CA2086058C - Protective liner system and method for installing same - Google Patents
Protective liner system and method for installing sameInfo
- Publication number
- CA2086058C CA2086058C CA 2086058 CA2086058A CA2086058C CA 2086058 C CA2086058 C CA 2086058C CA 2086058 CA2086058 CA 2086058 CA 2086058 A CA2086058 A CA 2086058A CA 2086058 C CA2086058 C CA 2086058C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sheet members
- exposed surface
- sheet
- face
- members
- 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 - Fee Related
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
- B60R13/01—Liners for load platforms or load compartments
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
- B60P1/04—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load-transporting element
- B60P1/28—Tipping body constructions
- B60P1/283—Elements of tipping devices
- B60P1/286—Loading buckets
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D25/00—Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for
- B62D25/20—Floors or bottom sub-units
- B62D25/2054—Load carrying floors for commercial vehicles
Abstract
A protective liner system and method for installing the same on a structure such as a dump truck hopper are disclosed.
The protective liner system comprises a plurality of sheet members securely fastened to the otherwise exposed surface of the structure. The edges of adjacent sheet members are joined by an overlapping sliding joint wherein the sheet members are in first-edge to second-edge facing relation such that the first-edge of one sheet member is spacially opposed the second-edge of a second sheet member so as to form a gap therebetween. A first spanning member contacts the first faces of the sheet members and is securely fastened to the metal structure so as to be in intimately contacting sliding relation to the first faces of the sheet members. The sheets are also placed in first-end to second-end juxtaposed relation such that a downwardly sloped portion of the first-end of one sheet functionally contacts a second-end on the first face of the other sheet, so as to create a joint that is substantially flush at its top face. The protective liner system thus configured allows for lateral expansion of the sheet members so as to preclude buckling of the sheet members during expansion and loss of sealant placed between adjacent ends of the sheet members.
The protective liner system comprises a plurality of sheet members securely fastened to the otherwise exposed surface of the structure. The edges of adjacent sheet members are joined by an overlapping sliding joint wherein the sheet members are in first-edge to second-edge facing relation such that the first-edge of one sheet member is spacially opposed the second-edge of a second sheet member so as to form a gap therebetween. A first spanning member contacts the first faces of the sheet members and is securely fastened to the metal structure so as to be in intimately contacting sliding relation to the first faces of the sheet members. The sheets are also placed in first-end to second-end juxtaposed relation such that a downwardly sloped portion of the first-end of one sheet functionally contacts a second-end on the first face of the other sheet, so as to create a joint that is substantially flush at its top face. The protective liner system thus configured allows for lateral expansion of the sheet members so as to preclude buckling of the sheet members during expansion and loss of sealant placed between adjacent ends of the sheet members.
Description
~ IELD OF THE lNV~.. lON 2 0 8 6 0 5 8 The present invention relates to protective liner systems and more particularly to protective liner systems for overlaying the otherwise exposed surfaces of a material holding container, such as the metal hopper of a dump truck.
BACRGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known that equipment used for holding and carrying abrasive materials, such as rocks, ore, gravel, reclaimed concrete or asphalt, scrap metal, for example, sand, flour and raw sugar are prone to becoming damaged over a period of time through loading and unloading of such abrasive materials.
Such equipment includes dump trucks, storage tanks, railway cars, ships' holds storage bins, chutes, street sweepers, and the like but is not limited thereto.
Dump trucks experience perhaps the most severe service environment of the handling and carrying equipment mentioned above and are thus exemplary of the problems addressed by the present invention. Accordingly, specific reference hereinafter will, for the most part, be to dump trucks, although the invention can be applied with similar advantages to other equipment used for the holding and carrying of abrasive materials.
Dump trucks have carrying compartments, called "hoppers", typically constructed of metal, such as aluminum.
Dump truck hoppers can sustain considerable damage by receiving and carrying several loads of abrasive material each aay, such that over a period of perhaps of 3-5 years, the hopper must be replaced at a current estimated cost of $30,000 - $40,000. Such frequent replacement is highly undesirable.
It has also been found that fine particulate materials such as, for example, sand, flour, raw sugar, tend to clump at various parts of a carrying compartment, such as in corners or at other concave surface areas, especially if there is moisture present. It is usually necessary for a person to use a shovel to remove these clumps of material from the carrying compartment.
This considerably slows the dumping operation.
Various protective liner systems for lining the otherwise exposed surfaces of a metal structure for material handling, especially a carrying compartment of a vehicle such as a dump truck, are well known. Typically, such lining systems comprise sheets of wood or plastic that are fastened to the metal carrying compartment by way of threaded fasteners, welding or the like. It has been found that such prior art systems are unduly complicated, expensive, labour intensive to install, and readily damaged. Moreover, many prior art liner systems make extensive use of threaded fasteners which require drilling a large number of holes in the metal structure which not only may compromise the strength of the structure but may, particularly in vehicles, promote corrosion of the structure.
It is also a common problem for known protective liner systems to allow finer particulate materials being carried, such as, for example, fine gravel, sand and raw sugar, to enter the spaces between the sheets that comprise the protective liner system and eventually migrate underneath these sheets. Having S such foreign materials between and underneath the sheets that make up the protective liner system is detrimental to both the physical integrity of the protective liner system and to the integrity of the underlying structure itself, particularly where vibration is prevalent.
In order to solve the problem of migration of abrasive material below the protective sheets of lining material, it is known in the prior art to include a pliable sealant between the adjacent sheets of material that make up the protective liner system. While the provision of such sealant precludes to some degree foreign material from entering the gaps between adjacent sheets of material, the foreign material can impinge upon the sealant, causing deterioration of the sealant, with the foreign material eventually working its way underneath the sheets of material. Moreover, with prior art systems, expansion of the sheets of protective material (as discussed below) can disrupt the sealing integrity of the sealants, rendering them largely useless.
A prior art cushioning liner for vehicles or the like is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,578,375 to Finefrock. This patent discloses the use of a plurality of elongated elastomeric sheet members and a plurality of elongated elastomeric rib members mounted between adjacent edges of the sheet members. These sheets are fastened to the carrying compartment of a vehicle by interlocking with the ribs, which are in turn held to the carrying compartment of a vehicle by bolts. The ribs in this system could be easily dislodged thereby leaving the sheet members unsecured and subsequently exposing the carrying compartment to damage. Further, this system is expensive to manufacture and install because of the manner in which the sheet members and ribs interlock, and also because a metal bar is required at the end of the sheets, which metal bar must be welded to the truck hopper.
Another very common problem with known protective liner systems for material holding compartments for vehicles is that of buckling during expansion. During an increase in temperature due to, for example, hot weather, the sheet members, which are typically constructed of plastics material, tend to expand laterally. Lateral expansion refers to the two dimensional expansion of the sheet members across the otherwise exposed surface of a structure that the sheet members are fastened to.
Such lateral expansion causes buckling of the sheet members, since typically insufficient provision, or even no provision, is made in the prior art for lateral expansion of these sheet members. There is no provision made in the cushioning liner system as disclosed in the Finefrock patent for such lateral expansion.
U.S. Patent No. 4,029,354 to Valeir, discloses a protective strip overlay for truck boxes wherein two adjacent blocks of material are fastened to a truck box by a "Z" shaped anchor, part of which is welded to the truck box and part of which is inserted into the block of material. The resulting space between each pair of adjacent blocks is filled by a hexagonally shaped elongated strip of softer elastomeric material. It is believed that only slight lateral expansion can be accommodated by this system. Moreover, the Valeir system is exceptionally expensive to produce, as custom moulding the "Z"-shaped anchor into the elastomeric sheets of material isrequired, which also limits flexibility of the system in specific applications.
Another problem found in the prior art is that of non-flush multi-layer joints, such as disclosed in previously discussed U.S. Patent 3,578,375 (Finefrock), wherein the top surface of the ribs and sheet members are not flush with one another. If such a joint is used wherein it is oriented longitudinally across the hopper of a dump truck, material will be trapped at such a joint when the hopper of a dump truck is being dumped. A flush joint is essential for allowing complete and unobstructed flow of material along the length of the dump truck hopper during dumping.
It is also necessary that liner systems properly accommodate the angled portions of a material holding or carrying compartment, such as the junctions between a floor and a side wall, both in terms of being installable at or near a corner and -also in terms of expansion at a corner. These corners may be 90, or in some cases at the shedder plate between the floor and the side wall of dump trucks so equipped, the corners might be angled at 45 to the side wall.
s SUNMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to produce a protective liner system for material holding and carrying compartments that incorporate a plurality of plastic sheet members securely fastened to an underlying structure to preclude damage to the structure due to impact of materials in the loads being carried, and that is of very high quality and in normal use would outlast previously available liner systems.
It is another object of the present invention to produce a vehicle liner system for material holding and carrying compartments that precludes materials from sticking thereto, so as to provide for faster and more complete unloading of the container upon tilting thereof.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a protective liner system that precludes foreign material from becoming lodged between and underneath the sheet members of material that form the protective liner system.
It is a further object of the present invention to produce a protective liner system that precludes foreign materials from degrading any sealants that are used to seal adjacent sheets of the lining material.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to produce a protective liner system that is relatively easy and cost effective to install from readily available materials without the need for custom moulding of the components used therein, and which is flexible in terms of the various service applications to which it can be applied.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to produce a protective liner system that precludes buckling of the sheet members of material that form the protective liner system, during temperatures increases by accommodating lateral expansion of the sheet members.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to produce a protective liner system that has flush joints appropriately oriented and located so as not to obstruct the free sliding of materials therealong in the direction of material flow, such as when a dump truck is dumping a load of material from its hopper. As a corollary of this object, it is an object of the present invention to provide a protective liner system that has non-flush multi-layer joints oriented along the direction of material flow.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a protective liner system that fully and easily accommodates fitting into angled portions such as corners, of a material carrying compartment, and that simultaneously allows for expansion of the sheets of material that are used to form the protective liner system, at these corners.
It is another object of the preferred embodiment of this invention to provide a protective liner system which overcomes the need to drill a large number of holes in the metal structure by providing for the use of fastening means in the form of weld washers for attaching the sheet members of the liner material to the structure.
Other objects, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a protective liner system for overlaying an otherwise exposed surface of a structure. The system comprises a plurality of sheet members including at least a first sheet member, a second sheet member, a third sheet member and a fourth sheet member. Each of the plurality of sheet members has a first face and a second face, a first edge and a second edge, a first end and a second end. The first face is adapted to absorb the impact :
of foreign materials, and the second face is adapted for placement against the otherwise exposed surface of the structure in intimate contact therewith. The first end of each of the first and third sheet members has a sloped portion that is angled in overhanging relation to the otherwise exposed surface when the second face of respective ones of the first and third sheet members is placed as aforesaid. Fastening means are provided for fastening the sheet members to the exposed surface, with the second faces each placed against the otherwise exposed surface, in first-end to second-end juxtaposed relation such that the sloped portion of the first end of each of the respective of the first and third sheet members functionally contacts one of the second end and the first face of the second and fourth sheet members respectively, and with respective first and second edges of adjacent sheet members facing each other in spatially opposed relation so as to form a gap therebetween. The protective liner system further comprises at least a first spanning member overlaying the gap, each of the spanning members having a top surface and a bottom surface, and being securely fastened to the otherwise exposed surface of the structure such that the bottom surface of each of the spanning members contacts a portion of the first faces of the first, second, third and fourth sheet members in intimately contacting sliding relation thereto.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a further embodiment of protective liner system for overlaying an otherwise exposed surface of a structure. This systems comprises a plurality of sheet members including at least `~ 2086058 a pair of sheet members, wherein each of said pair of sheet members has a first face and a second face, a first-edge and a second-edge, a first-end and a second-end, wherein said first face is adapted to absorb the impact of foreign materials and said second face is adapted for placement against said otherwise exposed surface of said structure in intimate contact therewith;
fastening means for fastening said sheet members to said exposed surface, with said second faces each placed against said otherwise exposed surface, and with respective first and second edges of adjacent sheet members facing each other in spatially opposed relation so as to form a gap therebetween, and further comprising a first spanning member overlaying said gap, said first spanning member having a top surface and a bottom surface, and being securely fastened to said otherwise exposed surface of said structure such that said bottom surface of said first spanning member contacts a portion of said first faces of said first and second sheet members in intimately contacting sliding relation thereto.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of installing a protective liner system for overlaying an otherwise exposed surface of a structure is disclosed. The system comprising a plurality of sheet members including at least a first sheet member and a second sheet member, wherein each of the plurality of sheet members has a first face and a second face. The first face is adapted for absorbing the impact of foreign materials, and the second face is adapted for placement against the otherwise exposed surface of the structure in intimate contact therewith. The method comprises the following steps:
(a) cutting the sheet members so as to size the sheet members such that they collectively cover the otherwise exposed surface of the structure so as to define first and second edges upon each of the sheet members and so as to form a portion on at least one of said first ends with said sloped portion being angled in overhanging relation to said otherwise exposed surface when said second face of the respective sheet member is placed as aforesaid;
(b) setting the first sheet member in place on the otherwise exposed surface with the second face against the otherwise exposed surface;
(c) fastening the first sheet member to the otherwise exposed surface of the structure through the use of suitable fastening means;
(d) setting the second sheet member in place on the otherwise exposed surface, with the second face against the otherwise exposed surface in first-end to second-end adjacent relation to the first sheet member such that the sloped portion of said first end of the first sheet member functionally contacts at least one of the second end and the first face of the second sheet member so as to form a closed space therebetween;
(e) fastening the second sheet member to the otherwise exposed surface of the structure through the use of suitable fastening means;
S (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) as required for subsequent ones of the sheet members in order to substantially cover said otherwise exposed surface.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a further method of installing a protective liner system for overlaying an otherwise exposed surface of a structure is disclosed. The system comprising a plurality of sheet members including at least a pair of sheet members wherein each of the plurality of sheet members has a first face and a second face.
~S The first face is adapted for absorbing the impact of foreign materials, and the second face is adapted for placement against the otherwise exposed surface of the structure in intimate contact therewith. The method comprises the following steps:
(a) cutting the sheet members so as to size the sheet members to collectively cover the otherwise exposed surface of the structure so as to define first and second edges on each of the sheet members and so as to form a sloped portion on at least one of said first ends of said sheet members with said sloped portion being angled in overhanging relation to said otherwise exposed surface when said second face of the respective sheet member is placed as aforesaid;
208~058 (b) setting one of the pair of sheet members in place on the otherwise exposed surface with the second face against the otherwise exposed surface;
(c) fastening the one of the pair of sheet members to the otherwise exposed surface of the structure by way of a suitable fastening means;
(d) setting the other of the pair of sheet members in place on the otherwise exposed surface, with the second face against the otherwise exposed surface in first-edge to second-edge spatially opposed relation, so as to form a gap therebetween;
(e) fastening the other of the pair of sheet members to the otherwise exposed surface of the structure through the use of a suitable fastening means;
(f) cutting a first spanning member so as to form first and second ends and first and second sides thereon;
(g) placing a first spanning member in overlaying relation to the gap;
(h) securely fastening the first spanning member to the otherwise exposed surface of the structure by way of a suitable fastening means such that a portion of the bottom surface of the first spanning member contacts a portion of the first faces of the pair of sheet members in intimately contacting sliding relation thereto, so as to securely enclose the gap at the top thereof; and (i) repeating steps (d), (e), (f) (g) and (h) for subsequent ones of the sheet members in order to substantially cover said otherwise exposed surface.
DET~TT~n DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Introduction to the Drawings Figure 1 is an oblique view from the right rear of a dump truck with the protective liner system of the present invention installed on the bed of the hopper thereof;
Figure 2 is a similarly angled oblique view of four generally planar sheet members that make up the protective liner system of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a partial sectional end view along lines 3-3 of the dump truck hopper and protective liner system of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the dump truck hopper bed and protective liner system shown in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a partially cut away side sectional view of the bed of the hopper of the dump truck and of the protective liner system of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a close up view of a portion of Figure 5, showing the joint between two adjacent sheet members;
Figure 7 is a cut away oblique view of a portion of the protective liner system and the hopper bed of the dump truck of Figure 1, with a metal weld washer and a plug about to be installed in a circular aperture formed in a sheet member;
Figure 8 is a close up view of a portion of Figure 7 wherein the metal washer has been installed in the circular aperture and is being welded to the metal floor of the hopper of the dump truck; and, Figure 9 is a partial sectional side view of the metal washer of Figure 8 welded to the bed of the hopper of the dump truck, with the plug installed in the aperture.
Reference will now be made to Figure 1 which shows a conventional dump truck, indicated by the general reference numeral 20, having a hopper 22 that tilts rearwardly in order to dump a load of material (not shown) carried in the hopper. Such material may be rocks, ore, gravel, reclaimed concrete or asphalt, scrap metal, sand, flour, raw sugar and so on. The hopper 22 is typically constructed of aluminum and comprises a generally flat bed 24, a pair of sides 26, a pair of ~n~d.
plates 28, and a closed head portion 27. The joints between the bed of the hopper 24 and each of sides 26 is protected by a shedder plate 28, which is angled at about a 45 to the bed 24 and each of the respective sides 26. The protective liner system, indicated by the general reference numeral 30, of the present invention is installed on the bed 24 and shedder plates 28 of the hopper 22. As can be seen in Figure 1, the protective liner system 30 comprises, at least in the typical installation shown, four sheet members (first 32, second 34, third 36 and fourth 48 sheet members). A greater or lesser number of sheets may be required in some applications particularly where the sides 26 of the hopper are also to be covered. Turning to Figure 2, there will be seen that first sheet member 32 has a first face 32a, a second face 32b, a first-edge 32c, a second-edge 32d, a first-end 32e and a second-end 32f. The other sheet members (second 34, third 36 and fourth 38) have correspondingly designated first and second faces, first and second-edges, and first and second-ends. The sheet members which make up the preferred embodiment protective liner system of the present invention described herein are essentially of the same dimensions, and are designated as first, second, third and fourth sheet members for the sake of distinction and convenience only.
Accordingly, the description of any one of the first 32, second 34, third 36 and fourth 38 sheet members in not merely applicable to that sheet member alone, but is generally applicable to the other sheet members, at least in respect of material compositions and general dimensions. It should, however, be realized that some sheet members may need to be custom-shaped to fit a particular installation. It should also be understood that the "ends" and "edges" of the sheet members have been chosen arbitrarily, and that edges and ends are interchangeable with one another.
Each of the sheet members 32, 34, 36, 38 is preferably made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene in sheet form, which material is somewhat resilient, but has a very high impact strength. The first sheet member 32 has a first face 3Za that faces upwardly when installed on a metal structure such as the bed of a dump truck hopper. The first face 32a is generally planar, and is adapted to absorb the impact of foreign materials carried within the hopper. The second face 32b is also planar and is adapted for placement against the otherwise exposed surface of the metal structure, in this case the floor 24 of the hopper 22 in intimate contact therewith.
In the preferred embodiment shown, the sheet members are to be securely fastened to the exposed surface of a structure in first-end to second-end juxtaposed relation and in first-edge to second-edge facing relation, which will be described subsequently in greater detail.
With particular reference to Figures 3 and 9, it can be seen that the first sheet member 32 is securely fastened to the bed 24 and shedder plates 28 of the hopper 22 by way of metal washers 42 and plugs 44 inserted in apertures 40. The bottom portion 47 of the generally frusto-conically shaped washer 42 is securely welded to the otherwise exposed metal surface of the bed 24 of the hopper 22 by means of weld material 43. The metal washer 42 fits into the aperture 40, which is generally circularly shaped and very slightly larger than the outer diameter of the metal washer 42. The aperture 40 is tapered at the bottom thereof in the form of a sloped shoulder 41, which receives the bottom face 49 of the metal washer 42. The first sheet member 32 is retained in interfering relation with respect to the metal washer 42 so as to securely fasten the first sheet member 32 to the bed 24 of the hopper 22. The portion of the aperture 40 above the metal washer 42 may have a plug 44 frictionally retained therein so as to form a generally flush surface with the first face 32a of the first sheet member 32.
The plug 44 is preferably constructed from the same ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material as the sheet members are made from. The second 34, third 36 and fourth 38 sheet members are also installed in a similar manner.
As can be best seen in Figures 3 and 4, a gap 58 exists between the first-edge 32c of the first sheet member 32 and the second-edge 36d of the third sheet member 36. This pair of sheet members is fastened to said otherwise exposed surface (i.e., the hopper floor 24) in first-edge to second-edge spatially opposed relation, so as to form said gap 58. Centrally located within the gap 58 is a metal bar means 56, which is securely welded to the bed 24 of the hopper 22, running longitudinally between the sheet members 32, 36. A first spanning member 52 spans across ._ the gap 58 and contacts the respective first faces 32a, 36a, of the first 32 and third 36 sheet members, respectively, in order to form an overlapping sliding joint indicated by the general reference numeral 50 as can best be seen in Figure 4. In order to provide a seal between the first spanning member 52 and the first faces 32a, 36a of the first 32 and third 36 sheet members, respectively, silicone sealant 70 is introduced into the first 66 and second 68 longitudinal grooves in the first spanning member 52. This silicone sealant 70 precludes foreign materials, such as sand and the like, from passing between the first spanning member 52 and the respective first faces 32a, 36a of the first 32 and third 36 sheet members respectively and ultimately entering the gap 58. It can be seen that the first spanning member 52 is fastened to the metal bar means 56 in the same general manner as the sheet members are fastened to the hopper 22 of the dump truck 20. The bottom portion 67 of a generally frusto-conically shaped metal washer 62 is securely welded to the metal bar means 56 by means of weld material 63. The metal washer 62 fits into aperture 60, which is generally circularly shaped and very slightly larger than the outer diameter of the metal washer 62. The aperture 60 is tapered at the bottom thereof in the form of a sloped shoulder 61, which receives the bottom face 69 of the metal washer 62 and is thereby adapted to retainingly receive the metal washer 62. The spanning member 52 is thus retained in interfering relation with respect to the metal washer 62 so as to securely fasten the first spanning member 52 to the metal bar means 56.
_ The portion of the aperture 56 above the metal washer 62 may have a plug 64, frictionally retained therein so as to form a generally flush surface with the top surface 53 of the first spanning member 52. The plug 64 is preferably constructed from the same ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene as the spanning members are made from.
The above-described overlapping sliding joint, generally designated by reference numeral 50, is ideally suited to accommodate lateral expansion and contraction of the first 32 and third 36 sheet members, which would be normally caused by changes in temperature. It has been found that the overlapping sliding joint 50 accommodates a significant degree of lateral expansion of the sheet members and also satisfactorily precludes foreign materials from entering the gap 58 therebetween. In use in dump truck 20, it is preferable to have first 52 and second 54 spanning members oriented lengthwise along the length of the hopper 22, as this is the direction of material flow in the hopper during dumping. There is, however, a problem associated with orienting such overlapping spanning members in a direction generally transverse to direction of material flow in the hopper, in that materials being dumped from the hopper 22, especially finer materials such as sand and the like, will tend to become blocked by a transversely oriented spanning member, and clump thereat. With such clumping, it is necessary to manually loosen the blocked material with a shovel, which is undesirable and may be very difficult to do in a larger dump truck for instance.
Having transversely oriented transverse joints 50 of the type ~escribed is, for this reason, therefore quite undesirable, and even unacceptable.
In order to overcome this problem, a second type of joint is provided according to the present invention, as best seen in Figures 5 and 6. This angled joint, generally designated by reference numeral 80, maintains the first 32 and second 34 sheet members in first-end to second-end juxtaposed relation to each other, with the first face 32a and the first face 34a being in generally flush relation with each other. Resultingly, material flow over the angled joint 80 is undisturbed. This angled joint 80 also precludes passage of foreign materials into the closed space between the first-end 32e of the first sheet member 32 and the second-end 34f of the second sheet member 34, and the otherwise exposed surface of the bed 24 of the hopper.
It can be seen that the first-end 32e of the first sheet member 32 is angled in overhanging relation to the otherwise exposed surface 24 of the hopper 22, when the first sheet 32 is installed thereon as shown. Preferably the first-end 32e is generally planar. The preferred angle of the vertex 84 between the first-end 32e and the second face 32b is about 150, with a range of angles between about 120 and 170 being operably acceptable.
The second-end 34f of the second sheet member 34 is angled to substantially face the first end 32c of the first sheet member 32. The preferred angle at the vertex 86 between the second-end 34f and the second face 34b is about 45 with a range of angles from about 30 to about 90 being acceptable.
-Freferably, the second-end 34f of the second sheet member 34 is also generally planar, and is angled such that the sloped portion of the first-end 32e of the first sheet member 32 functionally contacts one of the second-end 32f and first face 32a of the second sheet member 34, so as to form a generally triangular closed space 82 between the first sheet member 32, the second sheet member 34 and the otherwise exposed surface of the hopper bed 24. Functional contact is defined and used in this description and the appended claims to means either actual contact or having the two sheet members sufficiently close to generally preclude foreign material from passing therethrough and entering the closed spaced 82 therebetween.
In the preferred embodiment shown, the vertex 91 between the first face 32a and the first-end 32e of the first sheet member 32 is juxtaposed to the vertex 90 between the first face 34a and the second-end 34f of the second sheet member 34, or preferably even in contact therewith. The closed space 82 retains silicone sealant 88 therein to preclude its migration outwardly, especially during sliding expansion of the sheet members 32, 34 and so as to preclude foreign materials, such as sand and the like, from passing between the first sheet member 32 and the second sheet member 34. The functional contact between the sloped portion of the first-end 32e of the first sheet member 32 and one of the second-end 34f and the first face 34a of the second sheet member 34 also precludes any foreign material from entering the closed space 82 and mixing with the silicone sealant 88, so as to eventually degrade the seal between A~
~he sheet members and the hopper bed 24.
The thickness of the protective liner system 30 is preferably between about 1/4" thick in "normal wear" applications 5 and about 2" thick in "high wear" applications. The sheet members may be thicker at the open end 24 of the dump truck hopper and thinner at the closed head portion 27 end of the dump truck hopper, so as to accommodate increased wear of the sheet members near the open end 24 of the hopper. A typical gradient 10 of thickness is from about 1/2" to about 1/4".
It will be appreciated that a combination of longitudinally extending overlapping sliding joints 50 and laterally extending angled joints 80 will be required in most 15 dump truck hopper applications to fully achieve all of the advantages to be derived from the invention.
A preferred method of installing the protective liner system of the present invention will now be described with 20 reference to Figures 2-9, and comprises the following steps.
The hopper 22 of the dump truck 20, must be prepared for receiving the protective liner system 30, typically by cleaning it so as to remove debris that would otherwise end up 25 being trapped between the sheet members and the otherwise exposed surface of the metal structure 24. Further, cleaning the hopper 22 also allows for the welding joints to properly bond to the metal.
-The sheet members must be cut so as to define first and second-edges on each of the sheet members. The sheet members are to be cut to an appropriate width to fit across the width of the hopper 22 so that each sheet member has a first edge and a second edge. Typically, the width of a dump truck hopper 22 can be covered by two or three sheet members. For the sake of efficiency, it may be useful to cut only one edge of one sheet member per each series of sheet members that span the width of the hopper 22, which minimizes the amount of cutting.
The sheet members are next cut to an appropriate length to fit the length of the hopper 22 so that each sheet member has a first end and a second end. For the sake of efficiency, it may be useful to cut only one sheet member per each series of sheet members that span the length of the hopper 22, which reduces the amount of cutting.
The method of forming and installing the angle joint 80 will now be described in detail. The following explanation of the forming and installation of the angle joint 80 is made with reference to the first sheet 32 and the second sheet member 34 so as to be consistent with the preferred embodiment of the protective liner system 30 as depicted in the Figures and as described previously. The formation and installation of the two sheet members such as first 32 and second 34 sheet members mated by an angled joint 80 will be considered independently to the formation and installation of the overlapping sliding joint 50, even though the formation and installation of both would occur somewhat concurrently for the preferred embodiment as described herein, which preferred embodiment incorporates both the overlapping sliding joint 50 of Figure 4 and the angle joint 80.
A sloped portion is cut on the first end 32e of the first sheet 32. The preferred angle for the sloped portion on the first end 32e of the first sheet member 32 is 150 with respect to the bottom face 32b of the first sheet member 32. The sloped portion on the first end 32e of the first sheet member 32 is angled in overhanging relation to the otherwise exposed surface of the hopper 22. The sloped portion may include only a portion of the first end 32e or may include the entire first end 32e.
It is preferable to cut a sloped portion on the second end 34f of the second sheet member 34, which is to be juxtaposed to the first end 32e of the first sheet member 32. It is not essential, however, that a sloped portion be cut on the second end 34f of the second sheet member 34. The preferred angle for the sloped portion is 45 with respect to the second face 34b of the sheet member 34. The sloped portion may include only a portion of the second end 34f or may include the entire second end 34f.
Preferably, after the first 32e and second 34f ends are cut and before they are set in place, the first 32e and second 34f ends are flame treated, and are then primed to receive the silicone sealant 88 by applying a bonding agent thereto prior to ~he introduction of the silicone sealant 88.
The first sheet member 32 is then set in place on the otherwise exposed surface of the bed 24 of the hopper 22, with the second face 32b thereof against the otherwise exposed surface. The first sheet member 32 is then fastened thereto by way of a suitable fastening means, such as metal washers 42 welded thereto. In the preferred embodiment, a frusto-conically shaped metal washer 42 is placed into an aperture 40 in the first sheet member 32. The bottom face 49 of the metal washer 42 intimately contacts the sloped shoulder 41 of the aperture 40.
The bottom portion 47 contacts the otherwise exposed surface of the hopper 24. A weld material rod 45 is placed into the aperture 40 and the metal washer 42 is then welded at its bottom portion 47 such that welded material 43 securely fastens the metal washer 42 to the otherwise exposed surface of the hopper 24. As described previously, the first sheet member 32 is retained in interfering relation with respect to the metal washer 42. A plug 44 may subsequently be placed in the portion of the aperture 40 above the metal washer 42.
Silicone sealant 88 is then introduced along one of the first 32e and second 34f ends of the first 32 and second 34 sheet members, in this case the first-end 32e since the first sheet member 32 is already in place. The second sheet member 34 is then set in place, with the second face 34b against the otherwise exposed surface of the hopper 22, in first-end to second-end adjacent relation to the first sheet member 32. The sloped portion of the first end 32e of first sheet ember 32 is to functionally contact at least one of the second end 34f and the first face 34a of the second sheet member 34 so as to form a closed space 82 therebetween, thereby trapping the silicone sealant 88 therein. The second sheet member 34 is fastened to the otherwise exposed surface of the bed 24 of the hopper 22 preferably by way of welding as described above. These steps are repeated as required for subsequent ones of the sheet members to substantially cover the otherwise exposed surface.
The method of preparing and installing the overlapping sliding joint 50 of the present invention will now be described in detail. The following explanation of the forming and installation of the sliding joint 50 is made with reference to a pair of sheet members, the first sheet member 32 and the third sheet member 36, so as to be consistent with the preferred embodiment of the protective liner system 30 as depicted in the Figures and as described previously.
As previously discussed, the sheet members are cut to an appropriate width to fit across the width of the hopper 22.
More specifically, the first sheet member 32 is cut to form the first edge 32c thereon. The piece of material is used to form the first spanning member 52, which may or may not need additional cutting to a desired width. The second edge 32d of the first sheet member 32 does not necessarily need to be cut at this time. The already existing edge on the sheet member as it was manufactured is usually acceptable.
The third sheet member 36 may also be cut to width if necessary, however, it is preferable to cut as large a width as possible off one of the edges of one of these sheet members, in order to give a first spanning member 52 that is wide enough, and to minimize the number of cuts. Resultingly, the first 32 and third 36 sheet members will not necessarily be the same width.
The first sheet member 32 is set in place on the otherwise exposed surface of the bed 24 of the hopper 22 with the second face 32b against the otherwise exposed surface. The first sheet member 32 is fastened thereto by way of a suitable fastening means, preferably by way of welding of the metal washers 42 thereto, as described above.
The third sheet member 36 is then set in place on the otherwise exposed surface of the bed 24 of the hopper 22, with the second face 36b of the third sheet member 36 in intimate contact therewith, such that the second-edge 36d of the third sheet member 36 is in spacially opposed relation to the first-edge 32c of the first sheet member 32, so as to form a gap 58 therebetween. The third sheet member 36 is then fastened in place on the bed 24 of the hopper 22 using a suitable fastening means, such as the metal washer 42 welded.
A metal bar means 56 is placed in the gap 58 generally along the length thereof and generally disposed centrally therein. The metal bar means 56 is welded to the otherwise 20860~8 ~xposed surface of the bed 24 of the hopper 22. A plurality of substantially circular apertures 60 are bored in a centrally aligned format along the length of the first spanning member 52.
The apertures 60 are tapered at the bottom thereof in the form of a sloped shoulder 61.
First 66 and second 68 grooves are cut into the bottom surface 55 of the spanning member 52 generally along the length thereof. The portion of the first spanning member 52 about the first 66 and second 68 grooves and the portion of the first faces 32a and 36a, of the first 32 and third sheet members respectively, about the area of contact with the first spanning member 52 are preferably flame treated and then primed to receive silicone sealant 70 by applying a bonding agent thereto prior to the introduction of the silicone sealant 70.
Silicone sealant 70 is then placed in the first 66 and second 68 grooves. The first spanning member 52 is placed in overlaying relation to the gap 58 so as to span between the first sheet member 32 and the third sheet member 36, with the bottom surface 55 of the first spanning member 52 in contact with the first faces 32a, 36a of the first 32 and third 36 sheet members respectively. The first spanning member 52 is then securely fastened to the metal bar means 56 by means of welding the metal washer 62 thereto, in an analogous manner as described previously for fastening metal washers 42 to the bed 24 of the hopper 22, thereby ultimately securely fastening the first spanning member 52 to the otherwise exposed surface of the bed 24 of the hopper ~2. The first face 53 of the first spanning member 52 contacts a portion of the first faces 32a, 36a, of the first 32 and third 36 sheet members respectively in intimately contacting sliding relation thereto, so as to securely enclose the gap 58 at the top thereof. These steps are repeated as necessary for subsequent ones of the sheet members. In the preferred embodiment as illustrated, a second spanning member 54 is also required to cover the gap between the second 34 and fourth 38 sheet members.
It can be seen that the overlapping sliding joint 50 can accommodate considerable lateral expansion of the first 32 and third 36 sheet members, depending directly on the width of the gap 58 and the width of the metal bar means 56. A preferred width for the gap 58 is about two inches and a preferred width for the metal bar means 56 is about 1/2". The overlapping sliding joint 50 thereby precludes buckling of the sheet members due to lateral expansion thereof during an increase in temperature due to hot weather.
Special provision is made at the shedder plates 28 of the hopper 22 in order to accommodate expansion of the sheet members. A groove 29, is cut in the first faces 32a, 34a, 36a and 38a of the respective sheet members 32, 34, 36 and 38. This groove 29 is displaced just slightly towards the centre of the hopper 22 from the vertex between the respective shedder plate 28 and the bed 24 of the hopper 22. The distal portion 31 of each of the sheet members is folded upwardly slightly and set on the respective shedder plate 28, thus forming a gap 33 between ~he upwardly folded distal portion of the sheet member and the shedder plate 28. The gap 33 allows for lateral expansion and contraction of the sheet members. The distal portion 31 is fastened thereto by a suitable fastening means, preferably the above disclosed fastening means which includes metal washers 42 welded to the shedder plate 28. The fastening is done close to the portion of the shedder plate 28 that is connected to the respective side 26 of the hopper 22, thus maximizing the distance between the metal washers 42 and the slot 29. Resultingly, the stress on the metal washers 42 is minimized with lateral expansion and contraction of the sheet members.
Other fastening means may be used to securely fasten the sheet members and spanning members of the present invention to the otherwise exposed surface of the metal structure having the protective liner system installed thereon, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It has been found, however, that the use of frusto-conically shaped weld washers as described herein is particularly suited for the purpose, both in terms of results achieved and ease of installation.
In an alternative embodiment (not shown), it is contemplated that the four (or more) sheet members that comprise the protective liner system of the present invention could be fastened to the structure being protected in juxtaposed relation to one another using only angle joints, if lateral expansion of the sheet members is not considered a significant problem in a ~articular application, or if a flush surface in all directions is required.
BACRGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known that equipment used for holding and carrying abrasive materials, such as rocks, ore, gravel, reclaimed concrete or asphalt, scrap metal, for example, sand, flour and raw sugar are prone to becoming damaged over a period of time through loading and unloading of such abrasive materials.
Such equipment includes dump trucks, storage tanks, railway cars, ships' holds storage bins, chutes, street sweepers, and the like but is not limited thereto.
Dump trucks experience perhaps the most severe service environment of the handling and carrying equipment mentioned above and are thus exemplary of the problems addressed by the present invention. Accordingly, specific reference hereinafter will, for the most part, be to dump trucks, although the invention can be applied with similar advantages to other equipment used for the holding and carrying of abrasive materials.
Dump trucks have carrying compartments, called "hoppers", typically constructed of metal, such as aluminum.
Dump truck hoppers can sustain considerable damage by receiving and carrying several loads of abrasive material each aay, such that over a period of perhaps of 3-5 years, the hopper must be replaced at a current estimated cost of $30,000 - $40,000. Such frequent replacement is highly undesirable.
It has also been found that fine particulate materials such as, for example, sand, flour, raw sugar, tend to clump at various parts of a carrying compartment, such as in corners or at other concave surface areas, especially if there is moisture present. It is usually necessary for a person to use a shovel to remove these clumps of material from the carrying compartment.
This considerably slows the dumping operation.
Various protective liner systems for lining the otherwise exposed surfaces of a metal structure for material handling, especially a carrying compartment of a vehicle such as a dump truck, are well known. Typically, such lining systems comprise sheets of wood or plastic that are fastened to the metal carrying compartment by way of threaded fasteners, welding or the like. It has been found that such prior art systems are unduly complicated, expensive, labour intensive to install, and readily damaged. Moreover, many prior art liner systems make extensive use of threaded fasteners which require drilling a large number of holes in the metal structure which not only may compromise the strength of the structure but may, particularly in vehicles, promote corrosion of the structure.
It is also a common problem for known protective liner systems to allow finer particulate materials being carried, such as, for example, fine gravel, sand and raw sugar, to enter the spaces between the sheets that comprise the protective liner system and eventually migrate underneath these sheets. Having S such foreign materials between and underneath the sheets that make up the protective liner system is detrimental to both the physical integrity of the protective liner system and to the integrity of the underlying structure itself, particularly where vibration is prevalent.
In order to solve the problem of migration of abrasive material below the protective sheets of lining material, it is known in the prior art to include a pliable sealant between the adjacent sheets of material that make up the protective liner system. While the provision of such sealant precludes to some degree foreign material from entering the gaps between adjacent sheets of material, the foreign material can impinge upon the sealant, causing deterioration of the sealant, with the foreign material eventually working its way underneath the sheets of material. Moreover, with prior art systems, expansion of the sheets of protective material (as discussed below) can disrupt the sealing integrity of the sealants, rendering them largely useless.
A prior art cushioning liner for vehicles or the like is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,578,375 to Finefrock. This patent discloses the use of a plurality of elongated elastomeric sheet members and a plurality of elongated elastomeric rib members mounted between adjacent edges of the sheet members. These sheets are fastened to the carrying compartment of a vehicle by interlocking with the ribs, which are in turn held to the carrying compartment of a vehicle by bolts. The ribs in this system could be easily dislodged thereby leaving the sheet members unsecured and subsequently exposing the carrying compartment to damage. Further, this system is expensive to manufacture and install because of the manner in which the sheet members and ribs interlock, and also because a metal bar is required at the end of the sheets, which metal bar must be welded to the truck hopper.
Another very common problem with known protective liner systems for material holding compartments for vehicles is that of buckling during expansion. During an increase in temperature due to, for example, hot weather, the sheet members, which are typically constructed of plastics material, tend to expand laterally. Lateral expansion refers to the two dimensional expansion of the sheet members across the otherwise exposed surface of a structure that the sheet members are fastened to.
Such lateral expansion causes buckling of the sheet members, since typically insufficient provision, or even no provision, is made in the prior art for lateral expansion of these sheet members. There is no provision made in the cushioning liner system as disclosed in the Finefrock patent for such lateral expansion.
U.S. Patent No. 4,029,354 to Valeir, discloses a protective strip overlay for truck boxes wherein two adjacent blocks of material are fastened to a truck box by a "Z" shaped anchor, part of which is welded to the truck box and part of which is inserted into the block of material. The resulting space between each pair of adjacent blocks is filled by a hexagonally shaped elongated strip of softer elastomeric material. It is believed that only slight lateral expansion can be accommodated by this system. Moreover, the Valeir system is exceptionally expensive to produce, as custom moulding the "Z"-shaped anchor into the elastomeric sheets of material isrequired, which also limits flexibility of the system in specific applications.
Another problem found in the prior art is that of non-flush multi-layer joints, such as disclosed in previously discussed U.S. Patent 3,578,375 (Finefrock), wherein the top surface of the ribs and sheet members are not flush with one another. If such a joint is used wherein it is oriented longitudinally across the hopper of a dump truck, material will be trapped at such a joint when the hopper of a dump truck is being dumped. A flush joint is essential for allowing complete and unobstructed flow of material along the length of the dump truck hopper during dumping.
It is also necessary that liner systems properly accommodate the angled portions of a material holding or carrying compartment, such as the junctions between a floor and a side wall, both in terms of being installable at or near a corner and -also in terms of expansion at a corner. These corners may be 90, or in some cases at the shedder plate between the floor and the side wall of dump trucks so equipped, the corners might be angled at 45 to the side wall.
s SUNMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to produce a protective liner system for material holding and carrying compartments that incorporate a plurality of plastic sheet members securely fastened to an underlying structure to preclude damage to the structure due to impact of materials in the loads being carried, and that is of very high quality and in normal use would outlast previously available liner systems.
It is another object of the present invention to produce a vehicle liner system for material holding and carrying compartments that precludes materials from sticking thereto, so as to provide for faster and more complete unloading of the container upon tilting thereof.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a protective liner system that precludes foreign material from becoming lodged between and underneath the sheet members of material that form the protective liner system.
It is a further object of the present invention to produce a protective liner system that precludes foreign materials from degrading any sealants that are used to seal adjacent sheets of the lining material.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to produce a protective liner system that is relatively easy and cost effective to install from readily available materials without the need for custom moulding of the components used therein, and which is flexible in terms of the various service applications to which it can be applied.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to produce a protective liner system that precludes buckling of the sheet members of material that form the protective liner system, during temperatures increases by accommodating lateral expansion of the sheet members.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to produce a protective liner system that has flush joints appropriately oriented and located so as not to obstruct the free sliding of materials therealong in the direction of material flow, such as when a dump truck is dumping a load of material from its hopper. As a corollary of this object, it is an object of the present invention to provide a protective liner system that has non-flush multi-layer joints oriented along the direction of material flow.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a protective liner system that fully and easily accommodates fitting into angled portions such as corners, of a material carrying compartment, and that simultaneously allows for expansion of the sheets of material that are used to form the protective liner system, at these corners.
It is another object of the preferred embodiment of this invention to provide a protective liner system which overcomes the need to drill a large number of holes in the metal structure by providing for the use of fastening means in the form of weld washers for attaching the sheet members of the liner material to the structure.
Other objects, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a protective liner system for overlaying an otherwise exposed surface of a structure. The system comprises a plurality of sheet members including at least a first sheet member, a second sheet member, a third sheet member and a fourth sheet member. Each of the plurality of sheet members has a first face and a second face, a first edge and a second edge, a first end and a second end. The first face is adapted to absorb the impact :
of foreign materials, and the second face is adapted for placement against the otherwise exposed surface of the structure in intimate contact therewith. The first end of each of the first and third sheet members has a sloped portion that is angled in overhanging relation to the otherwise exposed surface when the second face of respective ones of the first and third sheet members is placed as aforesaid. Fastening means are provided for fastening the sheet members to the exposed surface, with the second faces each placed against the otherwise exposed surface, in first-end to second-end juxtaposed relation such that the sloped portion of the first end of each of the respective of the first and third sheet members functionally contacts one of the second end and the first face of the second and fourth sheet members respectively, and with respective first and second edges of adjacent sheet members facing each other in spatially opposed relation so as to form a gap therebetween. The protective liner system further comprises at least a first spanning member overlaying the gap, each of the spanning members having a top surface and a bottom surface, and being securely fastened to the otherwise exposed surface of the structure such that the bottom surface of each of the spanning members contacts a portion of the first faces of the first, second, third and fourth sheet members in intimately contacting sliding relation thereto.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a further embodiment of protective liner system for overlaying an otherwise exposed surface of a structure. This systems comprises a plurality of sheet members including at least `~ 2086058 a pair of sheet members, wherein each of said pair of sheet members has a first face and a second face, a first-edge and a second-edge, a first-end and a second-end, wherein said first face is adapted to absorb the impact of foreign materials and said second face is adapted for placement against said otherwise exposed surface of said structure in intimate contact therewith;
fastening means for fastening said sheet members to said exposed surface, with said second faces each placed against said otherwise exposed surface, and with respective first and second edges of adjacent sheet members facing each other in spatially opposed relation so as to form a gap therebetween, and further comprising a first spanning member overlaying said gap, said first spanning member having a top surface and a bottom surface, and being securely fastened to said otherwise exposed surface of said structure such that said bottom surface of said first spanning member contacts a portion of said first faces of said first and second sheet members in intimately contacting sliding relation thereto.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of installing a protective liner system for overlaying an otherwise exposed surface of a structure is disclosed. The system comprising a plurality of sheet members including at least a first sheet member and a second sheet member, wherein each of the plurality of sheet members has a first face and a second face. The first face is adapted for absorbing the impact of foreign materials, and the second face is adapted for placement against the otherwise exposed surface of the structure in intimate contact therewith. The method comprises the following steps:
(a) cutting the sheet members so as to size the sheet members such that they collectively cover the otherwise exposed surface of the structure so as to define first and second edges upon each of the sheet members and so as to form a portion on at least one of said first ends with said sloped portion being angled in overhanging relation to said otherwise exposed surface when said second face of the respective sheet member is placed as aforesaid;
(b) setting the first sheet member in place on the otherwise exposed surface with the second face against the otherwise exposed surface;
(c) fastening the first sheet member to the otherwise exposed surface of the structure through the use of suitable fastening means;
(d) setting the second sheet member in place on the otherwise exposed surface, with the second face against the otherwise exposed surface in first-end to second-end adjacent relation to the first sheet member such that the sloped portion of said first end of the first sheet member functionally contacts at least one of the second end and the first face of the second sheet member so as to form a closed space therebetween;
(e) fastening the second sheet member to the otherwise exposed surface of the structure through the use of suitable fastening means;
S (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) as required for subsequent ones of the sheet members in order to substantially cover said otherwise exposed surface.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a further method of installing a protective liner system for overlaying an otherwise exposed surface of a structure is disclosed. The system comprising a plurality of sheet members including at least a pair of sheet members wherein each of the plurality of sheet members has a first face and a second face.
~S The first face is adapted for absorbing the impact of foreign materials, and the second face is adapted for placement against the otherwise exposed surface of the structure in intimate contact therewith. The method comprises the following steps:
(a) cutting the sheet members so as to size the sheet members to collectively cover the otherwise exposed surface of the structure so as to define first and second edges on each of the sheet members and so as to form a sloped portion on at least one of said first ends of said sheet members with said sloped portion being angled in overhanging relation to said otherwise exposed surface when said second face of the respective sheet member is placed as aforesaid;
208~058 (b) setting one of the pair of sheet members in place on the otherwise exposed surface with the second face against the otherwise exposed surface;
(c) fastening the one of the pair of sheet members to the otherwise exposed surface of the structure by way of a suitable fastening means;
(d) setting the other of the pair of sheet members in place on the otherwise exposed surface, with the second face against the otherwise exposed surface in first-edge to second-edge spatially opposed relation, so as to form a gap therebetween;
(e) fastening the other of the pair of sheet members to the otherwise exposed surface of the structure through the use of a suitable fastening means;
(f) cutting a first spanning member so as to form first and second ends and first and second sides thereon;
(g) placing a first spanning member in overlaying relation to the gap;
(h) securely fastening the first spanning member to the otherwise exposed surface of the structure by way of a suitable fastening means such that a portion of the bottom surface of the first spanning member contacts a portion of the first faces of the pair of sheet members in intimately contacting sliding relation thereto, so as to securely enclose the gap at the top thereof; and (i) repeating steps (d), (e), (f) (g) and (h) for subsequent ones of the sheet members in order to substantially cover said otherwise exposed surface.
DET~TT~n DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Introduction to the Drawings Figure 1 is an oblique view from the right rear of a dump truck with the protective liner system of the present invention installed on the bed of the hopper thereof;
Figure 2 is a similarly angled oblique view of four generally planar sheet members that make up the protective liner system of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a partial sectional end view along lines 3-3 of the dump truck hopper and protective liner system of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the dump truck hopper bed and protective liner system shown in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a partially cut away side sectional view of the bed of the hopper of the dump truck and of the protective liner system of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a close up view of a portion of Figure 5, showing the joint between two adjacent sheet members;
Figure 7 is a cut away oblique view of a portion of the protective liner system and the hopper bed of the dump truck of Figure 1, with a metal weld washer and a plug about to be installed in a circular aperture formed in a sheet member;
Figure 8 is a close up view of a portion of Figure 7 wherein the metal washer has been installed in the circular aperture and is being welded to the metal floor of the hopper of the dump truck; and, Figure 9 is a partial sectional side view of the metal washer of Figure 8 welded to the bed of the hopper of the dump truck, with the plug installed in the aperture.
Reference will now be made to Figure 1 which shows a conventional dump truck, indicated by the general reference numeral 20, having a hopper 22 that tilts rearwardly in order to dump a load of material (not shown) carried in the hopper. Such material may be rocks, ore, gravel, reclaimed concrete or asphalt, scrap metal, sand, flour, raw sugar and so on. The hopper 22 is typically constructed of aluminum and comprises a generally flat bed 24, a pair of sides 26, a pair of ~n~d.
plates 28, and a closed head portion 27. The joints between the bed of the hopper 24 and each of sides 26 is protected by a shedder plate 28, which is angled at about a 45 to the bed 24 and each of the respective sides 26. The protective liner system, indicated by the general reference numeral 30, of the present invention is installed on the bed 24 and shedder plates 28 of the hopper 22. As can be seen in Figure 1, the protective liner system 30 comprises, at least in the typical installation shown, four sheet members (first 32, second 34, third 36 and fourth 48 sheet members). A greater or lesser number of sheets may be required in some applications particularly where the sides 26 of the hopper are also to be covered. Turning to Figure 2, there will be seen that first sheet member 32 has a first face 32a, a second face 32b, a first-edge 32c, a second-edge 32d, a first-end 32e and a second-end 32f. The other sheet members (second 34, third 36 and fourth 38) have correspondingly designated first and second faces, first and second-edges, and first and second-ends. The sheet members which make up the preferred embodiment protective liner system of the present invention described herein are essentially of the same dimensions, and are designated as first, second, third and fourth sheet members for the sake of distinction and convenience only.
Accordingly, the description of any one of the first 32, second 34, third 36 and fourth 38 sheet members in not merely applicable to that sheet member alone, but is generally applicable to the other sheet members, at least in respect of material compositions and general dimensions. It should, however, be realized that some sheet members may need to be custom-shaped to fit a particular installation. It should also be understood that the "ends" and "edges" of the sheet members have been chosen arbitrarily, and that edges and ends are interchangeable with one another.
Each of the sheet members 32, 34, 36, 38 is preferably made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene in sheet form, which material is somewhat resilient, but has a very high impact strength. The first sheet member 32 has a first face 3Za that faces upwardly when installed on a metal structure such as the bed of a dump truck hopper. The first face 32a is generally planar, and is adapted to absorb the impact of foreign materials carried within the hopper. The second face 32b is also planar and is adapted for placement against the otherwise exposed surface of the metal structure, in this case the floor 24 of the hopper 22 in intimate contact therewith.
In the preferred embodiment shown, the sheet members are to be securely fastened to the exposed surface of a structure in first-end to second-end juxtaposed relation and in first-edge to second-edge facing relation, which will be described subsequently in greater detail.
With particular reference to Figures 3 and 9, it can be seen that the first sheet member 32 is securely fastened to the bed 24 and shedder plates 28 of the hopper 22 by way of metal washers 42 and plugs 44 inserted in apertures 40. The bottom portion 47 of the generally frusto-conically shaped washer 42 is securely welded to the otherwise exposed metal surface of the bed 24 of the hopper 22 by means of weld material 43. The metal washer 42 fits into the aperture 40, which is generally circularly shaped and very slightly larger than the outer diameter of the metal washer 42. The aperture 40 is tapered at the bottom thereof in the form of a sloped shoulder 41, which receives the bottom face 49 of the metal washer 42. The first sheet member 32 is retained in interfering relation with respect to the metal washer 42 so as to securely fasten the first sheet member 32 to the bed 24 of the hopper 22. The portion of the aperture 40 above the metal washer 42 may have a plug 44 frictionally retained therein so as to form a generally flush surface with the first face 32a of the first sheet member 32.
The plug 44 is preferably constructed from the same ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material as the sheet members are made from. The second 34, third 36 and fourth 38 sheet members are also installed in a similar manner.
As can be best seen in Figures 3 and 4, a gap 58 exists between the first-edge 32c of the first sheet member 32 and the second-edge 36d of the third sheet member 36. This pair of sheet members is fastened to said otherwise exposed surface (i.e., the hopper floor 24) in first-edge to second-edge spatially opposed relation, so as to form said gap 58. Centrally located within the gap 58 is a metal bar means 56, which is securely welded to the bed 24 of the hopper 22, running longitudinally between the sheet members 32, 36. A first spanning member 52 spans across ._ the gap 58 and contacts the respective first faces 32a, 36a, of the first 32 and third 36 sheet members, respectively, in order to form an overlapping sliding joint indicated by the general reference numeral 50 as can best be seen in Figure 4. In order to provide a seal between the first spanning member 52 and the first faces 32a, 36a of the first 32 and third 36 sheet members, respectively, silicone sealant 70 is introduced into the first 66 and second 68 longitudinal grooves in the first spanning member 52. This silicone sealant 70 precludes foreign materials, such as sand and the like, from passing between the first spanning member 52 and the respective first faces 32a, 36a of the first 32 and third 36 sheet members respectively and ultimately entering the gap 58. It can be seen that the first spanning member 52 is fastened to the metal bar means 56 in the same general manner as the sheet members are fastened to the hopper 22 of the dump truck 20. The bottom portion 67 of a generally frusto-conically shaped metal washer 62 is securely welded to the metal bar means 56 by means of weld material 63. The metal washer 62 fits into aperture 60, which is generally circularly shaped and very slightly larger than the outer diameter of the metal washer 62. The aperture 60 is tapered at the bottom thereof in the form of a sloped shoulder 61, which receives the bottom face 69 of the metal washer 62 and is thereby adapted to retainingly receive the metal washer 62. The spanning member 52 is thus retained in interfering relation with respect to the metal washer 62 so as to securely fasten the first spanning member 52 to the metal bar means 56.
_ The portion of the aperture 56 above the metal washer 62 may have a plug 64, frictionally retained therein so as to form a generally flush surface with the top surface 53 of the first spanning member 52. The plug 64 is preferably constructed from the same ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene as the spanning members are made from.
The above-described overlapping sliding joint, generally designated by reference numeral 50, is ideally suited to accommodate lateral expansion and contraction of the first 32 and third 36 sheet members, which would be normally caused by changes in temperature. It has been found that the overlapping sliding joint 50 accommodates a significant degree of lateral expansion of the sheet members and also satisfactorily precludes foreign materials from entering the gap 58 therebetween. In use in dump truck 20, it is preferable to have first 52 and second 54 spanning members oriented lengthwise along the length of the hopper 22, as this is the direction of material flow in the hopper during dumping. There is, however, a problem associated with orienting such overlapping spanning members in a direction generally transverse to direction of material flow in the hopper, in that materials being dumped from the hopper 22, especially finer materials such as sand and the like, will tend to become blocked by a transversely oriented spanning member, and clump thereat. With such clumping, it is necessary to manually loosen the blocked material with a shovel, which is undesirable and may be very difficult to do in a larger dump truck for instance.
Having transversely oriented transverse joints 50 of the type ~escribed is, for this reason, therefore quite undesirable, and even unacceptable.
In order to overcome this problem, a second type of joint is provided according to the present invention, as best seen in Figures 5 and 6. This angled joint, generally designated by reference numeral 80, maintains the first 32 and second 34 sheet members in first-end to second-end juxtaposed relation to each other, with the first face 32a and the first face 34a being in generally flush relation with each other. Resultingly, material flow over the angled joint 80 is undisturbed. This angled joint 80 also precludes passage of foreign materials into the closed space between the first-end 32e of the first sheet member 32 and the second-end 34f of the second sheet member 34, and the otherwise exposed surface of the bed 24 of the hopper.
It can be seen that the first-end 32e of the first sheet member 32 is angled in overhanging relation to the otherwise exposed surface 24 of the hopper 22, when the first sheet 32 is installed thereon as shown. Preferably the first-end 32e is generally planar. The preferred angle of the vertex 84 between the first-end 32e and the second face 32b is about 150, with a range of angles between about 120 and 170 being operably acceptable.
The second-end 34f of the second sheet member 34 is angled to substantially face the first end 32c of the first sheet member 32. The preferred angle at the vertex 86 between the second-end 34f and the second face 34b is about 45 with a range of angles from about 30 to about 90 being acceptable.
-Freferably, the second-end 34f of the second sheet member 34 is also generally planar, and is angled such that the sloped portion of the first-end 32e of the first sheet member 32 functionally contacts one of the second-end 32f and first face 32a of the second sheet member 34, so as to form a generally triangular closed space 82 between the first sheet member 32, the second sheet member 34 and the otherwise exposed surface of the hopper bed 24. Functional contact is defined and used in this description and the appended claims to means either actual contact or having the two sheet members sufficiently close to generally preclude foreign material from passing therethrough and entering the closed spaced 82 therebetween.
In the preferred embodiment shown, the vertex 91 between the first face 32a and the first-end 32e of the first sheet member 32 is juxtaposed to the vertex 90 between the first face 34a and the second-end 34f of the second sheet member 34, or preferably even in contact therewith. The closed space 82 retains silicone sealant 88 therein to preclude its migration outwardly, especially during sliding expansion of the sheet members 32, 34 and so as to preclude foreign materials, such as sand and the like, from passing between the first sheet member 32 and the second sheet member 34. The functional contact between the sloped portion of the first-end 32e of the first sheet member 32 and one of the second-end 34f and the first face 34a of the second sheet member 34 also precludes any foreign material from entering the closed space 82 and mixing with the silicone sealant 88, so as to eventually degrade the seal between A~
~he sheet members and the hopper bed 24.
The thickness of the protective liner system 30 is preferably between about 1/4" thick in "normal wear" applications 5 and about 2" thick in "high wear" applications. The sheet members may be thicker at the open end 24 of the dump truck hopper and thinner at the closed head portion 27 end of the dump truck hopper, so as to accommodate increased wear of the sheet members near the open end 24 of the hopper. A typical gradient 10 of thickness is from about 1/2" to about 1/4".
It will be appreciated that a combination of longitudinally extending overlapping sliding joints 50 and laterally extending angled joints 80 will be required in most 15 dump truck hopper applications to fully achieve all of the advantages to be derived from the invention.
A preferred method of installing the protective liner system of the present invention will now be described with 20 reference to Figures 2-9, and comprises the following steps.
The hopper 22 of the dump truck 20, must be prepared for receiving the protective liner system 30, typically by cleaning it so as to remove debris that would otherwise end up 25 being trapped between the sheet members and the otherwise exposed surface of the metal structure 24. Further, cleaning the hopper 22 also allows for the welding joints to properly bond to the metal.
-The sheet members must be cut so as to define first and second-edges on each of the sheet members. The sheet members are to be cut to an appropriate width to fit across the width of the hopper 22 so that each sheet member has a first edge and a second edge. Typically, the width of a dump truck hopper 22 can be covered by two or three sheet members. For the sake of efficiency, it may be useful to cut only one edge of one sheet member per each series of sheet members that span the width of the hopper 22, which minimizes the amount of cutting.
The sheet members are next cut to an appropriate length to fit the length of the hopper 22 so that each sheet member has a first end and a second end. For the sake of efficiency, it may be useful to cut only one sheet member per each series of sheet members that span the length of the hopper 22, which reduces the amount of cutting.
The method of forming and installing the angle joint 80 will now be described in detail. The following explanation of the forming and installation of the angle joint 80 is made with reference to the first sheet 32 and the second sheet member 34 so as to be consistent with the preferred embodiment of the protective liner system 30 as depicted in the Figures and as described previously. The formation and installation of the two sheet members such as first 32 and second 34 sheet members mated by an angled joint 80 will be considered independently to the formation and installation of the overlapping sliding joint 50, even though the formation and installation of both would occur somewhat concurrently for the preferred embodiment as described herein, which preferred embodiment incorporates both the overlapping sliding joint 50 of Figure 4 and the angle joint 80.
A sloped portion is cut on the first end 32e of the first sheet 32. The preferred angle for the sloped portion on the first end 32e of the first sheet member 32 is 150 with respect to the bottom face 32b of the first sheet member 32. The sloped portion on the first end 32e of the first sheet member 32 is angled in overhanging relation to the otherwise exposed surface of the hopper 22. The sloped portion may include only a portion of the first end 32e or may include the entire first end 32e.
It is preferable to cut a sloped portion on the second end 34f of the second sheet member 34, which is to be juxtaposed to the first end 32e of the first sheet member 32. It is not essential, however, that a sloped portion be cut on the second end 34f of the second sheet member 34. The preferred angle for the sloped portion is 45 with respect to the second face 34b of the sheet member 34. The sloped portion may include only a portion of the second end 34f or may include the entire second end 34f.
Preferably, after the first 32e and second 34f ends are cut and before they are set in place, the first 32e and second 34f ends are flame treated, and are then primed to receive the silicone sealant 88 by applying a bonding agent thereto prior to ~he introduction of the silicone sealant 88.
The first sheet member 32 is then set in place on the otherwise exposed surface of the bed 24 of the hopper 22, with the second face 32b thereof against the otherwise exposed surface. The first sheet member 32 is then fastened thereto by way of a suitable fastening means, such as metal washers 42 welded thereto. In the preferred embodiment, a frusto-conically shaped metal washer 42 is placed into an aperture 40 in the first sheet member 32. The bottom face 49 of the metal washer 42 intimately contacts the sloped shoulder 41 of the aperture 40.
The bottom portion 47 contacts the otherwise exposed surface of the hopper 24. A weld material rod 45 is placed into the aperture 40 and the metal washer 42 is then welded at its bottom portion 47 such that welded material 43 securely fastens the metal washer 42 to the otherwise exposed surface of the hopper 24. As described previously, the first sheet member 32 is retained in interfering relation with respect to the metal washer 42. A plug 44 may subsequently be placed in the portion of the aperture 40 above the metal washer 42.
Silicone sealant 88 is then introduced along one of the first 32e and second 34f ends of the first 32 and second 34 sheet members, in this case the first-end 32e since the first sheet member 32 is already in place. The second sheet member 34 is then set in place, with the second face 34b against the otherwise exposed surface of the hopper 22, in first-end to second-end adjacent relation to the first sheet member 32. The sloped portion of the first end 32e of first sheet ember 32 is to functionally contact at least one of the second end 34f and the first face 34a of the second sheet member 34 so as to form a closed space 82 therebetween, thereby trapping the silicone sealant 88 therein. The second sheet member 34 is fastened to the otherwise exposed surface of the bed 24 of the hopper 22 preferably by way of welding as described above. These steps are repeated as required for subsequent ones of the sheet members to substantially cover the otherwise exposed surface.
The method of preparing and installing the overlapping sliding joint 50 of the present invention will now be described in detail. The following explanation of the forming and installation of the sliding joint 50 is made with reference to a pair of sheet members, the first sheet member 32 and the third sheet member 36, so as to be consistent with the preferred embodiment of the protective liner system 30 as depicted in the Figures and as described previously.
As previously discussed, the sheet members are cut to an appropriate width to fit across the width of the hopper 22.
More specifically, the first sheet member 32 is cut to form the first edge 32c thereon. The piece of material is used to form the first spanning member 52, which may or may not need additional cutting to a desired width. The second edge 32d of the first sheet member 32 does not necessarily need to be cut at this time. The already existing edge on the sheet member as it was manufactured is usually acceptable.
The third sheet member 36 may also be cut to width if necessary, however, it is preferable to cut as large a width as possible off one of the edges of one of these sheet members, in order to give a first spanning member 52 that is wide enough, and to minimize the number of cuts. Resultingly, the first 32 and third 36 sheet members will not necessarily be the same width.
The first sheet member 32 is set in place on the otherwise exposed surface of the bed 24 of the hopper 22 with the second face 32b against the otherwise exposed surface. The first sheet member 32 is fastened thereto by way of a suitable fastening means, preferably by way of welding of the metal washers 42 thereto, as described above.
The third sheet member 36 is then set in place on the otherwise exposed surface of the bed 24 of the hopper 22, with the second face 36b of the third sheet member 36 in intimate contact therewith, such that the second-edge 36d of the third sheet member 36 is in spacially opposed relation to the first-edge 32c of the first sheet member 32, so as to form a gap 58 therebetween. The third sheet member 36 is then fastened in place on the bed 24 of the hopper 22 using a suitable fastening means, such as the metal washer 42 welded.
A metal bar means 56 is placed in the gap 58 generally along the length thereof and generally disposed centrally therein. The metal bar means 56 is welded to the otherwise 20860~8 ~xposed surface of the bed 24 of the hopper 22. A plurality of substantially circular apertures 60 are bored in a centrally aligned format along the length of the first spanning member 52.
The apertures 60 are tapered at the bottom thereof in the form of a sloped shoulder 61.
First 66 and second 68 grooves are cut into the bottom surface 55 of the spanning member 52 generally along the length thereof. The portion of the first spanning member 52 about the first 66 and second 68 grooves and the portion of the first faces 32a and 36a, of the first 32 and third sheet members respectively, about the area of contact with the first spanning member 52 are preferably flame treated and then primed to receive silicone sealant 70 by applying a bonding agent thereto prior to the introduction of the silicone sealant 70.
Silicone sealant 70 is then placed in the first 66 and second 68 grooves. The first spanning member 52 is placed in overlaying relation to the gap 58 so as to span between the first sheet member 32 and the third sheet member 36, with the bottom surface 55 of the first spanning member 52 in contact with the first faces 32a, 36a of the first 32 and third 36 sheet members respectively. The first spanning member 52 is then securely fastened to the metal bar means 56 by means of welding the metal washer 62 thereto, in an analogous manner as described previously for fastening metal washers 42 to the bed 24 of the hopper 22, thereby ultimately securely fastening the first spanning member 52 to the otherwise exposed surface of the bed 24 of the hopper ~2. The first face 53 of the first spanning member 52 contacts a portion of the first faces 32a, 36a, of the first 32 and third 36 sheet members respectively in intimately contacting sliding relation thereto, so as to securely enclose the gap 58 at the top thereof. These steps are repeated as necessary for subsequent ones of the sheet members. In the preferred embodiment as illustrated, a second spanning member 54 is also required to cover the gap between the second 34 and fourth 38 sheet members.
It can be seen that the overlapping sliding joint 50 can accommodate considerable lateral expansion of the first 32 and third 36 sheet members, depending directly on the width of the gap 58 and the width of the metal bar means 56. A preferred width for the gap 58 is about two inches and a preferred width for the metal bar means 56 is about 1/2". The overlapping sliding joint 50 thereby precludes buckling of the sheet members due to lateral expansion thereof during an increase in temperature due to hot weather.
Special provision is made at the shedder plates 28 of the hopper 22 in order to accommodate expansion of the sheet members. A groove 29, is cut in the first faces 32a, 34a, 36a and 38a of the respective sheet members 32, 34, 36 and 38. This groove 29 is displaced just slightly towards the centre of the hopper 22 from the vertex between the respective shedder plate 28 and the bed 24 of the hopper 22. The distal portion 31 of each of the sheet members is folded upwardly slightly and set on the respective shedder plate 28, thus forming a gap 33 between ~he upwardly folded distal portion of the sheet member and the shedder plate 28. The gap 33 allows for lateral expansion and contraction of the sheet members. The distal portion 31 is fastened thereto by a suitable fastening means, preferably the above disclosed fastening means which includes metal washers 42 welded to the shedder plate 28. The fastening is done close to the portion of the shedder plate 28 that is connected to the respective side 26 of the hopper 22, thus maximizing the distance between the metal washers 42 and the slot 29. Resultingly, the stress on the metal washers 42 is minimized with lateral expansion and contraction of the sheet members.
Other fastening means may be used to securely fasten the sheet members and spanning members of the present invention to the otherwise exposed surface of the metal structure having the protective liner system installed thereon, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It has been found, however, that the use of frusto-conically shaped weld washers as described herein is particularly suited for the purpose, both in terms of results achieved and ease of installation.
In an alternative embodiment (not shown), it is contemplated that the four (or more) sheet members that comprise the protective liner system of the present invention could be fastened to the structure being protected in juxtaposed relation to one another using only angle joints, if lateral expansion of the sheet members is not considered a significant problem in a ~articular application, or if a flush surface in all directions is required.
Claims (13)
1. A protective liner system for overlaying an otherwise exposed surface of a structure, said system comprising:
a plurality of sheet members including at least a first sheet member, a second sheet member, a third sheet member and a fourth sheet member, wherein each of said plurality of sheet members has a first face and a second face, a first edge and a second edge, a first end and a second end, wherein said first face is adapted to absorb the impact of foreign materials, said second face is adapted for placement against said otherwise exposed surface of said structure in intimate contact therewith, and wherein said first end of each of said first and third sheet members has a sloped portion angled in overhanging relation to said otherwise exposed surface when said second face of respective ones of said first and third sheet members are placed as aforesaid;
fastening means for fastening said sheet members to said exposed surface, with said second faces each placed against said otherwise exposed surface, in first-end to second-end juxtaposed relation such that said sloped portion of said first end of each of the respective one of said first and third sheet members contacts one of said second end and said first face of said second and fourth sheet members respectively, so as to form a closed space therebetween, which closed space traps a sealant therein;
with respective first and second edges of adjacent sheet members facing each other in spatially opposed relation so as to form a gap therebetween; and, at least a first spanning member overlaying said gap, each of said spanning members having a top surface and a bottom surface, and being securely fastened to said otherwise exposed surface of said structure such that said bottom surface of each of said spanning members contacts a portion of said first faces of said first, second, third and fourth sheet members in intimately contacting sliding relation thereto.
a plurality of sheet members including at least a first sheet member, a second sheet member, a third sheet member and a fourth sheet member, wherein each of said plurality of sheet members has a first face and a second face, a first edge and a second edge, a first end and a second end, wherein said first face is adapted to absorb the impact of foreign materials, said second face is adapted for placement against said otherwise exposed surface of said structure in intimate contact therewith, and wherein said first end of each of said first and third sheet members has a sloped portion angled in overhanging relation to said otherwise exposed surface when said second face of respective ones of said first and third sheet members are placed as aforesaid;
fastening means for fastening said sheet members to said exposed surface, with said second faces each placed against said otherwise exposed surface, in first-end to second-end juxtaposed relation such that said sloped portion of said first end of each of the respective one of said first and third sheet members contacts one of said second end and said first face of said second and fourth sheet members respectively, so as to form a closed space therebetween, which closed space traps a sealant therein;
with respective first and second edges of adjacent sheet members facing each other in spatially opposed relation so as to form a gap therebetween; and, at least a first spanning member overlaying said gap, each of said spanning members having a top surface and a bottom surface, and being securely fastened to said otherwise exposed surface of said structure such that said bottom surface of each of said spanning members contacts a portion of said first faces of said first, second, third and fourth sheet members in intimately contacting sliding relation thereto.
2. A method of installing a protective liner system for overlaying an otherwise exposed surface of a structure, said system comprising a plurality of sheet members including at least a first sheet member and a second sheet member, wherein each of said plurality of sheet members has a first face and a second face, wherein said first face is adapted for absorbing the impact of foreign materials, said second face is adapted for placement against said otherwise exposed surface of said structure in intimate contact therewith, said method comprising:
(a) cutting said sheet members so as to size said sheet members to collectively cover the otherwise exposed surface of said structure, so as to define first and second edges on each of said sheet members, so as to form a sloped portion on at least one of said first ends with said sloped portion being angled in overhanging relation to said otherwise exposed surface when said second face of the respective sheet member is placed as aforesaid;
(b) setting said first sheet member in place on said otherwise exposed surface with said second face against said otherwise exposed surface;
(c) fastening said first sheet member to said otherwise exposed surface of said structure through the use of suitable fastening means;
(d) introducing sealant along said at least one of said first ends of said sheet members;
(e) setting said second sheet member in place on said otherwise exposed surface, with said second face against said otherwise exposed surface in first-end to second-end juxtaposed relation to said first sheet member such that said sloped portion of said first end of said first sheet member contacts at least one of said second end and said first face of said second sheet member so as to form a closed space therebetween, which closed space traps said sealant therein;
(f) fastening said second sheet member to said otherwise exposed surface of said structure through the use of suitable fastening means;
(g) for subsequent ones of said sheet members repeating steps (d), (e), and (f) in order to substantially cover said otherwise exposed surface.
(a) cutting said sheet members so as to size said sheet members to collectively cover the otherwise exposed surface of said structure, so as to define first and second edges on each of said sheet members, so as to form a sloped portion on at least one of said first ends with said sloped portion being angled in overhanging relation to said otherwise exposed surface when said second face of the respective sheet member is placed as aforesaid;
(b) setting said first sheet member in place on said otherwise exposed surface with said second face against said otherwise exposed surface;
(c) fastening said first sheet member to said otherwise exposed surface of said structure through the use of suitable fastening means;
(d) introducing sealant along said at least one of said first ends of said sheet members;
(e) setting said second sheet member in place on said otherwise exposed surface, with said second face against said otherwise exposed surface in first-end to second-end juxtaposed relation to said first sheet member such that said sloped portion of said first end of said first sheet member contacts at least one of said second end and said first face of said second sheet member so as to form a closed space therebetween, which closed space traps said sealant therein;
(f) fastening said second sheet member to said otherwise exposed surface of said structure through the use of suitable fastening means;
(g) for subsequent ones of said sheet members repeating steps (d), (e), and (f) in order to substantially cover said otherwise exposed surface.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said sealant is a silicone sealant.
4. The method of claim 5, additionally comprising the steps of:
flame treating said first and second-ends subsequent to step (a) and prior to step (b); and, priming the first and second ends of said sheet members for receiving a suitable sealant by applying a bonding agent thereto prior to the introduction of said sealant as aforesaid.
flame treating said first and second-ends subsequent to step (a) and prior to step (b); and, priming the first and second ends of said sheet members for receiving a suitable sealant by applying a bonding agent thereto prior to the introduction of said sealant as aforesaid.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein said structure is made of metal, and additionally comprising the step of:
cutting a plurality of substantially circular apertures in said sheet members prior to step (c), and wherein step (c) comprises the sub-steps of:
(c1) placing metal washers in said substantially circular apertures in interfering relation with said apertures;
(c2) welding said metal washers to said otherwise opposed surface.
cutting a plurality of substantially circular apertures in said sheet members prior to step (c), and wherein step (c) comprises the sub-steps of:
(c1) placing metal washers in said substantially circular apertures in interfering relation with said apertures;
(c2) welding said metal washers to said otherwise opposed surface.
6. The method of claim 5, additionally comprising the step of:
cutting a groove in one of said sheet members and folding said one of said sheet members so as to form a bend therein, wherein said one of said sheet members is placed at a corner in said otherwise exposed surface of said structure with said bend being located proximate to said corner.
cutting a groove in one of said sheet members and folding said one of said sheet members so as to form a bend therein, wherein said one of said sheet members is placed at a corner in said otherwise exposed surface of said structure with said bend being located proximate to said corner.
7. A method of installing a protective liner system for overlaying an otherwise exposed surface of a structure, said system comprising a plurality of sheet members including at least a pair of sheet members wherein each of said plurality of sheet members has a first face and a second face, wherein said first face is adapted for absorbing the impact of foreign materials, said second face is adapted for placement against said otherwise exposed surface of said structure in intimate contact therewith, said method comprising:
(a) cutting said sheet members so as to size said sheet members to collectively cover the otherwise exposed surface of said structure, so as to define first and second edges on each of said sheet members;
(b) setting one of said pair of sheet members in place on said otherwise exposed surface with said second face against said otherwise exposed surface;
(c) fastening said one of said pair of sheet members to said otherwise exposed surface of said structure through the use of suitable fastening means;
(d) setting the other of said pair of sheet members in place on said otherwise exposed surface, with said second face against said otherwise exposed surface in first-edge to second-edge spatially opposed relation, so as to form a gap therebetween;
(e) fastening the other of said pair of sheet members to said otherwise exposed surface of said structure through the use of suitable fastening means;
(f) cutting a first spanning member so as to form first and second ends and first and second sides thereon;
(g) placing said first spanning member in overlaying relation to said gap;
(h) securely fastening said first spanning member to said otherwise exposed surface of said structure by way of a suitable fastening means such that a portion of said bottom surface of said first spanning member contacts a portion of said first faces of said pair of sheet members in intimately contacting sliding relation thereto, so as to securely enclose said gap at the top thereof; and, (i) repeating steps (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h) for subsequent ones of said sheet members in order to substantially cover said otherwise exposed surface.
(a) cutting said sheet members so as to size said sheet members to collectively cover the otherwise exposed surface of said structure, so as to define first and second edges on each of said sheet members;
(b) setting one of said pair of sheet members in place on said otherwise exposed surface with said second face against said otherwise exposed surface;
(c) fastening said one of said pair of sheet members to said otherwise exposed surface of said structure through the use of suitable fastening means;
(d) setting the other of said pair of sheet members in place on said otherwise exposed surface, with said second face against said otherwise exposed surface in first-edge to second-edge spatially opposed relation, so as to form a gap therebetween;
(e) fastening the other of said pair of sheet members to said otherwise exposed surface of said structure through the use of suitable fastening means;
(f) cutting a first spanning member so as to form first and second ends and first and second sides thereon;
(g) placing said first spanning member in overlaying relation to said gap;
(h) securely fastening said first spanning member to said otherwise exposed surface of said structure by way of a suitable fastening means such that a portion of said bottom surface of said first spanning member contacts a portion of said first faces of said pair of sheet members in intimately contacting sliding relation thereto, so as to securely enclose said gap at the top thereof; and, (i) repeating steps (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h) for subsequent ones of said sheet members in order to substantially cover said otherwise exposed surface.
8. The method of claim 7, additionally comprising the step of:
placing a metal bar means in said gap substantially along the length thereof and substantially disposed centrally therein, and welding said metal bar to said otherwise exposed surface of said structure prior to step (g); and, wherein step (h) includes securely fastening said first spanning member to said metal bar.
placing a metal bar means in said gap substantially along the length thereof and substantially disposed centrally therein, and welding said metal bar to said otherwise exposed surface of said structure prior to step (g); and, wherein step (h) includes securely fastening said first spanning member to said metal bar.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein step (h) includes securely fastening said first spanning member to said metal bar by welding metal washers to said metal bar such that said metal washers are in interfering relation with said first spanning member.
10. The method of claim 9, additionally comprising the step of:
cutting a pair of grooves in said second side of said first spanning member and introducing sealant along the length of said grooves before step (g) and wherein step (h) includes the sub-steps of:
(h1) cutting a plurality of substantially circular apertures in said first spanning member;
(h2) placing a metal washer into interfering relation within said aperture; and, (h3) welding said metal washer to said metal bar.
cutting a pair of grooves in said second side of said first spanning member and introducing sealant along the length of said grooves before step (g) and wherein step (h) includes the sub-steps of:
(h1) cutting a plurality of substantially circular apertures in said first spanning member;
(h2) placing a metal washer into interfering relation within said aperture; and, (h3) welding said metal washer to said metal bar.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said sealant is a silicone sealant.
12. The method of claim 11, additionally comprising the steps of:
flame treating a portion of the bottom surface of said first spanning member about said grooves and a portion of the first faces of said pair of sheet members about the area of contact with said first spanning member; and, priming said portion of said second face of said first spanning member about said grooves for receiving a suitable sealant by applying a bonding agent thereto, where both of said flame treating and priming steps are performed prior to step (g).
flame treating a portion of the bottom surface of said first spanning member about said grooves and a portion of the first faces of said pair of sheet members about the area of contact with said first spanning member; and, priming said portion of said second face of said first spanning member about said grooves for receiving a suitable sealant by applying a bonding agent thereto, where both of said flame treating and priming steps are performed prior to step (g).
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said structure is made of metal, and additionally comprising the step of:
cutting a plurality of substantially circular apertures in said sheet members prior to step (c), and, wherein step (c) comprises the sub-steps of:
(c1) placing metal washers in said substantially circular apertures in interfering relation with said apertures;
(c2) welding said metal washers to said otherwise exposed surface.
cutting a plurality of substantially circular apertures in said sheet members prior to step (c), and, wherein step (c) comprises the sub-steps of:
(c1) placing metal washers in said substantially circular apertures in interfering relation with said apertures;
(c2) welding said metal washers to said otherwise exposed surface.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2086058 CA2086058C (en) | 1992-12-22 | 1992-12-22 | Protective liner system and method for installing same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2086058 CA2086058C (en) | 1992-12-22 | 1992-12-22 | Protective liner system and method for installing same |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2086058A1 CA2086058A1 (en) | 1994-06-23 |
| CA2086058C true CA2086058C (en) | 1996-12-03 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2086058 Expired - Fee Related CA2086058C (en) | 1992-12-22 | 1992-12-22 | Protective liner system and method for installing same |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2086058C (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL1023277C2 (en) * | 2003-04-28 | 2004-11-01 | Joannes Hubertus Maria Blom | Vehicle with load compartment, e.g. tipper truck, has load compartment floor provided with lining |
| EP2994345A4 (en) * | 2013-05-07 | 2017-01-11 | Volvo Construction Equipment AB | A dump body for a working machine |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2006340291A1 (en) * | 2006-03-15 | 2007-09-20 | Berend Jan Werkman | Lining members and a lining arrangement including such lining members |
| CN103144686A (en) * | 2013-03-22 | 2013-06-12 | 周义云 | Carriage internal hopper |
| SE543172C2 (en) * | 2017-12-01 | 2020-10-20 | Metso Sweden Ab | Truck box |
| SE545985C2 (en) * | 2019-11-25 | 2024-04-02 | Metso Finland Oy | On-road truck body lining and method for installing an on-road truck body |
| EP4035837A1 (en) * | 2021-01-27 | 2022-08-03 | Husqvarna Ab | Tool assembly |
-
1992
- 1992-12-22 CA CA 2086058 patent/CA2086058C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL1023277C2 (en) * | 2003-04-28 | 2004-11-01 | Joannes Hubertus Maria Blom | Vehicle with load compartment, e.g. tipper truck, has load compartment floor provided with lining |
| EP2994345A4 (en) * | 2013-05-07 | 2017-01-11 | Volvo Construction Equipment AB | A dump body for a working machine |
| US9821698B2 (en) | 2013-05-07 | 2017-11-21 | Volvo Construction Equipment Ab | Dump body for a working machine |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2086058A1 (en) | 1994-06-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |