GB2410473A

GB2410473A - A cover sheet for a load compartment

Info

Publication number: GB2410473A
Application number: GB0401940A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Weatherhead; Richard George Titchener; Vito Ronzano; Christopher Bartlett
Original assignee: WILCOX COMMERCIAL VEHICLES Ltd; Tanker Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: WILCOX COMMERCIAL VEHICLES Ltd; Tanker Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2004-01-30
Filing date: 2004-01-30
Publication date: 2005-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2024-01-30
Also published as: GB0401940D0; GB2410473B

Abstract

A cover sheet apparatus for a vehicle body or a fixed storage facility having opposite side walls and end walls. The apparatus comprises a cover sheet 12 connected to one side of the vehicle body 16, a support member 22 connected to the sheet approximately parallel to the side, the support member being connected to the sheet in such a way that rotation of the support member causes the sheet to roll and unroll from the support member, means for moving the support member across the vehicle body thereby causing the support member to rotate to cover and uncover the vehicle body, and means for driving the moving means. The drive means comprises at least one extendable member for driving the moving means. The drive means may comprise a cylinder 28 to move a rack 36 and pinion 32 arrangement.

Description

241 0473.

A COVER SHEET APPARATUS FOR A LOAD SPACE

The present invention relates to a cover sheet apparatus for wholly or partially covering a load space, in particular the load space formed by vehicle bodies such as tipper bodies or any fixed storage facility.

Conventional cover sheet apparatus comprise a roller mounted cover sheet which is unrolled from a tubular support member to cover the load space of a vehicle body.

These systems include a pair of arms which move the support member along the bulkheads of the load space, the ends of the support member being connected to the arms. The arms are driven by a chain drive and a shaft which extends across the load space.

These systems have the disadvantage that they protrude into the load space, thereby reducing the effectively available load space. In addition, these systems are of a complicated construction.

The present invention aims to obviate or at least mitigate the above described problems and/or to provide improvements generally.

In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cover sheet apparatus according to any of the preceding claims.

In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cover sheet apparatus for a load space, the load space being defined by opposing side walls and opposing end walls, the apparatus comprising: a cover sheet connected to one side wall; a support member connected to the sheet approximately parallel to the side wall, the support member aest to estI; being connected to the sheet in such a way that rotation of the support member causes the sheet to roll and unroll from the support member; means for moving the support member across at least part of the load space; means for rotating the support member during movement of the support member across the load space to cover and uncover the load space, and; means for driving the moving means, wherein; the drive means comprises an extendable member for driving the moving means.

In this way, the cover sheet is operated by means of an extendable member such as a linear extendable member. The extendable member may comprise a pneumatic, hydraulic or electric cylinder or any other appropriate extendable member.

These extendable members greatly simplify the overall construction of the sheet cover apparatus and they greatly improve the overall operating efficiency and reliability of these apparatus. Also, the manufacturing cost of the apparatus is significantly reduced in comparison to conventional sheet cover apparatus.

The load space may be formed by the load space of a vehicle or a vehicle body. Examples of such load spaces are the tipper bodies of tipper trucks and fixed storage facilities. The extendable member may be powered by a separate power source or alternatively, if the load space is formed by a vehicle body, the extendable members may be powered by the vehicle.

In another embodiment of the invention, the rotation means may comprise at least one member for guiding the movement of the support member, the guide member contacting the support member thereby causing the support member to rotate e aid: ë:.. :e ee; upon movement of the support member over the guide member.

As the support member is moved over the guide member, the contact surface between the support member and the guide member provides a friction force on the support member during movement which causes the support member to rotate.

Initially, when the load space is covered and the cover sheet material is fully unrolled from the support member, as the support member is moved over the guide member, the support member slides across the guide member over a limited distance of typically 50 to 200 mm. After this stage, the support member rotates whereby the cover sheet is gathered up as it is rolled onto the support member.

Once the cover sheet covers the circumference of the support member, the friction with the guide member is increased which facilitates rolling of the cover sheet onto the support member.

Similarly, as the support member is moved across the load space in the opposite direction, the friction between the cover sheet material and the guide member causes the support member to rotate in the opposite direction. This unrolls the cover sheet from the support member to cover the load space. For the last part of the movement, when the cover sheet is unrolled from the support member, the support member may slide across the guide member whereby the support member does not rotate.

To minimise sliding of the support member and to facilitate the rotation of the support member, the guide member may comprise a coarse contact surface which engages with the support member.

In another embodiment, the support member may comprise a contact member for engaging with the guide member.

. cee.: . :. :e all; The support member is preferably in the form of a tubular member or tube, the cover sheet being rolled or unrolled from the tube.

In a preferred embodiment, a pair of guide members is provided, each guide member being provided in relation to an end wall. The guide members are preferably formed by the end walls of the load space and in particular by the bulkheads of a vehicle body.

In another embodiment, the guide member may extend across the load space. The guide member may support the support member to prevent the support member from bending under load. This is particularly relevant if the apparatus of the invention is applied to cover to large load spaces to prevent the cover from sagging.

In another embodiment of the invention, the moving means comprises a pair of first arms, each arm being pivotally mounted on an end wall, each arm being moveable between a first position in which the arm extends approximately to one side wall and a second position in which the arm extends approximately to the other side wall. The support member may be rotatably connected to the first pair of arms. In this way, the support member is movable over the guide member by the first pair of arms, thereby rotating the support member to cause the vehicle body to be covered and uncovered.

In one embodiment, the first arms may be slideable in relation to the side walls. In another embodiment, the first arms may be pivotable in relation to the side walls.

In another embodiment of the invention, the moving means may comprise a pair of second arms, each arm being ::e . ee. ee. ::: pivotally mounted on the respective first arms, the end portions of the support member being rotatably connected to the second arms. The first and second arms are arranged in such a way that the support member is in contact with the guide members. In this way the support member is rotated as the support member is moved along the guide members.

In an embodiment of the invention, the rotation of the support member causes the sheet to roll or unroll on both sides of the support member. In this way, as the support member is rotated, the sheet is taken up by the support member or released by the support member to respectively uncover and cover the load space.

The sheet may comprise a pocket in which the support member is located. As the support member rotates, the sheet is rolled or unrolled from the support member on each side of the pocket. Preferably, the pocket is located on the central portion of the sheet and the support member is fixedly connected to the pocket. As the support member is rotated, the top portion of the sheet corresponds to a section of the sheet on one side of the support member whereas the bottom portion of the sheet corresponds to a section of the sheet on the other side of the support member which are both simultaneously rolled onto or unrolled from the support member.

Preferably, the second arm is pivotally connected to the first arm such that a support member is located approximately centrally between the side walls when the load space is fully covered. This ensures that the load space on both sides of the support member is simultaneously covered or uncovered as the support member rotates during movement across the load space.

.e c.: e.. : :s Amp; In a further embodiment of the invention, the drive means comprises a pair of extendable members, each extendable member driving an arm, the extendable members moving the arms simultaneously. The extendable members may move the arms independently whereby each extendable member individually operates an arm to rotate the arms.

This provides a greatly simplified construction of the apparatus in comparison to conventional drive systems that have been used to date in conventional cover sheet apparatus. These conventional drive systems comprise drive shafts which drive sprocket and chain arrangements to drive the arms and to move the arms across the vehicle body.

These conventional systems are unreliable and are generally costly to manufacture, install and maintain.

In a preferred embodiment, as discussed above, the extendable members are pneumatically or hydraulically or electrically powered. The drive means may comprise equalization means for equalising the pressure and/or fluid flow rate to the extendable members. This ensures that the extendable members operate simultaneously and smoothly whereby the support member remains substantially parallel to the side wall of the load space.

In a preferred embodiment, the pressure equalization means comprises a pressure equalising valve.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the linearly extendable member actuates a rack, the first arm comprising a pinion, the pinion engaging with the rack. The rack and pinion arrangement rotates or pivots the first arm as the extendable member moves the rack in a linear direction. In another embodiment of the invention, the rack is provided in a guide. The guide and/or rack may comprise bearings.

.e c'.: eese:. eerie ese; Preferably, the rack has a guide made from nylon material or any other suitable material.

In yet another embodiment, the pinion may be mounted on a shaft, the shaft may be mounted in one or more bearing blocks to allow rotation of the shaft. The bearing blocks may be of the ball race, roller or some other suitable bearing type.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second arm is connected to the end portion of the first arm. This allows the sheet to be moved over the entire width of the load space defined between the end walls to adequately cover the full load space.

In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises a member which extends between the end portions of the first arms. The cover sheet may be connected to the extension member. In this way, the sheet is effectively lifted over the load space the cover sheet is opened and closed.

This arrangement provides the important advantage that protruding loads which extend beyond the guide members of the load space can be adequately covered by the cover sheet. In this way, the operation of the sheet cover apparatus cannot be obstructed by such protruding loads.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the second arm is pivotally connected to the first arm such that a support member is located approximately centrally between the side walls of the load space when the space is covered. The support member may extend across the middle of the load space, so that the support member rotates and moves across the guide members and the load space on each side of the e ee: .. :- ë..

support member can be covered and uncovered.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the guide member is formed by the bulkhead and/or another part of a vehicle body. The drive means is preferably at least partially located inside the bulkhead. This reduces the amount of space occupied by the drive means and allows the vehicle body load space to be unobstructed by the sheet cover apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment, the extension member comprises an extruded PVC type sheet. The extrusion member preferably comprises a seal for sealing the space between the extrusion member and the side wall.

In a preferred embodiment, the sheet cover apparatus comprises a controller for controlling the operation of the drive means. The controller may be connected to the apparatus. Alternatively or in addition, the apparatus may comprise a controller which is adapted to remotely control the drive means.

In an preferred embodiment, the drive means comprises means for regulating the pressure to the expendable members to enable both expendable members to operate independently and simultaneously.

The apparatus may be powered by an air supply or a power source. The air supply or power source may be taken from a vehicle system, a land-based supply or an independent power source. In another embodiment of the invention, the rack and pinion may be substituted with a worm wheel or screw device and an appropriate pinion. The drive means may drive the worm wheel. Alternatively, the rotation means may comprise rotation drive means for rotating the support . .e.: e.e Aid. cee.; member as the moving means move the support member across at least part of the load space.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the drive means may be located in relation to one end wall only.

Alternatively, the drive means may be located on both end walls. The end walls and/or side walls may comprise further guide means which support the support member and/or the sheeted cover. In this way, sagging of the support member or the sheeted cover is prevented and/or minimized.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the operating mechanisms may be housed in a fabricated bulkhead with removable panels for access to allow inspection and/or maintenance. The operating mechanism may also be located externally to provide convenient maintenance, inspection and repair operations.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the extension member may comprise a groove, the groove engaging with a corresponding profile provided on the side wall. The groove and profile arrangement may shield the load space or vehicle body from the weather.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the sheet cover apparatus may be manually operable. This allows the sheet cover apparatus to be operated when no drive means are available or when the drive means are malfunctioning.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, there is provided a sheet cover apparatus which is configured to be located outside the load space.

The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: e amp: . :e :e..e Figure 1 presents a diagrammatic side view of a sheet cover apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 presents a diagrammatic plan view of a sheet cover apparatus according to the embodiment of Figure 1; and Figure 3 presents a diagrammatic side view of a sheet cover apparatus of the embodiment as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The sheet cover apparatus 10 comprises a cover sheet 12 mounted on one side 14 of a vehicle body 16 which forms a load space. The apparatus 10 further comprises moving means in the form of a first pair of first arms 18 which are rotatably mounted on the end walls or bulkheads 24 of the body 16 and a second pair of second arms 20 which are pivotally connected to the first pair of first arms 18 in pivot points 19.

A support member in the form of a tube 22 is rotatably connected between the second arms 20. The tube 22 extends approximately parallel to the side wall 14 of the vehicle body 16. The tube 22 is supported on the bulkhead 24. The tube 22 comprises flanges 29 which act as a guide to the cover sheet 12 to ensure that the sheet is aligned when it is rolled onto the tube 22.

The tube 22 is connected to the cover sheet 12 in such a way that rotation of the tube 22 causes the sheet 12 to roll and unroll from the tube on either side of the tube 22. The cover sheet 12 comprise a pocket in which the tube 22 is located (not shown). As the tube 22 rotates, the sheet is rolled or unrolled from the tube 22 on each side of the pocket. The pocket is located centrally on the sheet and the tube 22 is fixed to the pocket.

ë se. .. e.e An extension member 38 extends between the first pair of arms 18. The extension member 38 supports the sheet and allows the sheet 12 to be lifted over the vehicle body, clear from any loads which may be protruding outside the vehicle body 16.

The first arms 18 comprise a pinion 32 which engages with a rack 30. The first arms 18 are rotatable around a central shaft 33 which is located in a bearing 31. The rack 30 is slideably arranged in a rack guide 34 by means of a spacer 36.

The apparatus 10 further comprises a drive means 26 for driving the first arms. The drive means 26 comprises an expendable member in the form of a cylinder 28 which linearly moves the rack 30. This causes the pinion to rotate and the arms to move across the load space. In this way, the arms 18 are movable from side 14 to side 14, whereby the second arms 20 cause the tube 22 to rotate along the bulkheads 24.

The drive means 26 and part of the moving means is located inside the bulkhead 24 to prevent the drive means and/or moving means from extending outside the vehicle body 16.

This improves the health and safety aspects of the apparatus 10, simplifies the construction and also improves the overall aesthetics of the arrangement.

In use, the cover sheet 12 is closed when the extension member is located on the left hand side of the vehicle body as shown in Figure 1. In this position, the sheet 12 is unrolled from the central tube 22. Upon activation of the extendable member/cylinder 28, the rack 30 and pinion 32 arrangement causes the first arms 18 to move from one side 14 of the vehicle body 16 to the other side 14. This causes a a the secondary arm 20 to move along the bulkhead 24 whereby the central tube 22 is rotated as it contacts the bulkhead 24. This causes the sheet 12 to roll onto the central tube 22 whereby the load space is uncovered.

Upon reverse actuation of the expendable member/cylinder 28, the arms 18 move from their open position to the closed position whereby the cover sheet 12 is unrolled from the central tube 22. This causes the cover sheet 12 to cover the vehicle body. During movement, the extension member 38 supports the sheet and allows the sheet 12 to be lifted over the vehicle body, clear from any loads which may be protruding outside the vehicle body 16.

It is clear that the cover apparatus as herein before described may be used for a wide range of applications including for covering load areas and storage facilities of various shapes of a wide variety of vehicles or fixed storage facilities.

Claims

: Ala- e. .e Gil; CLAIMS

1. A cover sheet apparatus for a load space, the load space being defined by opposing side walls and opposing end walls, the apparatus comprising: a cover sheet connected to one side wall, a support member connected to the sheet approximately parallel to the side wall, the support member being connected to the sheet in such a way that rotation of the support member causes the sheet to roll and unroll from the support member, means for moving the support member across at least part of the load space, means for rotating the support member during movement of the support member across the load space to cover and uncover the load space, and means for driving the moving means, wherein the drive means comprises an expendable member for driving the moving means.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation means comprises at least one member for guiding the movement of the support member, the guide member contacting the support causing the support member to rotate upon movement of the support member over the guide member.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the end walls each comprise a guide member for guiding the support member member.

4. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moving means comprises a pair of first arms, the arms being mounted on the end walls, the arms being movable between a first position on one side wall and a second position on the opposite side wall.

-.: :- :

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the support member is connected to the first pair of arms.

6. A apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the moving means comprises a pair of second arms, each arm being pivotally connected to the respective first arms, the support member being connected to the respective second arms.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second arm is pivotally connected to the first arm such that the support member is located approximately centrally between the side walls when the load space is fully covered.

8. An apparatus according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the drive means comprises a pair of extendable members, each extendable member driving an arm, the extendable members moving the arms simultaneously.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the extendable members move the arms independently.

10. An apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the extendable members are fluid driven.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the drive means comprises means for equalizing the pressure and/or fluid flow to the extendable members.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the pressure equilisation means comprises tubing of equal length, the tubing extending from a fluid power source to the extendable members.

e see: -e:- :. c.e

13. An apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the pressure equilisation means comprises a pressure regulating valve.

14. An apparatus according to any of claims 4 to 13, wherein the drive means comprises a rack, and the moving means comprises a rotatable pinion, the extendable member moving the rack, the first arm being connected to the pinion, the pinion engaging with the rack.

15. Apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 14, wherein the second arm is connected towards the end portion of the first arm.

16. An apparatus according to claim any of claims 5 to 15, wherein rotation of the support member causes the sheet to roll and unroll from the support member on both sides of the support member.

17. An apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 16, wherein the apparatus comprises a member extending between the end portions of the first arms.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the sheet is connected to the extension member.

]9. An apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the extension member comprises means for sealing the recess formed along the side wall and the extension member.

20. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drive means is at least partially located inside the end wall.

21. An apparatus according to any of the preceding ..

e . # . . . . claims, wherein the load space comprises a vehicle load space and the end walls comprise bulkheads.

22. A cover sheet apparatus for a load space as herelnbefore described and as shown in any of the accompanying drawings.