CA3016533A1 - Automated tarping system - Google Patents
Automated tarping system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA3016533A1 CA3016533A1 CA3016533A CA3016533A CA3016533A1 CA 3016533 A1 CA3016533 A1 CA 3016533A1 CA 3016533 A CA3016533 A CA 3016533A CA 3016533 A CA3016533 A CA 3016533A CA 3016533 A1 CA3016533 A1 CA 3016533A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- swing arm
- tarp
- actuator
- damper
- pivotally coupled
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
- B60J7/08—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position
- B60J7/085—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position winding up, e.g. for utility vehicles
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
Description
AUTOMATED TARPING SYSTEM
Field The present application relates to an automated system for tarping a trailer.
Background .. Trucks with open cargo beds, such as B train trailers are commonly used to transport cargo. In order to ensure the safety of drivers and the motoring public, cargo must be secured and carriers must ensure that any cargo they carry does not shift, move or spill onto the roadway.
With the use of tie downs, tarps and the like are often used to secure cargo.
Each tie down must be secured so that it does not come loose, unfastened, opened or released while the vehicle is moving. The driver of the vehicle must securely tighten the tie downs prior to transporting their cargo.
Securing cargo with a tarp and tie downs is not an easy task. Often drivers are required to use a ladder to effectively secure the cargo. Further, drivers are commonly transporting cargo in night time and harsh weather conditions.
Brief Description of Drawings Figure 1 is a partially exploded, partially cut-away perspective view of a tarping system according to the present disclosure, mounted onto the open top of a four sided trailer, with the swing arms in an intermediate, over-center position along their arc of rotation.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tarping system of Figure 1 with the tarp in the closed position.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the linkage member of the tarping system of Figure 1.
Figure 3a is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 3.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of tarping system of Figure 1 in the fully open position.
Figure 4a is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 4.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the tarping system of Figure 1 in the middle position.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the tarping system of Figure 1 transitioning into the closed position.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the tarping system of Figure 1 transitioning into the open position.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the tarping system of Figure 1 in the closed position.
Detailed Description In one aspect of the present disclosure, one embodiment of the tarping system 10, as viewed in the Figures, includes two swing arms 12, one mounted at each end of the upper opening 8a into four-sided trailer 8. Swing arms 12 rotate in an arc in direction A about axis of rotation B. As seen in Figure 1, each swing arm 12 includes a proximate end 12a and a distal end 12b. The proximate end 12a of the swing arm 12 is mounted on a corresponding support beam 22. The ends of each support beam 20 are mounted on the frame 8b which defines the opening 8a into the cavity within the four walls 8c of the trailer 8. The ends of beams 20 may be attached by mounting brackets 22a. The distal end 12b of each swing arm 12 is coupled to attaching members 20 which is adapted to couple to the edge of a tarp T.
Without intending to be limiting, each attaching member 20 may be a pivoting plate having clamping members 21 such as the rectangular small plates illustrated which bolt onto plate 20, so as to removably fasten tarp T.
As better seen in Figure 3a, system 10 further includes a linkage member 14 having a first end 14a and an opposite second end 14b. The first end 14a of the linkage member 14 is pivotally coupled to the proximate end 12a of the swing arm 12. In preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the second end 14b of the linkage member 14 is pivotally coupled to both an actuator 18 and at least one damper 16. Actuator 18 has a first end 18a and an opposite second end 18b.
First end 18a is pivotally coupled to the support beam 22. Second end 18b is pivotally coupled to end 14b of the linkage member 14. The damper 16 has a first end 16a and an opposite second end 16b. The first end 16a of the damper 16 is pivotally connected to the second end 14b of the linkage member 14. The second end 16b of the damper 16 is pivotally connected to the swing arm 12, in a position along arm 12 approximately between 1/3 and 1/2 of the length measured from end 12a. In the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, as best seen in Figure 3, the system 10 may include a parallel pair of dampers 16.
The linkage member 14 and actuator 18 facilitate the rotation of the swing arm 12 in direction A
about axis B between a first or open and second or closed position. In the open position the tarp T is removed from covering opening 8a of trailer 8 as seen in Figure 4. In the closed position, as seen in Figure 2 and Figure 8 the tarp T is secured across the opening 8a of trailer 8. The system 10 includes a damper 16 so as to facilitate smooth rotation of the swing arms 12 as they cross over-center. The over-center position is when the swing arms 12 are approximately vertical. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure dampers 16 are used to ensure smooth operation of the swing arm 12 throughout its travel. Damper 16 allow for compression or shortening of their length at the over-center position without binding of the linkage, and minimize jerking or flopping of the arms 12 as they go over-center.
Thus a smooth acceleration/de-acceleration profile is felt by tarp T at the over-center position to thereby remove spikes in acceleration which may harm the tarp T where clamped on attachment members 20.Without intending to be limiting, the dampers 16 may be oil dampers. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, any type of shock absorber may be used to facilitate smooth travel.
The actuator 18 and linkage 14 are adapted to facilitate the rotation of the swing arm 12 in direction A above axis B between the first position and the second position.
When the tarp is to be secured over opening 8a, and thus rotation of the swing arm 12 from the first position (open position) to the second position (closed position) is required, the actuator 18 is retracted from its extended position. This results in the linkage 14 being pulled up until it reaches the end of the damper's stroke, and subsequently the swing arm 12, is also pulled up in an arc towards the over-center position. In the closed position, the linkage 14 sits flush with the walls 8c of the trailer 8 as a result of further retraction of the actuator 18. When the tarp is to be removed from over opening 8a, and thus rotation of the swing arm 12 from the second position (closed position) to the first position (open position) is required, the actuator 18 is extended from its retracted position resulting in the linkage 14, and the swing arm 12, being pushed back up towards the over center position.
The actuator 18, without intending to be limiting, may be an electric cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder. Actuator 18 may be remotely controlled, for example computer controller, so as to remotely activate or automate the simultaneous rotation of the pair of swing arms 12. The control system for controlling swing arms 12 may be located in the cab of the truck, for example.
In embodiments of the present disclosure, as seen in Figure 1, when the system 12 includes two swing arm assemblies, mounted at opposite ends of the cargo bed, a cable C may be run between the ends of the arms 12. The cable C may be mounted to the distal end 12b of each arm 12. The cable C
provides additional support for the tarp as it is moved between the fist and second positions; and in particular may support one longitudinally extending edge 26 of tarp T as the swing arms 12 rotate so as to smoothly convey the tarp T in direction D and in the reverse. An elongate pipe, tube or rod may be attached along edge 26 of the tarp T, to provide weight along edge 26 so that edge 26 falls over the opposite edge of frame 8b. Further, the tarp T may include a "window", or a section, which falls over trailer mounted scales, manufactured from transparent material, so as to allow viewing of the trailer mounted scales.
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the system may include a spring roller mechanism to roll up the tarp as it is being moved from the closed position to the open position.
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the system may include a quick release mechanism, activated remotely, and allowing the tarp to be removed from the opening 8a of the trailer.
The release mechanism separates the actuator 18 from the linkage member 14, so as to release the swing arms 12.
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the system includes at least two stops 24, coupled to the support beam 22, so as to stop the movement of the linkage 14 when in the closed or open positions. When in the closed or open position, the system sits flush with the walls 8c of the trailer 8.
Field The present application relates to an automated system for tarping a trailer.
Background .. Trucks with open cargo beds, such as B train trailers are commonly used to transport cargo. In order to ensure the safety of drivers and the motoring public, cargo must be secured and carriers must ensure that any cargo they carry does not shift, move or spill onto the roadway.
With the use of tie downs, tarps and the like are often used to secure cargo.
Each tie down must be secured so that it does not come loose, unfastened, opened or released while the vehicle is moving. The driver of the vehicle must securely tighten the tie downs prior to transporting their cargo.
Securing cargo with a tarp and tie downs is not an easy task. Often drivers are required to use a ladder to effectively secure the cargo. Further, drivers are commonly transporting cargo in night time and harsh weather conditions.
Brief Description of Drawings Figure 1 is a partially exploded, partially cut-away perspective view of a tarping system according to the present disclosure, mounted onto the open top of a four sided trailer, with the swing arms in an intermediate, over-center position along their arc of rotation.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tarping system of Figure 1 with the tarp in the closed position.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the linkage member of the tarping system of Figure 1.
Figure 3a is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 3.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of tarping system of Figure 1 in the fully open position.
Figure 4a is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 4.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the tarping system of Figure 1 in the middle position.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the tarping system of Figure 1 transitioning into the closed position.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the tarping system of Figure 1 transitioning into the open position.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the tarping system of Figure 1 in the closed position.
Detailed Description In one aspect of the present disclosure, one embodiment of the tarping system 10, as viewed in the Figures, includes two swing arms 12, one mounted at each end of the upper opening 8a into four-sided trailer 8. Swing arms 12 rotate in an arc in direction A about axis of rotation B. As seen in Figure 1, each swing arm 12 includes a proximate end 12a and a distal end 12b. The proximate end 12a of the swing arm 12 is mounted on a corresponding support beam 22. The ends of each support beam 20 are mounted on the frame 8b which defines the opening 8a into the cavity within the four walls 8c of the trailer 8. The ends of beams 20 may be attached by mounting brackets 22a. The distal end 12b of each swing arm 12 is coupled to attaching members 20 which is adapted to couple to the edge of a tarp T.
Without intending to be limiting, each attaching member 20 may be a pivoting plate having clamping members 21 such as the rectangular small plates illustrated which bolt onto plate 20, so as to removably fasten tarp T.
As better seen in Figure 3a, system 10 further includes a linkage member 14 having a first end 14a and an opposite second end 14b. The first end 14a of the linkage member 14 is pivotally coupled to the proximate end 12a of the swing arm 12. In preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the second end 14b of the linkage member 14 is pivotally coupled to both an actuator 18 and at least one damper 16. Actuator 18 has a first end 18a and an opposite second end 18b.
First end 18a is pivotally coupled to the support beam 22. Second end 18b is pivotally coupled to end 14b of the linkage member 14. The damper 16 has a first end 16a and an opposite second end 16b. The first end 16a of the damper 16 is pivotally connected to the second end 14b of the linkage member 14. The second end 16b of the damper 16 is pivotally connected to the swing arm 12, in a position along arm 12 approximately between 1/3 and 1/2 of the length measured from end 12a. In the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, as best seen in Figure 3, the system 10 may include a parallel pair of dampers 16.
The linkage member 14 and actuator 18 facilitate the rotation of the swing arm 12 in direction A
about axis B between a first or open and second or closed position. In the open position the tarp T is removed from covering opening 8a of trailer 8 as seen in Figure 4. In the closed position, as seen in Figure 2 and Figure 8 the tarp T is secured across the opening 8a of trailer 8. The system 10 includes a damper 16 so as to facilitate smooth rotation of the swing arms 12 as they cross over-center. The over-center position is when the swing arms 12 are approximately vertical. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure dampers 16 are used to ensure smooth operation of the swing arm 12 throughout its travel. Damper 16 allow for compression or shortening of their length at the over-center position without binding of the linkage, and minimize jerking or flopping of the arms 12 as they go over-center.
Thus a smooth acceleration/de-acceleration profile is felt by tarp T at the over-center position to thereby remove spikes in acceleration which may harm the tarp T where clamped on attachment members 20.Without intending to be limiting, the dampers 16 may be oil dampers. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, any type of shock absorber may be used to facilitate smooth travel.
The actuator 18 and linkage 14 are adapted to facilitate the rotation of the swing arm 12 in direction A above axis B between the first position and the second position.
When the tarp is to be secured over opening 8a, and thus rotation of the swing arm 12 from the first position (open position) to the second position (closed position) is required, the actuator 18 is retracted from its extended position. This results in the linkage 14 being pulled up until it reaches the end of the damper's stroke, and subsequently the swing arm 12, is also pulled up in an arc towards the over-center position. In the closed position, the linkage 14 sits flush with the walls 8c of the trailer 8 as a result of further retraction of the actuator 18. When the tarp is to be removed from over opening 8a, and thus rotation of the swing arm 12 from the second position (closed position) to the first position (open position) is required, the actuator 18 is extended from its retracted position resulting in the linkage 14, and the swing arm 12, being pushed back up towards the over center position.
The actuator 18, without intending to be limiting, may be an electric cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder. Actuator 18 may be remotely controlled, for example computer controller, so as to remotely activate or automate the simultaneous rotation of the pair of swing arms 12. The control system for controlling swing arms 12 may be located in the cab of the truck, for example.
In embodiments of the present disclosure, as seen in Figure 1, when the system 12 includes two swing arm assemblies, mounted at opposite ends of the cargo bed, a cable C may be run between the ends of the arms 12. The cable C may be mounted to the distal end 12b of each arm 12. The cable C
provides additional support for the tarp as it is moved between the fist and second positions; and in particular may support one longitudinally extending edge 26 of tarp T as the swing arms 12 rotate so as to smoothly convey the tarp T in direction D and in the reverse. An elongate pipe, tube or rod may be attached along edge 26 of the tarp T, to provide weight along edge 26 so that edge 26 falls over the opposite edge of frame 8b. Further, the tarp T may include a "window", or a section, which falls over trailer mounted scales, manufactured from transparent material, so as to allow viewing of the trailer mounted scales.
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the system may include a spring roller mechanism to roll up the tarp as it is being moved from the closed position to the open position.
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the system may include a quick release mechanism, activated remotely, and allowing the tarp to be removed from the opening 8a of the trailer.
The release mechanism separates the actuator 18 from the linkage member 14, so as to release the swing arms 12.
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the system includes at least two stops 24, coupled to the support beam 22, so as to stop the movement of the linkage 14 when in the closed or open positions. When in the closed or open position, the system sits flush with the walls 8c of the trailer 8.
Claims (13)
1. An automated system for tarping over a trailer, the system comprising:
at least one swing arm, each swing arm of the at least one swing arm having a proximate end and a distal end;
at least one attaching member coupled to the distal end of each swing arm, the attaching member adapted to removably couple to an edge of a tarp positioned to removably cover over the trailer, at least one support beam pivotally coupled to the proximate end of each swing arm approximately medially along the length of the beam;
at least one linkage member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each linkage member is pivotally coupled to a corresponding proximate end of the corresponding swing arm;
at least one actuator having a first end and a second end, the first end of each actuator pivotally coupled to the corresponding support beam, and the second end pivotally coupled to the second end of the corresponding linkage member;
wherein the swing arm is adapted to rotate relative to the support beam between an open position and a closed position in which the tarp is covering over or removed from, respectively, over the trailer.
at least one swing arm, each swing arm of the at least one swing arm having a proximate end and a distal end;
at least one attaching member coupled to the distal end of each swing arm, the attaching member adapted to removably couple to an edge of a tarp positioned to removably cover over the trailer, at least one support beam pivotally coupled to the proximate end of each swing arm approximately medially along the length of the beam;
at least one linkage member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each linkage member is pivotally coupled to a corresponding proximate end of the corresponding swing arm;
at least one actuator having a first end and a second end, the first end of each actuator pivotally coupled to the corresponding support beam, and the second end pivotally coupled to the second end of the corresponding linkage member;
wherein the swing arm is adapted to rotate relative to the support beam between an open position and a closed position in which the tarp is covering over or removed from, respectively, over the trailer.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one damper having a first end and a second end, the first end of each damper pivotally coupled to the second end of the corresponding linkage member and the second end coupled approximately intermediately between the distal end and proximate end of the corresponding swing arm.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one mounting bracket is secured to the at least one support beam for enabling the beam to be mounted to the cargo bed.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the actuator is a hydraulic cylinder.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the actuator is a pneumatic cylinder.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the actuator is an electric cylinder.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the damper is an oil damper.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one swing arm are parallel first and second swing arms.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein a cable is strung between the distal ends of the first and second swing arms.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes tarp guides.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein the attaching member is a pivoting plate pivotally mounted on a corresponding distal end of a corresponding swing arm.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein the pivoting plate includes at least one layer of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.
13. The system of claim 11 wherein the pivoting plate includes mounting clamps thereon so as to releasably fasten to an edge of the tarp.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3016533A CA3016533A1 (en) | 2018-09-05 | 2018-09-05 | Automated tarping system |
| US16/560,354 US11155146B2 (en) | 2018-09-05 | 2019-09-04 | Automated tarping device and system |
| CA3054054A CA3054054C (en) | 2018-09-05 | 2019-09-04 | Automated tarping device and system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3016533A CA3016533A1 (en) | 2018-09-05 | 2018-09-05 | Automated tarping system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3016533A1 true CA3016533A1 (en) | 2020-03-05 |
Family
ID=69718578
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3016533A Abandoned CA3016533A1 (en) | 2018-09-05 | 2018-09-05 | Automated tarping system |
| CA3054054A Active CA3054054C (en) | 2018-09-05 | 2019-09-04 | Automated tarping device and system |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3054054A Active CA3054054C (en) | 2018-09-05 | 2019-09-04 | Automated tarping device and system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (2) | CA3016533A1 (en) |
-
2018
- 2018-09-05 CA CA3016533A patent/CA3016533A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2019
- 2019-09-04 CA CA3054054A patent/CA3054054C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA3054054C (en) | 2023-10-03 |
| CA3054054A1 (en) | 2020-03-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20211220 |
|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20211220 |