GB2585089A - Curtain sided trailer - Google Patents

Curtain sided trailer Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2585089A
GB2585089A GB1909376.4A GB201909376A GB2585089A GB 2585089 A GB2585089 A GB 2585089A GB 201909376 A GB201909376 A GB 201909376A GB 2585089 A GB2585089 A GB 2585089A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
trailer
curtain
air guide
guide member
front face
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.)
Granted
Application number
GB1909376.4A
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GB2585089B (en
GB201909376D0 (en
Inventor
Bacon Andy
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.)
Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
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Priority to GB1909376.4A priority Critical patent/GB2585089B/en
Publication of GB201909376D0 publication Critical patent/GB201909376D0/en
Publication of GB2585089A publication Critical patent/GB2585089A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2585089B publication Critical patent/GB2585089B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J5/00—Doors
    • B60J5/04—Doors arranged at the vehicle sides
    • B60J5/06—Doors arranged at the vehicle sides slidable; foldable
    • B60J5/062—Doors arranged at the vehicle sides slidable; foldable for utility vehicles or public transport
    • B60J5/065—Doors arranged at the vehicle sides slidable; foldable for utility vehicles or public transport with non-rigid elements, e.g. side curtains
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
    • B60J7/02—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes
    • B60J7/06—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes with non-rigid element or elements
    • B60J7/061—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes with non-rigid element or elements sliding and folding
    • B60J7/062—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes with non-rigid element or elements sliding and folding for utility vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D35/00—Vehicle bodies characterised by streamlining
    • B62D35/001—For commercial vehicles or tractor-trailer combinations, e.g. caravans

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)

Abstract

A curtain-sided trailer for a road vehicle includes a side face, a front face 18 and a movable curtain 22 for opening and closing the side face of the trailer. When closed, the curtain 22 extends over a transition region 32 between the side and front faces of the trailer. The trailer has an air guide 27 with a first portion 28 connected to front face 18 and a second portion 30 spaced from front face 18 and forward of transition region 32, so that air guide 27 defines a curved leading upright edge of the trailer. Second portion 30 of air guide 27 defines an opening through which curtain 22 extends when closed. First and second portions 28, 30 of air guide 27 may be pivotally connected so that second portion 30 may be moved away from transition region 32. Air guide 27 may comprise sheet steel. A road vehicle and modification method are also provided.

Description

Curtain Sided Trailer
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a curtain-sided trailer and a method of modifying a curtain-sided trailer. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to improvements in the aerodynamics of a curtain-sided trailer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known that curved leading edges improve the aerodynamics of vehicles, reducing air resistance and improving fuel efficiency. In recent times, aerodynamic improvements have been made to the design of trailers of the kind used in the haulage industry.
It is an object of the invention to improve the aerodynamics of a curtain-sided haulage trailer of the kind having a side face and a curtain movable in a side-toside manner for opening and closing said side face of the trailer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A first aspect of the invention provides a curtain sided trailer for a road vehicle, the curtain sided trailer comprising: a side face; a front face; a movable curtain for opening and closing the side face of the trailer, wherein the curtain extends over a transition region between the side face and the front face of the trailer, when the curtain is in a closed condition; and an air guide member comprising a first portion connected to the front face of the trailer and a second portion spaced apart from the front face of the trailer, wherein the second portion of the air guide member is positioned forwardly of said transition region, such that the air guide member defines a curved leading upright edge of the trailer.
In this way, the air guide member defines the leading edge of the trailer by being positioned forwardly of the transition, so as to cover said transition between the side face and front face. This arrangement is such that the air guide member covers a leading region of the curtain, when the curtain is in a closed condition, which improves the aerodynamics of the trailer.
In an embodiment, the air guide member comprises an outer surface for directing air flow during forward movement of the trailer, and wherein said outer surface defines a convexly curved surface.
Providing a leading edge in the form of a convexly curved surface has been found to reduce aerodynamic drag on a trailer.
In an embodiment, the convexly curved surface comprises a radius in the region of 50mm to 250mm.
It has been found that providing a convexly curved leading edge having a radius of curvature in this region further improves the aerodynamics of the trailer.
In an embodiment, the convexly curved surface comprises a radius of approximately 100mm.
It has been found that providing a convexly curved leading edge having this radius of curvature further improves the aerodynamics of the trailer.
In an embodiment, the air guide member comprises an outer surface for directing air flow during forward movement of the trailer, and wherein a rearward-most region of said outer surface is positioned to be substantially co-planar with the side face.
This arrangement has been found to provide a smooth transition between the air guide member and the side face of the trailer, which reduces the aerodynamic drag associated with the leading edge of the trailer.
In an embodiment, the second portion of the air guide member is moveable between a first position in which a rearward-most region of said outer surface is positioned proximate the transition region and a second position in which a rearward-most region of said outer surface is positioned to be remote from the transition region.
Enabling the second portion of the air guide member to be moved away from the front face of the trailer provides easier access to the front face to secure the curtain 25 thereto.
In an embodiment, the second portion of the air guide member is pivotally connected to the first portion of the air guide member, such that the second portion is moveable between the first and second positions.
In an embodiment, the second portion comprises an outer surface for directing air flow during forward movement of the trailer, and wherein said outer surface defines a convexly curved surface. Substantially all of the outer surface may define a convexly curved surface.
In an embodiment, the second portion of the air guide member is spaced apart from the transition region, such that the curtain is to pass between the air guide member and the transition region, when the curtain is in a closed condition.
In an embodiment, the trailer comprises a mounting arrangement for securing the air guide member to the side face of the trailer.
This arrangement enables the air guide member to be secured in position to define the leading edge, which prevents the air guide member from being blown out of position.
In an embodiment, the mounting arrangement defines a continuous surface extending between the air guide member and the side face of the trailer.
Providing a continuous surface for the air to flow from the air guide member to the side face of the trailer reduces turbulence in this region, which reduces aerodynamic drag.
In an embodiment, the trailer comprises a closure part to which the curtain is releasably securable for securing the curtain in the closed condition, wherein the closure part is positioned between an inner face of the air guide member and the front face of the trailer.
This arrangement ensures that the closure part is covered by the air guide surface, such that the air guide member defines the leading edge of the trailer.
In an embodiment, the closure part is part of a curtain assembly comprising a mechanism operable for tightening the curtain, when the curtain is in a closed condition.
In an embodiment, the trailer comprises a substantially vertical support projecting forwardly from the front face, wherein the first portion of the air guide member is mounted to the substantially vertical support.
In an embodiment, the air guide member is formed from sheet metal, e.g. sheet steel.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a road vehicle comprising a curtain sided trailer according to the first aspect.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of modifying a curtain-sided trailer of the kind having a side face, a front face, a movable curtain for opening and closing the side face of the trailer, wherein the curtain extends over a transition region between the side face and the front face of the trailer, when the curtain is in a closed condition, and an air guide member comprising a first portion mounted on the front face of the trailer and a second portion spaced apart from the front face of the trailer, wherein the second portion of the air guide member is positioned forwardly of said transition region, such that the air guide member defines a curved leading edge of the trailer, wherein the method comprises the step of: mounting an air guide member in the form of a cover on the trailer at a location so as to be positioned forwardly of said transition between the side face and front face of the trailer so as to be arranged to define a curved leading edge of the trailer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a curtain-sided trailer with the curtain in an open condition; and Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of part of curtain assembly for use on the trailer of Figure 1, including an air guide member in a first position; and Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of part of curtain assembly for use on the trailer of Figure 1, including an air guide member in a second position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)
Referring firstly to Figure 1, a trailer 10 has a cargo space 12 defined by a base 14, top face 16, front face 18, rear face (not visible in Figure 1) and two side faces 20. A curtain 22 is movably mounted on either or both sides of the trailer 10, e.g. in conventional manner, for opening and closing a respective side of the trailer 10 by way of a side-to-side action. As is known in the art, an upper part of the curtain 22 is secured to the respective side face 20 via curtain runners (not shown) such that the curtain 22 is able slide therealong to expose and conceal the cargo space 12.
Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, when the curtain 22 is in a closed condition, the curtain 22 extends over a transition region 32 between the side face 20 and the front face 18 of the trailer 10.
The front face 18 comprises a bulkhead 24 and uprights 26 (e.g. substantially vertical supports) in the form of a folded galvanised steel section. Although not shown in detail in Figures 2 and 3, the uprights 26 includes a closure part, for example one or more mounting brackets, (not shown) configured to receive a curtain pole 36 fitted to one end of the curtain 22, for securing the curtain pole 28 in a generally vertical orientation (i.e. parallel with the sides of the trailer 10) in a closed condition, as is known in the art. It will be appreciated that the uprights 26 may include upper and lower brackets for receiving the curtain pole 36.
The upright 26 is part of a curtain assembly, which may include a mechanism (not shown) by means of which the curtain 22 can be tightened in its closed condition, e.g. by rotation of the pole 36 by means of a handle or via a ratchet arrangement. Examples of such mechanisms are known in the art.
An air guide member 27 is connected to the front face 18 of the trailer 10 to define a curved leading edge of the trailer 10. In the embodiment, the air guide member 27 is formed from sheet metal. It will be appreciated that the air guide member 27 may be formed from steel, aluminium or any other suitable material. The air guide member 27 includes a first portion 28 mounted on the front face 18 of the trailer 10 and a second portion 30 spaced apart from the front face 18 of the trailer 10 (e.g. via the upright 26 or otherwise). In the illustrated arrangement, the air guide member 27 is connected to the upright 26. Put another way, in the arrangement shown, the first portion 28 of the air guide member 27 is connected to the upright 26.
The second portion 30 of the air guide member 27 is positioned forwardly of the transition region 32 (i.e. in front of the transition region 32 in the direction of travel of the trailer), such that the air guide member 27 defines a curved leading edge of the trailer 10. The outer (or forward) surface of the air guide member 27 directs air flow during forward movement of the trailer 10.
The outer surface of the air guide member 27 defines a convexly curved surface.
In the embodiment, the radius of the curved surface is 100mm, although other dimensions may be preferred to suit the dimensions of the trailer 10 (e.g. the radius of the curved surface may be in the range 50mm to 250mm).
The closure part is positioned between an inner face of the air guide member 27 and the front face 18 of the trailer 10. In this way, the closure part is covered by the air guide member 27, such that the air guide member 27 defines the leading edge of the trailer 10.
A rearward end (e.g. a rear-most portion) 34 of the second portion 30 is positioned forwardly of, and substantially co-planar with, the side face 20 of the trailer 10. Put another away, an end of the second portion 30 that is distal to the first portion 28 is positioned forwardly of, and substantially co-planar with, the side face 20 of the trailer 10.
The second portion 30 of the air guide member 27 is moveable between a first position (as shown in Figure 2) where said second portion 30 is positioned proximate the transition region 32, and a second position (as shown in Figure 3) where said second portion 30 is positioned remote from the transition region 32. Moving the guide member 27 into the second position allows an operator to move the curtain pole 36 away from the upright 26 to secure/unsecure the curtain 22 to/from the trailer 10. A spacing is provided between the transition region 32 and the end 34 of the air guide member 27 such that the curtain 22 is able to pass therebetween when the curtain pole 36 is secured to the upright 26.
In the embodiment, the first portion 28 of the air guide member 27 is mounted to the front face 18 of the trailer 10, and the second portion 30 is pivotable with respect to the first portion 28, such that the second portion 30 is moveable between the first and second positions. In alternative arrangements, the first and second portions 28, 30 may be fixed with respect to each other, and the first portion 28 may be pivotally mounted to the trailer 10.
Although not illustrated in the figures, the trailer 10 may include a mounting arrangement for securing the second portion 30 of the air guide member 27 to the upright 26 or the side face 20 of the trailer 10 (i.e. to prevent the air guide member from being blown out of position). Such a mounting arrangement may provide a continuous surface extending between the air guide member 27 and the side face 20 of the trailer 10.
It will be appreciated that a similar arrangement of air guide member 27 may be provided for use with the curtain 22 on the other side of the trailer 10.
When access to the cargo space 12 is required, one or both of the curtains 22 are opened from either the front or the rear of the side face 20 (either partially or fully). When the cargo space is to be enclosed, the curtains 22 are closed, with the curtain poles 36 attached to the uprights 26 or bulkhead 24. The curtain poles 28 are then rotated, to tighten the curtains 22 as desired. The arrangement is such that each member 30 is specifically arranged and configured so that a respective curtain 22, by following the curvature of the guide member 30, defines a curved transition between the side face 20 and the front face 18 of the trailer 10, thereby improving the aerodynamics of the trailer 10.
Although Figures 2 and 3 show an embodiment wherein a guide member is fitted (e.g. as a retro-fit) to the front face of the trailer, in other embodiments (not illustrated) the guide member may be an integral part of the trailer.
Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (16)

  1. Claims 1. A curtain sided trailer for a road vehicle, the curtain sided trailer comprising: a side face; a front face; a movable curtain for opening and closing the side face of the trailer, wherein the curtain extends over a transition region between the side face and the front face of the trailer, when the curtain is in a closed condition; and an air guide member comprising a first portion connected to the front face of the trailer and a second portion spaced apart from the front face of the trailer, wherein the second portion of the air guide member is positioned forwardly of said transition region so as to define a spacing therebetween through which the curtain extends when the curtain is in a closed condition, and wherein the air guide member defines a curved leading upright edge of the trailer.
  2. 2. A trailer according to claim 1, wherein the air guide member comprises an outer surface for directing air flow during forward movement of the trailer, and wherein said outer surface defines a convexly curved surface.
  3. 3. A trailer according to claim 2, wherein the convexly curved surface comprises a radius in the region of 50mm to 250mm.
  4. 4. A trailer according to claim 3, wherein the convexly curved surface comprises a radius of approximately 100mm.
  5. 5. A trailer according to any preceding claim, wherein the air guide member comprises an outer surface for directing air flow during forward movement of the trailer, and wherein a rearward-most region of said outer surface is positioned to be substantially co-planar with the side face.
  6. 6. A trailer according to any preceding claim, wherein the second portion of the air guide member is moveable between a first position proximate the transition region and a second position remote from the transition region.
  7. 7. A trailer according to claim 6, wherein the second portion of the air guide member is pivotally connected to the first portion of the air guide member, such that the second portion is moveable between the first and second positions.
  8. 8. A trailer according to any preceding claim, comprising a mounting arrangement for securing the air guide member to the side face of the trailer.
  9. 9. A trailer according to claim 8, wherein the mounting arrangement defines a continuous surface extending between the air guide member and the side face of the trailer.
  10. 10.A trailer according to any preceding claim, comprising a closure part to which the curtain is releasably securable for securing the curtain in the closed condition.
  11. 11.A trailer according to claim 10, wherein the closure part is positioned between an inner face of the air guide member and the front face of the trailer.
  12. 12. A trailer according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the closure part is part of a curtain assembly comprising a mechanism operable for tightening the curtain, when the curtain is in a closed condition.
  13. 13.A trailer according to any preceding claim, comprising a substantially vertical support projecting forwardly from the front face, wherein the first portion of the air guide member is mounted to the substantially vertical support.
  14. 14.A trailer according to any preceding claim, wherein the air guide member is formed from sheet steel.
  15. 15.A road vehicle comprising a curtain sided trailer according to any preceding claim.
  16. 16. A method of modifying a curtain-sided trailer of the kind having a side face, a front face, a movable curtain for opening and closing the side face of the trailer, wherein the curtain extends over a transition region between the side face and the front face of the trailer, when the curtain is in a closed condition, and an air guide member comprising a first portion mounted on the front face of the trailer and a second portion spaced apart from the front face of the trailer, wherein the second portion of the air guide member is positioned forwardly of said transition region, such that the air guide member defines a curved leading edge of the trailer, wherein the method comprises the step of: mounting an air guide member in the form of a cover on the trailer at a location so as to be positioned forwardly of said transition between the side face and front face of the trailer so as to be arranged to define a curved leading edge of the trailer.
GB1909376.4A 2019-06-28 2019-06-28 Curtain sided trailer Active GB2585089B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1909376.4A GB2585089B (en) 2019-06-28 2019-06-28 Curtain sided trailer

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1909376.4A GB2585089B (en) 2019-06-28 2019-06-28 Curtain sided trailer

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201909376D0 GB201909376D0 (en) 2019-08-14
GB2585089A true GB2585089A (en) 2020-12-30
GB2585089B GB2585089B (en) 2022-11-09

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GB1909376.4A Active GB2585089B (en) 2019-06-28 2019-06-28 Curtain sided trailer

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2475892A (en) * 2009-12-04 2011-06-08 Andy Bacon Curtain-sided trailer with improved aerodynamics
GB2571261A (en) * 2018-02-15 2019-08-28 Wirth Res Limited Side curtain assembly and side curtain shaper

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2475892A (en) * 2009-12-04 2011-06-08 Andy Bacon Curtain-sided trailer with improved aerodynamics
GB2571261A (en) * 2018-02-15 2019-08-28 Wirth Res Limited Side curtain assembly and side curtain shaper

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2585089B (en) 2022-11-09
GB201909376D0 (en) 2019-08-14

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