NZ213766A - Vehicle tray with retractable cover - Google Patents

Description

New Zealand Paient Spedficaiion for Paient Number £13766 213766 N.Z. No. 213766 9 October 1935 ' NEW ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 18 JUL 1986 V$V COMPLETE SPECIFICATION ^.C j i RETRACTABLE COVER ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE PLATFORMS We, STRUCTURE-FLEX LIMITED, a U.K. Limited Liability Company of Grove Lane, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6EG, England, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a Patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- (Followed by 1A) m I ■ -lfl- 213766 O This invention relates generally to vehicles having a load-carrying platform and more especially to a retractable cover assembly for protecting the load on such a platform.

The invention may find application in the field of road vehicles, for example as a cover assembly which can be used in place of a conventional tilt cover, but" has particular application in the field of railway wagons.

According to the invention, there is provided a vehicle having a load-carrying platform and a retractable cover assembly for protecting the load, said cover assembly comprising a guide along each longitudinal side edge of structure the platform, an arched framework/for defining longitudinal side walls and a roof, said structure comprising a plurality 15 of arched framework sections articulated one to another so as to be collapsible together in the longitudinal direction, at least some of said framework sections having means cooperating with the guides for movement therealong, and a cover of flexible sheet material arched framework on the outside thereof to col 2i37o6 simultaneously with the latter.

Especially for the particular application of the invention to railway wagons, the arched framework structure may have a domed roof, more especially a 5 polyaonally domed roof having at least four planar sections. An arched framework defining a substantially flat roof may be preferred for a road vehicle.

In the case of a road vehicle, the load-carrying platform will usually have at least a rigid structural 10 front wall, and possibly also a rigid rear wall which may include access doors. Similarly, a railway wagon may have at least a front bulkhead and possibly a rear bulkhead as well. The cover assembly of the invention may, therefore, simply comprise side walls and roof. 15 Alternatively, however, it may also include at least one end wall integral with side walls and roof.

In the latter instance, the or each end wall of the cover assembly may comprise an articulated frame carried by the end section of the collapsible arched 20 framework, which frame can be displaced into a first position for defining an end wall or a second position in which the articulated members of the frame lie close to the sides anc roof of the enc framework section to enable mover.ent past the load. whether or not the end 25 framework sections carry such ar. articulated frame for * <^13 i definina an end wall of the cover assembly, each such end framework section may be a more rigid section than the intermediate sections, for example comprising a pair of arched frames disposed one behind the other in the longitudinal direction and rigidly connected together.

The flexible sheet cover of a cover assembly having an end wall will include an end wall cover portion which may conveniently be formed as a plurality of flaps which secure together, as by means of zip-type or other fasteners, and when unzipped can be folded back to enable movement past the load.

The guides enabling retraction of the cover assembly are preferably constituted by tracks or rails, for example round-sectioned bars welded to a track support, and the means carried by the framework sections for cooperation therewith are preferably constituted by wheels. The track supports can rest along the longitudinal side edges of the vehicle platform and be tied together at intervals by tie bars. It will often be practicable for saic tie bars to extend transversely beneath the actual floor of the vehicle platform. The track supports may then be clamped down to the chassis structure of the vehicle beneath the floor, so as to produce a track assembly immovably fixed, as by welding, bolting or rivetting, tc the vehicle 813766 ;) platform.- In addition to the wheels/ wheel supports at the bottom of the framework members preferably carry retainers which cooperate with the track supports to prevent risk of the wheels lifting free of the tracks.

For moving the cover assembly along the tracks, a motorised drivino device may be provided, or alternatively a manually operable drive device incorporating means affording a mechanical advantage. Such a drive device will be provided on the end framework section at i | H 10 least at one end of the assembly, and will act on the J' wheel or wheels of such end sections. A drive device : at each end will enable retraction in either longitudinal i | direction. |j ■ it As the vehicle provided with the load cover I 15 assembly may travel at relatively high speeds, other It' \ ' | important features of the invention are concerned with * J I the manner in which the flexible sheet cover is secured i ? to the arched framework.

: A preferred cover has securing straps secured on its interior surface, which connect via tightening I; buckles or the like to the sides and roof of the i individual framework sections. The preferred cover is made cf plastics coated fabric, such as PVC coated polyester or nylon, and has straps of compatible plastics 25 impre-nazed vebbina, e.a. PVC imprecrnatec webbiriCj^J^y^ed ll x- 213766 to the interior surface of the cover by high frequency welding. Externally, therefore, the cover is devoid of any securing strap apertures or the like and offers complete weatherproof protection for the load.

Tensioning in the longitudinal direction is afforded by a tensioning winch which detachably connects with an end framework section. The tensioning device may be mounted on a front or rear bulkhead in a vehicle having such a bulkhead, or may be carried by a suitable 10 support specially provided for the purpose at the end of the vehicle platform. As the preferred cover assembly is retractable in either longitudinal direction, a tensioning device is preferably provided at each end of the platform.

In the vertical direction, a lesser degree of tensioning can be provided by tensioning straps bonded to the cover at or near the bottom of the sides thereof, and securing by tightening buckles or hooks or the like either to the wheel supports or to the track supports. 20 Even in the former case, it may be desirable for the vertical tensioning to be relaxed before the cover assembly is retracted.

Wher. the cover has an end cover portion at one or both ends of the cover assembly, i.e. when the vehicle 25 platform dees not have a front or rear bulkheac 213766 a partial height bulkhead, billowing of the end cover portion, either inwardly or outwardly, can be prevented by means of rigid cross-braces which are fixed across the end cover portion, e.g. to the'individual flap portions thereof, and which cooperate with the end frame of the cover assembly framework, for example being strapped thereaaainst.

A practical example of vehicle platform cover assembly in accordance with the invention is shown in j-ac<o*vif»a»tyiVi<3 1W. pov/isioiaol specification the accompanying drawings!, in which:- Figure 1 shows in side elevation a railway wagon havina a load protected by the cover assembly' which comprises a retractable arched framework and an outer weatherproof cove::; Figure 2 shows a part of the arched framework in the operative position? Figure 3 shows the arched framework in the retracted condition; Figure 4 is an end view of the arched framework; Figure 5 is c view corresponding to that of Figure 4 but with the outer cover in position; Figures 6 anc 7 show in end view the details of an articulated end frame for definino an end wall of the cover assembly; Figure 8 shows a track assembly in plan view; 2137 Figure 9 shows detail of the mounting of the track assembly to the vehicle platform and of the mounting of the arched framework on the track; and Figure 10 is a side view of part of the track assembly, in cross section through a tie bar.

Figure 1 shows in outline a railway wagon having wheels 10 and a load-carrying platform structure 12 equipped with front and rear partial height bulkheads 14. A typical load 16 to be carried by such a wagon, for example a coil of steel strip, is outlined in Figure 4. This load is supported on V-blocks 18 on the platform.

Such a typical load often requires to be loaded on to and off the wagon endwise and maximum possible access is desirable during this procedure, especially access from both sides and above. At the same time, the load must be given weatherproof protection during transit, and the retractable cover assembly of this invention aims to achieve both such objects.

Fioure 1 shows the wagon fitted with the cover assembly in its operative position protecting the load. This assembly comprises ar. outer cover fixed to a retractable arched framework underneath, but in Figure 1 only the outer cover 20 is visible.

The form of the retractable arched framework which carries the outer cover will be clear from Figures 2 to 4.

V" I 213766 This framework comprises a plurality of individual sections, generally referenced 22, each of arch-like shape having opposed vertical side members 24 connected by a polyaonally domed roof arch 26.

On each side of the assembly, the side members 24 are articulated one to another by crossed arms 28, thereby to render the framework collapsible in the longitudinal direction. The framework has strengthened end sections 30 each consisting of two planar sections, 10 spaced one behind the other and connected by bracing struts. Fiaure 2 shows part of the framework in an extended operative position, whilst Figure 3 shows the framework in collapsed or retracted condition.

Movement of the framework into or out of its 15 collapsed condition is enabled by wheels 32 on the framework sections which run on a track forming part of a track assembly fixed to the waaon platform.

Thus, referring to Figures P to 10, the track assembly includes two rails 34, one at each longitudinal 20 edge of the platform, being rails in the form of round bar welded to rail supportino irieir-Lbers 36 which are tied together by tie bars 38. The supporting members 36 seat on the longitudinal edges of the wagon chassis 4 0, as shown in Figure 9, just outwardly of the longitudinal 25 edges of the platform floor 42, and the tie bars 36, 213766 bolted to.the supporting members at 43, extend across the waaon beneath said floor. The above-described parallel rail assembly is immovably clamped to the wagon chassis by nut and bolt clamping devices 41.

Figure 9 also shows the manner in which the wheels of the framework sections cooperate with the rails. A framework section 22 has at the bottom of each side member 24 an axle mounting 44 for a wheel 32 of pulley-type form, which seats on the round bar rail 34. A retainer -46 prevents risk of tne wheel lifting free of the rail.

In the'illustrated arrangement, each framework section 22 has a wheel 32 on each side, and each strengthened end section 30 has two wheels 32 on each side, but arrangements with a lesser or greater number of wheels are possible.

Driving devices for moving the framework are diagrarr-.Tiatically indicated at .47 in Figures 2 and 3.

Each driving device acts on the wheels 32 of an end section 30 of the framework, and may be a motorised drive device or a manually operable device incorporating means for imparting a mechanical advantage. Two driving devices are provided, one at each end of the framework, to enable retraction in either longitudinal direction.

The collapsible archec framework is primarily rr.ade 31378 -1 o- of steel.,'but the outer cover 20 is preferably made of flexible PVC coated fabric such as polyester or nylon. PVC straps or PVC impregnated webbino straps (not shown) are bonded by high frequency welding to the interior surface of the cover 20, enabling the cover to be fastened, as by buckles, to the side members 24 and roof arches 26 of the individual framework sections 22 and 30. The flexible cover 20 thus folds up in concertina fashion when the underlying framework .i.s collapsed, whereby the entire cover assembly is retracted around the load.

The cover assembly is required to provide protection at the ends since only partial bulkheads 14 are provided on the wagon, and the manner in which this is accomplished wll now be described with reference to Fioures 5 to 7.

First, as shown in Figure 5, the orter cover 20 is formed with an integral end cover portion in the form of flaps 49 which secure in position by vertical zip-type fasteners 51, but which when unzippec can be folded back upwardly out of the way. Each flap 49 carries rigid cross-braces 50.

Ir. association with the end cover portion 4 9 of the outer cover 20, the end section 3G of the underlying frarrework is formed with an articulated frame 52 (see Figures 6 and 7) which has an operative pcsition, for 213766 -1 1- convenience shown on the right-hand side of Figure 6, and an inoperative position, for convenience shown on the left-hand side of Figure 6. In the operative position, the frame defines an end wall to the arched framework, for underlying the end cover portion 49. In the inoperative position, the frame members pivot into peripheral positions adjacent the side members and roof of the arched section 30 of the framework, thereby to enable movement past the load.

The frame 52 includes two articulated members 54 which connect via a releasable pin at 56 to lock the frame in its operative position. * The cross braces 50 on the flaps 4 9 of the end portion of the cover cooperate with the end frame 52, in the operative condition, to prevent the end cover portion from billowing. T.f desired, the braced end cover portion may be tied, as by buckled straps, co the end frame 52.

Horizontal tensioning of the cover assembly in the operative position in which it covers the load is achieved by means of tensioning winches 58 diagrammatically indicated in Figure 1. In the illustrated example, these pensioning winches are mounted on the partial bulkheads 14.

Each tensionina device 58 releasably connects with the corresponding end framework section 3 0.

A lesser decree of vertical tensioning is achieved

Claims (17)

213766 -12- by means.. fc>f the tensioning straps 60 also indicated in Figure 1 . These tensioning straps make a buckle or hook connection either with the wheel supports on the individual framework sections or with the track support. 5 In use, in order tc release the cover assembly from its operative, load-protecting position, first the tension is relaxed and then the articulated end frame(s) is moved to its operative position and the end cover portion unzipped and folded back. The entire assembly 10 may then be retracted along the rails using the drive device, giving access to the load for unloading from the end, both sides and above. The reverse procedure is followed to move the cover from its retracted position into its operative position over a load which has been 15 loaded on to the wagon. The PVC cover provides weather- i proof protection for the load in transit, and its means of support and tensioninc via the underlying arched framework ensure its safe usage, without risk of damage, durinc high speed travel. 20 The illustrated example of cover assembly is designed for a railway wagon, but a generally similar construction, possibly having a flat roof, would be suitable for a road vehicle platform, for example in place of a conventional tilt cover. ~— —r—■ 213766 -13- We claim:-

1. A vehicle having a load-carrying platform and a retractable cover assembly for protecting the load, said cover assembly comprising a guide along each longitudinal structure side edge of the platform, an arched framework/for defining 5 longitudinal side walls and a roof, said structure comprising a plurality of arched framework sections articulated one to another so as to be collapsible together in the longitudinal direction, at least some of said framework sections having means cooperating with the guides for movement therealong, 10 a cover of flexible sheet material secured to the arched framework on the outside thereof to collapse simultaneously with the latter, and at least one tensioning device which detachably connects between a fixed support on the vehicle such as a front or rear bulkhead and an end framework 15 section for longitudinal tensioning of the cover assembly in the load-protecting position.

2. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the arched framework structure defines a domed roof.

3. A vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the arched 20 framework structure defines a polygonally domed roof having at least four planar sections.

4. A vehicle according to any of claims1 to 3, wherein 213766 -14- the vehicle has a rigid structural front wall, and the cover assembly provides a rear end wall.

5. A vehicle according to any of claims 3 to 3, wherein the vehicle has front and rear bulkheads, and the cover 5 assembly comprises side walls and toof only.

6. A vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cover assembly provides side walls, roof and at least one end wall, the or each end wall of said cover assembly comprising an articulated frame carried by the end section structure 10 of the collapsible arched framework/ which frame can be displaced into a first position for defining an end wall or a second position in which the articulated members of the frame lie close to the sides and roof of the end framework section to enable movement past the load. 15

7. A vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein each end framework section comprises a pair of arched frames disposed one behind the other in the longitudinal direction and rigidly connected together.

8. A vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein 20 the flexible sheet cover includes an end wall cover portion formed as a plurality of flaps which fasten together and can be folded back to enable movement past the load.

9. A vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the longitudinal guides are constituted by tracks or rails, /" 1 ?.5 and the means carried by the framework sections foj^ 213786 -15- cooperation therewith are constituted by wheels.

10. A vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the tracks or rails are carried by track supports extending along the longitudinal side edges of the vehicle platform, said track supports being tied together at intervals by tie bars extending transversely beneath the floor of the vehicle platform.

11. A vehicle according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the wheels are carried by wheel supports on the framework sections which also carry retainers cooperating with the tracks, rails or track supports.

12. A vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 11, including a drive device, which may be motorised, provided on the end framework section at least at one end of the cover assembly anc? acting on the wheels of said section to enablte retraction uf the cover assembly.

13. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the flexible sheet cover has securing straps secured on its interior surface, which straps connect via tightening buckles or other securing means to the sides and to the roof of the individual framework sections.

14. A vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the flexible sheet cover is made of plastics coated fabric, and the securing straps are of compatible plastics impregnated webbing bonded or secured to the interior surface of the 213733 -16- cover without formation of apertures in said cover.

15. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein vertical tensioning of the cover is enabled by tensioning straps bonded or secured to the cover at or near the bottom of the sides thereof and which secure to the wheel supports or track supports.

16. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein an end wall cover of the flexible sheet cover is held in position by means of releasable, rigid cross-braces.

17. A vehicle equipped with a load cover substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings accompanying the provisional specification. STRUCTURE-FLEX LIMITED By His/1 heir Attorneys, HCK'.-Y iivJy^S LIFTED, Fcr /• *;JUL 1986 \;- /V;v!*>'