GB2410243A

GB2410243A - Partition for a goods container or trailer

Info

Publication number: GB2410243A
Application number: GB0501374A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gerald Muldoon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-01-22
Filing date: 2005-01-24
Publication date: 2005-07-27
Also published as: IE20050024A1; GB0401333D0; GB0501374D0

Abstract

An apparatus for partitioning a goods container or trailer, comprises a deformable partitioning sheet and means 22,24 for removably securing the sheet to the container in a deployed state in which the sheet extends between first and second opposing internal surfaces 14,16 of the container. The apparatus includes guide blocks 32 with which the sides of the sheet form a seal when deployed. The sheet is supported by anchor bars 22,24 located in brackets 30 and recesses 36.

Description

24 1 0243

PARTITIONING APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a partitioning apparatus, especially for a trailer or goods container.

Background to the Invention

It is known to partition, or compartmentalize, a goods container using one or more doors. Conventional partitioning doors normally comprise a rigid metal sheet, hinged either to a fixed metal bulkhead or directly to the sides of the vehicle body.

Partitioning doors are particularly common in containers for carrying animal feed where it can be important to isolate different types of feed from one another. For example, feed in one compartment may contain medications or additives which should not be allowed to contaminate feed stored in an adjacent compartment. To this end, fitted seals, e.g. brush type sealing strips, are usually provided around the edges of the doors.

A problem with conventional partitioning doors is the difficulty in keeping them clean. Not only is it difficult to wash thoroughly all of the surfaces, cracks and crevices that are commonly found on metal doors, but it is also difficult to dry the doors thoroughly. Moreover, conventional doors are relatively difficult to move, remove, repair and/or to store when not required.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the invention provides an apparatus for partitioning a container, especially a container which, in use, is demountably, detachably, or fixedly carried by a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a partitioning sheet; and means for removably securing the sheet to the container in a deployed state wherein the sheet extends substantially between first and second opposing internal surfaces of the container, and wherein the sheet is comprised at least partially of deformable material.

Preferably, substantially the entire sheet is comprised of flexible or deformable such as, for example, fabric or plastics. The material may be non-rigid or semi rigid.

In preferred embodiments, when the sheet is deployed, the apparatus substantially fills a cross-sectional segment of the container between the first and second internal surfaces.

The apparatus typically includes respective guide means adjacent, in use, a respective one of said first and second internal surfaces, each guide means comprising means for engaging with a respective first and second side of said sheet when in the deployed state. Each guide means may comprise a respective guide surface, the respective first and second sides engaging with the respective guide surface when the sheet is deployed.

The guide surface is advantageously shaped and arranged to form a seal with the respective first and second sides when engaged therewith.

Preferably, each guide means comprises a rib shaped to provide a seat for said respective first and second sheet side. The rib may run substantially parallel with said first and second sheet side when deployed.

The rib may run substantially along the entire length of the guide means.

In a preferred embodiment, the rib is adjacent said respective guide surface, said seat being defined between said rib and said guide surface. The rib may form part of said guide surface.

In a preferred embodiment, each guide means comprises a respective guide block fixed to, or removably mounted on, in use, a respective one of said first and second internal surfaces, wherein each guide block defines a respective one of said guide surfaces.

Advantageously, a respective wire, rope, cord or other flexible line is provided at or adjacent each of the first and second sides of the sheet. Preferably, the apparatus includes means for adjusting the tension in said flexible lines.

In preferred embodiments, the sheet has third and fourth sides running between said first and second sides, the third and/or fourth sides of the sheet being provided with at least one respective rigid member a respective portion of which projects from said sheet in a direction generally parallel or co-linear with said respective third or fourth side.

The third and/or fourth sides of the sheet are advantageously provided with one respective rigid member extending substantially along the length of the respective third and fourth sides and projecting beyond the sheet at either end.

Each guide means may include at least one seat for receiving a respective one of said projecting portions.

At least one of said seats is preferably located at a first end of the guide surface and is, in use, located adjacent the floor of the container.

Means for supporting a respective one of said projecting portions is advantageously located at or adjacent a second end of each guide surface, the second end being oppositely disposed to said first end.

In preferred embodiments, said seats and/or supporting means are arranged with respect to the guide surface such that, when a respective projecting portion is received therein and the sheet is held in a deployed state, a respective portion of the sheet engages with the respective first and/or second ends of the guide surface.

The sheet has third and fourth sides running between said first and second sides, and the apparatus may further include means for releasably securing one or other of said third and fourth sides to the container substantially at the floor of the container.

The securing means preferably comprises one or more clamping members that are operable between a clamping state, in which they secure said third side to the container, and an unclamping state in which they are substantially located beneath the floor of the container.

Further advantageous aspects of the invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a partitioning apparatus embodying the invention, in situ in a container; Figure 2 shows a perspective close-up view of part of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an end view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a partitioning apparatus embodying the invention; Figure 6 shows a close-up side view of the interface between the apparatus of Figure 1 and the container floor; Figure 7 shows the side view of Figure 4 from outside of the container; Figure 8 shows a plan view of part of the apparatus of Figure 1; and Figure 9 shows a close-up view of part of Figure 8.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring now in particular to Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings, there is shown, generally indicated as 10, a partitioning apparatus embodying the invention. The apparatus 10 is shown in situ inside a container 12 of which the side walls 14, 16 and floor 18 are shown.

The container 12 may for example be of the type normally carried by, either fixedly or demountably, the trailer of an articulated or nonarticulated vehicle (not shown).

The apparatus 10 comprises a partitioning member in the form of a curtain, screen or sheet 20. In the preferred embodiment, the sheet 20 is at least partially, and more preferably substantially wholly, formed from deformable or flexible material such as, for example, fabric or plastics. The material may be substantially non-elastic and/or substantially nonresilient. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sheet 20 may be formed from a rigid material, or a semi-rigid material and or a resilient material.

However, it is particularly preferred that the sheet 20 is capable of being rolled up. Conveniently, the sheet is generally rectangular in shape. A first and a second substantially rigid member in the form of upper and lower anchor bars 22, 24 are provided along a respective, mutually opposite, side of the sheet 20.

The sheet 20 may be permanently or removably fixed to the bars 22, 24 in any convenient manner. The bars 22, 24 may for example each comprise a metal tube formed, for example, from steel or aluminium. End portions of each bar 22, 24 project from the sheet, as may best be seen from Figures 2 and 3. In alternative embodiments, one or both anchor bars 22, 24 may be replaced by a respective two or more bars (not illustrated), for example a respective two spaced-apart bars projecting from a respective ends of respective sides of the sheet 20.

A respective wire rope 26 (only one shown), or similar line, is provided along the remaining two sides of the sheet 20 and is fixed or coupled to the sheet 20 in any convenient manner. For example, as may be seen from Figure 9, one or more sleeves 27 may be provided along the respective sides of the sheet 20, the ropes 26 passing through the respective sleeves 27. Each wire rope 26 is associated means for adjusting the tension in the rope 26. To this end, a respective tensioning device 28 (only one shown) is provided for adjusting the tension in each rope 26. As is described in more detail below, the arrangement is such that, by increasing the tension in the ropes 26, the respective sides of the sheet 20 are drawn against a respective surface provided adjacent the sheet in or to create and maintain contact between the surface and the sides of the sheet 20. It is preferred, therefore, that at least the sides of the sheet 20 associated with the rope 26 are formed from a flexible material.

Means for supporting the upper anchor bar 22 at a location above the floor of the container 12 is provided. The supporting means is preferably located at or adjacent the ceiling (not shown) of the container 12 and is conveniently located inside the container 12.

By way of example, a respective seat in the preferred form of a bracket 30 (coly one shown) is mounted on opposite internal sides of the container 12 adjacent the ceiling (not shown). The brackets 30 are shaped to receive and preferably to retain a respective end of the upper anchor bar 22. As may best be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the brackets 30 may conveniently provide a respective cradle for the upper anchor bar 22. The brackets 30 are preferably located substantially in register with one another so that, when supported by the brackets 30, the upper bar 22 runs substantially perpendicularly with the side walls 14, 16 of the container 12. More preferably, the arrangement is such that the anchor bar 22 is located along and in engagement with, or adjacent, the ceiling.

Respective guide means in the preferred form of a respective guide block 32 (only one shown) is fixed to or adjacent the internal surface of each side wall 14, 16 of the container 12 in association with a respective one of the brackets 30. Each guide block 32 provides a respective guide surface 34 which, preferably, is substantially perpendicular with, adjacent (and preferably contiguous with), a respective side wall 14, 16. In the preferred embodiment, the guide surfaces 34 are curved, and are preferably convex (see Figures 1, 4 and 7) although in alternative embodiments they may be substantially straight (see Figure 5). When curved or convex, the guide surfaces 34 advantageously bow in a direction generally towards a door (not shown) of the container 12 (which is usually located at the rear of the container). In the preferred embodiment, the guide surfaces 34 run substantially from the brackets 30 to the floor 18. It is particularly preferred that the guide surfaces 34 face towards the unloading door (not shown) of the container 12 (typically rearwardly of the container 12). The brackets 30 may be formed integrally with or provided separately from the guide blocks 32.

In the preferred embodiment, each guide block 32 is shaped to define a seat for an end of the lower anchor bar 24 in the form of a recess 36 (only one shown) between the respective guide surface 34 and the floor 18. Each recess 36 is shaped and dimensioned to receive a respective end of the lower anchor bar 24.

As is best seen in Figures 1 and 2, the guide blocks 32 preferably also comprise a ridge or rib 33 which runs along the guide surface 34, spacedapart from the respective adjacent side wall 14, 16, and preferably substantially along the whole length of the guide surface 34. The ridge 33 is shaped to define a seat or recess 46 between itself and the guide surface 34, which seat 46 is capable of retaining the wire rope 26.

The apparatus 10 further includes means for securing or clamping the lower anchor bar 24 against the guide blocks 32. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 10 is provided with means for securing or clamping the respective ends of the lower anchor bar 24 against the respective recess 36 formed in the guide blocks 32.

The clamping means may take any suitable form. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping means comprises one or more spaced apart clamping arms 38 (only one shown) which are pivotable between a clamping state (as shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5), in which the or each clamping arm clamps the lower anchor bar 24 against the guide blocks 32, and a non- clamping state (as illustrated in Figure 7) in which the clamping bars do not engage the lower anchor bar 24. As can best be seen from Figures 4, 5 and 7, the, or each, clamping arm 38 is carried by a pivotable bar 40 which, preferably, is located beneath the floor 18 of the container 12, the clamping arm(s) 38 extending through a respective aperture 42 formed in the floor 18. The clamping means is operable by a lever 44 which acts on the pivotable bar 40. Conveniently, the lever 44 is located externally of the container 12 (see Figure 3).

In use, the lower anchor bar 24 is fitted against the guide blocks 32 such that its respective ends are located in a respective recess 36. The lever 44 may then be operated to actuate the, or each, clamping arm 38 into the clamping state. The respective ends of the upper anchor bar 22 are fitted into respective brackets 30.

The preferred arrangement of the respective recess 26, bracket 30 and guide surface 34 is such that, when the respective end of the lower anchor bar 24 is seated in the respective recess 36 and the respective end of the upper anchor bar 22 is seated in the respective bracket 30, the respective side of the sheet 20 is in contact with the guide surface 34 and/or the rib 33 along substantially the whole length of the sheet 20 between the upper and lower anchor bars 22, 24. This is facilitated by providing the guide surface 34 with the preferred curved or convex shape. In the preferred embodiment, the recess 36 is dimensioned or recessed, with respect to one end of the guide surface 44, such that, when an end of the anchor bar 24 is seated in the recess 36 and the upper anchor bar 22 is seated in seat 30, a portion of the sheet 20 adjacent the anchor bar 24 contacts the interface between the recess 36 and guide surface 34 and/or rib 33, thereby facilitating good contact between the sheet 20 and the guide.

Similarly, each seat or bracket 30 is positioned or recessed, with respect to the other end of the guide surface 44, such that, when an end of the anchor bar 24 is seated in the recess 36 and the upper anchor bar 22 is seated in seat 30, a portion of the sheet 20 adjacent the anchor bar 22 contacts the guide surface 34 and/or rib 33 at or adjacent said other end, thereby facilitating good contact between the sheet 20 and the guide. It will be apparent that the rib 33 may be separately formed from the guide surface, or integrally formed with the guide surface 34, and may be considered to form part of the guide surface.

In the preferred embodiment, when the respective end of the lower anchor bar 24 is seated in the respective recess 36 and the respective end of the upper anchor bar 22 is seated in the respective bracket 30, the respective wire rope 26 on either side of the sheet 20 is located in the respective recess or seat 46 (see Figure 9). As indicated above, each wire rope 26 is preferably provided with a respective tensioning device 28, e.g. a conventional screw tensioner, for adjusting the tension in the wire rope 26 in order to ensure that the wire rope 26 is held in the recess 46 in a substantially taut manner, i.e. that respective side of the sheet 20 maintains an effective grip on or around the respective rib 33. Hence, a satisfactory seal is provided between the sides of the sheet 20 and the respective guide block 32.

For some applications, it is found that the contact between the anchor bars 22, 24 and the roof and floor 18, respectively, of the container 12 provides a sufficient seal. In alternative embodiments, however, one or both of the anchor bars 22, 24 may be provided with a deformable sealing strip for engagement with the roof/floor. Figure 6 shows, by way of example, a deformable sealing bead 50 provided on the lower anchor bar 24 and arranged to provide a seal between the anchor bar 24 and the floor 18.

The apparatus 10 offers few or no surfaces or crevices which tend to gather dirt, dust or moisture and which cannot readily be cleaned and dried. Moreover, the required sealing is provided without the need for sealing brushes (which are notoriously difficult to keep clean and dry). Further, the sheet 20 is easily fitted (as described above) and easily removed. This further facilitates the cleaning a drying of not only the apparatus 10 itself, but also of the internal surfaces of the container 12. In addition, by providing guide blocks, clamping means and brackets at various locations within the container 12, the location of the sheet 20 can readily be varied. Also because the sheet 20 is lightweight and, when removed, may be rolled up, the sheet 20 is easy to store when not required.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein which may be modified or varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An apparatus for partitioning a container, the apparatus

comprising a partitioning sheet) and means for removably securing the sheet to the container in a deployed state wherein the sheet extends substantially between first and second opposing internal surfaces of the container, and wherein the sheet is at least partially comprised of deformable material.

2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein substantially the entire sheet is comprised of deformable material.

3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the sheet is deployed, the apparatus substantially fills a cross-sectional segment of the container between the first and second internal surfaces.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further including respective guide means adjacent, in use, a respective one of said first and second internal surfaces, each guide means comprising means for engaging with a respective first and second side of said sheet when in the deployed state.

5. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, wherein each guide means comprises a respective guide surface, the respective first and second sides engaging with the respect ve guide surface when the sheet is deployed.

6. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the guide surface is shaped and arranged to form a seal with the respective first and second sides when engaged therewith.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 6, wherein each guide means comprises a rib shaped to provide a seat for said respective first and second sheet side.

8. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said rib runs substantially parallel with said first and second sheet side when deployed.

9. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 or 8, wherein said rib runs substantially along the entire length of the guide means.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein said rib is adjacent said respective guide surface, said seat being defined between said rib and said guide surface.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein said rib forms part of said guide surface.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 6 to 11, wherein said rib is spaced-apart, in use, from the respective internal surface of the container.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 12, wherein each guide means comprises a respective guide block fixed to, or removably mounted on, in use, a respective one of said first and second internal surfaces, wherein each guide block defines a respective one of said guide surfaces.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 13, wherein said guide surfaces are, in use, substantially perpendicularly disposed with respect to said first and second internal surfaces.

15. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 14, wherein said guide surfaces are convex.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a respective wire, rope, cord or other flexible line is provided at or adjacent each of the first and second sides of the sheet.

18. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the apparatus includes means for adjusting the tension in said flexible lines.

19. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sheet has third and fourth sides running between said first and second sides, the third and/or fourth sides of the sheet being provided with at least one respective rigid member a respective portion of which projects from said sheet in a direction generally parallel or co-linear with said respective third or fourth side.

20. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the third and/or fourth sides of the sheet is provided with one respective rigid member extending substantially along the length of the respective third and fourth sides and projecting beyond the sheet at either end.

21. An apparatus as claimed in Claims 19 or 20, wherein each guide means includes at least one seat for receiving a respective one of said projecting portions.

22. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 21, wherein at least one of said seats is located at a first end of the guide surface and is, in use, located adjacent the floor of the container.

23. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 or 22, wherein means for supporting a respective one of said projecting portions is located at or adjacent a second end of each guide surface, the second end being oppositely disposed to said first end.

24. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 21 to 23, wherein said seats and/or supporting means are arranged with respect to the guide surface such that, when a respective projecting portion is received therein and the sheet is held in a deployed state, a respective portion of the sheet engages with the respective first and/or second ends of the guide surface.

25. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said sheet has third and fourth sides running between said first and second sides, the apparatus further including means for releasably securing one or other of said third and fourth sides to the container substantially at the floor of the container.

26. An apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein said securing means comprises one or more clamping members that are operable between a clamping state, in which they secure said third side to the container, and an unclamping state in which they are substantially located beneath the floor of the container.

27. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 25 or 26, wherein said securing means is arranged to secure said projecting portions in the seats that are, in use, located adjacent the floor of the container.

28. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.