GB2354547A

GB2354547A - Securing and tensioning vehicle or container curtains

Info

Publication number: GB2354547A
Application number: GB9922137A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth Barry Wilson
Original assignee: Structure Flex Ltd
Current assignee: Structure Flex Ltd
Priority date: 1999-09-20
Filing date: 1999-09-20
Publication date: 2001-03-28
Anticipated expiration: 2019-09-20
Also published as: GB2354547B; GB9922137D0

Abstract

A device and curtain securing system for securing the curtains of a curtain-sided vehicle or freight container of the type operating on the over-centre tensioning principle. The device comprises a body member (7) which defines a first securing portion (66) at one end and is attached via a pivot (8) to a tensioning member (5) at the other end. At one end of the tensioning member (5) a second securing portion (6a) is provided and at the other end, acting about the pivot (8), an over-centre lever is positioned to which the curtain (9) is attached. The securing portions (6a, 6b) of the body member (7) and tensioning member (5) together defining a locking member which is operable to lockingly engage retaining (3, 4) lips of a substantially open-mouthed rave (2). A locking means (not shown) can prevent relative movement about the pivot (8).

Description

2354547 DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR SECURING CURTAINS OF CURTAIN- SIDED VEHICLES

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for securing the curtains of curtain-sided vehicles and freight containers and more particularly relates to curtain tensioning devices adapted to engage the rave of a transport vehicle.

Background Art Known to the Applicant

Conventional devices for securing curtains include buckle arrangements which I tension strapping or webbing attached to the curtain, drawing it towards the lower I side rail of the vehicle. A traditional arrangement is to provide a hook adapted to engage a vehicle rave. Thus, hooks ( including so-called "open" or "closed") are I= g either integrally formed with conventional buckle arrangements or coupled indirectl via webbing straps.

y 1) A well established problem with curtain-sided vehicles is that strapping may loosen allowing not only the strapping but also the curtain to flap dangerously potentially causing damage to both the curtain and trailer. Loosened strapping and more particularly slack curtains have major effects as to the overall aerodynamics and fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Although certain solutions address the above problems there exists another well recognised problem, for curtain-sided vehicles. Where the roof structure is insufficiently strong, "roof bounce" occurs. This has the effect of lowering the position of either the buckle or the combined rave hook tensioner from their ideal positions when the curtain sider is in use. This has a tendency to cause the rave hook to work loose from the rave. Although the "whipping" effect of these over-centre curtain tensioners is Z.

reduced because of the lack of webbing, it is still considered to be a major problem within the industry especially from the health and safety aspect.

Inevitably, hooks once loose can whip about in the wind and strike a pedestrian or cyclist or cause darnage to other vehicles. Should a rave hook shatter a car window, for example, a multi-vehicle road traffic accident could ensue.

Therefore, there is a move within the "curt ain-sider" industry to reduce this risk.

Similarly, there is a related problem with buckle-tensioned curtain-sided freight transport containers in when brought through tunnels at speed, the pressure difference exerted on the curtain causes the curtain either to billow or stretch randomly. This has a tendency to loosen the webbing straps which, together with the buckle arrangements, lock the rave hooks into position about the rave.

Numerous solutions have been proposed to, for example, eliminate buckle arrancrements or to fix such arrangements to the curtain directly or to provide ID shortened tensioning apparatus. One solution around this problem is to directly attach the rave hook to an over-centre curtain tensioner thus avoidincy the need for webbing straps to attach the rave hook to the over-centre curtain tensioner.

Certain of these arrangements are also prone to easy disengagement. Further developments involve the use of "buckle-less" curtains. Each have their own inherent disadvantages including cost and complexity.

C One of the attractions of "buckle-less" curtains is that because the majority of strapping is eliminated it is easier to apply more complex advertising graphics and cleaning of the curtain is made easier.

It is an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the disadvantages associated with the prior art while encompassing some of the advantages

I'D associated with "buckle-less" curtains.

Statements of the Invention

The present invention provides a device for securing the curtains of a curtain sided vehicle or freight container of the type operating on the over- centre tensioning principle, the device comprising:

I., 1_, a body member which defines a first securing portion at one end and is attached via a pivot to a tensioning, mernber at the other end, the tensioning member definini., at one end a second securing portion and at the 1 11 __5 other end, acting about the pivot, an over-centre lever to which the curtain is attached; the securing portions of the body member and tensioning member together 1.7 - definina a locking member which is operable to lockingly engage retaining lips of a substantially open-mouthed receiver.

Preferably, the tensioning member includes a means for securing the tensioning member to the body member to retain the device in a closed position, where the channel body and tensioning member are co-planar.

In the closed position, the length of the device is maximised for enuacrement in the C 1-7 =1 receiver and in an open position, where the body and tensioning, members are I angularly disposed about the pivot, the length of the device is minimised so as to be easily disengagable from the receiver.

Conveniently, the body member comprises a channel-section body which receives the tensioning member therein when the device is in its closed position.

Optionally, the tensioning member is adapted to overlie the body member when the device is in the closed position.

A latch mechanism to retain the device in the closed position is preferably provided to prevent accidental opening by casual interference, that is, simple operation of the over-centre securing device. The latch mechanism is conveniently positioned on the tensioning member and includes locking lugs to positively releasably engage the body member. 25 Optionally, a locking device is provided to retain the securing, device in its closed position.

Conveniently, the substantially open-mouthed receiver comprises a rave.

Advantageously, the rave is a C-section to define the retaining lips.

Optionally, discrete receivers are provided along the lower length of the or each Z_ side of the curtain-sided vehicle.

In an alternative arran(Yement, the securing portion of at least one of the body and tensionin(), members comprise securing tabs lockingly engagable in slots provided 1.1 C 0 along the length of a receiver, most preferably a rave, so as to provide further lockinu action between the tensioning, device and receiver combination in use.

I I The invention includes within its scope a curtain for use with a curtain- sided vehicle, having, a tensioning device of the type hereinabove described. Of particular interest are curtains to Nvhich rave engaging tensioning devices are directly coupled so as to prevent personal injury even where one or more devices are left open, that is, are not engaged in the rave or receiver.

According to the present invention there is further provided a curtain securing 1.) - system for curtain-sided vehicles and freight containers, the system comprising a rave and an over-centre curtain tensioning device the system comprising.

An over-centre curtain tensioning device of the type described hereinabove which, in use, is fitted to the interior face of a curtain, the device having securing portions operably moveable from an open position to a closed position and a latch mechanism which, when engaged, prevents movement of the portions Nvith respect to each other-, and An elongate rave of substantially C-section having upper and lower retaining lips adapted to receive the securing portions of the over-centre curtain tensioning device, said portions being releasably captivated in the rave once the latching mechanism has been engaged.

Preferably, the retainino, lips are spaced apart on opposing sides of the substantially open mouthed rave, the lips being so sized and spaced as to engage Z- 1:1__ the securing portions in a close fitting arrangement when the tensioning device is 1-1 0 locked into position, such that movement of the tensioner away from the rave is prevented whilst allowing movement of the device along the length of the rave.

Z-I Preferably, the tensioning device, once locked into position, is prevented from movement along the rave.

Alternatively, the rave is provided in discrete sections, each section forming a C receiver for a tensionim, device.

The invention includes within its scope an assembly as specified herein with reference to the accompanying drawing, I The invention further includes within its scope a freight transport container or vehicle incorporating an assembly as specified herein. The present invention yet further provides an over-centre curtain tensioning device comprising a body member and a tensioning member operatively connected together via a pivot, the pivot being located at one end of the body but 15 away from the corresponding end of the tensioning member so as to provide an over-centre relationship, the tensioning member or the body member including a spring-loaded key adapted to engage a groove or slot located on the other of the body member or the tensioning member, the key and groove or slot forming a latch mechanism to prevent pivotal movement of the tensioning member and body 20 member with respect to each other.

The invention includes within its scope an over-centre curtain tensioner as specified herein with reference to the accompanying drawing.

I The invention further includes within its scope a freight transport container or vehicle incorporating an over-centre curtain tensioner as specified herein.

The present invention provides a rave comprising an elongate strip possessing a number of pairs of spaced apart opposincr, retaining lips in side by side I relationship, each respective pair of lips being, so adapted to house the first and second securing portions, respectively of an over-centre curtain tensioning device, C such that movernent of the device away frorn the rave is prevented when the devices is in the closed position.

The invention includes within its scope a rave as specified herein with reference to the accompanying drawing The invention further includes within its scope a freight transport container or vehicle incorporating a securing system as specified herein.

0 C Brief Description of Drawin

The present invention will now be desciib ed more particularly with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows, by way of example only, one embodiment of securing system according to the invention. In the drawing Figure I is a side elevation of a securing, system comprising a rave and over- centre curtain tensionina device.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Throughout this specification, the use of the word "integral" is intended to cover

I not only that which is formed from the outset as a unitary component but also anything which, whilst being assembled from a plurality of initially disparately produced inte-ers, becomes a single unit in normal use.

C 0 Furthermore, the term "buckle" as used herein is intended to cover conventional buckles that are adapted to receive adjustable strips of webbing, for example, and should not be taken to include such devices which are directly attached to the curtain of a curtain-sided vehicle or container unless adapted to adjustably receive webbing strips.

Figure I illustrates a rave and over-centre curtain tensioner assembly forming a securing system generally referenced 1, for use with curtain-sided vehicles or freight transport containers.

The rave 2 comprises an elongate stfip of extruded aluminium or steel (seen here in cross-section) including a C-shaped section having a pair of spaced apart opposing lips 3, 4 which together form an open mouth to receive the tensioning device. The depth of the upper lip 3, in the normal attitude of operation of the rave, is greater than the depth of the lower lip 4.

The tensioning device comprises over-centre curtain tensioning member 5 which 1 0 includes a lip engaging securing portion 6a. The member 5 is pivotally connected 0 C in an integral fashion to a channel body 7 via a pivot 8 which is located at one end of the body 7. At the other end of the body 7, a securing portion 6b is provided to engage the lower lip 4. To produce an over-centre movement, the tensioning member 5 is connected to the pivot 8 along its length so that when rotated about the pivot 8 in the direction of the arrow, the member 5 is locked into position within the body 7.

It will be appreciated by the skilled reader that the tensioning member 5 when brought into alignment with the body 7 may be adapted to overlie the body 7.

The device is manufactured separately from the curtain 9 and is attached or otherwise bonded to the curtain 9 at a later stage. It is clear from Figure I that it is the interior surface of the curtain 9 that is secured to the main exposed face of the tensioning member 5 in use. The curtain 9 is secured into position by an attachment means which ideally is either a pair of huck bolts or stud plates 10 that pass through both the curtain 9 and the face of the tensioning member 5.

C, A strap receiving loop can be formed in the face of the tensioning member, for example, vhere the device is retro-fitted to existing curtain-sided vehicles or containers.

In an alternative illustrated arrangement, the securing device is fixed to a length of C., webbina which a turn is secured to the curtain.

The tensioner 5 is provided with a latchinor mechanism (not illustrated). In an 0 a spring-loaded key that is single handedly or finger arrangement consi I actuable and located towards the free end of the tensioning member 5. A co- 1.

-8 operating receiver is located at an appropriate position in the body 7.

In use, the device, in its open position is introduced into the open mouth of the rave 2 in the manner shoivn in Figure 1. Pressure is applied to the face of the tensionincy member 5 to initiate a rotatiric., action as indicated by the arroxv. The Zn securing portions 6a, 6b of the tensioning member 5 and body 7 engage the lips 3, 4 of the rave and when the rotating action is complete, the portions are locked within the rave lips 3, 4. In the un-illustrated embodiment, the latch mechanism engages, thereby locking the device in its closed position preventing relative movement about the pivot S. Furthermore, once the device has been locked into position, the securing portions 6a, 6b, in their "in use" position, are substantially in contiguous contact in a close-fittinly arrangement with each respective wall of the rave lips 3), 4 such that movement of the device along or away from the rave 2 is inhibited.

It will be apparent that in its closed position, the device is substantially flush against the rave 2 and that the curtain 9 is also substantially flush with the front wall 21 of the upper retaining lip 3. This attenuates or prevents the ingress of moisture from the bottom ed,:,e of the curtain 9 towards the floor support 12 of the curtain-sider.

In use vertical tensionina of the curtain 9 when the device is locked in position is C, provided by a spring-biased connection assembly along the upper edge of the curtain. The spring-biased curtain assembly ideally comprises a roller capture rail or track in which a plurality of rollers are free to run. The rollers have depending therefrom curtain retainers to which the curtain is attached, often via webbina, and biased for tension with a spring,, Optionally, a waisted ring and bobbin arrangement is used to provide vertical tension on the curtain. The ring includes a spring-biased member vhich ensures vertical tension between a track in which the bobbins are retained and the Curtain.

The spring or spring-biased member is adjustable to account for build tolerances in manufacture and are normally adjusted when the curtain is initially installed although further adjustment may be necessary after a settling-in period.

In either arrangement, final vertical tension is provided in the curtain by the over- centre action of the tensioning device.

TIR cables holes are rovided in the side walls of each of the tensionim, mernber p and body member for securing the device in its closed position.

C It will be appreciated that the device eschews conventional rave hooks, the tensioning device effectively mating directly with the rave 2 itself Alternative embodiments (not illustrated) will now be described which are intended to form part of the present invention.

In another alternative embodiment, the rave 2 need not necessarily comprise a continuous section having a pair of lips 3, 4 along its entire length. A plurality of discrete sections having, pairs of parallel spaced apart opposing lips 33, 4 disposed in side by side relationship may be provided. Each respective pair are so sized and shaped as to house one tensioning device.

The securing portions 6a, 6b of the tensioning member 5 and/or body 7 are optionally mere continuations of the side wall of said member 5 and/or body 7 thereby forming tabs (one on each side). The rave 2 is adapted so that tab receiving slots are formed therein to provide further positive lock of the device in its closed position.

It will be seen that by minimisim, strap and buckle arrangements, the overall lines of the curtain are smoother allowing easy cleaning and the application of complex C advertising graphics. These smoother curtains attenuate aerodynamic drag, consequently decreasing both noise and, more particularly, fuel consumption.

It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

A device for securing the curtains of a curtain-sided vehicle or freight container, the device being of the type operating on the over-centre tensioning principle, the device comprising" a body member which defines a first securing portion at one end and is attached via a pivot to a tensioning member at the other end, the tensioning member definina at one end a second securing portion and at the other end, acting about the pivot, an over-centre]ever to Which the curtain is attached-, the securing portions of the body member and tensioning member together 0 defining a locking member which is operable to lockingly encyaoe retaining lips of a substantially open-mouthed receiver.
2. A device for securing curtains according to claim 1, In which the tensioninc, member includes a means for securin- the tensionina member -n to the body member to retain the device in a closed position, the channel body and tensioning member being co-planar.

0 1-D
3. A device for securing curtains according to claim I or claim 2, in which, in the closed position, the length of the device is maximised for engagement in the receiver and, in an open position, where the body and tensioning members are angularly disposed about the pivot, the length of the device is minimised so as to be easily disengagable from the receiver.

0
4. A device for securing curtains according to any one of claims I to 3, in which the body member comprises a channel-section body which receives the tensioning member therein when the device is In its closed position.
5. A device for securina curtains according to any one of claims I to 3, in 1 which the tensioning member is adapted to overlie the body member when the device is in the closed position.
6. A device for securing curtains as clairned in any one of the preceding claims, in which a latch mechanism to retain the device in the closed position is provided to prevent accidental opening by casual interference, that is, simple operation of the over-centre securing device.
1 7- A device for securing curtains according to claim 6, in which the latch mechanism is positioned on the tensioning member and includes locking lugs to positively releasably engage the body member.
8. A device for securing curtains according to any one of claims I to 5, in which a locking device is provided to retain the securincr device in its D closed position.
9. A device for securing curtains according to any one of the preceding C claims, in which the substantially open-mouthed receiver comprises a rave.
10. A device for securing curtains according to claim 9, in which the rave is a C-section rail which defines the retaining lips.
11. A device for securing curtains according to any one of claims I to 8, in which discrete receivers are provided along the lower length of the or each side of the curtain-sided vehicle.
12. A device for securing curtains according to any one of claims I to 10, in which the, securing portion of at least one of the body and tensioning members comprise securing tabs lockingly engagable in slots provided along the length of a receiver so as to provide further locking action I between the tensioning device and receiver combination in use.

C
13. A device for securing curtains according to any one of claims I to 10, in 1_ I.

which the securing portion of the body member and/or the tensioning member comprise roller elements having longitudinal axes substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receiver.
14. A device for securing curtains substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing,
15. A curtain for use with a curtain-sided vehicle, having a tensioning device of the type defined in claim 1.
16. A curtain for use with a curtain-sided vehicle according to claim 15 in which rave engaging tensioning devices are directly coupled to the curtains so as to prevent personal injury even where one or more devices are left open, that is, are not engaged in the receiver or rave.
17. A curtain for use with a curtain-sided vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying dFawing.

1
18. A curtain securing system for curtain-sided vehicles or freicrht containers, 0 the system comprising a rave and an over-centre curtain tensioning device, the system comprising:

an over-centre curtain tensioning device of the type defined in claim I Z_ which, in use, is fitted to the interior face of a curtain, the device havi[10 ID securing portions operably moveable from an open position to a closed position and a latch mechanism which, when engaged, prevents movement of the portions with respect to each other; and an elongate rave of substantially C-section having upper and lower retaining lips adapted to receive the securing portions of the over- centre curtain tensioning device, said portions being releasably locked in the rave once the latch mechanism has been engaged.
19. A curtain securing system according to claim 18, in which the retaining lips are spaced apart on opposing sides of the substantially open-mouthed rave, the lips being so sized and spaced as to engage the securing portions in a close fitting arrangement when the tensioning device is locked into position, such that movement of the tensioner away from the rave is prevented whilst allowing movement of the device along the length of the -13rave.
20. A curtain securing system according to claim 18, in which the tenslonincy device, once locked into position, is prevented from movement along the rave.
21. A curtain securing system according to claim 18 or claim 20, in which the rave is provided in discrete sections, each section forming a receiver for a tensioning device.
22. A curtain securing system substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing, C
23. An over-centre curtain tensioning device comprising a body member and a tensioning member operatively connected together via a pivot, the pivot being, located at one end of the body but away from the corresponding end of the tensioning member so as to provide an over-centre relationship, the tensionina member or the body member including a spring-loaded key Z:) In 1-1> adapted to engage a groove or slot located on the other of the body member or the tensioning member, the key and groove or slot forming a I latch mechanism to prevent pivotal movement of the tensioning member and body member with respect to each other.
24. An over-centre curtain tensioner substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing.

I
25. A rave comprising an elongate strip possessing a number of pairs of spaced apart opposing retaining lips in side by side relationship, each respective pair of lips being so adapted to house the first and second securing portions, respectively of device as defined in claim I or an over centre curtain tensioning device as defined in claim 22, such that movement of the device away from the rave is prevented when the device is in the closed position.

26 A rave substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing, 27. A freight transport container or vehicle incorporating, any one of. a device for securing curtains of a cur-tain-sided vehicle or freight container as 5 defined in claim 1; a curtain as defined in claim 15-1 a curtain securincy system as defined in claim 18; an over-centre curtain tensioning device as defined in claim 23; and a rave as defined in claim 25.