GB2559105B

GB2559105B - Ramp support for a trailer or a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2559105B
Application number: GB1618373.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clive Browning Davis Robert
Original assignee: Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd
Current assignee: Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd
Priority date: 2016-10-31
Filing date: 2016-10-31
Publication date: 2019-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 2036-10-31
Also published as: GB201618373D0; GB2559105A

Description

Ramp support for a trailer or a vehicle

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a ramp support. The invention particularly relates to a ramp support for attachment to a ramp/ramp gate of a trailer.

BACKGROUND A ramp gate is commonly hingedly attached to a rear of a trailer to be moveable between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the ramp gate is stowed for transit and may provide a rear wall of the trailer. In the lowered position, the ramp gate facilitates loading and unloading of the trailer. A ramp support is often provided on the ramp gate to support the rear of the trailer during loading and unloading. Supporting the rear of the trailer helps to prevent the front of the trailer lifting upwards due to loads acting downwardly on the ramp gate and may reduce undesirable deflection of a trailer suspension system. To this end, the ramp support is typically rigidly attached to the ramp gate such that the ramp support extends from the ramp gate to contact the ground when the ramp gate is in the lowered position. This means that the ramp support will extend rearwardly from the trailer when the ramp gate is in the raised position. Consequently, it is not uncommon for the ramp support to be struck against objects, e.g. walls, posts, when manoeuvring the trailer, particularly when a towing vehicle is used to manoeuvre the trailer. As well as damaging the ramp support, strikes may damage the ramp gate and/or other parts of the trailer. Damage may necessitate the removal of the trailer from service to allow for repairs to be made, which may be costly. In in some instances, damage caused to a trailer by striking the ramp support may result in the trailer being unsafe to ever return to service or being beyond economical repair. It is an object of embodiments of the invention to at least mitigate one or more problems associated with known arrangements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a ramp support for a trailer or a vehicle, the ramp support comprising: a support arm; and a ground engaging portion at an end of the support arm, wherein the support arm has a first fixing for coupling the support arm to a ramp or a ramp gate, e.g. of a trailer, and a second fixing for coupling the support arm to an axillary ramp support, the support arm further having a frangible region intermediate the ground engaging portion and the second fixing, the support arm being deformable about the frangible region in response to a load applied to the ground engaging portion. The second fixing may be for coupling the support arm to an axillary ramp support according to a second embodiment of the invention, as described below. This arrangement minimises the risk that an undesirably large force and/or an undesirably large moment is applied to part of the ramp gate or a part of the trailer, as the frangible region may deform in response to a potentially damaging loads being applied to the ramp support. Thus, any damage may be localised to the ramp support. In the event that the frangible region is deformed, the above arrangement allows for quick and easy replacement of at least a portion of the ramp support.

In certain embodiments, the frangible region may a substantially linear region extending between two opposing edges of the support arm. The frangible region may comprise an aperture extending through the support arm. The aperture extending through the support arm may be an elongate slot. The frangible region may comprise a necked portion.

Optionally, the frangible region may have a yield strength of no greater than 50% of a yield strength of the remainder of the support arm. Moreover, the frangible region may have a yield strength of no greater than 30% of a yield strength of the remainder of the support arm.

In certain embodiments, the ground engaging portion may attached to the end of the support arm such that the ground engaging portion extends to a side of the support arm. The ground engaging portion may be an elongate member, preferably a rail ora bar. The first fixing may comprise an aperture extending through the support arm and may be configured to receive a fastener, e.g. a bolt. Additionally or alternatively, the second fixing may comprise an aperture extending through the support arm and may be configured to receive a fastener, e.g. a bolt. The ramp support may comprise multiple support arms.

According to the second aspect of the invention, there is provided an auxiliary ramp support for a trailer or a vehicle, the auxiliary ramp support comprising: a bracket; and a ground engaging portion at an end of the bracket, wherein the bracket has a fixing for coupling the bracket to a ramp or a ramp gate and a frangible region intermediate the ground engaging portion and the fixing, the bracket being deformable about the frangible region in response to a load applied to the ground engaging portion. The auxiliary ramp support may be coupled to the ramp or ramp gate via a support arm of a ramp support according to the first aspect of the invention, as described above.

In certain embodiments, the frangible region may be a substantially linear region extending between two opposing edges of the bracket. The frangible region may comprise an aperture extending through the bracket. The aperture extending through the bracket may be an elongate slot. The frangible region may comprise a necked portion.

Optionally, the frangible region may have a yield strength of no greater than 50% of a yield strength of the remainder of the bracket. Moreover, the frangible region may have a yield strength of no greater than 30% of a yield strength of the remainder of the bracket.

In certain embodiments, the ground engaging portion may be attached to the end of the bracket such that the ground engaging portion extends to a side of the bracket. The ground engaging portion may be an elongate member, preferably a rail or a bar. The fixing may comprise an aperture extending through the support arm and may be configured to receive a fastener, e.g. a bolt. The auxiliary ramp support may comprise multiple brackets.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a trailer comprising a ramp support as described above.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a trailer comprising an auxiliary ramp support as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a ramp gate having a ramp support according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of the ramp support shown in Figure 1; and

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an auxiliary ramp support according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 and 2 show a ramp support 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The ramp support 10 has particular application coupled to a ramp gate 12 of a trailer (not shown). However, other applications are contemplated, e.g. in which the ramp support 12 may be coupled to a ramp of the trailer. The ramp support 10 comprises a support arm 14 and a ground engaging portion 16. The ground engaging portion 16 is at an end (hereafter referred to as a “second end”) 14B of the support arm 14. The support arm 14 has a first fixing 18 configured for coupling the support arm 14 to the ramp gate 12. Of course, in other embodiments, the first fixing 18 may be configured for coupling the support arm 14 to articles other than the ramp gate 12, e.g. a ramp. The support arm 14 further has a second fixing 20 configured for coupling the support arm 14 to an axillary ramp support 110 (shown in Figure 3).

Crucially, the support arm 14 comprises a frangible region 22 intermediate, i.e. between, the ground engaging portion 16 and the second fixing 18. In use, the support arm 14 is deformable about the frangible region 22 in response to a load being applied to the ground engaging portion 16, e.g. a load applied as the result of accidently striking the ramp support 10 against an object. To this end, the frangible region 22 may be a region of reduced, i.e. lesser, cross sectional area compared to the remainder of the support arm 14. This reduction in cross sectional area gives the frangible region 22 a yield strength (or “yield point”) which is lower than that of the remainder of the support arm 14, the yield strength being the stress at which the support arm 14 begins to deform plastically. Consequently, the support arm 14 may be biased to deform about the frangible region 22 in response to a load applied to the support arm 14. In certain embodiments, the frangible region 22 may be configured such that it has a yield strength no greater than 50% of the yield strength of the remainder of the support arm 14. Of course, in certain embodiments, the frangible region 22 may be configured such that it has an alternative maximum yield strength, e.g. 60%, 40%, 30% or 25% of the yield strength of the remainder of the support arm 14.

The frangible region 22 may be formed as a substantially linear region extending between opposing edges 24, 26 of the support arm 14, i.e. the frangible region 22 may extend at least partially across a width of the support arm 14. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the frangible region 22 may comprise an aperture 28 extending through a thickness of the support arm 14. The exact shape of the aperture 28 is not crucial, although some shapes have been found to facilitate deformation better than others. In certain embodiments, the aperture 28 may be an elongate slot, as this shape has been found to facilitate deformation particularly well. Moreover, in certain embodiments, more than one aperture 28 may be provided in the support arm 14. Additionally or alternatively, the frangible region 22 may comprise one or more necked portions. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, two necked portions are formed by virtue of the aperture 28, i.e. necked portions are formed at opposing sides of the aperture 28 between the aperture 28 and the respective edges 24, 26 of the support arm 14. In certain embodiments, a single necked portion may be formed in the support arm 14, e.g. by two notches formed in the opposing edges 24, 26 of the support arm 14, each of the two notches being formed in a respective one of the opposing edges 24, 26 and extending across the support arm 14 toward one another.

The support arm 14 may further comprise a first end 14A opposite the second end 14B. The first fixing 18 may be at or adjacent the first end 14 and/or the second fixing 20 may be at or adjacent the second end 14B. Either or both of the first and second fixings 18, 20 may comprise one or more apertures, e.g. bolt holes, extending through a thickness of the support arm 14. The apertures of either or both of the first and second fixings 18, 20 may be configured to receive a fastener, e.g. a bolt or stud. In certain embodiments, either of the fixings 18, 20 may additionally or alternatively comprise one or more of a stud, a latch mechanism and/or a clip. Of course, it will be understood that the first fixing 18 may comprise any means suitable for coupling the support arm 14 to the ramp gate 12 or the ramp of the trailer. Similarly, it will be understood that the second fixing 20 may comprise any means suitable for coupling the support arm 14 to the axillary ramp support 110. The first fixing 18 may be configured such that the first fixing 18 enables the ramp support 10 to be coupled to the ramp gate 12 or the ramp of the trailer such that a load and/or a moment may be transferred from one to the other. Additionally or alternatively, the second fixing 20 may be configured such that the second fixing 20 enables the ramp support 10 to be coupled to the auxiliary ramp support 110 trailer such a load and/or a moment may be transferred from one to the other.

The support arm 14 may be a substantially planar element extending in a plane. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the plane may extend between the first and second opposing edges 24, 26. However, embodiments are contemplated in which the support arm 14 is not a planar element, e.g. the support arm 14 may be a tubular member. The support arm 14 may be formed from sheet metal. Further, the ground engaging portion 16 may be coupled to or integral to the support arm 14. Thus, in certain embodiments, the ground engaging portion 16 may be a region of the second end 14B of the support arm 14. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ground engaging portion 16 may extend from the support arm 14 at an angle which is divergent to the plane of the support arm 14, i.e. the ground engaging portion 16 may extend to a side of the support arm 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the ground engaging portion 16 extends to both sides of the support arm 14. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ground engaging portion 16 may be a rail 30 coupled to the support arm 14. The rail 30 may be welded to the support arm 14. Also as shown in Figures 1 and 2, embodiments of the invention include multiple support arms 14 connected by a common ground engaging portion 16.

In use, the ramp support 10 reduces the risk that an undesirably large force and/or an undesirably large moment is applied to part of the ramp gate 12 or a part of the trailer. As will be understood, such a force and/or moment applied to the ramp gate 12 or the trailer may cause damage thereto.

In use, the ramp gate 12 is moveable between a raised positon and a lowered position. In the lowered position, the ground engaging portion 16 is intended to contact the ground. Consequently, as an article, e.g. a vehicle, is loaded or unloaded on/off the trailer, the article applies a vertical load due to the weight of the article acting downwardly on the rear of the trailer and/or the ramp gate 12. The vertical load, or at least a component thereof, is transferred into the ground via the ramp support 10. In certain embodiments, the ground engaging portion 16 may not contact the ground other than during loading/unloading, when the load may cause a trailer suspension system (not shown) to deflect and bring the ground engaging portion 16 into contact with the ground. The vertical load acts on ramp support 10 in the plane of the support arm 16. The size and/or configuration of the ramp support 10 is selected such that frangible region 22 will not deform when the vertical load (due to the weight of the article being loaded/unloaded) acts upon the ramp support 10. In the raised position, the support ramp 10 may extend at a rear of the trailer. As such, when the ramp gate 12 is in the raised position, the support ramp 10 is at risk of being struck against objects, e.g. walls, posts, parked vehicles. Strikes may occur when manoeuvring the trailer, particularly when manoeuvring the trailer with the aid of a towing vehicle. The impact of a strike may result in a force being applied to the ramp gate 12 and/or the trailer which may exceed that experienced during normal loading and unloading. The force may be transmitted from the ground engaging portion 16 to the ramp gate 12 and/or the trailer via the support arm 14. It will be understood that the force will induce a stress in the support arm 14. A moment may also be applied to the ramp 12 and/or the trailer. The moment may act about the first fixing 18 of the support arm 14.

The frangible region 22 will cause the support arm 14 to deform, e.g. bend, shear or break, if the stress induced in therein exceeds a selected value. The exact size and/or configuration of the frangible region 22 will be selected such that stress at which the frangible region 22 deforms will occur before a maximum allowable force and/or moment is applied to the ramp gate 12 and/or the trailer, in the event of a strike. It will be understood that the exact size and/or configuration of the frangible region 22 will depend on the particular size and/or configuration of the ramp support 10, the ramp gate 12 and/or the trailer. Deformation of the frangible region 22 may prevent an undesirably large force and/or an undesirably large moment being applied to part of the ramp gate 12 and/or a part of the trailer. The deformation of the support arm 12 absorbs the energy of the strike. The ramp support 10, or at least a portion thereof is sacrificial.

In the event that the frangible region 22 is deformed, it may be necessary to replace at least a portion of the ramp support 10. To this end, a sacrificial portion of the ramp support 10 may be removed, e.g. by oxy-fuel cutting of the support arm 14. The sacrificial portion may comprise the frangible region 22 and ground engaging portion 16. The sacrificial portion does not include the second fixing 20. With the sacrificial portion removed from the ramp support 10 the auxiliary ramp support 110 may be coupled the support arm 14. Specifically, the auxiliary ramp support 110 may be coupled to the second fixing 20 of the support arm 14. The auxiliary ramp support 110, when coupled to the support arm 14, restores the function of the ramp support 10. Also as shown in Figures 1 and 2, embodiments of the invention include multiple spaced apart support arms 14 connected by a common ground engaging portion 16.

Figure 3 shows the auxiliary ramp support 110 according to an embodiment of the invention, with reference numerals offset by a factor of 100 identifying like features discussed herein with reference to the ramp support 10. The auxiliary ramp support 110 comprises a bracket 132 and a ground engaging portion 116. The ground engaging portion 116 is at an end (hereafter referred to as a “second end”) 132B of the bracket 132. The bracket 132 has a first fixing 118 configured for coupling the bracket 132 to the ramp gate 12, e.g. by attaching the auxiliary ramp support 110 to the support arm 14 of the ramp support 10 described above. Of course, in other embodiments, the first fixing 118 may be configured for coupling the bracket 132 to articles other than the ramp gate 12, e.g. a ramp.

Similarly to the support arm 14 of the ramp support 10 described above, the bracket 132 comprises a frangible region 122 intermediate the ground engaging portion 116 and the first fixing 118. In use, the bracket 132 is deformable about the frangible region 122 in response to a load being applied to the ground engaging portion 116. To this end, the frangible region 122 may be a region of reduced, i.e. lesser, cross sectional area compared to the remainder of the bracket 132. As above, this reduction in cross sectional area gives the frangible region 122 a yield strength (or “yield point”) which is lower than that of the remainder of the bracket 132, the yield strength being the stress at which the bracket 132 begins to deform plastically. Consequently, the bracket 132 may be biased to deform about the frangible region 122 in response to a load applied to the bracket 132. In certain embodiments, the frangible region 122 may be configured such that it has a yield strength no greater than 50% of the yield strength of the remainder of the bracket 132. Of course, in certain embodiments, the frangible region 122 may be configured such that it has an alternative maximum yield strength, e.g. 60%, 40%, 30% or 25% of the yield strength of the remainder of the bracket 132.

The frangible region 122 may be formed as a substantially linear region extending between opposing edges 124, 126 of the bracket 132, i.e. the frangible region 122 may extend at least partially across a width of the bracket 132. As shown in Figures 3, the frangible region 122 may comprise an aperture 128 extending through a thickness of the bracket 132. The exact shape of the aperture 128 is not crucial, although some shapes have been found to facilitate deformation better than others. In certain embodiments, the aperture 128 may be an elongate slot, as this shape has been found to facilitate deformation particularly well. Moreover, in certain embodiments, more than one aperture 128 may be provided in the bracket 132. Additionally or alternatively, the frangible region 122 may comprise one or more necked portions. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3, two necked portions are formed by virtue of the aperture 128, i.e. necked portions are formed at opposing sides of the aperture 128 between the aperture 128 and the respective edges 124, 126 of the bracket 132. In certain embodiments, a single necked portion may be formed in the bracket 132, e.g. by two notches formed in the opposing edges 124, 126 of the bracket 132, each of the two notches being formed in a respective one of the opposing edges 124, 126 and extending across the bracket 132 toward one another.

The bracket 132 may further comprise a first end 132A opposite the second end 132B. The first fixing 118 may be at or adjacent the first end 132A. The first fixing 118 may comprise one or more apertures, e.g. bolt holes, extending through a thickness of the bracket 132. The apertures of the first fixing 118 may be configured to receive a fastener, e.g. a bolt or stud. In certain embodiments, the first fixing 118 may additionally or alternatively comprise one or more of a stud, a latch mechanism and/or a clip. Of course, it will be understood that the first fixing 118 may comprise any means suitable for coupling the bracket 132 to the ramp gate 12 or the ramp of the trailer, including by attachment of the auxiliary ramp support 110 to the support arm 14 of the ramp support 10 described above.

The bracket 132 may be a substantially planar element extending in a plane. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the plane may extend between the first and second opposing edges 124,126. However, embodiments are contemplated in which the bracket 132 is not a planar element, e.g. the bracket 132 may be a tubular member. The bracket 132 may be formed from sheet metal. Further, the ground engaging portion 116 may be coupled to or integral to the bracket 132. Thus, in certain embodiments, the ground engaging portion 116 may be a region of the second end 132B of the bracket 132. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ground engaging portion 116 may extend from the bracket 132 at an angle which is divergent to the plane of the bracket 132, i.e. the ground engaging portion 116 may extend to a side of the bracket 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the ground engaging portion 16 extends to both sides of the bracket 132. As shown in Figure 3, the ground engaging portion 116 may be a rail 130 coupled to the bracket 132. The rail 130 may be welded to the bracket 132. Also as shown in Figure 3, embodiments of the invention include multiple spaced apart brackets 132 connected by a common ground engaging portion 116.

The frangible region 122 will cause the bracket 132 to deform, e.g. bend, shear or break, if the stress induced in therein exceeds a selected value, as described above in reference to the support arm 14 of the ramp support 10. In the event that the frangible region 122 is deformed, it may be necessary to replace the auxiliary ramp support 110 with a further auxiliary ramp support.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings). The claims should not be construed to cover merely the foregoing embodiments, but also any embodiments which fall within the scope of the claims.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings) may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claims

1. A ramp support for a trailer or a vehicle, the ramp support comprising: a support arm; and a ground engaging portion at an end of the support arm, wherein the support arm has a first fixing for coupling the support arm to a ramp or a ramp gate and a second fixing for coupling the support arm to an axillary ramp support, the support arm further having a frangible region intermediate the ground engaging portion and the second fixing, the support arm being deformable about the frangible region in response to a load applied to the ground engaging portion.

2. A ramp support according to claim 1, wherein the frangible region is a substantially linear region extending between two opposing edges of the support arm.

3. A ramp support according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frangible region comprises an aperture extending through the support arm.

4. A ramp support according to claim 3, wherein the aperture extending through the support arm is an elongate slot.

5. A ramp support according to any preceding claim, wherein the frangible region comprises a necked portion.

6. A ramp support according to any preceding claim, wherein the frangible region has a yield strength of no greater than 50% of that of the remainder of the support arm.

7. A ramp support according to any preceding claim, wherein the frangible region has a yield strength of no greater than 30% that of the remainder of the support arm.

8. A ramp support according to any preceding claim, wherein the ground engaging portion is coupled to the end of the support arm such that the ground engaging portion extends to a side of the support arm.

9. A ramp support according to claim 8, wherein the ground engaging portion is an elongate member.

10. A ramp support according to claim 9, wherein the elongate member is a rail or a bar.

11. A ramp support according to any preceding claim, wherein the first fixing comprises an aperture extending through the support arm and is configured to receive a fastener.

12. A ramp support according to any preceding claim, wherein the second fixing comprises an aperture extending through the support arm and is configured to receive a fastener.

13. A ramp support according to any preceding claim, the ramp support comprises multiple support arms.

14. An auxiliary ramp support for a trailer or a vehicle, the auxiliary ramp support comprising: a bracket; and a ground engaging portion at an end of the bracket, wherein the bracket has a fixing for coupling the bracket to a ramp or a ramp gate and a frangible region intermediate the ground engaging portion and the fixing, the bracket being deformable about the frangible region in response to a load applied to the ground engaging portion.

15. An auxiliary ramp support according to claim 14, wherein the frangible region is a substantially linear region extending between two opposing edges of the bracket.

16. An auxiliary ramp support according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the frangible region comprises an aperture extending through the bracket.

17. An auxiliary ramp support according to claim 16, wherein the aperture extending through the bracket is an elongate slot.

18. An auxiliary ramp support according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the frangible region comprises a necked portion.

19. An auxiliary ramp support according to any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the frangible region has a yield strength of no greater than 50% of that of the remainder of the bracket.

20. An auxiliary ramp support according to any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the frangible region has a yield strength of no greater than 30% of that of the remainder of the bracket.

21. An auxiliary ramp support according to any of claims 14 to 20, wherein the ground engaging portion is coupled to an end of the bracket such that the ground engaging portion extends to a side of the bracket.

22. An auxiliary ramp support according to claim 21, wherein the ground engaging portion is an elongate member.

23. An auxiliary ramp support according to claim 22, wherein the elongate member is a rail or a bar.

24. An auxiliary ramp support according to any of claims 14 to 23, wherein the fixing comprises an aperture extending through the support arm and is configured to receive a fastener.

25. An auxiliary ramp support according to any preceding claim, wherein the auxiliary ramp support comprises multiple brackets.

26. A trailer comprising a ramp support according to any of claims 1 to 13.

27. A trailer comprising an auxiliary ramp support according to any of claims 14 to 24.