NZ724399B2 - A repositionable load carrying tray assembly for a vehicle - Google Patents
A repositionable load carrying tray assembly for a vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ724399B2 NZ724399B2 NZ724399A NZ72439915A NZ724399B2 NZ 724399 B2 NZ724399 B2 NZ 724399B2 NZ 724399 A NZ724399 A NZ 724399A NZ 72439915 A NZ72439915 A NZ 72439915A NZ 724399 B2 NZ724399 B2 NZ 724399B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- tray
- tray assembly
- vehicle
- pivot point
- pair
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000011068 load Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 77
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 52
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 claims description 22
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 claims description 17
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000006096 absorbing agent Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001340 slower Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001808 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004642 transportation engineering Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
- B60P1/04—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load-transporting element
- B60P1/16—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load-transporting element actuated by fluid-operated mechanisms
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
- B60P1/04—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load-transporting element
- B60P1/28—Tipping body constructions
- B60P1/283—Elements of tipping devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
- B60P1/04—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load-transporting element
- B60P1/30—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load-transporting element in combination with another movement of the element
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
- B60P3/12—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for salvaging damaged vehicles
- B60P3/122—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for salvaging damaged vehicles by supporting the whole vehicle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D33/00—Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles
- B62D33/02—Platforms; Open load compartments
Abstract
The present invention is a combination of tilt tray and/or dumpster assembly that is usable on a light utility vehicle. When operating as a tilt tray, the operation of loading or unloading the tray 67 is made easier by providing a gentle slope for moving payload onto and/or off of the tray. In dumpster mode, any load may be dumped directly off the tray 67. When in tilt tray mode of operation, the invention uses gravity to enable the tray assembly to pivot about pivot points as the tray assembly is moved rearwardly or forwardly on the vehicle. As the centre of gravity transits one of the pivot points, the tray assembly assumes a new tilt angle, relative to the vehicle. The tray assembly can be moved rearwardly so that its rearmost end makes contact with the ground. The tray 67 may be loaded or unloaded when the tray assembly is in any angular position when the rearmost end is in contact with the ground. A unique hinge assembly enables the tray assembly to pivot, and/or to be forcibly rotated, depending on the mode of operation, into a wide variety of angles, relative to the ground. The invention is simple to control, compact, lightweight and versatile, making it suitable for use on light utility vehicles without the need for any special license or training of the operator. ter mode, any load may be dumped directly off the tray 67. When in tilt tray mode of operation, the invention uses gravity to enable the tray assembly to pivot about pivot points as the tray assembly is moved rearwardly or forwardly on the vehicle. As the centre of gravity transits one of the pivot points, the tray assembly assumes a new tilt angle, relative to the vehicle. The tray assembly can be moved rearwardly so that its rearmost end makes contact with the ground. The tray 67 may be loaded or unloaded when the tray assembly is in any angular position when the rearmost end is in contact with the ground. A unique hinge assembly enables the tray assembly to pivot, and/or to be forcibly rotated, depending on the mode of operation, into a wide variety of angles, relative to the ground. The invention is simple to control, compact, lightweight and versatile, making it suitable for use on light utility vehicles without the need for any special license or training of the operator.
Description
A Repositionable Load Carrying Tray ly for a Vehicle
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to y vehicles, and particularly to light utility vehicles that
can either be factory fitted or retro-fitted with a pivot and/or tilt tray assembly.
Background of the Invention
There are a considerable number of flat tray light utility es sold each year,
particularly to farmers, couriers and trades people. There is an inherent problem
associated with these types of vehicles that is ated with the loading and unloading
of cargo. When a load exceeds the maximum safe lifting weight that a person is
allowed to manipulate under prevailing health and safety requirements, the person is
then obliged to use lifting apparatus to load or unload the vehicle. When a load in the
range of about 100kg to 1,000kg is transported, that load can be too large for a
conventional tail lift. In such cases, an alternative means of loading and unloading the
tray is carried on the vehicle. Commonly used apparatus include a crane lift. This
apparatus adds to the weight and running costs, particular in relation to fuel costs, of
the vehicle. In some cases, this additional loading and unloading equipment also
reduces the payload area available on the tray.
There have been many efforts made to overcome these ms. The simplest solution
is to carry a set of ramps on the vehicle, so that they can be deployed if/when they are
needed. This has the ated problem that they need to be carried, and ramps are
only suitable for loads that can be easily rolled or slid. Ramps add to the load of the
e, and most likely reduce the available space available on the vehicle for its
payload. In addition, there are a number of occupational health and safety issues
relating to the use of ramps, particularly in relation to their tendency to suddenly
collapse and potentially cause serious es to people, and damage to the payload
being transported.
Another option includes the use of a tail or side lift to allow a user/operator to firstly
lower the lift to ground level, then manipulate the load onto the lift, then raise the load
using the lift to the height of the tray, and then manipulate the load off of the lift and
onto the tray. There are several problems associated with this type of solution. Firstly
the lift needs to be iently capable of lifting the type of load that the user wishes
to carry on their vehicle. Also once you have manipulated the cargo off the lift and
d down for transportation. At the ry end you must repeat the process to get
the cargo off. This type of means to load and unload your cargo still relies on manual
manipulation which is another health and safety issue. The higher the load, typically
the greater the bulk of the associated lift required to be able to raise it. Another
limitation associated with tail lifts, or side lifts is their limited load ng area. Many
of these types of lifts used with small to medium sized utility vehicles are only 1 metre
wide at most. So loads that exceed this dimension are often not able to be raised or
lowered by the lift. rmore in the case where there is a small vehicle to be carried,
such as a ride on mower etc, then it is not possible to simply allow the vehicle to move
onto the tray under its own power. In addition, just like with the ramps, it is typical for
the lift to add considerable bulk to the vehicle, and to impact on the space available to
carry the payload.
In yet another solution, there have been attempts to include a crane within the tray of
the vehicle. The user/operator can then use the crane to lift the payload off the ground
in the vicinity of the vehicle, and then allow it to be lated onto the tray. Again
there are problems associated with this type of solution. Firstly, like with the
previously discussed solutions, the addition of a crane to the vehicle adds bulk, and
also takes up valuable space on the tray that is then not available for the payload. You
also have the problem of having the load suspended mid-air as it is lifted off the ground
and moved into position on the tray. You must also have enough space around the arc
of movement of the crane arm, to allow the load to be safely maneuvered to the ground.
This has serious health and safety issues associated with it, particularly related to
movement on the load as it is moved, and ly related to the condition of any sling
or other coupling mechanism used to temporarily connect the load to the crane.
Furthermore, because of the inherent problems ated with these types of devices,
when moving cargo that weighs 100kg to , people/companies quite often take
the option of using a much larger truck to move their cargo which have either a large
crane or a forklift d on the vehicle. This adds additional operational costs for
carrying the cargo.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an easier loading and unloading
ism for a utility vehicle that at least mitigates some of the aforementioned
problems.
Summary of the Invention
ingly, the present ion is a repositionable load carrying tray assembly for
use with a e including:
- a tray, and
- winching means, and
- first pair of slidable rails, and
- second pair of slidable rails, and
- a pair of pivot arms, and
- a hinge, and
- a pair of support brackets,
wherein the tray assembly lays substantially horizontal with respect to the vehicle when
in its normal rest position. Typically in this position, the tray of the tray assembly is as
far forward as it can travel, with respect to the vehicle. The first pair of slidable rails
are fixed to the underside of the tray, with one slidable rail of the first pair of slidable
rails located at, or near, each longitudinal side of the tray. Each rail in the second pair
of slidable rails is located immediately below its corresponding rail in the first pair of
slidable rails. Each rail in the first pair of slidable rails is supported by, and is slidably
engaged with, its corresponding rail in the second pair of slidable rails. Each pivot arm
in the pair of pivot arms is located immediately below its corresponding rail in the
second pair of slidable rails so that each rail in the second pair of le rails is
supported by, and is slidably engaged with, its corresponding pivot arm in the pair of
pivot arms. Each pivot arm in the pair of pivot arms is hingedly attached by the hinge
to its corresponding support bracket in the pair of t brackets, which are in turn
fixed to a suitable portion of the vehicle’s chassis. The winching means is connected
to the tray assembly, and is capable of causing the tray to move either in a rearward
direction, or in a forward direction, relative to the vehicle. Each support bracket
es a horizontal forward portion, and an inclined rearward portion. The hinge
creates a pivot point at or near the juncture between the forward and rear portions of
each support t, and the tray ly is pivotable about the first pivot point, so
that any forward or rearward motion of the tray assembly causes the centre of gravity
for the tray assembly in combination with any load it may be carrying at any given
time, to move either towards, or away from, the pivot point. As the centre of gravity
transits the pivot point in a rearward direction, with respect to the vehicle, it causes the
tray assembly to pivot about the pivot point solely under the influence of gravity so that
the tray becomes inclined with respect to the vehicle. As the winching means continues
to operate on the tray assembly, the tray continues to slide rearwardly of the vehicle
down the incline until it eventually makes contact with the ground in the vicinity of the
rear of the vehicle. When the tray is in contact with the ground, the vehicle is in a
ion to be loaded and/or unloaded.
The tray assembly is returned to its normal rest position by operating the winching
means in reverse, y g the tray assembly to move back up the e until
the centre of gravity of the tray assembly in combination with any load it may be
carrying at any given time to approach the pivot point, so that as the centre of gravity
transits the pivot point, the tray assembly pivots about the pivot point, solely under the
influence of gravity, and when the pivoting is completed, the tray is once again in a
horizontal orientation with respect to the vehicle.
Preferably the first and second pair of slidable rails are configured to act telescopically
with t to one another so that the second pair of rails begin to slide with respect
to the pivot arms only when the first pair of rails reach the maximum extent of their
le range with respect to the second pair of rails.
Preferably any continued operation of the winching means after the tray has made
contact with the ground as the tray moves in a rd direction, relative to the vehicle,
causes the st end of the tray to slide along the ground away from the rear of the
e, thereby causing the angle of pivot to continuously decrease as the tray
assembly continues to move in a rearward direction. Once the tray assembly reaches
the maximum extent of its rearward distance, relative to the e, the tray is at its
smallest angle of inclination with respect to the vehicle.
The angle of inclination of the tray is about 25O with respect to the vehicle when the
rear of the tray first makes contact with the , and this angle reduces to about 16O
when the tray has reached its maximum rearward extent.
Optionally the rear end of the tray includes at least one roller that enables the end of
the tray to roll across the ground.
The tray can be loaded or unloaded with a payload when the tray is in any angular
position relative to the vehicle when the rearmost end of the tray is in contact with the
Preferably there is at least one shock absorber that is connected between the tray
assembly and the vehicle chassis, to absorb any shock loads that may be created when
the tray assembly is moving and/or pivoting.
Optionally at least one dampener is included in the assembly to mitigate any simple
harmonic motion that may be generated while the tray, and any load it may be carrying,
is moving and/or ng, and the at least one dampener may be te to the at least
one shock er, or incorporated into it.
In another preferred embodiment of the current invention, the hinge provides a first and
second pivot point, and the second pivot point is located to the rear of the first pivot
point, relative to the front of the vehicle.
The tray assembly first pivots to a first incline angle, solely under the influence of
gravity, as the centre of gravity of the tray assembly in combination with any load it
may be carrying transits the first pivot point, then as the tray assembly continues to
move rearwardly, and the centre of gravity transits the second pivot point, the tray
assembly pivots to a second e angle, solely under the influence of gravity.
Optionally a pneumatic, or hydraulic cylinder, is attached between the tray assembly
and the vehicle chassis, and the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder is capable of applying
a user controllable force to the underside of the tray assembly via operator controllable
means, and thereby allowing the operator to force the tray to rotate to a greater angle
of inclination than it would otherwise pivot to about the second pivot point solely under
the influence of y, thereby better enabling the tray to optionally dump whatever
payload it may be carrying t ing the tray so far that its rear end makes
t with the ground. This feature provides the vehicle with a second “dumping”
mode of operation in addition to the “tilt tray” mode.
Preferably the operation of the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder to se the angle of
inclination of the tray assembly, with respect to the vehicle, is possible only after the
tray assembly has been moved a sufficient distance rearward of the vehicle so that the
centre of gravity of the tray assembly, and any load it may be carrying at any given
time, has transited at least the first pivot point.
Preferably the maximum angle of inclination of the tray, when under the influence of
the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, is about 50O.
The entire assembly is light weight and is retrofittable to a light utility vehicle up to 4
tonnes load capacity.
The winching means may be electrical and/or manually operated.
Optionally, when the winching means are electric, at least one sensor means is provided
that senses when the centre of gravity of the tray assembly, and any payload it may be
carrying, is nearing the first and/or second pivot points, either when the tray ly
is moving in a rearward or d ion, and as either or both pivot points are
approached, it automatically slows the speed of the winching ion to thereby
minimise any jolting of the tray assembly and/or any payload it may be carrying, as the
as the centre of gravity ts across either pivot .
The hinge that is used in the present invention includes a flat plate having a first and
second arcuate slot. The first arcuate slot is located s the front of the plate, and
the second arcuate slot is located towards the rear of the plate. The hinge interconnects
a pivot arm in the repositionable load carrying tray assembly to a corresponding t
bracket that is fixed to the chassis of the vehicle. The support bracket includes a first
and second pin that extends laterally from the longitudinal direction of the support
bracket, and the first pin slides within the first arcuate slot, and the second pin slides
within the second e slot. As the angle of inclination of the tray assembly changes
during operation, the hinge is able to assume a corresponding orientations, ve to
the support t, while keeping the pivot arms anchored in place with respect to the
vehicle.
The interaction of the first slot with the first pin creates the first pivot point, and the
interaction of the second slot with the second pin creates the second pivot point.
Preferably the support bracket includes a gap that plate is able to slide substantially
ally within, and the first and second pins each laterally traverse the gap. The first
pin slides within the first arcuate slot, and the second pin slides within the second
arcuate slot, so that any change in the inclination of the load carrying assembly as it is
being repositioned, creates a corresponding change in the angular orientation of the
hinge, relative to the support bracket.
Preferably the first arcuate slot is open at the base of the plate so that the first pin can
exit completely from the first slot in the hinge, thereby allowing the angle of inclination
of the tray assembly to exceed the angle of inclination it would make solely under the
influence of gravity.
Preferably as the tray assembly moves rearwardly from its normal rest position, and the
centre of gravity of the combined tray assembly and any load it may be ng,
completes its transit of the first pivot point, then the tray assembly will have then
pivoted to a first angle of ation, solely under the influence of gravity. As the tray
assembly continues to move rearwardly so that the centre of gravity of the tray
ly, in combination with any load it may be carrying, begins to transit the second
pivot point, the tray assembly pivots about the second pivot point solely under the
influence of gravity, so that after the centre of gravity has transited the second pivot
point, the tray assembly has ted to second more steep angle of inclination.
Preferably the first angle of inclination is about 8O, relative to the vehicle, and the
second angle of inclination is about 25O, relative to the vehicle.
Preferably the combination of the effect of the two pivot points and the at least one
shock absorber combine to mitigate any jolting force on the tray or any payload it may
be carrying as the tray assembly pivots about either the first or second pivot point.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is a
repositionable load carrying tray assembly for use with a e including:
- a tray, and
- hand operated winching means, and
- first pair of slidable rails, and
- second pair of slidable rails, and
- a pair of pivot arms, and
- a pair of support brackets.
The tray assembly lays substantially horizontal with respect to the e, when it is
in its forward most position relative to the vehicle. This is the normal rest position for
the tray assembly.
The first pair of slidable rails are fixed to the ide of the tray, and support the tray
on the assembly, with one le rail of the first pair of slidable rails located at, or
near, each side of the tray.
Each rail in the second pair of slidable rails is located immediately below a
corresponding rail in the first pair of slidable rails. Each rail in the first pair of slidable
rails is supported by, and is slidably engaged with its corresponding rail in the second
pair of slidable rails.
Each pivot arm in the pair of pivot arms is located immediately below a corresponding
rail in the second pair of slidable rails so that rail in the second pair of slidable rails is
supported by, and is slidably engaged with its corresponding pivot arm in the pair of
pivot arms.
Each pivot arm in the pair of pivot arms is hingedly attached to a corresponding support
bracket in the pair of support brackets.
The hand operated winch means is ted to the tray, and is capable of causing the
tray to move in a rearward direction, or in a forward direction with respect to the
vehicle.
As the tray moves, each rail of the first pair of slidable rails slides along its
ponding rail in the second pair of slidable rails, and as the movement continues,
the centre of gravity of the tray, and any load it may be carrying, approaches the pivot
point of the pivot arms. When the centre of gravity passes the pivot point of the pivot
arms for a sufficient distance, the weight of the tray, and any load it may be carrying,
causes the tray, the first and second pair of slidable rails, and the pair of pivot arms to
pivot about the pivot point of the pair of support brackets.
As the pivot motion occurs, the rearward portion of the tray, and any load it may be
carrying, swings downwardly towards the , and the forward portion of the tray,
and any load it may be carrying, swings a corresponding distance upwardly.
As the tray ues to move in a rd ion under the influence of the hand
operated winching means, eventually the first pair of le rails reaches the
maximum extent of their slidable distance with respect to the second pair of slidable
rails, and then further operation of the winch creates a telescoping type of action where
the second set of slidable rails to start g in a rearward direction with respect to the
pivot arms, and this slidable rearward motion of the second pair of slidable rails carries
the first pair of slidable rails and the attached tray along with them.
Also as the tray and the first and second pair of rails move rdly, the amount of
pivot continues to increase as the centre of gravity for the tray assembly, and any load
it may be carrying, moves further away from the pivot point of the hinged connector
means.
Eventually the rearmost end of the tray makes contact with the ground in the vicinity
of the rear of the vehicle. From then on, any further operation of the winch g the
assembly to move in a rearward direction causes the rearmost end of the tray to slide
along the ground away from the rear of the e.
As this occurs, the angle that the tray and rail assembly makes, relative to the vehicle,
decreases as the tray moves further in a rearward direction, until it reaches its maximum
rearward position relative to the vehicle.
The tray can then be loaded or unloaded when the tray is in any position where its rear
end is in contact with the ground. The user can adjust the angle that the tray makes,
ve to the vehicle and the ground by allowing the tray assembly to move out to its
maximum rearward position relative to the vehicle.
Finally, the tray assembly can be returned to its normal rest position by operating the
hand operated winching means in reverse. This causes the tray and the first pair of
le rails to move in a forward direction relative to the vehicle.
When the centre of y of the tray, and any load it may be carrying, moves a
sufficient distance past the pivot point, the tray, first and second slidable rails, and the
pivot arms rotate about the hinge, thereby g the rear of the tray to rotate
upwardly, and the front of the tray to rotate downwardly a corresponding amount so
that eventually the tray attains a horizontal ation with respect to the vehicle.
Continued operation of the winch causes the tray and rail lies to move to their
normal rest position.
In an alternative embodiment, the hand operated winching means is replaced with an
electric motor, and suitable control means are provided to enable the operator to run
the motor forwards or in reverse.
Preferably there is at least one shock absorber that is ted between the tray
assembly and the vehicle chassis, to absorb any shock loads that may be created when
the tray, rail and pivot arm assembly pivots.
Preferably there is either a separate dampener, or there is a dampener incorporated into
the shock absorber to mitigate any simple harmonic motion that may be created while
the tray, and any load it may be carrying, is pivoting.
Preferably the dampener and shock absorber are orated into the same housing,
and it is capable of ing on the tray, slidable arms and pivot arms assembly when
it is pivoting in either direction.
Some of the advantages of the present invention include the ability for people to move
objects onto and off of the utility vehicle under the objects own means, like a ride on
mower for example. Furthermore the present invention allows the d to be loaded
and unloaded from the vehicle within a very small foot print, and it enables an operator
to use a vehicle that is more appropriately sized for the particular payload being
transported. This provides economic advantages associated with transport. It also
means that it is much less likely that the driver of the utility vehicle will require a
special driver’s licence to operate the vehicle, or the means of loading and unloading
the vehicle.
Brief Description of the Drawings
In order that the ion may be more fully understood there will now be described,
by way of example only, preferred ments and other elements of the ion
with reference to the accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a vehicle with the present invention installed.
Figure 2 is a plan view of the present ion with the repositionable tray shown
only in dotted outline.
Figure 3 is a side schematic view of a truck with the present invention installed.
Figure 4 is an isometric view of the first and second slidable rails.
Figure 5 is a side view of the hinged connector.
Figures 6 a to d show the repositionable tray in a variety of positions.
Figure 7 is a side view of the present invention being operated in an optional
“dump truck” mode of operation.
Description of Examples of the Invention and the Preferred Embodiment
Referring to Figure 1, we can see a vehicle 1, which is a typical light commercial utility
vehicle. The vehicle has been fitted with the tray assembly 3 of the present invention.
The Figure shows a ay section that reveals some of the detail of this preferred
embodiment that would otherwise be obscured by the tray assembly 3. Looking inside
the cut-away section we can see the chain 13 which is connected to a winch (see Figure
2). The winch is capable of driving the chain 13 either d or rearward, with
respect to the front of the vehicle 1, and the movement of the chain 13 creates a
corresponding movement in the tray ly 3 either forwardly or rearwardly, with
respect to the vehicle 1. The roller 45 can also be seen at the rear of the tray ly
In Figure 2, the tray assembly 3 is shown only in dotted outline so that we can see
greater detail of the tray assembly 3. We can see the first pair of slidable rails 5 which
are each fixed to a respective side of the ide of the tray assembly 3. We can see
that there is a user controllable ic winch 9 that is capable of driving the chain 13.
It should be noted that either a chain or a cable are suitable.
In this particular preferred ment of the present invention, there are a pair of
combined shock absorbers and dampeners 15. Each combined shock absorber and
dampener is capable of operation when the tray assembly pivots about a pivot point as
the centre of gravity of the tray ly 3, in combination with any load it may be
carrying, transits any pivot point as the tray assembly 3 moves either dly or
rearwardly, with respect to the vehicle 1. In another preferred embodiment the shock
er and the dampener are separate devices that e the same result.
The ends of the shock absorbers and dampeners are hingedly fixed to the vehicle
chassis at their end nearest to the rear of the truck. The other ends are hingedly fixed
to a crossbeam 17 which forms part of the structure that supports the tray assembly 3.
Optionally there is at least one hydraulic or pneumatic piston 19(Figure 7) which is
also connected between the vehicle s and the crossbeam 17.
Turning to Figure 3, where we can see a side schematic view of a vehicle 1 fitted with
the t invention. In this view we can see the tray 67 and the first pair of slidable
rails 5 and the second pair of slidable rails 7, and we also can see an exploded view
showing more details of the pivot arms 47, the hinge 11 and the support bracket 65.
The support bracket 65 is fixed to the vehicle chassis 57. In the exploded view, we can
see that the pivot arm 47 is connected to the hinge 11. In this preferred embodiment,
the hinge 11 is shown comprising a pair of plates, however a single plate could just as
easily be used. The hinge 11 includes a front arcuate slot 39 that is nearest to the front
of the vehicle, and a rear arcuate slot 49. The support bracket 65 includes a front pin
61 and a rear pin 63. The front pin 61 is ured to slide within the front arcuate
slot 39, and the rear pin 63 is configured to slide within the rear arcuate slot 49. As
shown, the front arcuate slot 39 is open at its base.
The current view shows the tray assembly in its normal rest position, with the tray 67
sitting horizontal and fully forward, with respect to the vehicle 1. When in this
configuration, the front pin 61 is located at the top of the top of the front arcuate slot
39, and the rear pin 63 is located near the bottom of the rear arcuate slot 49. The front
pin 61 combines with the front arcuate slot 39 to create the first pivot point about which
the tray assembly initially tilts to as the centre of gravity of the tray assembly in
combination with any load it may be ng fully transits the first pivot point.
Turning to Figure 4 we are shown how one rail of the first pair of le rails 5 is
configured to ride within an elongate slot 21 of its tive rail in the second pair of
slidable rails 7 via retaining plates 23. The retaining plates 23 slidably fasten each rail
in the first pair of slidable rails 5 to its respective rails in the second pair of slidable
rails 7. Any continued motion of the first pair of le rails 5 after they have reached
the maximum extent of its travel so that it abuts against either end of the elongate slot
21, it creates a telescopic action that forces each rail in the second pair of slidable rails
7 to start to slide.
In Figure 5, we are shown an isometric view of the support bracket of the support
bracket 65, the hinge 11, and the pivot arm 47. The support bracket 65 includes a
forward portion 31 and an inclined rear portion 33. The front pin 61 is d at or
near the juncture between the forward portion 31 and the inclined rear portion 33 of
support bracket 65. The support bracket 65 is shown in this embodiment as having an
elongate gap 37 that enables the hinge 11 to slide within as its angular orientation
changes as the tray assembly pivots. The front pin 61 combines with the front arcuate
slot 39 to create the first pivot point. Because of the unique design of the hinge 11, the
pivot arm 47 can have multiple r orientations while ing fixed to the
support bracket 65 via the hinge 11. As the tray ly pivots around the first pivot
point, the rear arcuate slot 49 slides downwardly until the top of the slot abuts against
the rear pin 63. The second arcuate slot 49 and the rear pin 63 combine to create a
second pivot point for the tray assembly.
As the tray assembly pivots into the second ed angle, the front arcuate slot 39
slides upwardly, away from the front pin 61. When the angle of inclination exceeds a
certain point, the front arcuate slot 39 completely disengages from the front pin 61.
The freedom given to the pivot arm 47 to move into a wide variety of angles with
respect to the vehicle means that the attached tray ly has the freedom to move
into a wide variety of angles with respect to the vehicle, thereby allowing the tray to be
angled for easy loading and unloading operations, and/or tipping and dumping
operations.
As shown in Figures 6 a to d, in one use io, the winch is used to drive the pivot
tray assembly from its normal rest position on the back of the vehicle in the direction
of the arrow. As the tray 67 moves rearwardly, the first pair of slidable rails 5 slide
along the bottom pair of le rails 7. Eventually the centre of gravity of the tray
assembly in combination with any load it may be carrying approaches the first pivot
point that is creates by the interaction of the front pin 61 with the front e slot 39.
As it transits the first pivot point, the tray assembly pivots solely under the influence
of gravity into a first inclined position, as shown by the curved arrow in Figure 6b. In
this angular orientation, the front pin 61 is at the top of the front arcuate slot 39, and
the rear pin 63 is at the top of the rear arcuate slot 49.
As the operator ues to move the tray assembly rearwardly, the centre of gravity
eventually transits the second pivot point that is created by the combination of the rear
pin 63 with the rear arcuate slot 49, and the tray assembly pivots, solely under the
influence of gravity, into a second inclined angle.
Typically the first angle of incline is about 8O to the horizontal, and the second angle
of incline is about 25O.
Any shock load or simple ic motion created by the pivoting motion of the tray
assembly is mitigated by the shock absorber 15 and the dampener respectively.
As the operator continues to move the tray ly rearwardly, ally the rear of
the tray 67 makes t with the ground.
If the user/operator continues to operate the winch 9, the tray assembly 3 and the first
pair of slidable rails 5 continue to slide upon the now inclined second pair of slidable
rails 7 as shown in Figure 6c. Eventually the first pair of le rails 5 reach the limit
of their slidable movement with respect to the second set of slidable rails 7. Once they
reach this point, and further operation of the winch causes a telescope type action
whereby the first pair of slidable rails 5 force the second pair of slidable rails 7 to start
sliding with respect to the pivot arms 47. Eventually the rear roller 45 of the tray makes
contact with the ground at the rear of the vehicle. If the user/operator continues to
operate the motor, the rear roller 45 rolls along the ground. When the roller 45 is in
contact with the ground, the tray 67 is in a condition to be loaded and/or unloaded.
When on level ground, as shown in Figure 6d, if the or continues to operate the
winch 9 to force the tray assembly further in a rearward direction, the roller 45 enables
the tray 67 to roll along the ground. As it does so, the slope of the tray 67 relative to
the vehicle reduces in angle, as the tray assembly begins to rotate around the second
pivot point in the direction of the curved arrow shown, thereby making it a gentler slope
to load and/or unload the tray 67. Typically this gentler slope is around 16O. Eventually
the front arcuate slot 39 will engage the front pin 61, and the tray assembly 3 will lift
off the rear pin 63. From then on, the tray assembly is supported by the combination
of the front pin 61 and the roller 45.
If the ground is uneven, and the vehicle for example is inclined, then the tray assembly
may not pivot about the second pivot point far enough to causer the front pin 61 to
engage with the front arcuate slot 39, and therefore even at full extension, the tray
assembly 3 remains ted on the combination of the rear pin 63 and the roller 45.
The tray 67 of the tray assembly 3 may be loaded or unloaded at any angle of tilt once
the roller 45 has made contact with the ground. This arrangement gives the operator
of the vehicle the freedom to load and unload the vehicle with the minimum of clear
space in the vicinity of the rear of the vehicle, when clear space is d, and to fully
extend the tray to its maximum extension, when there is space to do so.
Turning to Figure 7, we can see an optional mode of operation for the present invention.
In this view, no rearward motion of the tray assembly has been d by the operation
of the winch. Instead, the tray assembly has been forced upwardly in the ion
shown by the curved arrow about the second pivot point. By incorporating a pneumatic
or hydraulic piston 19, the user/operator has the option to force the tray assembly to
swing upwardly to a much greater angle than the tray assembly would pivot to if left
to do so solely under the influence of gravity. When used in this mode of operation,
the tray can be inclined at a much greater angle, allowing the operator to cause the tray
assembly 3 to dump its load.
In an ative red embodiment, to minimize the weight and power rating of the
pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, the dumping mode of operation is not possible until
the operator has moved the tray assembly a sufficient distance rearwardly, so that the
centre of gravity has transited the second pivot point, and therefore the tray assembly
has pivoted, solely under the force of gravity, into its second inclined position.
Typically the maximum angle that the pneumatic or hydraulic er can force the
tray assembly to rotate to is about 50O.
By adding a g mode of ion to the assembly, the invention has greater
utility while maintaining a simple, compact and light design for use in light utility
vehicles. Furthermore, the invention is e of being retro-fitted to many models of
light y vehicle already in use.
In another preferred embodiment, a lift sensor is used in combination with the front and
rear pivot point. The lift sensor is able to detect the change in weight as the tray
assembly begins to lift off the opposite pivot point to the one that the centre of gravity
of the tray assembly in combination with any load it may be carrying is transiting at
any given time. The output of the lift sensor is fed back to the winching means, and
the speed of the ng operation can be slowed down to reduce the shock load
created when the tray assembly begins to pivot about a ular pivot point, solely
under the influence of gravity. After the transition has been completed, and the tray
assembly has attained a new angular position, relative to the vehicle, the winching
means may speed back up until the movement operation on the tray assembly has
completed. The combination of the variation in the speed of the winch, and/or the
shock absorber, and/or the dampener, may combine to give the tray assembly smoother
ion under a variety of load conditions as it is moved into a variety of positions,
relative to the vehicle.
While the above description includes the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is
to be understood that many variations, alterations, modifications and/or additions may
be uced into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously described
t departing from the essential features or the spirit or ambit of the invention.
It will be also understood that where the word “comprise”, and variations such as
“comprises” and “comprising”, are used in this specification, unless the context
requires otherwise such use is intended to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or
es but is not to be taken as excluding the ce of other feature or features.
The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an
acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the
common general knowledge.
Claims (16)
1. A repositionable load carrying tray assembly for use with a light utility vehicle including: - a tray, and - winching means, and - first pair of slidable rails, and - second pair of slidable rails, and - a pair of pivot arms, and - a hinge, and - a pair of support brackets, wherein the tray ly lays substantially horizontal with respect to the vehicle, when the tray ly is in its normal rest position, and the first pair of slidable rails are fixed to the underside of the tray, with one slidable rail of the first pair of slidable rails located at, or near, each longitudinal side of the tray, and n each rail in the second pair of le rails is located immediately below its corresponding rail in the first pair of slidable rails, and wherein each rail in the first pair of slidable rails is supported by, and is in face to face slidable engagement with, its corresponding rail in the second pair of slidable rails, at all times, and wherein each pivot arm in the pair of pivot arms is located immediately below its corresponding rail in the second pair of slidable rails, so that each rail in the second pair of slidable rails is supported by, and is in face to face slidable engagement with, its corresponding pivot arm in the pair of pivot arms, at all times, and wherein each pivot arm in the pair of pivot arms is hingedly attached by the hinge to its corresponding support bracket in the pair of support brackets, which are in turn fixed to a suitable portion of the vehicle’s chassis, and wherein the winching means is located at, or near, the rear of the vehicle, and connected to the tray assembly, and is capable of causing the tray to move either in a rearward direction, or in a forward direction, ve to the vehicle, and wherein each support bracket includes a horizontal forward portion, and an ed rearward portion, and the hinge creates a first pivot point at, or near, the juncture n the forward and rear ns of each support bracket, and the tray ly is pivotable about the first pivot point, so that any d or rearward motion of the tray assembly causes the centre of gravity for the tray assembly, in combination with any load it may be carrying at any given time, to move either towards, or away from, the first pivot point, and wherein as the centre of gravity transits the first pivot point in a rearward direction, with respect to the vehicle, it causes the tray assembly to pivot about the first pivot point, solely under the influence of gravity, so that the tray assembly rotates about the first pivot point and moves into a first inclined orientation, with respect to the vehicle, and as the winching means continues to operate on the tray assembly, the tray continues to slide rearwardly of the vehicle down the first incline until it eventually makes contact with the ground in the ty of the rear of the vehicle, and when in contact with the ground, the tray assembly is in a condition to be loaded or unloaded.
2. A repositionable load carrying tray assembly as claimed in claim 1 n the tray ly is returned to its normal rest position by operating the ng means in reverse, thereby causing the tray assembly to firstly move back up the first incline until the centre of gravity of the tray assembly, in combination with any load it may be ng at any given time, approaches the first pivot point, so that as it transits the first pivot point, the tray assembly pivots about the first pivot point, solely under the influence of gravity, and when the pivoting is completed, the tray is once again in a horizontal orientation with t to the vehicle.
3. A repositionable load carrying tray assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the first and second pair of slidable rails are configured to act telescopically with respect to one another so that the second pair of rails begin to slide with respect to the pivot arms only when the first pair of rails reach the maximum extent of their slidable range with respect to the second pair of rails.
4. A repositionable load carrying tray assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the hinge provides a first and a second pivot point, and the second pivot point is located to the rear of the first pivot point, relative to the front of the vehicle.
5. A repositionable load carrying tray assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein the tray assembly first pivots to a first incline angle, solely under the influence of gravity, as the centre of y of the tray assembly, in combination with any load it may be carrying, transits the first pivot point, then as the tray ly continues to move rearwardly, and the centre of gravity transits the second pivot point, the tray assembly pivots to a second incline angle, solely under the influence of gravity, and as the winching means continues to e on the tray assembly, the tray ly continues to slide rearwardly of the vehicle down the second incline until it ally makes contact with the ground in the vicinity of the rear of the vehicle.
6. A repositionable load carrying tray assembly as defined in claim 5 claim n a pneumatic, or hydraulic cylinder, is attached between the tray assembly and the vehicle chassis, and the pneumatic or lic cylinder is capable of applying a user llable force to the underside of the tray assembly, via operator controllable means, thereby allowing the operator to force the tray to rotate to a greater angle of inclination than it would otherwise pivot to about the second pivot point, solely under the influence of gravity, thereby better enabling the tray to optionally dump whatever payload it may be carrying, without extending the tray so far that its rear end makes contact with the ground.
7. A repositionable load carrying tray assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein the operation of the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder to increase the angle of ation of the tray assembly, with respect to the vehicle, is possible only after the tray ly has been moved a sufficient distance rd of the vehicle, so that the centre of y of the tray assembly, and any load it may be carrying at any given time, has transited at least the first pivot point.
8. A repositionable load carrying tray assembly as defined in claim 7 wherein the maximum angle of inclination of the tray, when under the nce of the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, is about 50O.
9. A repositionable load carrying tray assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein the winching means are electric, and at least one sensor means is provided that senses when the centre of gravity of the tray assembly, and any d it may be carrying, is nearing the first or second pivot point, either when the tray assembly is moving in a rearward or forward ion, and as either pivot point is approached, it automatically slows the speed of the winching operation, to thereby slow the linear speed of the tray assembly, to minimise any g of the tray assembly or any payload it may be carrying, as the centre of gravity transits across either pivot point.
10. A hinge for use in a repositionable load carrying tray assembly, as defined in claim 4, including a flat plate having a first and second arcuate slot wherein the first e slot is located towards the front of the plate, and wherein the second arcuate slot is d towards the rear of the plate, and wherein the hinge interconnects a pivot arm in the repositionable load carrying tray assembly to a corresponding support bracket that is fixed to the chassis of the vehicle, and wherein the support bracket includes a first and second pin that extends laterally from the longitudinal direction of the support bracket and the first pin slides within the first arcuate slot, and the second pin slides within the second arcuate slot so that any change in the inclination of the load carrying assembly as it is being repositioned, the hinge is able to assume a wide variety of angular ons, relative to the support t, while keeping the pivot arms anchored in place with respect to the vehicle.
11. A hinge as claimed in claim 10 wherein the interaction of the first slot with the first pin creates the first pivot point, and the interaction of the second slot with the second pin s the second pivot point.
12. A hinge as defined in claim 11 wherein the support bracket es a gap that plate is able to slide substantially vertically within, and the first and second pins each laterally traverses the gap, and the first pin slides within the first e slot, and the second pin slides within the second arcuate slot so that any change in the inclination of the load carrying assembly as it is being repositioned, the hinge is able to assume a wide y of angular positions, relative to the support bracket.
13. A hinge as defined in claim 12 wherein the first arcuate slot is open at the base of the plate, so that the first pin can exit from the first slot in the hinge, thereby allowing the angle of inclination of the tray assembly to exceed the angle of inclination it would make solely under the influence of gravity.
14. A hinge as defined in claim 13 n as the tray assembly moves rearwardly from its normal rest position, and the centre of gravity of the combined tray assembly and any load it may be carrying, completes its transit of the first pivot point, the tray assembly will have then pivoted to a first angle of inclination, then as the tray assembly continues to move rearwardly, so that the centre of gravity of the tray assembly in combination with any load it may be carrying begins to transit the second pivot point, the tray assembly pivots about the second pivot point solely under the influence of y, so that after the centre of gravity has transited the second pivot point, the tray assembly has transited to second more steep angle of inclination.
15. A repositionable load carrying tray assembly as defined in claim 14 wherein the first angle of inclination is about 8O, relative to the vehicle, and the second angle of inclination is about 25O, relative to the vehicle.
16. A tionable load carrying tray assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein the combination of the effect of the two pivot points and the at least one shock absorber combine to mitigate any jolting force on the tray or any d it may be carrying as the tray assembly pivots about either the first or second pivot point. ..ml._ _._III—_._.IllHflflfl._I_.________L_I-_-| I.1...Emflm NMKDOE __LL.______M_—-____.____ L I::'- mmDGE 517' ‘
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2014900696A AU2014900696A0 (en) | 2014-03-03 | A Repositionable Tray | |
AU2014900696 | 2014-03-03 | ||
PCT/AU2015/000122 WO2015131232A1 (en) | 2014-03-03 | 2015-03-03 | A repositionable load carrying tray assembly for a vehicle |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ724399A NZ724399A (en) | 2021-06-25 |
NZ724399B2 true NZ724399B2 (en) | 2021-09-28 |
Family
ID=
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