NZ599709B - Curtain sided vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

599709 A post 40, for an end of a curtain for a curtain sided trailer or truck, where the post 40 includes at its upper end a roller device having a carriage mounted on rolls or wheels engageable with a track from which the curtain is able to be suspended, to enable the post 40 to be pulled along the track. The post 40 has lower and upper parts of its length connected together by a coupling enabling relative movement between the parts. The lower part defines a major part of the length of the post 40 and is adapted for engagement along its length with an end margin of a side curtain to enable horizontal tensioning of this side curtain. When the roller device of the post 40 is engaged with the track, or an extension of the track, at least the lower part of the post 40 is movable between a position adjacent to the side of the body of the trailer or truck on which the track or track extension is provided, and a position spaced laterally outwardly of the side of the body of the trailer or truck. he track. The post 40 has lower and upper parts of its length connected together by a coupling enabling relative movement between the parts. The lower part defines a major part of the length of the post 40 and is adapted for engagement along its length with an end margin of a side curtain to enable horizontal tensioning of this side curtain. When the roller device of the post 40 is engaged with the track, or an extension of the track, at least the lower part of the post 40 is movable between a position adjacent to the side of the body of the trailer or truck on which the track or track extension is provided, and a position spaced laterally outwardly of the side of the body of the trailer or truck.

Description

CURTAIN SIDED VEHICLES This application claims priority from Australian provisional patent application number 2011901707 filed on 6 May 2011, the contents of which are to be taken as incorporated herein by this reference.

Field of the Invention This invention relates to curtain sided vehicles. In particular the invention in various aspects relates to a post for the curtain system of a curtain sided vehicle, a curtain system for a curtain sided vehicle, and a vehicle having at least one such curtain system.

Background One known form of freight transporting vehicle is curtain sided and is designated as a curtain sided trailer or truck. This enables loading and unloading from one or each side of a load carrying space between the floor, roof and front and rear end walls of the vehicle body. A curtain for closing the side is suspended from a track extending along a side edge of the vehicle body roof. The suspension is by rollers that are secured to the curtain at each of a number of locations spaced along an upper edge margin of the curtain and are engaged with the track. For loading and unloading of the vehicle, the curtain can be drawn to one or other end of the cargo space.

However, for transportation, the curtain is drawn to cover the full cargo space, and tensioned horizontally and usually vertically.

The horizontal tensioning of the curtain of a curtain sided vehicle usually is by means of a respective post adjacent to each end wall of the vehicle body. The posts are releaseably mounted and extended from the floor to the roof of the vehicle body. A first one of the posts, usually at the rear of the vehicle, is secured to one end of the curtain and, when mounted in relation to the vehicle body, acts as an anchor for that end of the curtain. The second post is secured at the other end of the curtain and is mounted so as to be rotatable to function as a core around which the curtain is able to be wound and sufficiently tensioned. In some instances, the second post may be mounted in an elongate, open-sided member which extends between, and is journalled at, the roof and the floor with the open-sided member being rotatable on an SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx upright or substantially vertical axis to function as the core onto which the curtain is able to be wound. A wrench or ratchet mechanism, or other suitable drive, can be used to tension the extent of the curtain between the two posts, or to release the tension. When the tension is released, one or other of the posts is able to be removed from its mounting and then used to pull or draw the curtain to enable or prevent access to the load carrying space.

In the above described arrangement for tensioning a side curtain, each post may have male to female coupling between its upper end and an upper structure adjacent to the roof, and between its lower end and a lower structure adjacent to the floor, of the vehicle body. The upper and lower ends of the post may be hollow and engageable with a downwardly and upwardly projecting pin of the upper and lower structure, respectively. Alternatively, each structure may define an opening in which the respective end of the post is able to locate. In a further arrangement, a combination of these alternatives can be used. In each case, the length of the upper end of the post engaged with the upper structure can be increased by lifting the post, to enable the lower end of the post to be engaged with, or disengaged from, the lower structure.

There is a number of disadvantages with the form of post engagement described above. The weight of the post is significant, particularly as the post can be difficult to grip when wet and/or is handled in high wind conditions. In grasping and lifting the post, there is a risk of an operator’s fingers being pinched and possibly damaged.

Also, when a post is disengaged, it hangs with a length of curtain between the post and the nearest roller by which the curtain is suspended. Under high wind conditions, that length of curtain can be blown about with a risk of the operator being struck, and possibly injured, by the post.

The present invention is directed to providing an alternative form for a mounting post, a curtain system including the post, and a curtain sided vehicle provided with the post or system. At least in preferred forms, the invention overcomes or ameliorates at least one of the disadvantages detailed above.

Summary of the Invention SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx According to a first aspect the invention provides, for an end of a curtain for a curtain sided vehicle, such as trailer or truck, a post which includes at its upper end a roller device having a carriage mounted on rolls or wheels engageable with a track from which the curtain is able to be suspended, to be pulled along the track; wherein the post has lower and upper parts of its length connected together by a coupling enabling relative movement between the parts; the lower part defines a major part of the length of the post and is adapted for engagement along its length with an end margin of a side curtain to enable horizontal tensioning of this side curtain; and wherein, with the roller device of the post engaged with the track, or an extension of the track, at least the lower part of the post is movable between a position adjacent to the side of the body of the trailer or truck on which the track or track extension is provided, and a position spaced laterally outwardly of the side of the body of the trailer or truck.

The carriage of the post may comprise or form part of the upper part of the rod.

The post most preferably has only two parts connected end to end by a coupling.

While other arrangements are possible, this two-part form is assumed in the following.

In a vehicle with which the post is to be usable, the track may be longer than is required for the above described known form of curtain sided trailer or truck. The post may be used with a trailer or truck body in which the track extends at least to a location adjacent to the end wall of the body at which the post is to be installed.

Alternatively, the post can be retro-fitted to a current vehicle, with the existing track of the vehicle from which the curtain is suspended being provided with an extension track section from, to and along which the roller device is movable. In one arrangement, the extension track section may provide an end to end continuation of the existing track, at least to a location adjacent to the end wall of body at which the post is to be installed. In another arrangement, a carrier member may be engaged with the extension track section for movement there along. The roller device may be adapted to releasably engage with the carrier member for movement along the extension track section. Again, the extension track section may be an end to end continuation of the existing track. Alternatively, while extending from an end of the existing track, the extension section may not be a continuation of or, indeed, even in the same plane as, the existing track. In one arrangement the track extension section along which the carrier member is movable may have a pair of track sections which are laterally spaced in a vertical direction. The carrier member may have rollers which engage the extension track section for movement there along, or the carrier member may be slidable along the extension track section. In each case, the extension track section may extend beyond the end wall of the trailer or truck body.

A first form of the post is suited for anchoring its end of the curtain. While not necessarily the case, the post of the first form preferably is used at the rear of the vehicle body. In a vehicle produced for use with the first form of the post, the track from which the curtain is to be suspended continues to the end wall of the body at which the post is to be mounted, or an existing track can be provided with an extension section which provides a continuation of the main extent of the track to that end wall of the trailer or truck. The post of the first form has an upper part of the post that has a length which is a minor part of the total length of the post, such that the post has a coupling near or adjacent to the roller device of the post. The arrangement is such that, with the roller device of the post engaged with the track or track extension section, a lower part of the post is able to pivot laterally outwardly from the body of the vehicle, at least in a vertical plane substantially perpendicular to the track or track extension. The coupling may be provided by a hinge having a hinge axis substantially parallel to the track. However, the coupling may be one providing a greater degree of freedom in pivoting than is permitted by a hinge, and for example it may be a coupling in the form of a universal joint or coupling.

The arrangement of the first form is such that the post is able to be used to pull the end of the curtain to which it was connected to open access to the load carrying space for loading and unloading. The arrangement also is such that the post is able to be used to draw the curtain to close the load carrying space. When the curtain is fully drawn, the post is able to be pivoted so that it is upright or substantially vertical. The post then is able to be moved laterally a short distance, by tensioning of the curtain, so that the post locates behind at least one tab or flange. Thus, when the curtain is SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx tensioned from the other end of the vehicle body, the post is anchored behind the at least one tab or flange. When tension is sufficiently released, the post is able to be moved out from behind the tab or flange, without the need for an operator to lift the post to secure its release. In moving to locate behind, or out from behind, the at least one tab or flange, the post moves laterally on its roller, a short distance along the side of the body of the trailer or truck.

The arrangement of the first form of post also is suited for horizontal tensioning of the curtain from one end, once a post at the other end of the curtain has been anchored, or is positioned to be anchored as horizontal tension is applied to the curtain. While not necessarily the case, the post of the first form preferably is used at a location adjacent to the front end wall of the body of the trailer or truck when used for horizontal tensioning. Also, posts of the first form most preferably are used at respective ends of a curtain in one form of a curtain system according to the invention. The post of the first form, to enable curtain tensioning, may be for use with an elongate, open-sided member which extends between, and is journalled at each of, the roof and floor of the vehicle body. The post, when pivoted so as to be upright or substantially vertical, is able to be received into the open side of the elongate member such that the elongate member then is able to be rotated to function as a core around which the curtain is able to be drawn for horizontal tensioning of the curtain. A wrench or ratchet mechanism can be used to tension the extent of curtain between the post and an anchoring post, at the other end of the curtain, or actuated to release the tension.

A second form of post is suited for horizontal tensioning of the curtain. However, the post of the second form need not be used with an open-sided elongate member.

Rather, the track from which the curtain is suspended, or a track extension, may extend to and beyond the end of the trailer or truck body at which the post is provided.

The post then is able to be drawn laterally, along the side of the trailer or truck body, and then beyond that end wall of the vehicle body. That is, the curtain is able to be longitudinally tensioned by the end of the curtain being pulled beyond and preferably partly across that end of the vehicle, rather than the curtain simply being wound around the post.

SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx The hinge or other coupling, such as a universal joint or coupling, used in the first form of post, preferably is between sections of the post which, when the post is positioned for tensioning the curtain, are substantially in-line or co-axial. However, this preferably is not the case with the post of the second form. Rather, the post of the second form, at least when in an upright position, has sections which are laterally off-set laterally relative to each other, and joined by a link or crank section which extends between their adjacent ends. The upper one of the offset sections is relatively short relative to the lower offset section and is connected to the carriage of the roller device. As in the first form of post, the carriage preferably projects below the rail and rail extension. However, in the post of the second form, there is a coupling which allows the rotational movement on an upright or substantially vertical axis, when the post is upright or substantially vertical, by which the lower section of the post is movable between a position in which the lower section is adjacent to the side of the vehicle body and a position in which the lower section is spaced outwardly from that side. A number of arrangements allow for this movement.

The upper section of the post may be non-rotatably connected to the carriage, with the link or crank section rotatably connected to the upper offset section, and optionally also to the lower offset section, such as in an articulated crank arrangement. In an alternative, the link or crank section may be non-rotatably connected to each of the offset sections, with the upper section rotatably connected to the carriage of the roller device so as to be rotatable on an upright, longitudinal axis of the upper section. In a still further alternative, the upper section may be connected to the carriage so as to be rotatable on such longitudinal axis, with the link or crank rotatably connected to at least the upper one of the offset sections. In each case, the arrangement is such that, with the roller device engaged with the track or track extension section with the post disposed in an upright position, at least the lower section is rotable around the then upright longitudinal axis of the upper section. This enables the lower section of the post to swing around the upright axis between a position in which the lower section is against the side of the vehicle body and a position in which the lower section is spaced from that side of the body. When the lower section of the post is in the latter position, the post can be pulled in one or other direction along the side of the body of the trailer or truck to move the curtain to open or close access to the cargo space.

SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx A curtain system according to a second aspect of the invention is to provide retractable coverage of a side of a body, of a vehicle comprising a trailer or truck, which body provides a load carrying space between a floor, roof and front and rear end walls of the vehicle body. Also, the body has a track which extends along a side edge of the roof at least between the end walls. The curtain system includes a curtain having a respective rod secured along each of opposite ends of the curtain and, at each of a number of locations spaced along an edge of the curtain between the opposite ends, a respective one of rollers by which the curtain is able to be suspended from the track. In the curtain system, at least one of the posts is in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

In respective forms of the second aspect of the invention, the at least one post can be in accordance with the first or second form of post according to the first aspect of the invention. Where the at least one post is in accordance with the first form, the other post preferably is in accordance with the second form of the first aspect. Where the at least one post is in accordance with the second form, then other post preferably is in accordance with the first form of the first aspect. In each case in which a post according to the first form is used with an elongate, open-sided member, the latter may extend between, and be journalled at, the roof and floor of the vehicle body adjacent to the end wall at which that post is provided. Thus, the post is able to move and pivot to be received into the open side of the elongate member, in an upright disposition, to enable tensioning of the curtain by rotation of the elongate member, and preferably the post therein, due to the elongate member functioning as a core around which the curtain is drawn.

With the provision of a post of the second form of the first aspect, the track of the vehicle body may extend beyond the one end wall nearer to which that second form of post is provided. The arrangement is such that the curtain is able to be tensioned horizontally, after being anchored by the post adjacent to the other end wall, by the post of the second form being drawn laterally, in an upright disposition, beyond the side of the body and beyond the one end. The arrangement preferably is such that, as the post of the second form is drawn to and beyond the one end wall, the lower section of the post is able to swing outwardly from the side of the vehicle body to move in advance of the upper section of the post during horizontal tensioning of the SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx curtain, and to swing to reverse this movement in releasing horizontal tension in the curtain. An arc through which the lower section of the post of the second form is able to swing most preferably is such that, with the curtain fully tensioned horizontally, the lower section of the post is within the adjacent side edge of the outer face of the adjacent end wall of the body so as not to occupy a position increasing the effective width of the body. To enable this, the extent of the track beyond the end wall may be inclined a short distance laterally across the outer face of the end wall, such as the forward face of the front wall.

In reference to the track of the vehicle body with which the system of the second aspect is used, the track may be a purpose-built track which extends from or adjacent to one end wall, to adjacent to the other end wall. In the case of a track for use with a post of the second form, the track may extend beyond the end wall nearer to which that post is to be provided. Alternatively, the system can be retro-fitted to a the body of a vehicle with a shorter existing track, with a track extension being provided, preferably in end to end relation with the existing track at least one end of the existing track.

In the foregoing and following description, reference to an end wall of the vehicle body near, or nearer, to which a post is provided or is mounted, is to be understood as being reference to the end wall adjacent or nearer to which the post is located when the curtain is horizontally tensioned. Obviously, when tension in the curtain has been released, both of the posts can be moved to be nearer to the same end wall by the curtain being drawn back from one or other end wall.

Where provided with a post according to the first form of the first aspect of the invention, the curtain system of the second aspect may include a frame member which defines at least one tab or flange. In that case, the frame member may be mountable on the vehicle body at or adjacent to the end wall of the body at which the post of the first form is to be provided. Alternatively, the vehicle body may have such a frame member incorporated as part of a frame structure of the vehicle body. The frame member is positionable or positioned as part of the frame structure, such that the at least one tab or flange extends towards that end wall. The arrangement is such that the post of the first form, when extending upright or substantially vertical adjacent SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx to the end wall at which it is provided, is able to be drawn laterally or short distance towards the other end wall, as the curtain is tensioned, so as to locate behind the at least one tab or flange. The frame member thereby anchors the end of the tensioned curtain which is connected to the post of the first form.

Similarly the curtain system, where provided with a post of the first form to tension a curtain, may include an elongate, open-sided member able to extend between, and be journalled in each of, the roof and floor of the vehicle body. Alternatively, the elongate member may form part of the vehicle body to which the curtain system is to be installed. In each case, the elongate member is to be closely adjacent to the end wall at which the post of the post of the first form is to be provided.

The curtain system, where including a post to tension a curtain which post is according to the first or second form of the first aspect of the invention, may include a mechanism for the purposes of moving that post for tensioning the curtain longitudinally or for releasing that tensioning of the curtain. Alternatively, a mechanism for those purposes may be incorporated in the vehicle body in which the curtain system is to be, or has been, installed. Where the post of the first form is used to tension a curtain, the mechanism may be a wrench or ratchet mechanism, or other rotary drive, operable to rotate the post, or to rotate an elongate, open-sided member in which the post is received, to tension the curtain longitudinally or to enable release of that tension in the curtain. Where the post is of the second form, the mechanism or drive may be engaged with the carrier member and operable to move the carrier member along the track extension. Thus, the post, when its roller device is engaged with the carrier member, is able to be moved along the track extension.

The mechanism operable to move the carrier member, and the post when engaged with the carrier member, may be an actuator operable to move the carrier member in either direction along the track extension. The mechanism may be linear actuator, such as an hydraulic or pneumatic piston rod and cylinder device. In combination with such mechanism, there may be at least one similar mechanism which co- operates with the post and works in tandem with the mechanism operable to move the carrier member, to retain the roller device of the post in engagement with the carrier member.

SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx With each form of post according to the first aspect of the invention, the roller device enables the post to be pulled along the side of the vehicle body as required, with the rolls or wheels of the roller device remaining engaged with the track. Thus, the curtain can be pulled up to or away from the end wall at which the post is provided, or beyond that end wall in the case of a post of the second form. With an existing track provided with an extension track section to or beyond that end wall, the carriage of the roller device is able to move from the extension section, onto and along the existing track, and back again, as the curtain is pulled by the post to open or close access as the storage space of the vehicle body.

In order that the invention may be understood more readily, description now is directed to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevational view of part of the frame structure of a vehicle body, showing a post of the first form of the invention in a position for anchoring one end of a tensioned side curtain; Figure 2 is a perspective view from one side of the arrangement of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view from the other side of the arrangement of Figure 1; Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3, but is on an enlarged scale; Figure 5 corresponds to Figure 2, but shows the post in a position prior to application of tension to a curtain, or after release of the tension; Figure 6 corresponds to Figure 5, but shows a lower section of the post pivoted to enable it to move along a track of the frame structure; Figure 7 corresponds to Figure 2, but after the post has been moved along the track and its lower section pivoted to again be upright; SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx Figure 8 is similar to Figure 7, but shows a post of the second form and modification of the vehicle body frame structure to accommodate the post of that form; Figure 9 correspondence to Figure 8, but after the post has been moved to a position enabling application of tension to a curtain; Figure 10 corresponds to Figure 9, but after the post has been pivoted to cause initial application of tension to a curtain; Figure 11 is a side elevation, after initial movement of the post beyond the position shown in Figure 10, for further application of tension to the curtain; Figure 12 is an end elevation after movement of the post to a final position providing substantially full tensioning of the curtain; Figure 13 corresponds to Figure 12, but is on an enlarged scale; Figure 14 is a perspective view corresponding to Figure 12; Figure 15 is a perspective view which shows detail of the arrangement of Figure 11 on an enlarged scale; and Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 15, but with the post positioned as in Figure 12.

With reference to Figures 1 to 7, the arrangement shown is of part of the frame structure 10 of an upper corner of a curtain sided body (not otherwise shown) of a vehicle, such as a trailer or truck. The side curtain is not shown, although Figures 1 to 7 show a post 12 of the first form described above, in the general description before reference to the drawings. The corner of structure 10 shown is designated herein as being at the rear end of the vehicle body, with directions and terms such as “front” and “back” being relative to that designation. However, it is to be understood that the corner could be designated as a forward corner, with those directions and terms adjusted accordingly.

SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx The frame structure 10 is illustrated only by main frame members 14 and 16. These provide the near side, in the views shown, of a roof and rear wall, respectively, of the vehicle body, with the roof and rear wall not otherwise shown. The forward wall and the floor of the vehicle body are not shown at all. The back end of frame member 14 is supported on a plate 18 secured to the upper end of frame member 16, with plate 18 supported by a brace 20 also secured to frame member 16.

The frame member 16 has the form of a U-shaped channel which opens laterally outwardly from the vehicle body. A track 22 is carried by frame member 14, and terminates at the outer surface of front flange 16a of frame member 16. Rollers (not shown) along the top edge of the side curtain are engaged in and able to roll along track 22, and enable the side curtain to be suspended from and moved along the side of the vehicle body. In line with and for a short distance below track 22, the flange 16a is cut away to form a depending arm 24, and a laterally outwardly and downwardly inclined edge 26 below plate 18, although arm 24 can be provided by an attached separate member. Between, and secured to each of, front flange 16a and a back flange 16b of frame member 16, a continuation of track 22 is provided by a track extension 28. As shown, the extension 28 is in the form of two parallel, laterally spaced strips, each in line with a respective roller engaging surface of track 22.

The post 12 shown in Figures 1 to 7 has the major part of its length in the form of a relatively stiff, rigid tube 30. At the upper end of tube 30, post 12 includes an extension 32 having two part 32a and 32b joined end to end by a hinge coupling 34.

The upper part 32a of extension 32 functions as a carriage which has rollers 36 able to run along track 22 and track extension 28. The carriage part 32a extends through and below a slot, defined between spaced roll engaging surfaces of track 22 or the strips of track extension 28, with the hinge 34 connecting the lower end of part 32a to the upper end of the lower part 32b and tube 30 depending from the lower end of lower part 32b.

When installed as part of a side curtain system from a vehicle body, one end of the curtain is secured along tube 30 of post 12. With post 12 positioned with its rollers 36 on track extension 28 and tube 30 received between flanges 16a and 16b of frame member 16, horizontal tension is able to be applied to the curtain from the other end SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx of the vehicle body. This causes post 12 to be drawn a short distance towards that other end, by rollers 36 rolling along track extension 28. This movement is arrested by post 12 bearing against the inner surface of front flange 16a of frame member 16, in which position tension in the curtain locks post 12 between flanges or tabs 38 on flange 16a and the web 16c of frame member 16. The flanges or tabs 38 project from front flange 16a towards back flange 16b, but are spaced from flange 16b to enable post 12 to be received in, or to be moved out of, the channel of frame member 16.

When horizontal tension in the side curtain is released, post 12 is able to be moved on rollers 36 away from front flange 16a to a position close to or in contact with back flange 16b. The extent of post 12 below hinge 34 is able to pivot outwardly from the side of the vehicle body, as the pivot axis of hinge 34 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of track 22 and track extension 28. As shown in Figure 6, this pivoting can proceed to an extent in which the inclined or pivoted extent of post 12 is outwardly with respect to the inclined edge of 26 of front flange 16a of frame member 16. The post 12 then is able to be pulled a required distance, such as shown in Figure 7, by rollers 36 of the upper carriage part 32a of post 12 riding off track extension 28, onto and along track 22. In this movement of post 12, the carriage part 32a of post 12 passes behind depending finger 24, formed as a separate member or by the cut-away in the upper extent of front flange 16a, so the carriage part 32a of post 12, and its rollers 36, enter between front and rear parts of track 22.

Post 12 is able to be secured within frame member 16, or released therefrom, without the need for an operator to lift post 12 at any stage. It remains supported at all times by rollers 36 being engaged and retained in track 22 or track extension 28. The extent of post 12 below hinge 34 readily can be pivoted, between a position adjacent to or in line with the side of the vehicle body and a position spaced outwardly from the vehicle body. Also, the post 12 readily can be moved from track extension 28 onto and along track 22, or back, without undue manual effort by the operator. Also, the suspension of post 12 by its rollers 36 limits the extent to which post 12, when outside frame member 16, can be moved by strong winds acting against the curtain attached to post 12.

SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx In the arrangement of Figures 1 to 7, there is a cap 40 shown at the upper end of tube . The cap 40 may be rigidly connected to tube 30 and to lower end of part 32b of extension 32. However, if the upper end of tube 30 is rotatably secured in cap 40, the post 12 then could be a post able to apply tension to a curtain. That is, tube 30 then is able to rotate on its axis relative to extension 32, enabling a curtain attached to tube to be tensioned by being wound around a core. The core is able to be tube 3 itself, or an elongate, open-sided member journalled within or adjacent to frame member 16. The post 12 may be received within or moved from the open-side of the elongate member in a similar manner to the arrangement described for pivoting into or from frame member 16. Required rotation can be imparted by means of a wrench or ratchet mechanism acting on the post 12 or, where provided, acting on the open- sided frame member. The latter may be journalled at its lower end at the floor of the vehicle body. While needing to terminate below the vehicle body roof, for clearance of carriage part 32 and its rollers between track 22 to track extension 28, the elongate, open-sided member could be rotatably supported in an upright orientation at a lower level.

The arrangement of Figures 8 to 16 will to a large extent be understood from the description of Figures 1 to 7. Corresponding parts are identified by the same reference numeral, plus 100. The arrangement shown is of part of the frame structure 110 of an upper corner of a curtain sided body (not otherwise shown) of a vehicle, such as a trailer or truck. Again, the curtain is not shown, although Figures 8 to 16 show a post 112 of the second form described above, in the general description before reference to the drawings. The corner of structure 110 is designated herein as being at the forward end of the vehicle body. Again, direction and terms such as “front” and “back” are used relative to that designation, although the corner could be designated as a rear corner with those directions and terms adjusted accordingly.

The frame structure 110 is illustrated only by frame member 114 of a roof, and a front wall 15 having a front corner frame member 116. Only near side details are shown for members 114, 116 and wall 15, with the balance of the vehicle body, including the rear wall and the floor, not shown. The frame member 116 is of laterally open U- shape cross-section and extends between the roof and floor, and is secured to the near side of front wall 15. Member 116 which is of a current form but modified to SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx accommodate the form of, and required movement for, post 112, has side walls 116a, 116b joined by a web 116c, with the rear wall 116a providing a continuation of the inner surface of front wall 15.

Differences between the arrangement of Figures 8 to 116 and the arrangement of Figures 1 to 7, reside principally in: (a) the form of the end of existing track 122 which is adapted to accommodate a track extension 128; (b) the disposition of track extension 128; (c) the form of post 112; (d) the provision of a carrier member 17 mounted on track extension 128; and (e) the mode of, and mechanism for, tensioning a side curtain (not shown) connected to post 112.

These differences now are addressed in turn.

The track 122, carried on the frame member 114, has been modified to enable retro- fitting of post 112. For this, the end of track 112 has been cut obliquely adjacent to frame member 116, so that an end face of track 112 extends in a substantially vertical plane, both forwardly and inwardly. This is to accommodate rail extension 128 which, as shown, extends similarly. Also, it will be noted that extension 128 comprises two strips 128a and 128b which, unlike the horizontally opposed equivalents of track extension 28 of Figure 1 to 7, are vertically spaced from each other, such as by being disposed in a substantially common vertical plane.

The post 112, over a major part of its length, is in the form of a relatively rigid tube 130. The upper end of post 112 includes a relatively short extension 132 which has two parts 132a and 132b joined end to end. The extension 132 is substantially parallel to, but offset laterally from, the tube 130. A link member 19 connects the lower end of extension 132 to the upper end of tube 130.

The upper part 132a of extension 132 functions as a carriage which has rollers (not shown) able to run along track 122. With the rollers on track 122, the lower section of part 132a extends down through track 122. The part 132a of the upper extension 132 of post 112 has the form of a flat strip on which the rollers are journalled, and it has a SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx fixed orientation as post 112 is moved on the rollers along track 122. However, post 112 includes at least one coupling which enables the tube 130 to move between a position against, in line with or within a continuation of the side of the vehicle body, and a position spaced outwardly from the side of the vehicle body. To enable this, a coupling between parts 132a and 132b of extension 132 may enable rotation between parts 132a, 132b on a substantially vertical axis. Alternatively, a coupling between extension 132 and link member 19 may enable relative rotation between link 19 and extension 132, again in a substantially vertical axis. In each case the arrangement is such that tube 130 is able to swing or orbit reversibly through a substantial angle around the substantially vertical axis. The angle may be at least about 90 , even in excess of 180 . The tube 130 may, for example, be able to swing or orbit around the axis of the extension 132 of post 112 through an angle of up to about 230 , such as from about 210 to about 230 . Thus, with the post 112 at the forward end of the vehicle body, the tube 130 is able to move from first position adjacent to a side of the vehicle body, through a second position in which it is spaced outwardly from that the first position by the offset between the axes of the tube 130 and extension 132. From the second position tube 130 is able to move on to a third position in which the tube 130 is beyond the front wall of the vehicle body, inwardly with respect to the side of the vehicle body.

The carrier member 17 is mounted on track extension 128 so as to be slidable away from and towards the oblique end of track 122. For this, member 17 may have a projection which extends between and is retained by the strips 128a, 128b. Also, the carrier member 17 defines a recess (not shown) into which, with member 17 at the obliquely cut end of track 122, the carriage part 132a of post 112 is able to be received so that post 112 is able to be suspended from member 17. The recess may be of T-shape, with the base of the stem of the T opening downwardly. The arrangement is such that carriage part 132a of post 112 is able to move from track 122 into carrier member 17 and back again. Also, while part 132a is in member 17, the post 112 is able to be moved along track extension 128 with carrier member 17.

As indicated, rail extension 128 extends similarly to the oblique end of track 122.

That is, from track 122, the strips 128a, 128b of extension 128 extend forwardly and inwardly from the outer edge of side wall 116a of member 116. The end of strips SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx 128a, 128b remote from track 122 are secured to frame member 116 adjacent to the junction of web 116c and forwarded side wall 116b of member 116.

In use, post 112, is secured along the forward edge of a side curtain (not shown) along the length of tube 130, either substantially continuously or at intervals along tube 130. The post may be pulled manually, with the rollers of part 132 running along track 122, to draw the side curtain back from, or to, the front end of the vehicle body to enable or prevent access to the load carrying space. When the post 112 is pulled fully to the front end of the vehicle body the carriage comprising part 132a and rollers moves beyond the front end of track 122 and enters the recess of carrier member 17.

If post 130 then is still in the first position adjacent to the side of the vehicle body, it is able to be moved manually to swing or orbit about the axis of extension 132, through the second position spaced from that side and on to the third position. However this swinging or orbiting movement can commence as post 112 is moved to the front end of the vehicle body and completed once part 132 and rollers have been received in the recess of carrier member 17.

With part 132a and its rollers within carrier member 17, the side curtain is fully drawn out. Post 112 then is able to move with member 17 along track extension 126, to apply tension to the side curtain (assuming, of course, that the other end of the side curtain has been anchored). The movement of carrier member 17 is oblique with respect to movement of the carriage along track 122, and this can be sufficient to ensure that post 112 does not become disengaged from carrier member 17.

However, a detent device, such as ball detent, can be provided in member 17 to ensure unintentional disengagement is prevented as member 17 is moved along track extension 128, away from track 122.

In a side curtain system according to the invention, or a vehicle having such a system, a drive mechanism is provided for moving the carrier member 17. The drive mechanism 21 in the arrangement shown consists of a pneumatic or pneumatic actuator having a cylinder 21a and a piston rod 21b. The cylinder 21a is pivotably mounted on lug 23 secured on front wall 15, at a convenient location inwardly from the side of the vehicle body. The cylinder 21a is located inwardly with respect to frame member 116, while rod 21b extends through a slot in web 116c of member 116, SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx and is connected to carrier member 17. Rod 21b is of dog-leg form due to the difference in height between the spacing between strips 128a, 128b of track extension 128 and the pivotal mounting of cylinder 21a.

The arrangement between drive mechanism 21, track extension 128 and carrier member 17 is such that member 17 is able to be moved between the ends of extension 128. Thus, with post 112 suspended from carrier member 17, it is able to be moved with member 17.

Intermediate the ends of tube 130 there is at least one further mechanism 25 comprising an hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. Mechanism 25 is directly below actuator 21 and similarly disposed, having a cylinder 25a pivotally mounted on a lug 27 secured on front wall 15 and a piston rod 25b. Cylinder 25c is mounted by lug 27 at a convenient location inwardly from the side of the vehicle body while rod 25b, like rod 21b, extends towards that side. Rod 25b passes through a gap defined between two guide strips 29a, 29b which are mounted on frame member 116 in a similar manner to the strips 128a, 128b of track extension 128. At its end remote from cylinder 25a, rod 25b has hook or claw 25c for engaging tube 130. The arrangement is such that tube 130 can be caused to swing or orbit through about 180 around the vertical axis of extension 132, from the position adjacent to the side of the vehicle body. With post 112 engaged with member 17 and member 17 adjacent to the end of track 122, tube 130 then is positioned forwardly of the hook or claw 25c. Thus, as actuators of mechanism 21 and 25 are able to be operated to retract, the respective rod 21b, 25b into the respective cylinder 21a, 25a, the hook or claw 25c of mechanism 25 retains engagement of post 112 in carrier member 17. Also, as member 17 moves to the end of track extension 128 remote from track 122, mechanism 25 causes post to swing or orbit further. As mechanisms 21 and 25 are thereafter operated to extend the rods 21b, 25b from the cylinders 21a, 25a, mechanism 25 continues to keep post 112 engaged in member 17 until member 17 again is adjacent to the end of track 112. The post then can be manually moved to swing or orbit outwardly and then rearwardly from hook or claw 25c, and post then can be moved out of engagement in member 17 and back onto track 122.

SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx Retraction of rods 21b, 25b, resultant movement of member 17 along track extension 128 by mechanism 21 and further swinging or orbiting of post 130 by mechanism 25 is able to apply horizontal tension to a side curtain. Extension of rods 21b, 25b releases that tension and frees post 112 to enable the side curtain to be drawn back from frame member 116. The release of tension in the curtain also frees a post at the other end of the vehicle body, to enable that post to be drawn towards frame member 116.

The frame member 116 houses post 112 when the latter is positioned to tension the side curtain horizontally. The tensioned curtain is drawn around the outer edge of side wall 116a of member 116, and inwardly towards the front of front wall 15. To avoid damage to the tensioned curtain, an outer edge margin of wall 116 is folded to provide a rounded surface against which the curtain can be drawn. While post 112 and a short length of the side curtain are located in front of front wall 15 of the vehicle body when the curtain is tensioned, they are protected by being within frame member 116, with post 112 adjacent to the corner between front wall 116b and web 116c.

SPEC-NZ18201-12.docx

Claims (7)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A post, for an end of a curtain for a curtain sided trailer or truck, wherein the post includes at its upper end a roller device having a carriage mounted on rolls or 5 wheels engageable with a track from which the curtain is able to be suspended, to enable the post to be pulled along the track; wherein the post has lower and upper parts of its length connected together by a coupling enabling relative movement between the parts; the lower part defines a major part of the length of the post and is adapted for engagement along its length with an end margin of a side curtain to 10 enable horizontal tensioning of this side curtain; and wherein, with the roller device of the post engaged with the track, or an extension of the track, at least the lower part of the post is movable between a position adjacent to the side of the body of the trailer or truck on which the track or track extension is provided, and a position spaced laterally outwardly of the side of the body of the trailer or truck.

2. A post according to claim 1, wherein the upper part of the post has a coupling near or adjacent to the roller device and the lower part of the post is able to move outwardly from the body of the trailer or truck. 20

3. A post according to claim 2, wherein the coupling is provided by a hinge having a hinge axis which, with the roller device engaged with the track, is substantially parallel to the track to enable the lower part of the post to pivot laterally outwardly from the body. 25

4. A post according to claim 2, wherein the coupling is in the form of a universal joint or coupling.

5. A post according to claim 1, wherein an upper part of the post has a coupling near or adjacent to the roller device, the upper and lower parts of the port are laterally 30 offset relative to each other, with the lower end of the upper part and the upper end of the lower part joined by a link or crank section, and wherein the coupling enables the lower part to swing or orbit around the axis or longitudinal extent of the upper part.

6. A post according to claim 5, wherein the coupling comprises a rotatable coupling between the upper part and the link, or between the lower part and the link, or the coupling comprises a respective rotatable coupling between the link and each of the upper and lower parts, to enable the lower part to swing or orbit around the axis 5 or longitudinal extent the upper part.

7. A post according to claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to