NZ260911A - Goose-necked semi-trailer unit for container - Google Patents

Description

2^0911 Patents Form No. 5 Patent No: 260911 Dated: 1st July 1994 Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION GOOSE NECKED CONSTRUCTION FOR CONTAINER TRAILERS We, STEEL BROS (NZ) LTD, a New Zealand company of 1-31 Treffers Road, Sockburn, Christchurch, New Zealand, 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: l 260911 The present invention relates to trailer units for transporting containers and to an improved method of construction therefor.

At present semi-trailer units for transporting containers have maximum and minimum clearances, with respect to the towing vehicle and the ground, that are the subject of legal limits. Similarly, there is a maximum legal height for a loaded semi-trailer unit. The combination of these two limitations means that an extra high container (2.9 metres in height), when loaded on a conventional semi-trailer, can be over the legal maximum height limit of 4.25 metres. For hauling such a container an over-height permit is required for legal towing of the trailer unit. Even so, there is the possibility that the loaded trailer will not fit under some bridges or barriers which are set at the maximum legal height. An alternative transport route, involving additional expense in transport, must therefore be used.

Modified semi-trailer atrK exist which employ a goose-necked portion connecting a lower rear section of the trailer unit to a higher front section which sits over part of a tractor unit. The forward section includes a king pin axis which is used in securing the trailer to the tractor unit. This arrangement allows extra height short (6.1 metres by 2.9 metres) containers to be carried on the rear section of the trailer unit while maintaining the legal height limits on overall trailer and container height. A disadvantage of these modified units however is that the goose-necked portion presents a load-bearing weakness when carrying extra heavy or short containers immediately rearward of the goose-necked portion, this being the best position for weight distribution within the legal maximum loads of towing and trailer vehicles. A further disadvantage of such units is that they are unable to carry an extra height 2 6 0 9 1 V long (12.2 metres by 2.9 metres) container within legal height limits.

EP 394548 discloses a goose-necked semi-trailer unit in which the front section is elevated with respect to the rear section. However there is no disclosure of any reinforcing about the goose-neck or that an extra height long container may be carried within the legal height limits. EP 217075 discloses a goose-necked semitrailer unit of similar profile where additional reinforcing is used in the form of channel members as cross beams at the goose-neck. However the emphasis of the invention is on the fact that the longitudinal plain girders are telescopically extendable in the longitudinal direction. There is no disclosure of any additional support about the kingpin or about the goose-neck to spread the load of an extra heavy single container centrally placed. There is also no disclosure that an extra height long container may be carried within the legal height limits.

EP 528144 discloses a semi-trailer unit with a goose-necked portion. However the upper portion of the front end of the goose-neck is not elevated with respect to the back end of the trailer. There is also no disclosure of any additional support about the goose-neck. US 5173028 discloses a semi-trailer unit of similar profile, with no additional support about the goose-neck. EP 414254 discloses a semitrailer unit of similar profile where the unit comprises a single longitudinal beam which is extendable. There is no disclosure of additional support about the gooseneck. US 5173028 is also of a similar profile but the unit discloses an apron plate about the underside of the goose-neck. However, this is not designed to accommodate additional weight in the middle of the trailer unit.

An object of the invention is the provision of a trailer unit which overcomes £ ft n 9 11 these disadvantages which can be used for any type of container or combination of two containers. It also allows for combinations which do not exceed New Zealand legal height limits. A further object of tba invention is the provision of a trailer unit which is constructed to accommodate one extra heavy or extra height container in the best position for weight distribution within the legal maximum loads of towing and trailer vehicles and within legal height limits; and to allow for easy loading and unloading of the containers.

The present invention provides a semi-trailer unit which includes a chassis and one or more rear axles, wherein said chassis includes: two longitudinal main support beams; a kingpin axis adjacent the front of said unit, which is positioned at the point of attachment to a towing unit; a primary cross member rearward of said kingpin axis which is secured between said longitudinal main support beams; two front landing legs; a goose-necked portion which is positioned rearward of, but adjacent said primary cross member and forward of said landing legs, and wherein said longitudinal main support beams rearward of said goose-necked portion are lower than said longitudinal main support beams forward of said goose-necked portion; wherein said trailer unit includes: a load bearing means which includes an additional longitudinal beam secured to said primary cross member and to a secondary cross member, said secondary cross member being secured to each of said longitudinal main support beams and being positioned adjacent but forward of said front landing legs and rearward of said goose-necked portion; and wherein said load bearing means does not extend forward beyond said kingpin axis and, when viewed in plan from side or above, the dimensions of said load bearing means are not 7. a n 9 i 1 significantly greater than the dimensions of the remaining chassis members.

Preferably said trailer unit, when fully laden, does not exceed a pre-determined height, which is preferably 4.25 metres.

Preferably also, said trailer is dimensioned to receive thereon one container having dimensions up to 12.2 metres by 2.9 metres, or one or two containers each having dimensions up to 6.1 metre by 2.9 metres with one container having a height of 2.9 metres and the second a height of 2.59 metres.

Preferably said additional longitudinal beam forms into two subsidiary portions in a v-shape rearward of said secondary cross member, each end being secured to one of said longitudinal beams rearward the position of the front legs.

Preferably said goose-necked portion of said chassis includes a sloping portion of said longitudinal beams and said portion starts approximately 1 metre or more rearward of said kingpin axis and finishes approximately 2 metres or more rearward of said kingpin axis.

Preferably said chassis further includes a tertiary cross member at the front thereof. Additional bearing members are secured between said primary and tertiary cross beams. A rigid flange is attached on each side of said tertiary beam and has secured thereto locating means for the underside of the front of a container. The rigid flanges are positioned, below the bottom of said longitudinal members.

By way of example only, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. 1 is a side view of a trailer unit of the present invention with a 12.2 metre container loaded thereon; Fig. 2 is a side view of a trailer unit of the present invention with an alternative 12.2 metre container loaded thereon; Fig. 3 is a side view of a trailer unit of the present invention with a 6.2 metre container thereon; Fig. 4 is a side view of a trailer unit of the present invention with the 6.2 metre containers thereon; Fig. 5 is a side view of the front part of a trailer unit of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a plan view of the front part of the trailer unit of the present invention; and Fig. 7 is a section view of the spacer unit used in connection with the containers on the trailer unit of the present invention.

Referring to Fig.s 1-4 and 6 of the drawings, a semi-trailer unit 2 is thereshown with a front 3, rear 4, king pin axis 5, rear axles 6, landing legs 7 and chassis 8. The chassis 8 includes two longitudinal beams 9 which run the length of the unit 2. These are I beam in cross-section. Other cross-sectional shapes may also be used, if so desired.

At a point between the kingpin axis 5 and the landing legs 7 a secondary cross beam or member 10 is secured at right angles to said longitudinal beams 9. The secondaiy cross beam 10 is secured to the longitudinal beams 9 in such a manner that it is secured therebetween and on either side of the longitudinal beams 9. The secondary cross beam 10 is secured such that when the chassis 2 is viewed in side profile the beam 10 does not alter the profile, that is, the secondary cross beam 10 2*09 1 1 does not extend significantly above or below the longitudinal beams 9. The secondary cross beam 10 extends an approximately equal distance out either side of the chassis 2 such that locating lugs 15 can be positioned on the ends of said secondary cross beam 10, for use in locating and securing a container 17 for transportation. The secondary cross member 10 forms a part of an additional load bearing means.

A goose-necked portion 11 of the chassis 2 is shown in Fig. 5. The portion 11 is positioned rearward of the kingpin axis 5 between said axis 5 and a point adjacent said landing legs 7. This portion 11 also is forward of the position of said cross member 10. The underside of each of the longitudinal beams 9, within said portion 11, slopes downward at an angle which is not greater than 10° (0, Fig. 5). The topside of each of the longitudinal beams 9 within said portion 11 also is angled. The size of the angle is determined by the requirements of the positioning of one 6.2 metre container 17 on said unit 2 such that legal loading requirements on the axles 6 are adhered to; and thus by the thickness and depth required of the longitudinal beams 9 at that point. The difference in height of the chassis members 9 from the front to the back of the goose-necked portion 11 is approximately 0.12 metres.

Referring to Fig. 6, a plan view of the unit 2 is thereshown. An additional, third longitudinal beam 12 forms a part of the additional load bearing means. The beam 12 is preferably of the same cross sectional profile as the longitudinal beams 9, but need not be. The beam 12 is secured at one end to the secondaiy cross beam . The second end of the beam 12 is secured to a primary cross beam or member 23. The cross member 23 is secured between the longitudinal beams 9 preferably immediately rearward of the kingpin axis 5. The third beam 12 divides into two splayed portions 14 immediately rearward of the secondaiy cross beam 10. The splayed portions 14 are secured at their ends each to a longitudinal beam 9. The point of securement is rearward of the landing legs 7 (Fig. 5) or cross member 10 but forward of a point half way along the length of said unit 2. If so desired, the points of securement may vary. Also if desired, the beam 12 may be extended as one beam 12 beyond the secondary cross beam 10 and secured by other means, for example to a subsidiary beam (not shown) secured between the longitudinal beams 9.

A front cross member 13 is secured at the front 3 of said unit 2. The front cross member 13 is approximately the same width or slightly less than the width of a container. A rigid flange 21 is secured to the underside of each end of the front cross member 13. A locating lug 15, of standard type is secured to each of the flanges 21. When the unit 2 is viewed from the side, the top of each flange 21 is lower than, or equal in height above the ground, to the underside of the longitudinal support beams 9 of the chassis 8 forward of the goose-neck portion. This allows the empty space within a container (as shown in dotted outline in Fig. 3) to be utilised during the transportation of the container 17 or 18, yet still allow the container 17 or 18 to travel approximately level whilst secured at the front thereof. Further, this permits the lower front lug holes of a long 12.2 metre container 18 to be free. This can considerably assist in movement of the container 18 onto and off the unit 2 as a sidelifter or container-lifting crane can then be used.

Referring back to Fig.s 1 to 4 and 6, the chassis 8 further includes standard cross members 26. These members 26 include locating lugs 15 on each end for " ■? 0 S 1 1 locating and securing a container 17 or 18 during transportation. Depending on whether one 18 or two containers 17 are to be transported, these lugs 15 may need to be in one of two positions in or to locate and secure a container. The second possible position of the lugs 15 is shown in dotted outline 15a on Fig. 5.

A spacer 16 (Fig. 7) is used to alter the position of the lugs 15 as required. The spacer 16 is in the shape of a collar with a locating hole 16a on the underside. The hole 16a locates the spacer 16 on the lug 15. The top 27 of the spacer 16 incorporates a further, identically shaped lug 15. Thus the lug 15 can be in two or three possible positions depending on the requirements of each container.

Referring to Fig.s 1 to 4, the unit 2 is thereshown with either one or two containers 17 thereon. Fig. 1 shows a 12.2 metre long container 18 in a traditional position. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 2 a 12.2 metre container 18 can be positioned by using the space at the front of the container 18 over the third beam 12. The overall height of the loaded unit 2 can thus still be within the legal height limits, or some other pre-determined height limitation.

In Fig. 3, the unit 2 is supporting one 6.1 metre container 17 positioned adjacent the goose-necked portion 11 of the chassis 8. The lugs 15 locate and secure the container 17 for transportation. As the chassis 8 rearward of the goose-necked portion 11 is lower than the standard height of chassis 8, the container 17, which may be an extra high container, does not cause the overall, loaded height of the unit 2 to exceed the maximum legal height.

In Fig. 4 the unit 2 is depicted with two 6.1 metre containers 17. The containers 17 may still allow the loaded unit 2 to be within the maximum legal height 260 9 1 1 when the front container 17 is such that there is space underneath (as shown in dotted outline in Fig. 2) so that it can be positioned over the third beam 12. The front container 17 can be located on the lower lugs 15 on the front cross member 13.

Referring to Fig. 6, also shown on the third beam 12 is a flanged portion 19. This is supported on each side of the I-beam 12 by a plurality of right-angled web portions (not shown) secured between the flanged portion and the I beam 12. A similar sized flat surface may be positioned on a rearward cross member 26 (not shown) or on beams 9 as shown. These flat surfaces 19 are sufficiently wide to receive thereon a sidelifter or container-lifting crane. Thus, when the unit 2 is transporting a single short container 17 a sidelifter or container-lifting crane can be used on the trailer unit 2 to move the container 17. This can be particularly useful if the container 17 is particularly heavy.

The load bearing means has been described above with reference to a beam 12 and splayed portions 14. However it will be appreciated that this need not be the only shape of the load bearing means. Any shape of components that is capable of bearing the required load, fitting with in the chassis 8 as described above and being secured thereto could be used. 280911

Claims (14)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:-

1. A semi-trailer unit which includes a chassis and one or more rear axles, wherein said chassis includes: two longitudinal main support beams; a kingpin axis adjacent the front of said unit, which is positioned at the point of attachment to a towing unit; a primary cross member rearward of said kingpin axis which is secured between said longitudinal main support beams; two front landing legs; a goose-necked portion which is positioned rearward of, but adjacent said primary cross member and forward of said landing legs, and wherein said longitudinal main support beams rearward of said goose-necked portion are lower than said longitudinal main support beams forward of said goose-necked portion; wherein said trailer unit includes: a load bearing means which includes an additional longitudinal beam secured to said primary cross member and to a secondary cross member, said secondary cross member being secured to each of said longitudinal main support beams and being positioned adjacent but forward of said front landing legs and rearward of said goose-necked portion; and wherein said load bearing means does not extend forward beyond said kingpin axis and, when viewed in plan from side or above, the dimensions of said load bearing means are not significantly greater than the dimensions of the remaining chassis members.

2. A semi-trailer unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein said additional longitudinal beam extends rearward of said secondary cross member and is secured to each of said longitudinal support beams at a position rearward of said front legs and forward of the mid-length point of said trailer unit. 11 £ u u 9 1 1

3. A semi-trailer unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein said additional longitudinal beam forms into two subsidiary portions in a V shape rearward of said secondary cross member.

4. A semi-trailer unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein said additional longitudinal beam is secured to an additional cross member rearward of said secondary cross member.

5. A semi-trailer unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said longitudinal support beams are I beams in cross-section.

6. A semi-trailer unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said goose-necked portion includes a sloping portion of said longitudinal support beams, said sloping portion starting at least 1 metre rearward of said kingpin axis and finishing at least 2 metres rearward of said kingpin axis.

7. A semi-trailer unit as claimed in claim 6, wherein the underside of said sloping portion slopes downward and rearward at an angle to the plane of the underside of said longitudinal support beam forward of said goose-necked portion, wherein said angle is not greater than 10°.

8. A semi-trailer unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said longitudinal support beams rearward of said goose-necked portion are 0.12 metres 12 lower than said longitudinal support beams forward of said goose-necked portion.

9. A semi-trailer unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more additional cross members are secured between said longitudinal support beams and rearward of said secondary cross-member and wherein outrigger beams are secured to some of said cross members to form transverse supporting beams, said transverse support beams when viewed in profile do not extend significantly above or below said longitudinal support beams.

10. A semi-trailer unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein a tertiary cross member is secured to the front of said unit, said tertiary cross member forming part of a first transverse support beam, wherein a rigid flange is secured to the underside of both ends of said first transverse support cross beam, and wherein a locating lug of standard type is secured to the topside of said flanges, the topside of said flanges being lower than or equal in height above the ground to the underside of said longitudinal support beams forward of said goose-necked portion.

11. A semi-trailer unit as claimed in claim 10, wherein a higher position of said lugs is obtained by the use of a spacer which includes: a locating hole on the underside of said spacer which is shaped to receive suiu lug, a top portion in the shape of said lug.

12. A semi-trailer unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said additional 13 n 0 9 11 longitudinal beam includes a flanged portion positioned rearward of said primary cross member and forward of said goose-necked portion, wherein said flanged portion is sufficiently wide to receive thereon a side lifter or container-lifting crane.

13. A semi-trailer unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said unit is dimensioned to receive thereon a combination of containers selected from the following group consisting of: one container having dimensions up to 12.2 metres in length by 2.9 metres in height; two containers each having dimensions up to 6.1 metres in length and ■ .9 metres in height; and a single container of height 2.9 metres; and wherein said selection does not exceed a combined trailer and container height of 4.25 metres.

14. A semi-trailer unit as claimed in any preceding claim, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings. STEEL BROS (NEW ZEALAND^ LIMITED. by his authorised agents, P,L, BERRY & ASSOCIATES, per: A N.Z. wtsskv omes i _hii-ji u.wiUi 10 AUG I325 14 PF-Cfr'V-^