GB2453338A - A vehicle transporter unit - Google Patents

A vehicle transporter unit Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2453338A
GB2453338A GB0719217A GB0719217A GB2453338A GB 2453338 A GB2453338 A GB 2453338A GB 0719217 A GB0719217 A GB 0719217A GB 0719217 A GB0719217 A GB 0719217A GB 2453338 A GB2453338 A GB 2453338A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
vehicle
platform
chassis
unit according
transporter unit
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0719217A
Other versions
GB0719217D0 (en
Inventor
Keith Michael Jones
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
PORTARAMP Ltd
Original Assignee
PORTARAMP Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by PORTARAMP Ltd filed Critical PORTARAMP Ltd
Priority to GB0719217A priority Critical patent/GB2453338A/en
Publication of GB0719217D0 publication Critical patent/GB0719217D0/en
Publication of GB2453338A publication Critical patent/GB2453338A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
    • B60P3/12—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for salvaging damaged vehicles
    • B60P3/122—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for salvaging damaged vehicles by supporting the whole vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G11/00—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs
    • B60G11/26—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs
    • B60G11/27—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs wherein the fluid is a gas
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/015—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
    • B60G17/017—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by their use when the vehicle is stationary, e.g. during loading, engine start-up or switch-off
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G9/00—Resilient suspensions of a rigid axle or axle housing for two or more wheels
    • B60G9/003—Resilient suspensions of a rigid axle or axle housing for two or more wheels the axle being rigidly connected to a trailing guiding device
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
    • B60P1/43—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using a loading ramp mounted on the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
    • B60P1/43—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using a loading ramp mounted on the vehicle
    • B60P1/433—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using a loading ramp mounted on the vehicle the loading floor or a part thereof being movable to form the ramp
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
    • B60P3/06—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying vehicles
    • B60P3/07—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying vehicles for carrying road vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
    • B60G2200/30—Rigid axle suspensions
    • B60G2200/31—Rigid axle suspensions with two trailing arms rigidly connected to the axle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
    • B60G2202/10—Type of spring
    • B60G2202/15—Fluid spring
    • B60G2202/152—Pneumatic spring
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
    • B60G2204/10—Mounting of suspension elements
    • B60G2204/12—Mounting of springs or dampers
    • B60G2204/126—Mounting of pneumatic springs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
    • B60G2300/02—Trucks; Load vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
    • B60G2300/38—Low or lowerable bed vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2400/00—Indexing codes relating to detected, measured or calculated conditions or factors
    • B60G2400/60—Load
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2500/00—Indexing codes relating to the regulated action or device
    • B60G2500/30—Height or ground clearance
    • B60G2500/32—Height or ground clearance of only one vehicle part or side
    • B60G2500/324—Height or ground clearance of only one vehicle part or side only rear part
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2800/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of movement or to the condition of the vehicle and to the end result to be achieved by the control action
    • B60G2800/20—Stationary vehicle
    • B60G2800/203—Stationary vehicle lowering the floor for loading/unloading

Abstract

A vehicle transporter unit 1 comprises, a platform, attached, in use, to the chassis 2 of said unit to form a flatbed onto which a vehicle can be driven; a mechanism comprising one or more gas-filled bags 40,41; and one or more ramps 26,27, in use, to the platform; wherein when said unit is attached to said vehicle chassis, and said one or more gas-filled bags are attached to operate directly or indirectly between the said vehicle chassis and said vehicle chassis's rear axle; a controller for controlling in a first mode of use the inflation of said gas-filled bags to induce an upward deflection of said chassis and hence of said attached platform; and for controlling in a second mode of use the deflation of said gas-filled bags to induce a downward deflection of said chassis and hence of said attached platform; said one or more ramps being attached to the back of said platform to engage the ground surface on which the truck stands and allow a vehicle to be driven up the ramp(s) and onto the platform.

Description

A VEHICLE TRANSPORTER UNIT
Field of the Invention * * * *.. ** 15
The invention relates to a vehicle transporter unit and in particular to vehicle transporter units which are attached, in use, to a chassis of a truck. S...
S
S.....
* In the context of this application the term bump stop' is normally understood as : 20 describing a block, typically rubber, to delimit a vehicle's platform's downward deflection * .5S *.. when its suspension is fully loaded.
In the context of this appLication the term truck' is used for convenience but is of course intended to refer generally to any appropriate vehicle to which the unit could be fitted.
Review of Prior Art known to the Applicant
The closest art known to the applicant are various solutions for transporting a vehicle, mounted on a platform, which is attached to a truck chassis.
One of the most popular vehicle transporter unit solutions is a platform, which is attached to an elevating bed. The elevating bed is raised at the cabin end of the truck to form an incLine down to the opposite end of the truck. The elevating platform is attached to the truck's chassis by a pivoting means located near the truck's rear axLe. Once the platform is in the inclined position, it is then allowed to descend the elevated bed, at a controlled rate of descent, until the platform engages the ground's surface. When the pLatform has engaged the ground fully, the vehicte payload is mounted upon and secured to the platform. The loaded platform is then hauled up the elevated bed until it is fully engaged onto the elevated bed. Once the loaded platform is in position, the elevated bed is lowered down to a horizontal position on the truck chassis, which is the intended position for transporting the vehicle payload. This solution requires a large footprint area in which to load a vehicle payload. This solution requires an area which is approximately twice the length of the truck chassis. This solution also requires an area which is approximately twice the height of the truck's cabin. Therefore, this solution is not practical for loading a vehicle within a confined area, with minimal space. This solution results in a Large overall weight increase, due to the entire framework required for accommodating the sliding bed solution. The increase of overall weight for the vehicle transporter unit, will put the truck :*. chassis in the category of requiring the installation of a tachograph.
An alternative vehicle transporter unit solution is a platform, which is attached to a truck chassis. The truck chassis incorporates a means of articulation, which deviates in an upper, vertical direction, when in operation. When loading a vehicle payload, both the cabin and platform portions of the truck are symmetrically inclined about the point of articulation.
: 20 The platform portion's end, which is opposite the truck cabin portion, engages the ground's surface whilst the platform portion is in an inclined position. Ramps are extracted from the trailer portion, which engage the ground's surface to assist in the loading of the vehicle payload. This solution requires an area, which is higher than the height of the truck, when in an articulated position. This solution results in a large overall weight increase, due to the fitting of the means of articulation to the chassis and the metal work required for constructing the platform. The increase of overall weight for the vehicle transporter unit, will put the truck chassis in the category of requiring the installation of a tachograph.
Another method of a vehicle transporter unit solution is a platform, which is attached to a truck chassis. The platform is elevated at the cabin end of the truck to form an incline down to the opposite end of the truck. The elevating platform is attached to the truck's chassis by a pivoting means located near the truck's rear axle. The platform incorporates a large portion which extends horizontally over the truck's rear axle. Once the platform is in the inclined position, the platform's large overhanging portion engages the ground's surface. Once the ramp is fulLy engaged on the ground's surface, the vehicle payload is then mounted upon the platform. The elevated bed is lowered down to horizontal position on the truck chassis, which is the intended position for transporting the vehicle payload.
This solution requires an area, which is significantly higher than the height of the truck, when the platform is in its elevated position. This solution results in a large overall weight increase, due to the fitting of the means of elevation to the chassis and the metal work required for constructing the platform. The increase of overall weight for the vehicle transporter unit will put the truck chassis in the category of requiring the installation of a tachograph.
All the previously mentioned vehicle transporter unit solutions incorporate solid aluminium planking and solid aluminium sheets, which extend along the platform's horizontal plane.
One method of trying to reduce the platform's weight is to utilise a skeletal frame :. structure, which incorporates aluminium planking or sheets in portions of the platform that :..::: 15 supports the vehicle payload's weight. This solution raises health and safety issues in regards to possible injuries, which maybe caused if an operator falls through the open frame members within the platform.
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Summary of the Invention S...
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*SS* 20 S...
In its broadest independent aspect, the invention provides a vehicle transporter unit comprising, a platform, attached, in use, to the chassis of said unit to form a flatbed onto which a vehicle can be driven; a mechanism comprising one or more gas-filled bags; and one or more ramps leading onto, in use, to the platform; wherein when said unit is attached to said vehicle chassis, and said one or more gas-filled bags are attached to operate directly or indirectly between the said vehicle chassis and said vehicle chassis's rear axle; a controller for controlling in a first mode of use the inflation of said gas-filled bags to induce an upward deflection of said chassis and hence of said attached pLatform; and for controLling in a second mode of use the deflation of said gas-filled bags to induce a downward deflection of said chassis and hence of said attached platform; said one or more ramps engaging the ground surface on which the truck stands and allowing a vehicle to be driven up the ramp(s) and onto the platform.
This configuration is particularly advantageous because the platform attached to the vehicle chassis is induced into an incline, without elevating one end of the platform.
Therefore, enabling this configuration of vehicle transporter unit to function in an area where there are height confinements. Another advantage of this configuration is that it reduces the footprint area in which to load a vehicle payload. The platform's height is reduced at the end on which the vehicle payload is to mount the platform. By reducing the platform's height the length of the required access ramps to the platform, are reduced.
Therefore, reducing the combined length of the vehicle transporter unit plus extended ramps and enabling it to function in an area where there are Length confinements.
In a subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, said controller incorporate sensors which sense when said platform receives a vehicle payload and cause said bags to be further inflated to counter the vehicle load. S. * S
:** : :15 This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables the platform to maintain a predetermined clearance height. above the vehicle transporter unit's rear wheels.
** Therefore, the correct functionality of the vehicle transporter unit's rear suspension is maintained, whilst transporting a vehicle load. This configuration also enables the platform to be elevated to an increased clearance height, above the vehicle transporter *.** : 20 unit's rear wheels. Therefore, the correct functionality of the vehicle transporter unit's rear **.
suspension is maintained, whilst transporting a vehicle load over a more rugged / uneven ground.
In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, the pressure of said one or more gas-filled bags are dynamically adjusted to increase the stability in said unit, while transporting said vehicle payLoad.
This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables the platform to remain at predetermined ride height, whilst transporting a vehicle payload. This configuration prevents any instabilities from occurring, due to deviations in the platform's ride height.
Deviations in the platform's ride height may occur due to the type of road surface being used or by carrying out a driving manoeuvre, such as cornering or heavy I emergency braking.
In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, said one or more gas-filled bags are dynamicalLy connected to one or more secondary gas-filled bags to form an array of bags; wherein the controller employs said secondary gas- filled bags dependent upon the load carried by said platform.
This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables the vehicle transporter unit to increase or decrease the lifting force required to elevate the platform and vehicle load. Therefore, preventing the overloading of connected gas-filled bags.
In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, said mechanism is activated by a remote control device.
This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables the platform, to be :. remotely activated, from a location which is either internal or external to the vehicle's :..::: 15 driver cabin.
In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, said platform is kinked over the back axle region of said truck and overhangs it to form an integrated ramp which enables vehicles to mount and dismount said platform.
S S...
This configuration is particularly advantageous because it reduces the platform height from the ground. The kink incorporated within the platform, enables the platform to function as an access ramp for the vehicle payload. Therefore, only small access ramps are required to bridge the distance between the kinked platform's Lowest, overhanging portion and the ground's surface.
In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, said platform is constructed from a composite honeycomb panel material.
This configuration is particularly advantageous because it reduces the weight of all constituent panel members within the platform. The composite honeycomb material enables the platform to bear a heavier vehicle payload, without exceeding the combined weight limit of the vehicle transporter unit, plus the vehicle payload. Therefore, avoiding the mandatory requirements, for having a tachograph fitted to the vehicle tranporter unit.
In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, stilts are used to increase said platform's height whilst mounted onto said vehicle chassis.
This configuration is particularly advantageous because the increase in platform height enables the integrated ramp to incorporate one or more steeper gradients; therefore, reducing the Length of said platform's incorporated ramp and attached ramps.
In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, said one or more ramps can park in an upright position when not in use.
This configuration is particuLarly advantageous because the ramps are permanently :. attached to the platform and prevents them from being lost or stolen. Another advantage :..::: 15 of this configuration is that it prevents the vehicle payload from slipping of the back of the platform, if the vehicle payload becomes unsecured. Another advantage of this configuration is that driving indicator arrays may be installed in the under side of the : ramps. Therefore, when they are in the parked upright position, the indicator arrays will face and display themselves to the traffic behind the vehicle transporter unit. S...
*... 20 I...
In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, a recess is incorporated centrally within said platform's integrated ramp to prevent a vehicle payload from making contact with said integrated ramp whilst mounting or dismounting said platform.
This configuration is particularly advantageous because it prevents the vehicle payload from impacting on the platform's integrated ramp whilst mounting or dismounting the platform. The areas which are prone to damage are typically the vehicLe payload's lower engine components and I or the vehicLe payload's lower exterior trim members.
In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, one or more bump stops are attached to said platform's integrated ramp which engage the ground when loading a vehicle payload whilst said platform is positioned at a maximum downward deflection.
This configuration is particularly advantageous because as the vehicle payload ascends the platform's integrated ramp, the downward load pressure applied to the integrated ramp is supported and dispersed onto the ground's surface. Therefore, maintaining the structuraL integrity of the platform's integrated ramp.
In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, incorporates one or more recesses for securing the front or rear wheels of a vehicle being carried.
This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables a second vehicle payload to be partially mounted upon the platform, whilst the vehicle transporting unit is transporting an existing vehicle payload.
::::. 15 In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent * aspect, said one or more ramps are constructed from a composite honeycomb panel *.* materiaL * * This configuration is particularly advantageous because it reduces the weight of aLl *..: 20 constituent panel members within each ramp. Therefore, contributing to the overall I...
weight reduction of the combined platform and attached ramps.
In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, the mechanism pulls said vehicle chassis down in a shallow arc pivoting about its front axle.
This configuration is particularly advantageous because it induces an incline within the truck's chassis without incorporating any dedicated pivoting means. Therefore, ensuring the truck chassis's weight is kept to a minimum.
A Brief Description of the Figures
Figure 1 shows a side view of a vehicle transporter unit's rear suspension, which incorporates two airbags.
Figure 2 shows a side elevation of a vehicle transporter unit incorporating air bags.
Figure 3 shows a side elevation of a vehicLe transporter unit incorporating an array of air bags.
Figure 4 shows a side elevation of a vehicle transporter unit with a trailer.
Detailed Description of the Drawings * *
:..::: 15 Figure 1 shows a vehicle transporter unit 1, which is attached in use to a truck chassis 2.
The vehicle transporter unit 1 incorporates an integrated ramp 3, which is formed with two *. horizontal kinks 4 and 5. The vehicle transporter unit 1 incorporates sections of composite *....: honeycomb panels 6 to 14. Each composite honeycomb panel 6 to 14 is fixed into position via extrusions 15 to 17 and 22 to 24. The vehicle transporter unit 1 incorporates S...
: 20 a rectangular recess 25, which is centrally located within the integrated ramp 3. At the S...
Lower, end most portions of the integrated ramp 3 are attached two hinged ramps 26 and 27 via two hinged extrusions 18 to 21. Below the hinged extrusions 18 to 21 are two bump-stop members 27 and 28, which incorporate two rubber portions 29 and 30 that engage the ground's surface. The two hinged ramps 26 and 27 each incorporate a lowered lip 31 and 32 which engage the ground's surface and enable a smooth run-on for the vehicle payload onto the ramps 26 and 27. Each ramp 26 and 27 illustrates a reducing width 33 and 34 as it approaches the outer peripheral edge to enhance the contacting of the ramp to the ground via a chamfered or bevelled edge.
The material of the composite honeycomb panels 6 to 14 is known in itself. Each panel comprises a tower aluminium sheet, an upper aluminium sheet and an aluminium honeycomb membrane which is sandwiched between them. Both the upper and lower aluminium sheets are bonded to the honeycomb membrane. The upper aluminium sheet has a "non-slip" tread pattern incorporated upon its outer surface. The honeycomb membrane ensures the composite panel is rigid horizontally, vertically and laterally.
A so-called pulidown mechanism comprises one or more gas-filled bags which act between the vehicle chassis and the vehicle chassis's rear axle. When activated, and with the vehicle stationary, it lowers the chassis-and hence the ptatform-down in a shallow arc; pivoting about the vehicle's front axle until either the chassis hits its rear suspension bump stops or when the gas-filled bags have been totally deflated.
An alternative embodiment of the invention may incorporate a protective frame installed on the vehicle transporter unit to protect the truck's cabin from being damaged by the vehicle payload. The protective frame may also be used as a supporting frame for mounting one or more driving indicator and/or driving hazard arrays. * S
: ..: :15 An alternative embodiment of the invention may incorporate a protective covering which is installed upon the vehicle transporter unit to protect the vehicle payload. S... * .
: Figure 2 shows a vehicle transporter unit's rear suspension which incorporates two airbags and 41. Airbag 41 expands vertically when inflated and contracts vertically when S...
: 20 deflated as shown by arrow 42. Airbag 40 is substantially longer than airbag 41, which *..
results in an increase in vertical expansion when inflated and an increase in vertical contraction when deflated as shown by arrow 43. Airbag 40 is attached to the vehicle chassis 44 and a swinging suspension arm 45, which is connected to the vehicle chassis 44 via a hinged attachment point 46. Airbag 41 is attached to an existing suspension spring mounting bracket 47 (suspension spring removed) and the swinging suspension arm 45. A dedicated air compressor 48 is mounted onto a bracket 49, which is attached to the vehicle chassis 44. The rear axle 50 is attached to a portion of the swinging suspension arm 45, which is located substantially towards the one end away from the vehicle chassis 44. A wheel 51 is shown attached to the rear axle 50.
Upon activation, either from a switch which is located internally and/or externalLy to the vehicle's cabin or a remote control source away from the vehicle, the vehicle chassis 44 is either lowered or elevated to accommodate a vehicle payload. Elevation of the vehicle chassis 44 is achieved by the activation of the dedicated air compressor 48, which inflates airbags 40 and 41 to etevate the vehicle chassis 44 to a predetermined ride height.
Lowering of the vehicle chassis 44 is achieved by activating release valves (not shown).
which deflates air bags 40 and 41.
The vehicle transporter unit is adjustable to one or more predetermined positions. The predetermined positions wouLd typically consist of: * A lowered position, which accommodates the loading of a vehicle payload; * An elevated ride position, which accommodates the vehicle payload during transportation over conventional roads; * An extended elevated position, which accommodates the vehicle payload transportation over a rugged or non-conventional road surface to ensure adequate clearance between the vehicle transporter's chassis and the transporter's rear wheel(s). * . * S..
*". i The vehicle transporter unit maintains the predetermined ride level with or without a S...
vehicle payload. Therefore, when vehicle transporter unit is loaded with a vehicle payload, the airbags incorporated within the rear suspension are further inflated to counter any downward compression from the vehicle load. This prevents the rear suspension from being fully compressed and maintains the stability of the vehicle transporter unit during transportation. *... * . S...
The vehicle transporter unit incorporates a switch (not shown) for activating the elevating and lowering of the vehicle transporter unit. The switch will also activate any audio -visual warning indicators during the elevating and lowering of the vehicle transporter unit.
This switch may be located internally and/or externally to the vehicle transporter unit's driver cabin. The switch may be embodied in the form of a remote control device which can be operated remotely from the vehicLe transporter unit.
Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, which is identical to figure 2 apart from incorporating additional gas-filled bags 52 and 53. The additional gas-filled bags 52 and 53 are connected between the vehicle chassis 44 and the swinging suspension arm 45. A sensor (not shown) is connected to a controller (not shown) which senses the weight of the vehicle payload. The controller wilL then dynamically configure an array of gas-filLed bags required for supporting the vehicle payload, which incorporates more elevating power, without overloading any connected gas-filled bags. The controller will then dynamically activate the inflation of the configured array of gas-filled bags for supporting the vehicLe payload. Therefore, predetermined ride heights for the pLatform can be achieved for heavier vehicle payloads. When sensor detects the vehicle payload has been removed, the controller will dynamically configure the array of gas-filled bags by deflating the bags which are no longer required. Therefore, maintaining the platform's predetermined ride heights, without a vehicle payload.
Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, a vehicle transporter unit 54 which incorporates a detachable coupling 55 for attaching a trailer 56. The trailer 56 is intended to be used for Loading additional vehicles or vehicLe attachments. For example, the vehicle transporter unit is shown to be loaded with a tractor vehicle 57 and the trailer 56 is shown to be loaded with a lift and pull grass cutter unit 58. * S * ***
*... 15 S * S... S... * .
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S..... S * *SSS
S * S S...

Claims (1)

1. A vehicLe transporter unit comprising, a ptatform, attached, in use, to the chassis of said unit to form a flatbed onto which a vehicle can be driven; a mechanism comprising one or more gas-filled bags; and one or more ramps leading onto, in use, to the platform; wherein when said unit is attached to said vehicle chassis, and said one or more gas-filled bags are attached to operate directly or indirectly between the said vehicle chassis and said vehicle chassis's rear axle; a controller for controlling in a first mode of use the inflation of said gas-filled bags to induce an upward deflection of said chassis and hence of said attached platform; and for controlling in a second mode of use the deflation of said gas-filled bags to induce a downward deflection of said chassis and hence of said attached platform; said one or more ramps engaging the ground surface on which the truck stands and allowing a vehicle to be driven up the ramp(s) and onto the platform.
2. A unit according to claim 1, wherein said controller incorporate sensors which sense when said platform receives a vehicle payload and cause said bags to be further inflated to counter the vehicle load. *.*.
S
*...S.
* 3. A vehicle transporter unit according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the ** *..: 20 pressure of said one or more gas-filled bags are dynamically adjusted to increase the **S* S....' stability in said unit, while transporting said vehicle payload.
4. A vehicle transporter unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more gas-filled bags are dynamically connected to one or more secondary gas-filled bags to form an array of bags; wherein the controller employs sai0jçondary gas-filled bags dependent upon the load carrier by said platform.
5. A vehicle transporter unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said mechanism is activated by a remote control device.
6. A vehicle transporter unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said platform is kinked over the back axle region of said truck and overhangs it to form an integrated ramp which enables vehicles to mount and dismount said platform.
7. A vehicle transporter unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said platform is constructed from a composite honeycomb panel material.
8. A vehicle transporter unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein stilts are used to increase said platform's height whilst mounted onto said vehicle chassis.
9. A vehicLe transporter unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more ramps can park in an upright position when not in use.
10. A vehicle transporter unit according to claims 7 to 9, wherein a recess is incorporated centrally within said platform's integrated ramp to prevent a vehicle payload from making contact with said integrated ramp whilst mounting or dismounting said platform.
:.:::. 15 11. A vehicle transporter unit according to claims 7 to 10, wherein one or more bump stops are attached to said platform's integrated ramp which engage the ground when *::::* Loading a vehicle payload whilst said platform is positioned at a maximum downward deflection. S...
: 20 12. A vehicle transporter unit according to any of the preceding claims which, incorporates one or more recesses for securing the front or rear wheeLs of a vehicle being carried.
14. A vehicle transporter unit according to claims 7 to 12, wherein said one or more ramps are constructed from a composite honeycomb panel material.
15. A vehicle transporter unit according to any of the preceding claims in which, the mechanism pulls said vehicle chassis down in a shallow arc pivoting about its front axle.
16. A vehicle transporter unit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in any appropriate combination of accompanying text and/or figures.
17. A carrying truck fitted with a vehicle transporter unit according to any preceding claim.
GB0719217A 2007-10-02 2007-10-02 A vehicle transporter unit Withdrawn GB2453338A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0719217A GB2453338A (en) 2007-10-02 2007-10-02 A vehicle transporter unit

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GB0719217D0 GB0719217D0 (en) 2007-11-14
GB2453338A true GB2453338A (en) 2009-04-08

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102015006532A1 (en) * 2015-05-27 2016-12-01 Eder Gmbh tandem axle
US10377614B2 (en) * 2015-12-16 2019-08-13 Steven Borntrager Container transport system and method
WO2022077063A1 (en) * 2020-10-14 2022-04-21 Conplant Pty Ltd Self levelling trailer and loading ramps

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1993011953A1 (en) * 1991-12-09 1993-06-24 Corbett Weldon Nowell Squatdown suspension system
US5887880A (en) * 1996-05-22 1999-03-30 Anadarko Bank & Trust Company Squatdown axle and suspension system
WO2003013885A1 (en) * 2001-08-09 2003-02-20 Marc Hebert Adjustable suspension system
US6530580B1 (en) * 1999-05-12 2003-03-11 John Edward Simpson Suspension assembly related application

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1993011953A1 (en) * 1991-12-09 1993-06-24 Corbett Weldon Nowell Squatdown suspension system
US5887880A (en) * 1996-05-22 1999-03-30 Anadarko Bank & Trust Company Squatdown axle and suspension system
US6530580B1 (en) * 1999-05-12 2003-03-11 John Edward Simpson Suspension assembly related application
WO2003013885A1 (en) * 2001-08-09 2003-02-20 Marc Hebert Adjustable suspension system

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102015006532A1 (en) * 2015-05-27 2016-12-01 Eder Gmbh tandem axle
US10377614B2 (en) * 2015-12-16 2019-08-13 Steven Borntrager Container transport system and method
WO2022077063A1 (en) * 2020-10-14 2022-04-21 Conplant Pty Ltd Self levelling trailer and loading ramps

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