CA1282642C - Retractable cover assembly for vehicle platforms - Google Patents
Retractable cover assembly for vehicle platformsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1282642C CA1282642C CA000503915A CA503915A CA1282642C CA 1282642 C CA1282642 C CA 1282642C CA 000503915 A CA000503915 A CA 000503915A CA 503915 A CA503915 A CA 503915A CA 1282642 C CA1282642 C CA 1282642C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- framework
- cover
- arched
- load
- cover assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T30/00—Transportation of goods or passengers via railways, e.g. energy recovery or reducing air resistance
Landscapes
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle having a load-carrying platform is equipped with a retractable cover assembly for protecting the load, which assembly comprises rails along the longitudinal side edges of the vehicle platform and a retractable arched framework collapsible along the length of the rails, which arched framework comprises arched sections articulated together by crossed arms to enable collapse of the framework, the arched sections having wheels which run on the rails as retraction takes place, and a flexible cover internally strapped to the individual framework sections of the arched framework, which cover folds up in concertina fashion when the framework is retracted, and tensioning devices being provided for tensioning the cover in its load-protecting position.
Description
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Title Retractable Cover Assembly for Vehicle Platforms Field of the invention This invention relates generally to vehicles having a load-carrying platform and more especially to a retractable cover assembly for protecting the load on such a platform.
Background to the invention The invention may find application in the field of road vehicles, for example as a cover assembly which can be used in place of a conventional tilt cover, but has particular apprication in the fleld of railway wagons.
Summary of the invention According to the lnventlon, there is provided a vehicle having a load-carrying platform and a retractable cover assembly for protectlng the load, said cover assembly comprising a guide along each longitudinal side edqe of the platform, an arched framework for defining longitudinal side :: :
walls and a roof, said struct~ure comprising a plurallty of arched framework sections art~culated one to another so- as to be collapsibIe together in~the longitudinal~direction, at least some of said framework sections~having means cooperating with the guides for~movement therealong, a cover of flexible sheet material secured to the arched framework on the outside thereof to collapsF slmultaneously wlth the ::
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~L282642 latter, and at least one tensioning device for longitudin-ally tensioning the cover in the load-protecting position.
Especially for the particular application of the invention to railway wagons, the arched framework structure may have a domed roof, more especially a polygonally domed roof having at least four planar sections. An arched framework defining a substantially flat roof may be preferred for a road vehicle.
In the case of a road vehicle, the load-carrying lQ platform will usually have at least a rigid structural front wall, and possibly also a rigid rear wall which may include access doors. Similarly, a railway wagon may have at least a front bulkhead and possibly a rear bulkhead as well. The cover assembly of the invention may, thererore, simply comprise side walls and roof. Alter-natively, however, it may also inc]ude at least one end wall integral with side walls and roof.
In the latter instance, the or each end wall of the cover assembly may comprise an articulated frame carried by the end section~o~ the col~lapsible arched~ -framework, which frame can be displaced into a first position for defining an end wall or a second position in which the~articulated members of the frame lie close to the sides and roof of~ thé end framework section to enable mo~-ement past tbe~l~oad. Whether or no-t~the end frame~-ork sectlons carry such an articulated fra~e~ for -~
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:, definin~ an end wall of the cover assembly, each such end framework section may be a more rigid section than the intermediate sections, for example comprising a pair of arched frames disposed one behind the other in the longitudinal direction and rigidly connected together.
The flexible sheet cover of a cover assembly having an end wall will include an end wall cover portion, which may conveniently be formed as a plurality of flaps which secure toaether, as by means of zip-type or other fasteners, and when unzipped can be folded back to enable movement past the load.
The quides enabling retraction of the cover assembly are preferably constituted by tracks or rails, for example round-sectioned bars welded to a track support, and the means carried by the frameworX sections for cooperation therewith are preferably constituted by wheels. The track supports can rest along the longl-tudinal slde edges of the vehlcle platform and be tled ~0 together at intervals by tie bars. It will often be practicable for said tie bars to extend transversely beneath the actual floor of the vehicle platform.
The track supports may~ then be clamped down to the chassis structure of~the vehicle beneath the floor, so as to produce a~track assembly lmmovably fixed, as by weldinq, bolting or rivetting, to the vehicle : .
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platfo-m. In addition to the wheels, wheel supports at the bottom of the framework members preferably carry retainers which cooperate with the track supports to prevent risk of the wheels lifting free of the tracks.
For moving the cover assembly along the tracks, a motorised drivina device may be provided, or alter-natively a manually operable drive device incorporating means affording a mechanical advantage. Such a drive device will be provided on the end framework section at least at one end of the assembly, and will act on the wheel or wheels of such end sections. A drive device at each end will enable retraction in either longitudinal direction.
As the vehicle provided with the load cover assembly may travel at relatively high speeds, other important features of the invention are concerned with the manner in which the flexible sheet cover is secured to the arched framework.
A preferred cover has securing straps secured on ~0 its interior surface, which connect via tightening buckles or the like to the sides~and roof of the :
indivi~ual framework sections. The preferred~cover is made o~ plastics coated fabric, such as PVC coated.
polyes er cr nylon, and has straps of compatible plastics impregr.atec. webbing, e.g PVC impregnated webbing, bonded , ' '~ ' ', ' ~ ' ' ', ,: .' , , .
. . - .
~Z82642 to the interior surface of the cover by high freguency welding. Externally, therefore, the cover is devoid Oc any securing strap apertures or the like and offers complete weatherproof protection for the load.
The tensioning in the longitudinal direction is preferably afforded by a tensioning winch which detachably connects with an end framework section. The tensioning device may be mounted on a front or rear bulkhead in a vehicle having such a bulkhead, or may be carried by a suitable support specially provided for the purpose at the end of the vehicle platform. As the preferred cover assembly is retractable in either longitudinal direction, a tensioning device is prefera*ly provided at each end of the platform.
In the vertical direct~ion, a lesser degree of tensioning can be provided by tensioning straps bonded to the cover at or near tbe bottom of the sides thereof, and securing by tightening buckles or hooks or the~ like either to the wheel supports or to the track supports.
Even in the former case, it may be desirable for the vertical tensioning to be relaxed before the cover assembly is retracted.~;
When the~cover has an end cover portion at one or both ends of the cover~assembly, i.e. when the vehicle platform does not have a front or rear bulkhead or only :
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a partial height bulkhead, billowing of the end cover portion, either inwardly or outwardly, can be prevented by means of rigid cross-braces which are fixed across the end cover portion, e.g. to the individual flap portions thereof, and ~hich cooperate with the end frame of the cover assembly framework, for example being strapped thereagainst.
Brief description of drawings A practical example of vehicle platform cover assembly in accordance with the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 shows in side elevation a railway wagonhaving a load protected by the cover assembly which comprises a retractable arched framework and an outer weatherproof cover;
Figure 2 shows a part of the arched framework in the operative position;
Figure 3 shows the arched framework in the retracted condition;
Figure 4 is an end view of the arched framework;
Figure 5 is a view corresponding to that of Figure 4 but with the outer cover in position;
Figures 6 and 7 show in end view the details of an articulated end frame for defining an end wall of the cover assembly;
Figure 8 shows a track assembly in plan view;
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., ,' : ' ~28~6~2 Figure 9 shows detail of the ~ounting of the track assembly to the vehicle platform and of the mounting of the arched framework on the track; and Figure 10 is a side view of part of the track assembly, in cross section through ~ tie bar.
Description of embodiment Figure 1 shows in outline a railway wagon having wheels 10 and a load-carrying platform structure 12 equipped with front and rear partial height bulkheads 14.
A typical load 16 to be carried by such a wagon, for example a coil of steel strip, is outlined in Figure 4.
This load is supported on V-blocks 18 on the platform.
Such a typical load often requires to be loaded on to and off the wagon endwise and maximum p~ssible access is desirable during this procedure, especially access from both sides and above. At the same time, the load must be given weatherproof protection during transit, and the retractable cover assembly of this invention aims to achieve both such objects.
Figure 1 shows the wagon fitt~d with the cover assembly in its operative position protecting the load.
This assembly comprises an outer cover fixed to a retractable arched framework undern~ath, but in Figure 1 only the outer cover 20 is visible. -~
The form of the retractable arched framework which carries the outer cover will be clear from Figures-2 to 4. -.
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_~_ This framework comprises a plurality of individual sections, generally referenced 22, each of arch-like shape having opposed vertical side members 24 connected by a polyaonally domed roof arch 26.
S On each side of the assembly, the side members 24 are articula~ed one to another by crossed arms 28, thereby to render the framework collapsible in the longitudinal direction. The framework has strengthened end sections 30 each consisting of two planar sections, spaced one behind the other and connected by bracing struts. Fiaure 2 shows part of the framework in an extended operative position, whilst Fiaure 3 shows the framework in collapsed or retracted condition.
Movement of the framework into or out of its collapsed condition is enabled by wheels 32 on the frame-work sections which run on a track forminq part of a track assembly fixed to the waaon platform.
Thus, referring to Figures 8 to 10, the track assembly includes two rails 3~, one at each longitudinal 2~ edge of the platform, being rails in the form of round bar welded to rail supporting members 36 which are tied together by tie bars 38~ The supporting members 36 seat on the lonqitudlnal edges of the waaon chassis`40, as shown in Figure 9, just outwardly of the longitudinal edges of the platform floor 42,~and the tie bars 36, ' ~
, 3Z~i42 g bo1ted to the supporting members at 43, extend across the waqon beneath said floor. The above-described pa-allel rail assembly is immovably clamped to the wagon _hassis by nut and bolt clamping devices G 1 .
Figure 9 also shows the manner in which the wheels of the framework sections cooperate with the rails. A
framework section 22 has at the bottom of each side member 24 an axle mounting 44 for a wheel 32 of pulley-type form, which seats on the round bar rail 34. A
re-ainer 46 prevents risk of the wheel lifting free of the rail.
In the illustrated arranaement, each framework section 22 has a wheel 32 on each side, and each strength-ened end section 30 has two wheels 32 on each side, but arranqements with a lesser or greater number of wheels are possible.
Driving devices for moving the framework are diagrammatically indicated at 47 in Figures 2 and 3.
rach driving device acts on the wheels 32 of an end section 30 of the framework, and may be a motorised drive de~ice or a manually operable device incorporating means fo- imparting a mechanical advantage. Two drlving de~ices are provided, one at each end of the framework, ~o enable retractlon ln either lonaitudinal direction.
The collaps~ ar~hed f-ameworX is primarily ma~e .~
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1~3Z~i4;2 of steel, but the outer cover 20 is preferably made of flexible PVC coated fabric such as polyester or nylon.
PVC straps or P~.7C impregnated webbina straps (not shown) are bonded by hiah frequency welding to the interior surface of the cover 20, enablinq the cover to be fastened, as by buckles, to the side members 24 and roof arches 2~ of the individual framework sections 22 and 30.
The flexible cover 20 thus folds up in concertina fashion when the underlying framework is collapsed, whereby the entire cover assembly is retracted around the load.
The cover assembly is required to provide protection at the ends since only partial bulkheads 14 are provided on the wagon, and the manner in which this is accomplished will now be described with reference to Fiqures S to 7.
First, as shown in Figure 5, the outer cover 20 is formed with an integral end cover portion in the form of flaps ~9 which secure in position by vertical zip-type fasteners 51, but which when unzipped can be folded back upwardly out of the way. Each flap 49 carries rigid cross-braces S0.
In association with the end cover portion 49 of the outer cover 20, the end section 30 of the underlying framework is:formed with an articulated frame-52 (see 2.5 Figures 6 and 7~ which~has an operatlve position, for , ~ :
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convenience shown on the right-hand side of Figure 6, and an inoperative position, for convenience shown on the left-hand side of Fi,gure ~. In the operative position, the frame defines an end wall to the arched framework, for underlying the end cover portion 49. In the inoperative position, the frame members pivot into peripheral positions adjacent the side members and roof of the arched section 30 of the framewor~, thereby to enable movement past the load.
The frame 52 includes two articulated members 54 which connect via a releasable pin at 56 to lock the frame in its operative position.
The cross braces 50 on the flaps 49 of the end portion of the cover cooperate with the end frame 52, in the operative condition, to prevent the end cover portion from billowing. If desired, the braced end cover portion may be tied, as by buckled straps, to the end frame 52.
Horizontal tensioning of the cover assembly in the operative position in which it covers the load is ?0 achieved by means of tensioning winches 58 diagrammatically indicated in Figure 1. In the illustrated example, these tensioning winches are mounted on the partial bulkheads 14.
Ea-h tensioninq device 5~ releasably connects with the corresponding end frame~ork section 30.
?~ A lesser degree of vertical tensioning is achieved 6~2 by means of the tensioninq straps 60 also indicated in Fiqure 1. These tensioninq straps make a buckle or hook connection either with the wheel supports on the individual framewor~ sec.ions or with the track support.
In use, in order to release the cover assembly from its operative, load-protecting position, first the tension is relaxed and then the articulated end frame(s) is moved to its operative position and the end cover portion unzipped and folded back. The entire assembly may then be retracted along the rails using the drive device, givinq access to the load for unloading from the end, both sides and above. The reverse procedure is followed to move the cover from its retracted position into its operative position over a load which has been 1~ loaded on to the wagon. The PVC cover provides weather-proof protection for the load in transit, and its means of support and tensioning via the underlying arched framework ensure its safe usage, without risk of damage, durina high speed travel.
2n The illustrated example of cover assembly is designed for a railway waaon, but a generally similar construction, possibly having a flat roof, would be !
suitable for a road vehicle platform, for example in place of a conventional tilt cover.
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' ' '' ' ~.:
Title Retractable Cover Assembly for Vehicle Platforms Field of the invention This invention relates generally to vehicles having a load-carrying platform and more especially to a retractable cover assembly for protecting the load on such a platform.
Background to the invention The invention may find application in the field of road vehicles, for example as a cover assembly which can be used in place of a conventional tilt cover, but has particular apprication in the fleld of railway wagons.
Summary of the invention According to the lnventlon, there is provided a vehicle having a load-carrying platform and a retractable cover assembly for protectlng the load, said cover assembly comprising a guide along each longitudinal side edqe of the platform, an arched framework for defining longitudinal side :: :
walls and a roof, said struct~ure comprising a plurallty of arched framework sections art~culated one to another so- as to be collapsibIe together in~the longitudinal~direction, at least some of said framework sections~having means cooperating with the guides for~movement therealong, a cover of flexible sheet material secured to the arched framework on the outside thereof to collapsF slmultaneously wlth the ::
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: - : ~
' ! ' ' ~ " ' ' ' ` ' ` ' .: . . `
~L282642 latter, and at least one tensioning device for longitudin-ally tensioning the cover in the load-protecting position.
Especially for the particular application of the invention to railway wagons, the arched framework structure may have a domed roof, more especially a polygonally domed roof having at least four planar sections. An arched framework defining a substantially flat roof may be preferred for a road vehicle.
In the case of a road vehicle, the load-carrying lQ platform will usually have at least a rigid structural front wall, and possibly also a rigid rear wall which may include access doors. Similarly, a railway wagon may have at least a front bulkhead and possibly a rear bulkhead as well. The cover assembly of the invention may, thererore, simply comprise side walls and roof. Alter-natively, however, it may also inc]ude at least one end wall integral with side walls and roof.
In the latter instance, the or each end wall of the cover assembly may comprise an articulated frame carried by the end section~o~ the col~lapsible arched~ -framework, which frame can be displaced into a first position for defining an end wall or a second position in which the~articulated members of the frame lie close to the sides and roof of~ thé end framework section to enable mo~-ement past tbe~l~oad. Whether or no-t~the end frame~-ork sectlons carry such an articulated fra~e~ for -~
~' .
:, definin~ an end wall of the cover assembly, each such end framework section may be a more rigid section than the intermediate sections, for example comprising a pair of arched frames disposed one behind the other in the longitudinal direction and rigidly connected together.
The flexible sheet cover of a cover assembly having an end wall will include an end wall cover portion, which may conveniently be formed as a plurality of flaps which secure toaether, as by means of zip-type or other fasteners, and when unzipped can be folded back to enable movement past the load.
The quides enabling retraction of the cover assembly are preferably constituted by tracks or rails, for example round-sectioned bars welded to a track support, and the means carried by the frameworX sections for cooperation therewith are preferably constituted by wheels. The track supports can rest along the longl-tudinal slde edges of the vehlcle platform and be tled ~0 together at intervals by tie bars. It will often be practicable for said tie bars to extend transversely beneath the actual floor of the vehicle platform.
The track supports may~ then be clamped down to the chassis structure of~the vehicle beneath the floor, so as to produce a~track assembly lmmovably fixed, as by weldinq, bolting or rivetting, to the vehicle : .
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platfo-m. In addition to the wheels, wheel supports at the bottom of the framework members preferably carry retainers which cooperate with the track supports to prevent risk of the wheels lifting free of the tracks.
For moving the cover assembly along the tracks, a motorised drivina device may be provided, or alter-natively a manually operable drive device incorporating means affording a mechanical advantage. Such a drive device will be provided on the end framework section at least at one end of the assembly, and will act on the wheel or wheels of such end sections. A drive device at each end will enable retraction in either longitudinal direction.
As the vehicle provided with the load cover assembly may travel at relatively high speeds, other important features of the invention are concerned with the manner in which the flexible sheet cover is secured to the arched framework.
A preferred cover has securing straps secured on ~0 its interior surface, which connect via tightening buckles or the like to the sides~and roof of the :
indivi~ual framework sections. The preferred~cover is made o~ plastics coated fabric, such as PVC coated.
polyes er cr nylon, and has straps of compatible plastics impregr.atec. webbing, e.g PVC impregnated webbing, bonded , ' '~ ' ', ' ~ ' ' ', ,: .' , , .
. . - .
~Z82642 to the interior surface of the cover by high freguency welding. Externally, therefore, the cover is devoid Oc any securing strap apertures or the like and offers complete weatherproof protection for the load.
The tensioning in the longitudinal direction is preferably afforded by a tensioning winch which detachably connects with an end framework section. The tensioning device may be mounted on a front or rear bulkhead in a vehicle having such a bulkhead, or may be carried by a suitable support specially provided for the purpose at the end of the vehicle platform. As the preferred cover assembly is retractable in either longitudinal direction, a tensioning device is prefera*ly provided at each end of the platform.
In the vertical direct~ion, a lesser degree of tensioning can be provided by tensioning straps bonded to the cover at or near tbe bottom of the sides thereof, and securing by tightening buckles or hooks or the~ like either to the wheel supports or to the track supports.
Even in the former case, it may be desirable for the vertical tensioning to be relaxed before the cover assembly is retracted.~;
When the~cover has an end cover portion at one or both ends of the cover~assembly, i.e. when the vehicle platform does not have a front or rear bulkhead or only :
' : . . :: ' ' ,: ' . ' :` , ,, .: ~ ,' ~ ~3264'~
a partial height bulkhead, billowing of the end cover portion, either inwardly or outwardly, can be prevented by means of rigid cross-braces which are fixed across the end cover portion, e.g. to the individual flap portions thereof, and ~hich cooperate with the end frame of the cover assembly framework, for example being strapped thereagainst.
Brief description of drawings A practical example of vehicle platform cover assembly in accordance with the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 shows in side elevation a railway wagonhaving a load protected by the cover assembly which comprises a retractable arched framework and an outer weatherproof cover;
Figure 2 shows a part of the arched framework in the operative position;
Figure 3 shows the arched framework in the retracted condition;
Figure 4 is an end view of the arched framework;
Figure 5 is a view corresponding to that of Figure 4 but with the outer cover in position;
Figures 6 and 7 show in end view the details of an articulated end frame for defining an end wall of the cover assembly;
Figure 8 shows a track assembly in plan view;
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., ,' : ' ~28~6~2 Figure 9 shows detail of the ~ounting of the track assembly to the vehicle platform and of the mounting of the arched framework on the track; and Figure 10 is a side view of part of the track assembly, in cross section through ~ tie bar.
Description of embodiment Figure 1 shows in outline a railway wagon having wheels 10 and a load-carrying platform structure 12 equipped with front and rear partial height bulkheads 14.
A typical load 16 to be carried by such a wagon, for example a coil of steel strip, is outlined in Figure 4.
This load is supported on V-blocks 18 on the platform.
Such a typical load often requires to be loaded on to and off the wagon endwise and maximum p~ssible access is desirable during this procedure, especially access from both sides and above. At the same time, the load must be given weatherproof protection during transit, and the retractable cover assembly of this invention aims to achieve both such objects.
Figure 1 shows the wagon fitt~d with the cover assembly in its operative position protecting the load.
This assembly comprises an outer cover fixed to a retractable arched framework undern~ath, but in Figure 1 only the outer cover 20 is visible. -~
The form of the retractable arched framework which carries the outer cover will be clear from Figures-2 to 4. -.
3r~
_~_ This framework comprises a plurality of individual sections, generally referenced 22, each of arch-like shape having opposed vertical side members 24 connected by a polyaonally domed roof arch 26.
S On each side of the assembly, the side members 24 are articula~ed one to another by crossed arms 28, thereby to render the framework collapsible in the longitudinal direction. The framework has strengthened end sections 30 each consisting of two planar sections, spaced one behind the other and connected by bracing struts. Fiaure 2 shows part of the framework in an extended operative position, whilst Fiaure 3 shows the framework in collapsed or retracted condition.
Movement of the framework into or out of its collapsed condition is enabled by wheels 32 on the frame-work sections which run on a track forminq part of a track assembly fixed to the waaon platform.
Thus, referring to Figures 8 to 10, the track assembly includes two rails 3~, one at each longitudinal 2~ edge of the platform, being rails in the form of round bar welded to rail supporting members 36 which are tied together by tie bars 38~ The supporting members 36 seat on the lonqitudlnal edges of the waaon chassis`40, as shown in Figure 9, just outwardly of the longitudinal edges of the platform floor 42,~and the tie bars 36, ' ~
, 3Z~i42 g bo1ted to the supporting members at 43, extend across the waqon beneath said floor. The above-described pa-allel rail assembly is immovably clamped to the wagon _hassis by nut and bolt clamping devices G 1 .
Figure 9 also shows the manner in which the wheels of the framework sections cooperate with the rails. A
framework section 22 has at the bottom of each side member 24 an axle mounting 44 for a wheel 32 of pulley-type form, which seats on the round bar rail 34. A
re-ainer 46 prevents risk of the wheel lifting free of the rail.
In the illustrated arranaement, each framework section 22 has a wheel 32 on each side, and each strength-ened end section 30 has two wheels 32 on each side, but arranqements with a lesser or greater number of wheels are possible.
Driving devices for moving the framework are diagrammatically indicated at 47 in Figures 2 and 3.
rach driving device acts on the wheels 32 of an end section 30 of the framework, and may be a motorised drive de~ice or a manually operable device incorporating means fo- imparting a mechanical advantage. Two drlving de~ices are provided, one at each end of the framework, ~o enable retractlon ln either lonaitudinal direction.
The collaps~ ar~hed f-ameworX is primarily ma~e .~
- ' - . , , - - ' ' ' ' . . ' ' :~ : ,' , .
1~3Z~i4;2 of steel, but the outer cover 20 is preferably made of flexible PVC coated fabric such as polyester or nylon.
PVC straps or P~.7C impregnated webbina straps (not shown) are bonded by hiah frequency welding to the interior surface of the cover 20, enablinq the cover to be fastened, as by buckles, to the side members 24 and roof arches 2~ of the individual framework sections 22 and 30.
The flexible cover 20 thus folds up in concertina fashion when the underlying framework is collapsed, whereby the entire cover assembly is retracted around the load.
The cover assembly is required to provide protection at the ends since only partial bulkheads 14 are provided on the wagon, and the manner in which this is accomplished will now be described with reference to Fiqures S to 7.
First, as shown in Figure 5, the outer cover 20 is formed with an integral end cover portion in the form of flaps ~9 which secure in position by vertical zip-type fasteners 51, but which when unzipped can be folded back upwardly out of the way. Each flap 49 carries rigid cross-braces S0.
In association with the end cover portion 49 of the outer cover 20, the end section 30 of the underlying framework is:formed with an articulated frame-52 (see 2.5 Figures 6 and 7~ which~has an operatlve position, for , ~ :
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.
.
~8~64~
convenience shown on the right-hand side of Figure 6, and an inoperative position, for convenience shown on the left-hand side of Fi,gure ~. In the operative position, the frame defines an end wall to the arched framework, for underlying the end cover portion 49. In the inoperative position, the frame members pivot into peripheral positions adjacent the side members and roof of the arched section 30 of the framewor~, thereby to enable movement past the load.
The frame 52 includes two articulated members 54 which connect via a releasable pin at 56 to lock the frame in its operative position.
The cross braces 50 on the flaps 49 of the end portion of the cover cooperate with the end frame 52, in the operative condition, to prevent the end cover portion from billowing. If desired, the braced end cover portion may be tied, as by buckled straps, to the end frame 52.
Horizontal tensioning of the cover assembly in the operative position in which it covers the load is ?0 achieved by means of tensioning winches 58 diagrammatically indicated in Figure 1. In the illustrated example, these tensioning winches are mounted on the partial bulkheads 14.
Ea-h tensioninq device 5~ releasably connects with the corresponding end frame~ork section 30.
?~ A lesser degree of vertical tensioning is achieved 6~2 by means of the tensioninq straps 60 also indicated in Fiqure 1. These tensioninq straps make a buckle or hook connection either with the wheel supports on the individual framewor~ sec.ions or with the track support.
In use, in order to release the cover assembly from its operative, load-protecting position, first the tension is relaxed and then the articulated end frame(s) is moved to its operative position and the end cover portion unzipped and folded back. The entire assembly may then be retracted along the rails using the drive device, givinq access to the load for unloading from the end, both sides and above. The reverse procedure is followed to move the cover from its retracted position into its operative position over a load which has been 1~ loaded on to the wagon. The PVC cover provides weather-proof protection for the load in transit, and its means of support and tensioning via the underlying arched framework ensure its safe usage, without risk of damage, durina high speed travel.
2n The illustrated example of cover assembly is designed for a railway waaon, but a generally similar construction, possibly having a flat roof, would be !
suitable for a road vehicle platform, for example in place of a conventional tilt cover.
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' ' '' ' ~.:
Claims (10)
1. A vehicle having a load-carrying platform and a retractable cover assembly for protecting the load, said cover assembly comprising a guide along each longitudinal side edge of the platform, an arched framework for defining longitudinal side walls and a roof, said structure comprising a plurality of arched framework sections articulated one to another so as to be collapsible together in the longitudinal direction at least some of said framework sections having means cooperating with the guides for movement therealong, a cover of flexible sheet material secured to arched framework on the outside thereof to collapse simultaneously with the latter, and tensioning winches at both ends of the vehicle mounted which releasably connect to the corresponding end framework.
2. A vehicle according to Claim 1, wherein the arched framework structure defines a polygonally domed roof having at least four planar sections.
3. A vehicle according to Claim 1, wherein the cover assembly provides side walls, roof and at least one end wall, the/or each end wall of said cover assembly comprising an articulated frame of said cover assembly comprising an articulated frame carried by the end section of the collapsible arched framework, which frame can be displaced into a first position for defining an end wall or a second position in which the articulated members of the frame lie close to the sides and roof of the end framework section to enable movement past the load.
4. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each end framework section comprises a pair of arched frames disposed one behind the other in the longitudinal direction and rigidly connected together.
5. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the flexible sheet cover includes an end wall cover portion formed as a plurality of flaps which fasten together and can be folded back to enable movement past the load.
6. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the longitud-inal guides are constituted by tracks or rails, and the means carried by the framework sections for cooperation therewith are constituted by wheels, the tracks or rails being carried by track supports extending along the longitudinal side edges of the vehicle platform, said track supports being tied together at intervals by tie bars extending transversely beneath the floor of the vehicle platform.
7. A vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the wheels are carried by wheel supports on the framework sections which also carry retainers cooperating with the tracks, rails or track supports.
8. A vehicle according to claim 1, including a drive device provided on the end framework section at least at one end of the cover assembly and acting on the wheels of said section to enable retraction of the cover assembly.
9. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the flexible sheet cover has securing straps secured on its interior surface, which straps connect via securing means to the sides and to the roof of the individual framework sections, the flexible sheet cover being made of plastics coated fabric, and the securing straps being of compatible plastics impregnated webbing bonded to the interior surface of the cover without formation of apertures in said cover.
10. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein vertical.
tensioning of the cover is enabled by tensioning straps bonded to the cover adjacent the bottom of the sides thereof and which secure to the wheel supports or track supports.
tensioning of the cover is enabled by tensioning straps bonded to the cover adjacent the bottom of the sides thereof and which secure to the wheel supports or track supports.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000503915A CA1282642C (en) | 1986-03-12 | 1986-03-12 | Retractable cover assembly for vehicle platforms |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000503915A CA1282642C (en) | 1986-03-12 | 1986-03-12 | Retractable cover assembly for vehicle platforms |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1282642C true CA1282642C (en) | 1991-04-09 |
Family
ID=4132662
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000503915A Expired - Lifetime CA1282642C (en) | 1986-03-12 | 1986-03-12 | Retractable cover assembly for vehicle platforms |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1282642C (en) |
-
1986
- 1986-03-12 CA CA000503915A patent/CA1282642C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |