member may be adapted to be supported by the chassis and/or main deck.

In one particularly preferred arrangement a separate pair of pockets is provided adjacent either side of the main deck.

Each pocket may be conveniently secured in position by being permanently mounted on the chassis. The top of the pockets is preferably adjacent with or set below the general level of the main deck. The pockets are preferably of complementary shape to the legs of the stile means and thereby adapted to receive the arms whereby to support the stile.

The legs of the stile means may each include a substantially horizontal bar. At least one such bar may be provided with a plurality of vertical fingers. At least one of said bars may be adapted to receive a sleeve member movable along the bar.

The stile means may include a support bar adapted to extend across the trailer at a level above that of the main deck. The position of the support bar with respect to the rear of the trailer is preferably adjustable to accommodate automobiles of varying sizes.

"000 Preferably the support bar is adapted to be supported on 0:the legs of the stile bar. Adjustment of the positicn of the support bar may be effected by placement of the support bar S. at varying positions along the substantially horizontal bar of the stile legs. The upstanding fingers on said bar may be spaced apart in a line extending longitudinally of the eggs trailer. The fingers may be spaced whereby to receive the support bar therebetween.

Such upstanding fingers may be provided on each pair of said legs. In one alternative arrangement one end of said 5. support bar is provided with a sleeve slidably mounted on the horizontal bar of the legs. The other pair of legs includes upstanding fingers as described herein. The support bar may Se be adjusted by lifting one end clear of the fingers, sliding the sleeve of the other end along the horizontal bar of the legs to the desired position and lowering the one end between a pair of the fingers whereby to secure the horizontal bar in its new position.

The ramp means may be a single substantially planar ramp member. More preferably the ramp means comprises a pair of substantially planar ramp members, each suitable for supporting the wheels on one side of an automobile. Ramp means according to the present invention may be in che form of a ladder with a plurality of cross members supported by a spaced apart pair of longitudinal members.

The ramp means may include mounting means for mounting ramp members on the support bar. The mounting means may comprise hook means adapted to be hooked over the support bar.

The upper deck of a trailer according to the invention preferably comprises a substantially planar floor member which may be supported by an underlying structural frame.

The floor member is preferably of sheet steel or other material suitable for acting as the floor of a flat top truck for general freight carrying. The upper deck is preferably adjustable between a first lowered position and a second raised position. In the second raised position the upper .00. deck is preferably adapted for carrying automobiles at a level immediately above those on the main deck.

To facilitate loading and unloading, the upper deck may also be adapted to assume a third loading position in which at least a portion of the upper deck is angled with the rearward portion being in a lowered position and the forward position being in a raised position.

With the upper deck in the lowered position the trailer of the invention is adapted for carrying containers and/or general freight. In the lowered position the upper deck preferably lies directly on and immediately above the main deck of the trailer and the trailer preferably assumes a flat-top configuration. The upper deck in its first lowered

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position preferably lies between the longitudinally extending side members.

The upper deck preferably comprises a split deck having a 9 S front deck member adjacent the front of the trailer which is hingedly connected to a rear deck member comprising the remaining part of the upper deck whereby the free ends of the front and rear deck members may be raised and lowered separately from one another. It is to be appreciated that the whole of front deck member and rear deck member are not capable of being raised and lowered completely independently of one another without disconnection of the hinged connection therebetween.

The split upper deck arrangement is particularly preferred where an automobile is to be carried on the roof of the cab of the prime mover in which case lowering the nose of the front vehicle on the upper deck will assist in clearance when the semi-trailer is turning.

The upper deck may be raised and lowered by hydraulic members. Preferably hydraulic members are arranged in pairs adapted to operate simultaneously at points spaced along the trailer. In one particularly preferred arrangement the upper deck may be raised and lowered by the use of three sets of hydraulics. The three sets of hydraulics comprise a first set mounted in the region of the rear wheels of the trailer for raising and lowering rear portion of the deck, the e g.

second set mounted toward the centre of the trailer in the area of the hinge connection between the front dek member S* and the rear deck member and a third set adjacent the front .o of the trailer. Each of the sets of hydraulics is preferably mounted on the chassis of the trailer and may be adapted for Dose raising the upper deck to the second car carrying position and lowering the deck whereby it sits substantially at the level of the main deck. Control means for operation of the sets of hydraulics may be provided at selected intervals on the trailer.

In one particularly preferred arrangement the first set of hydraulics is mounted immediately in front of the wheels at the rear of the lower deck, the second set at the front of the lower deck and the third set adjacent the front of the trailer.

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Where the rear of the main deck< is angled downwardly to facilitate loading, the chassis of the trailer may include a corner brace in the form of an extension of either longitudinal side member of the chassis at the level of the main deck to the rear of the trailer with a substantially vertical support member mounted on the lower edge of the trailer whereby to provide a frame extending toward the rear of the trailer for supporting the top deck in its lowered position.

When in its raised position the upper deck may be supported by a plurality of sets of stanchions. Stanchions are preferably positioned adjacent each of the sets of hydraulics. Therefore, in a particularly preferred arrangement three sets of stanchions are provided, a forward set, a central set and a rearward set. The stanchions are preferably provided adjacent the rear wheels, adjacent the front of the lower deck and adjacent the front of the trailer. The stanchions may be in the form of a plurality of telescoping pipes of round, square or other section, adapted, such as by the provision of apertures for receiving bolts or similar lock members to lock the upper deck in its raised position. Each stanchion is preferably mounted whereby it does not project above the upper deck when the upper deck is in its lowered position thus allowing the trailer to assume a Se flat-top configuration.

Each stanchion may be permanently attached to the chassis of the trailer. More preferably, each stanchion is removably sees attached to the chassis of the trailer.

In one particularly preferred arrangement a separate pair of pockets is provided adjacent either side of the main deck in the vicinity of the wheels of the trailer. The top of each pocket is preferably adjacent with or set below the general level of the main deck. The pockets are preferably of complementary shape to that of the stanchions and are thereby adapted to receive the foot of a stanchion when the upper deck is in its raised position. The rear most *@see: stanchions may be hingedly attached to the upper deck whereby e7 S S• during lowering the rear mo set of hydraulics may slightly raise the deck whereby to remove the stanchion from the pocket, the foot of the stanchion may then be swung toward the rear of the trailer and the deck lowered. The stanchion may be telescopically collapsed so that it does not project beyond the rear of the trailer.

The stanchions adjacent the front of the trailer may each be similarly mounted in a pocket. However, as a front stanchion is less likely to interfere with either containers or general freight, it is also included within the scope of the invention that each front stanchion is permanently affixed to the chassis whereby it permanently projects above the level of the main deck and hence above the level of the upper deck when the upper deck is in its lowered position.

More preferably, each front stanchion is removably mounted on the chassis by being stepped in a separate pocket of complementary configuration to the stanchion so that upon removal the trailer may adopt a flat-top configuration when the upper deck is lowered.

The front stanchions may each comprise a substantially vertical post with a plurality of vertical step means provided thereon. The vertical step means may be adapted for receiving a cross bar extending across the trailer from one ego 0 front stanchion to the other. The cross bar is preferably adapted for mounting on the ladder like steps at the desired 0o *height and the leading edge of the front portion of the upper deck may then be lowered whereby to rest on the support bar.

The middle set of hydraulics and supporting stanchions is preferably positioned adjacent the hinged connection of the front and rear upper deck members.

A trailer according to the invention may also include a o lower deck for carrying automobiles at a level below those on the main deck.

The lower deck provided according to the present invention 00 o may comprise a floor being in the form of a pair of track members, the floor may be hingedly connected at one end thereof to the main chassis of the trailer. The other end of g the floor of the lower deck may be adapted for raising to the level of the main deck whereby an automobile may be driven from the main deck onto the lower deck floor which may then be lowered to a substantially horizontal position.

The means for raising and lowering the floor of the lower deck to provide access thereto may comprise the provision of a pair of chains on either side of the lower deck floor adapted for removable connection to the upper deck whereby the hydraulics used for raising and lowering the upper deck may simultaneously raise and lower the floor of the lower deck when access thereto is required.

In one alternative arrangement within the scope of the present invention the lower deck is provided with a set of hydraulics constructed and arranged to raise the rearward end of the lower deck to the height of the main deck to facilitate access to the lower deck.

When the lower deck is loaded with an automobile the floor may be lowered to its horizontal position and the chains, if used, may be removed so that the upper deck can be raised and lowered independently of the floor of the lower deck.

For a trailer according to the present invention having a lower deck the main deck may include a raised hump portion to it provide additional height to facilitate clearance of the roof section of an automobile loaded into the lower deck. The hump portion may be removable or adapted to be raised at the rearward end whereby to facilitate access to the lower deck.

To facilitate the use of the trailer for carrying containers a plurality of container coupling pins such as conventional twist locks may be provided. Containers are generally either 20 feet or 40 feet in length and accordingly pins may be provided, as is already known in the art, at the front and rear with two sets in the middle of a 41 foot Strailer. The spacing of the container pins for length and width may be in accordance with the standard spaciang for containers. The container securing pins are preferably directly connected to the chassis of the trailer and most preferably by the longitudinally extending side members.

9 5 9 To further assist in the understanding of the present invention, particularly preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in relation to the drawings.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a side view of a trailer according to one embodiment of the invention with the upper deck in the raised position; Figure 2 is a side view of the trailer of Figure 1 with the upper deck in the lowered position; Figure 3 is an end-view from the rear of the trailer of Figure 1 with the upper deck in the raised position; Figure 4 is an end-view from the rear of the trailer of Figure 1 with the upper deck in the lowered position; and Figure 5 is a side view of the trailer of Figure 1 with the upper deck in the loading position.

As shown in the drawings, the present invention provides a trailer 1 comprising a chassis 2, a main deck 3, an upper deck 4 and a lower deck 5 (obscured by side panel).

Chassis 2 includes a pair of spaced apart longitudinally extending side members 6, 7 which extend substantially along the sides of trailer 1 at the level of main deck 3.

As best seen in Figures 2 and 4, upper deck 4 in the lowered position lies directly on and immediately above main deck 3 and between side members 6, 7. In the absence of any upstanding posts, or other support structure the trailer 6* assumes the flat top configuration shown in Figures 2 and 4 when upper deck 4 is lowered.

Two sets of container locking pins 8 of conventional form are carried by side members 6, 7.

In the 'embodiment shown in the drawings upper deck 4 comprises a front deck member 9 adjacent the front of trailer

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1 and a rear deck member 10. Connection means 11 hingedly connects front deck member 9 and rear deck member 10 so that the free ends thereof may be raised or lowered separately 0@ o from one another as shown, for example, by Figure The trailer shown in the drawings includes a plurality of ground engaging wheels 12 and rear lights 13. Additional 0 1 lights and other features including means for coupling to a prime mover, means for supporting the trailer when the prime mover is uncoupled, brakes, suspension, additional lights and means for securing automobiles loaded onto the trailer, are not shown.

Main deck 3 is substantially horizontal throughout its length. However, a portioni of main deck 3 rearward of wheels 12 is angled downwardly whereby the rearmost edge is closer to the ground that the remainder of main deck 3. The angled portion is designated 3a and facilitates vehicle loading as may be appreciated from Figure Upper deck 4 is raised and lowered by 3 sets of hydraulics. A first set 14 is mounted in the region of rear wheels 12, a second set 15 is mounted toward the centre of trailer 1 in the area of hinge connection 11 and a third set 16 is mounted adjacent the front of trailer 1. Each set of hydraulics comprises an extensible cylinder or ram mounted on either side of the trailer, each member of a set being similarly positioned along the length of the trailer. Only the members of each set mounted along the near side of trailer 1 are visible in Figures 1, 2 and 646 Control means for operation of the sets of hydraulics (not shown) may be provided at selected intervals on trailer 1.

•When in the raised position shown in Figures 1 and 3 upper deck 4 is supported by three sets of stanchions positioned adjacent the sets of hydraulics i.e. a rearward set 17, a .oS central set 18, and a forward set 19. Again only one of each pair comprising a set is visible in the side views.

The stanchions of the rearward set 17 and central set 18 are in the form of telescoping pipes of square section having means to lock the stancaions at a desired height for supporting upper deck 4.

The stanchions of rearward set 17 are each hingedly mounted on upper deck 4 and stepped in a pocket (not shown) ee of complementary configuration mounted on chassis 2. During S lowering of upper deck 4 stanchions 17 may be removed from the pockets and swung toward the rear of trailer 1 as shown O11 S S in Figure With upper deck4 in the lowered position stanchions 17 each lie substantially horizontally between upper deck 4 and side members 3.

The stanchions of central set 18 may be mounted on chassis 2 at the level of lower deck 5. With upper deck 4 in the lowered position stanchions 18 each telescope to remain between upper deck 4 and lower deck 5 as shown in dotted outline in Figure 2.

The stanchions of forward set 19 are each stepped in a pocket. Each stanchion comprises a substantially vertical post with a plurality of vertical step means 20 provided thereon. Vertical step means 20 is adapted for receiving a cross-bar 21 extending across trailer 1 from one front stanchion 19 to the other so that the leading edge of front deck member 9 may rest on cross-bar 21.

The lower deck is not actually shown in the drawings but the level tnereof is indicated by numeral 5. To provide additional height to facilitate clearance of the roof section of an automobile loaded onto lower deck 5 main deck 3 includes a raised hump portion 22. Hump portion 22 is adapted to be raised at the rearward end to facilitate access by being hinged at the forward end and by being operable by hydraulics 23 (partly hidden).

As best seen in Figure 3, upper deck 4 may be further secured in the raised position by tie means comprising a pair of chains 24, 25. Chains 24, 25 may be securable to upper e deck 4 by hook and eye or other suitable means. Chains 24, extend from either side of upper deck 4 to chassis 2 and are adapted to be tensioned whereby to tie down upper deck 4 rearwardly of stanchions 17 by the provision of ratchet means 26. In the lowered configuration shown in Figure 2, chains 24, 25 have been disconnected from upper deck 4 and stored on rachet means 26.

For further stability particularly in the fore and aft directions, a pair of angled stays may be provided which in use extend from upper deck 4 to chassis 2. In the preferred 12 <bI arrangement shown in the drawings angled stays 27 extend from hinge connection 11 to side members 6, 7. Angled stay 27 is hingedly connected to hinge connection 11 by being provided adjacent the upper end with an eye. A corresponding eye may be provided in hinge connection 11 and a pin may be passed through each eye whereby to hingedly connect angled stay 27 to upper deck 4.

Angled stay 27 may be similarly hingedly connected to chassis 2 and preferably to side members 6, 7. Extension means (not shown) may be provided on angled stay 27. It has been found that a screw threaded extension means for adjusting the length of angled stay 27 is particularly suitable.

For lowering upper deck 4 the pin passing through the eyes of stay 27 and connection means 11 may be removed allowing stay 27 to lay parallel to main deck 3 in the lowered configuration.

The manner of use of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described. With the upper deck initially in its lowered position as shown in Figure 2 the centre hydraulics are raised and at the same time the front hydraulics are raised whereby the front portion of the upper deck is in its raised position. Without raising the lower co •portion of the upper deck the upper deck slopes downwardly we 0 from the hinged connection as shown in Figure 5 whereby to facilitate access of automobiles to the upper deck. A ramp 6 is provided from the ground to the lower edge of the main deck. The ramp preferably comprises a pair of ramp members otherwise used on the main deck.

Automobiles are driven up the ramp and onto the upper deck. When the upper deck is filled with automobiles the ,.00 rear hydraulics are actuated to raise the upper deck to its o raised position as shown in Figure 1. The stanchions are "0 then positioned and locked in place, the foot of the rear 00 stanchions being stepped in the pockets provided and bolts or e eeue other lock means being inserted in the apertures whereby to lock the stanchions at the desired height. The front stanchions are similarly secured if necessary and the cross bar inserted at the desired height in the vertical step means. The pressure is then released from the hydraulics so that the weight of the upper deck is carried by the stanchions and the front cross bar. Once the upper deck has been secured a first vehicle is driven onto the main deck.

The first vehicle may be reversed and a stile mounted above the bonnet thereof so that a second vehicle can be driven on whereby the nose of the second vehicle overlaps the nose of the first vehicle whereby to reduce the length of trailer taken up by the two vehicles. Further vehicles are loaded on the main deck and further stile and ramp members are used if required.

Where a trailer is also fitted with a lower deck the lower deck is raised to provide access by using the hydraulics prior to loading vehicles on the main deck and is then lowered into position. The humped floor of the main deck immediately above the lower deck is likewise raised using dedicated hydraulics or the hydraulics of the upper deck by affixing the floor to chains which in turn are removably attached to the top deck.

eeoc :o The flat top configuration provided by the present invention facilitates the mounting of two standard sized ft. shipping containers on a trailer of about 41 ft. in

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length. Moreover, in the absence of any vertical supports in the flat top configuration the doors of each container can be Ceee opened to empty the containers without removal from the trailer by jack-knifing the prime mrover and trailer by disconnecting the prime mover from the trailer.

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:30 While it has been convenient to describe the invention S.o herein in relation to particularly preferred embodiments, it is to be appreciated that other constructions and arrangements are also considered as falling within the scope of the invention. Various modifications, alterations, variations and/or additions to the constructions and arrangements dOescribed herein are also considered as falling within the scope and ambit of the present invention.

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Claims (12)

1. A trailer comprising: a chassis supporting a main deck for carrying automobiles at a first level, said chassis comprising a pair of spaced apart longitudinally extending side members, said side members extending substantially along the sides of said trailer at the level of the main deck; an upper deck for carrying automobiles at a second higher level; the trailer beirng adapted for conversion hydraulically to a configuration suitable for carrying containers and/or general freight in which configuration the said upper deck in 4te-first lowered position lies between said side members.

2. A trailer according to claim 1, wherein said upper deck is hydraulically f ke S adjustable between -afifet-lowered position, a second raised position and a third loading position in which at least a portion of the upper deck is angled with the rearward portion thereof being in a lowered position and the forward portion thereof being in a raised position. 3; A trailer according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein when said upper deck is in the first lowered position said deck lies directly on and immediately above the main deck and said trailer assumes a flat-top configuration.

4. A trailer according to claim 1 wherein at least one set of container locking pins is carried by said side members.

5. A trailer accrding to any preceding claim wherein said upper deck comprises a front deck member adjacent the front of the trailer and hingedly attached to a rear deck member whereby the free ends of said front and rear deck members may be raised and lowered separately from one another.

6. A trailer according to any preceding claim wherein during use upper deck is supported in the second raised position by a plurality of substantially vertical t stanchions wherein each of said stanchion3 comprises a plurality of telescoping e.go: pipes adapted for supporting the upper deck in the second raised position.

7. A trailer according to any preceding claim in which the trailer is adapted for to supporting the upper deck in its raised position by the provision of three sets of 30 stanchions, a forward set, a central set and a rearward set, wherein each of said o: sets comprises a separate stanchion depending from either side of the upper deck, each of the members of one set being similarly positioned along the length of the i trailer.

8. A trailer according to claim 7 wherein at least the stanchions of the forward and rearward sets are removably attached to the chassis of said trailer.

9. A, trailer according to claim 8 wherein said stanchions are removably attached to the chassis of said trailer by each being stepped in a separate pocket S of complementary configuration carried directly by said chassis. 15 A trailer according to any preceding claim including a third lower deck adapted for carrying cars at a third level below the main deck.

11. A trailer according to any preceding claim wherein in the second raised position the upper deck is secured by tie means comprising one or more chains or other tie members extending from either side of the upper deck to the chassis and adapted to be tensioned whereby to tie down the upper deck rearwardly of the stanchions when the trailer is loaded with the upper deck in the raised position.

12. A trailer according to any preceding claim wherein at least one pair of stays is provided which in use each extend from the upper deck to the chassis at an 3 9angle thereto when the upper deck is in the second raised position.

13. A trailer according to claim 1 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14. A semi-trailer comprising a prime-mover and a trailer according to any one of the preceding claims. Dated: 15 June 1993 OBERINS Patent Attorneys for: TOPSTART PTY LTD S.. t S o 4 *AI