GB2267467A

GB2267467A - Livestock trailers.

Info

Publication number: GB2267467A
Application number: GB9308310A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Edwards; John Martin Garside
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-06-06
Filing date: 1993-04-22
Publication date: 1993-12-08
Anticipated expiration: 2013-04-22
Also published as: GB2267467B; GB9308310D0

Abstract

A retractable docking system for use in a trailer comprises a plurality of docking plates 9a, 9b which are movably linked theretogether so as to be movable with respect to each other from a retracted condition to an extended condition. In the retracted condition the plates overlap each other and are stared on at least one side of the trailer. A ramp 7 is attached to the end plate 9b. The trailer is provided with an overhanging region 3 to accommodate the retracted decking system. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO TRAILERS The invention relates to a trailer, and in particular, a cattle or livestock trailer and livestock transporter but it is to be understood that the invention also relates to any other sort of trailer wherein a means of compartmentalizing the trailer is desirable.

It is known to provide livestock trailers with removable decking wherein a farmer can take, for example, dairy cows to market and return with, for example, sheep and so use the decking to divide the trailer in half longitudinally so as to provide for 2 compartments one above the other.

Thus, the livestock carrying capacity of the trailer is adapted to accommodate the sort of livestock to be transported.

The means whereby this is achieved typically comprises the provision of decking which is hinged to the side of the trailer and folds inwardly towards the centre of the trailer so providing a platform. Typically two single pieces of decking are provided, one on either side of the trailer, and supporting structures are also provided on either side of the trailer. In addition, it is common to provide additional support by way of manually mounting cross bars between the said supports on either side of the trailer before moving the hinged decking to overlie the cross bars. In use, an operator would typically place 5 cross bars in approximately evenly spaced positions within the trailer before manually folding down the decking. Once this operation has been completed the operator then has to attach a ramp to the outermost end of the decking so as to assist livestock which are to occupy the uppermost compartment.

As will be understood the above operation is tedious and time consuming and further the harbouring of the hingeable decking and support cross bars within the trailer occupies valuable transportation space which could otherwise be used to carry at least one extra form of livestock Further, the hinged decking overlies ventilation holes when not in use and so may be hazardous, and at the very least, provide for an inhospitable environment.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a trailer and a decking system which overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages.

According to the invention there is therefore provided a trailer comprising a retractable decking system characterized in that the decking system comprises a plurality of decking plates movably linked one to another to form: in a first retracted condition a series of at least partially overlapping plates; and in a second extended condition a substantially horizontal plafform.

Preferably the decking plates are folded in concertina fashion when not in use.

Preferably the decking plates are folded in telescoping fashion when not in use.

Preferably each decking plate is provided with a cross bar support on its functionally underside surface.

Preferably a ramp is attached to the outermost edge of the unfolded decking system and more preferably the ramp is hingedly attached to the decking system.

Preferably a latch means Is provided to retain the decking system in a folded configuration when not in use.

Preferably slide members are provided on the outer edges of the decking system which slide members are adapted to travel along mountings provided on the inner edges of the trailer.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a side view of a trailer in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a view taken looking inside a trailer towards the front of the trailer; Figure 3 shows the decking system illustrated in Figure 2 with the ramp unfolded; Figure 4 is a perspective view shown from the underside of two connected decking plates; and, Figure 5 Is a side perspective view showing the unfolding of two adjacent decking plates and a foremost ramp.

Referring to the Figures and firstly to Figure 1, there is illustrated a trailer 1 having a front end A and a rear end B. Trailer 1 is mounted for transport on wheels C. Towards end A there Is positioned a door 2 and Immediately in front of door 2 there is provided an upper overhanging area 3, the purpose of area 3 will become apparent having regard to the following description.

In accordance with legal requirements trailer 1 is provided with upper ventilation holes 4a and lower ventilation holes 4b.

The decking system of the invention will now be described with reference to the remaining Figures.

Turning firstly to Figure 2 there is shown the inner side of a trailer having at end A a folded decking system 5. The inner sides of trailer 1 are provided with decking mounting means 6a and 6b which are located at approximately mid-height along the trailer's side walls. In the folded configuration shown in Figure 2 there is visible towards end -B of the trailer the underside of a ramp 7. Ramp 7 is held in position by a latch means 8 mounted on the frame of trailer 1.

Turning to Figure 3 it can be seen that latch 8 (not shown) has been released and ramp 7 folded downwardly to reveal its uppermost surface.

Further, behind ramp 7 a first decking plate 9 is visible. Decking plate 9 is supported on mounting rails 6a and 6b by means of sliders 10.

With reference to Figure 4 it can be seen that the underside of adjacent decking plates 9a and 9b are hingedly attached together towards their uppermost edge by means of pivots hinge 11. The lowermost edges of decking plates 9a and 9b slide on mounting bars 6a and 6b moving outwardly, with respect to each other, until the entire outer edges of adjacent decking plates 9a and 9b are flat against mounting edges 6a and 6b. When this occurs the decking plates are flat and the decking is therefore horizontally mounted on mounting bars 6a and 6b.

Figure 5 illustrates the unfolding of the decking system as ramp 7 moves rearwardly towards end B so pulling apart adjacent folded decking plates.

It will therefore be understood that the decking plates are hingedly connected there together so as to provide for a concertina arrangement which can be conveniently folded for the purpose of storage. To this end, trailer 1 is adapted to accommodate the folded decking structure and is therefore provided with overhanging region 3 which is shaped and dimensioned so as to accommodate a retracted decking system. Thus, when the system is retracted it does not occupy any of the storage space.

Further, the retracted system does not obstruct any of the ventilation holes 4a or 4b provided in the trailer.

It will be understood that any mechanical and/or electrical means may be provided for assisting in the folding or unfolding of the storage system. For example, it may be advantageous to provide a winching means with a winching handle external to the trailer for the purpose of effecting folding or unfolding of the system. However, any other motorized means may also be employed or indeed any other simple means may be employed such as the attachment of a handle to the outermost end of ramp 7 which can therefore be used to pull the decking system open.

Further, although a specific embodiment has been described with particular reference to a concertina type decking arrangement, it is also within the scope of the Invention to arrange decking plates 9a and 9b etc so that they are foldable in telescoping fashion and therefore in a retracted configuration are made to lie one on top of the other for the purpose of storage.

It is also within the scope of the invention to provide releasable stopping means, ideally positioned on the sides of decking plates 9a and 9b etc so that as successive plates are folded into a retracted configuration for the purpose of storage the plates are held in said folded state until-such time as said stopping means are released.

Claims

1. A retractable decking system for use in a trailer characterized in that the decking system comprises a plurality of decking plates movably linked one to another to form: in a first retracted condition a series of at least partially overlapping plates; and in a second extended condition a substantially horizontal platform.

2. A decking system according to Claim 1 wherein, the decking plates are adapted to be folded in concertina fashion when in said retracted condition.

3. A decking system according to Claim 1 wherein, the decking plates are adapted to be folded in telescoping fashion when in said retracted condition.

4. A decking system according to any preceding Claim wherein, each decking plate is provided with at least one supporting strut.

5. A decking system according to Claim 4 wherein, the strut is positioned on the undermost side of the decking plate when said plate is in said extended condition.

6. A decking system according to any preceding Claim where, a ramp member is attached to an outermost edge of said decking system so as to provide, in use, a ramp leading up to and on to said extended decking system.

7. A decking system according to Claim 6 wherein, said ramp is hingedly attached to the decking system.

8. A decking system according to any preceding Claim wherein, a latch means is provided for retaining the decking system in said retracted condition.

9. A decking system according to any preceding Claim wherein, at least one slide member is provided on an outer edge of said decking system to facilitate extension of said system.

10. A decking system according to Claim 9 wherein, said slide member is adapted to travel along mountings provided on an inner side of the trailer.

11. A trailer characterized in that it comprises a retractable decking system according to any preceding Claim.

11. A decking system according to any preceding Claim wherein, stop members are provided on at least some of the decking plates so as to ensure said plates are retained in a retracted condition as the system is being retracted.

12. A trailer characterized in that it comprises a retractable decking system according to any preceding Claim.

Amendments to the claims have been fled as flows 1. A retractable decking system for use in a trailer characterized in that the decking system comprises a plurality of decking plates movably linked one to another to form:in a first retracted condition a series of at least partially overlapping plates; and in a second extended condition a substantially horizontal plafform; characterized in that stop members are provided on at least some of the decking plates so as to ensure said plates are retained in a retracted condition when the system is retracted.