WO2010116155A1 - Curtain-sided vehicles - Google Patents

Curtain-sided vehicles Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2010116155A1
WO2010116155A1 PCT/GB2010/000732 GB2010000732W WO2010116155A1 WO 2010116155 A1 WO2010116155 A1 WO 2010116155A1 GB 2010000732 W GB2010000732 W GB 2010000732W WO 2010116155 A1 WO2010116155 A1 WO 2010116155A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
curtain
vehicle
trailer
vehicle according
track
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2010/000732
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Graeme Wilson
Jonathan Mark Reyner
Allen Joseph Munro
Michael Roland Bleach
Kenneth Wilson
David Richmond
Original Assignee
W Trailer Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by W Trailer Co Ltd filed Critical W Trailer Co Ltd
Publication of WO2010116155A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010116155A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J5/00—Doors
    • B60J5/04—Doors arranged at the vehicle sides
    • B60J5/06—Doors arranged at the vehicle sides slidable; foldable
    • B60J5/062—Doors arranged at the vehicle sides slidable; foldable for utility vehicles or public transport
    • B60J5/065—Doors arranged at the vehicle sides slidable; foldable for utility vehicles or public transport with non-rigid elements, e.g. side curtains
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J5/00—Doors
    • B60J5/10—Doors arranged at the vehicle rear
    • B60J5/108—Doors arranged at the vehicle rear for load transporting vehicles or public transport, e.g. lorries, trucks, buses

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to curtain-sided vehicles, such as trailers and semi-trailers.
  • the present invention relates to curtain-sided vehicles that have side openings and side curtains that are supported for sliding movement to close the openings and to provide access to the interior of the vehicles via the openings.
  • curtain-sided trailers having a curtain mounted along at least one side of the trailer.
  • the curtain is mounted on rails such that it can be rolled to one side to reveal the trailer contents.
  • the curtain then obscures access to the rear of the trailer.
  • the curtain either has to be moved again to gain such access or access has to be obtained by shifting the contents of the trailer to an accessible position.
  • the present invention provides a curtain-sided vehicle comprising at least one opening in a side of the trailer and a side-curtain assembly that can close the opening and is movable by sliding between an open position and a closed position, the curtain assembly, including a guide track supporting a curtain, extending along said side and also along at least a part of the rear of the trailer so that, in said open position, the curtain can be located at least partially at the rear of the trailer.
  • the curtain may be moved at least partly into a position at the rear end of the vehicle (between the side walls) so that the entire length of the side wall which has been exposed can be accessed for loading or unloading of goods.
  • the vehicles with which this invention is concerned may include all types of curtain- closed, commercial rolling stock including articulated and rigid vehicles. Examples include vehicles with drawbars and electrified plant vehicles. Reference will be made hereinbelow to trailers (and semi-trailers) but it should be appreciated that the invention has application to any curtain-sided vehicle.
  • the guide track may itself be mounted for movement relative to the body of the vehicle. For instance, it may be mounted on a boom which is movable from the side to the rear of the vehicle.
  • the guide track is fixed to the body of the vehicle and is not movable relative thereto, More preferably, the guide track includes a curved section extending between the side and the rear of the trailer. In this way the curtain can be smoothly rolled with its trailing edge moving from the front of the vehicle along its side round the curved section and into the rear part of the vehicle.
  • the vehicle may have curtain assemblies down each side so that both sides may be opened and the curtain or curtains are located entirely at the rear. Either a single curtain may be employed or two or more curtains.
  • the length of a vehicle is controlled by industry regulations.
  • the curtain carrying track at the rear end of the vehicle needs to be positioned within the overall permitted length of the vehicle.
  • the exterior edge of the track at the read end of the vehicle is located up to 400 mm inwardly from the end of the vehicle and extends inwardly for up to a further 400 mm.
  • these distances are up to 200 mm and/or preferably about 100 mm. This compares with the useable space in a conventional vehicle which is likely to be at least 500 mm due to the presence of corner posts and rear stanchions.
  • the vehicle is a trailer or semi-trailer.
  • the curtain-sided may extend about the complete periphery of the trailer, that is to say, about the front of the trailer as well as the sides and rear. This allows loading through both the front and rear as well as at the sides of the trailer.
  • the curtain may be split. This has the advantage that only one part need be replaced if only that part is damaged and also that better tension may be applied more evenly and/or to a greater extent, thereby achieving lower fuel consumption.
  • the present invention also provides a curtain-sided trailer in which the rear comers are curved.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a curtain-side trailer in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the curtain-sided trailer of Figure 1 with the curtain partially drawn back;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the trailer of Figure 1 with the curtains drawn further back;
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of the trailer of Figure 1 with the curtains drawn back to the rear of the trailer;
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of the trailer of Figure 1 with the curtain removed;
  • Figures 6A and 6B show the curtain rail corner assembly for the trailer of Figure 1 ;
  • Figures 7A and 7B show the support structure for the curtain of the trailer of Figure 1.
  • FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings there is depicted a curtain-sided trailer 1 having at least one opening 3 in a side of trailer 1 and a side curtain assembly 5 that can close the opening and is movable by sliding movement between an open position and a closed position.
  • the side curtain assembly 5 includes a side curtain 7 made from a flexible material such as a polymeric material.
  • the side curtain assembly 5 also includes a guide track 6, part of which is illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, which is mounted at an upper section of the trailer.
  • the guide track supports the curtain 7 for sliding movement.
  • Side curtain assembly 5 also includes a plurality of roller assemblies 9 ( Figures 7A and 7B) which are mounted to the upper section of curtain assembly 5 at spaced intervals along the length of the curtain. Roller assemblies 9 are located for sliding movement in the guide track to facilitate sliding movement of the curtain 5.
  • Each roller assembly 9 includes rollers 11 between which is mounted a stem shank 13 and, attached to the stem shank 13, is the curtain 7.
  • Guide track 6 extends in a broadly u-shaped configuration from one front corner of the trailer 15 along the entire side of the trailer, along the back of the trailer and back to the front other corner of the trailer.
  • the trailer is provided with support rails 17, one being located about two-thirds up from the base of the trailer and another one at the base of the trailer. These support rails lie directly beneath guide track 6 and extend essentially along most of the sides and back of the trailer although at the front portion of the trailer a single support rail 19 is at a level stepped upwardly from lower support rail 17.
  • the curtain 5 extends around the entire sides and rear of the trailer, as indicated in Figure 1. At the rear corners of the trailer, the curtain is curved to follow the curved guide track 6 and support rails 17. The curtain may be secured in place by means of straps 19.
  • FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings shows the trailer 1 with the curtain 5 in a partially drawn back position opening up the front portion of the side of the trailer.
  • Figure 3 shows the trailer with the curtain drawn further back, thereby disclosing more of the contents of the trailer.
  • Figure 5 shows the trailer with the curtains removed.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)
  • Curtains And Furnishings For Windows Or Doors (AREA)

Abstract

A curtain-sided vehicle (1 ) has a curtain (5) which can be moved along a guide track (6) between a position closing a side of the vehicle and a position in which the side of the vehicle is open and the curtain is located at least partially at the rear of the vehicle.

Description

CURTAIN-SIDED VEHICLES Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to curtain-sided vehicles, such as trailers and semi-trailers. In particular, the present invention relates to curtain-sided vehicles that have side openings and side curtains that are supported for sliding movement to close the openings and to provide access to the interior of the vehicles via the openings.
Background of the Invention
Curtain-sided trailers are known having a curtain mounted along at least one side of the trailer. The curtain is mounted on rails such that it can be rolled to one side to reveal the trailer contents. However, once rolled to one side, for instance, the rear of the trailer, the curtain then obscures access to the rear of the trailer. The curtain either has to be moved again to gain such access or access has to be obtained by shifting the contents of the trailer to an accessible position.
Statements of the Invention
The present invention provides a curtain-sided vehicle comprising at least one opening in a side of the trailer and a side-curtain assembly that can close the opening and is movable by sliding between an open position and a closed position, the curtain assembly, including a guide track supporting a curtain, extending along said side and also along at least a part of the rear of the trailer so that, in said open position, the curtain can be located at least partially at the rear of the trailer.
In this way the curtain may be moved at least partly into a position at the rear end of the vehicle (between the side walls) so that the entire length of the side wall which has been exposed can be accessed for loading or unloading of goods.
The vehicles with which this invention is concerned may include all types of curtain- closed, commercial rolling stock including articulated and rigid vehicles. Examples include vehicles with drawbars and electrified plant vehicles. Reference will be made hereinbelow to trailers (and semi-trailers) but it should be appreciated that the invention has application to any curtain-sided vehicle.
The guide track may itself be mounted for movement relative to the body of the vehicle. For instance, it may be mounted on a boom which is movable from the side to the rear of the vehicle. Preferably, however, the guide track is fixed to the body of the vehicle and is not movable relative thereto, More preferably, the guide track includes a curved section extending between the side and the rear of the trailer. In this way the curtain can be smoothly rolled with its trailing edge moving from the front of the vehicle along its side round the curved section and into the rear part of the vehicle.
The vehicle may have curtain assemblies down each side so that both sides may be opened and the curtain or curtains are located entirely at the rear. Either a single curtain may be employed or two or more curtains.
By providing curtain assemblies with curved sections between the sides and the rear of the trailer, the result, with the curtain in place, is that the rear corners of the trailer are curved. This reduces the resistance to motion of the trailer and, as a result, there are fuel consumption benefits.
In general, the length of a vehicle is controlled by industry regulations. As a result, the curtain carrying track at the rear end of the vehicle needs to be positioned within the overall permitted length of the vehicle. Preferably, the exterior edge of the track at the read end of the vehicle is located up to 400 mm inwardly from the end of the vehicle and extends inwardly for up to a further 400 mm. Preferably these distances are up to 200 mm and/or preferably about 100 mm. This compares with the useable space in a conventional vehicle which is likely to be at least 500 mm due to the presence of corner posts and rear stanchions.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle is a trailer or semi-trailer. The curtain-sided may extend about the complete periphery of the trailer, that is to say, about the front of the trailer as well as the sides and rear. This allows loading through both the front and rear as well as at the sides of the trailer.
In a further embodiment, the curtain may be split. This has the advantage that only one part need be replaced if only that part is damaged and also that better tension may be applied more evenly and/or to a greater extent, thereby achieving lower fuel consumption.
Accordingly, the present invention also provides a curtain-sided trailer in which the rear comers are curved. Brief description of the drawings
The accompanying drawings are as follows:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a curtain-side trailer in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the curtain-sided trailer of Figure 1 with the curtain partially drawn back;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the trailer of Figure 1 with the curtains drawn further back;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the trailer of Figure 1 with the curtains drawn back to the rear of the trailer;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the trailer of Figure 1 with the curtain removed; Figures 6A and 6B show the curtain rail corner assembly for the trailer of Figure 1 ; and
Figures 7A and 7B show the support structure for the curtain of the trailer of Figure 1.
Detailed description of the Invention
Referring to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, there is depicted a curtain-sided trailer 1 having at least one opening 3 in a side of trailer 1 and a side curtain assembly 5 that can close the opening and is movable by sliding movement between an open position and a closed position.
The side curtain assembly 5 includes a side curtain 7 made from a flexible material such as a polymeric material.
The side curtain assembly 5 also includes a guide track 6, part of which is illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, which is mounted at an upper section of the trailer. The guide track supports the curtain 7 for sliding movement.
Side curtain assembly 5 also includes a plurality of roller assemblies 9 (Figures 7A and 7B) which are mounted to the upper section of curtain assembly 5 at spaced intervals along the length of the curtain. Roller assemblies 9 are located for sliding movement in the guide track to facilitate sliding movement of the curtain 5.
Each roller assembly 9 includes rollers 11 between which is mounted a stem shank 13 and, attached to the stem shank 13, is the curtain 7. Guide track 6 extends in a broadly u-shaped configuration from one front corner of the trailer 15 along the entire side of the trailer, along the back of the trailer and back to the front other corner of the trailer.
The trailer is provided with support rails 17, one being located about two-thirds up from the base of the trailer and another one at the base of the trailer. These support rails lie directly beneath guide track 6 and extend essentially along most of the sides and back of the trailer although at the front portion of the trailer a single support rail 19 is at a level stepped upwardly from lower support rail 17.
The curtain 5 extends around the entire sides and rear of the trailer, as indicated in Figure 1. At the rear corners of the trailer, the curtain is curved to follow the curved guide track 6 and support rails 17. The curtain may be secured in place by means of straps 19.
Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings shows the trailer 1 with the curtain 5 in a partially drawn back position opening up the front portion of the side of the trailer. Figure 3 shows the trailer with the curtain drawn further back, thereby disclosing more of the contents of the trailer.
Referring to Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings, the curtain is now drawn back along both sides and occupies only the rear portion of the trailer. In this position the curtain can be secured by means of straps 21.
Figure 5 shows the trailer with the curtains removed.

Claims

1. A curtain-sided vehicle comprises at least one opening in the side of the trailer and a side-curtain assembly that can close the opening and is movable by sliding between an open position and a closed position, the curtain assembly, including a guide track supporting a curtain, extending along said side and also along at least a portion of the rear of the trailer so that, in said open position, the curtain can be located at least partially at the rear of the vehicle.
2. A vehicle according to Claim 1 , wherein the guide track is fixed to the body of the vehicle.
3. A vehicle according to Claim 2, wherein the guide track includes a curved section extending between the side and the rear of the vehicle.
4. A vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein curtain assemblies extend down each side of the vehicle.
5. A vehicle according to Claim 4, in which a single curtain extends down each side and the rear of the vehicle.
6. A vehicle according to Claim 4, wherein a separate curtain extends down each side of the vehicle.
7. A vehicle according to any of the preceding claims wherein the exterior edge of track at the rear end of the vehicle is located up to 400 mm inwardly from the end of the vehicle.
8. A vehicle according to Claim 7 wherein the track extends inwardly for up to a further 400 mm.
9. A vehicle according to Claim 7 or Claim 8 wherein the exterior edge of the track at the rear end of the vehicle is located up to 200 mm inwardly from the end of the vehicle.
10. A vehicle according to any of Claims 7 to 9 wherein the track extends inwardly for up to a further 200 mm.
11. A vehicle according to any of the Claims 7 to 10 wherein in the exterior edge of the track at the rear end of the vehicle is located up to 100 mm inwardly from the end of the vehicle.
12. A vehicle according to any of Claims 7 to 11 wherein in the track extends inwardly for up to a further 100 mm.
13. A vehicle according to any of the preceding claims wherein the vehicle is a trailer or semi-trailer.
14. A vehicle according to Claim 13 wherein the curtain-side extends about the complete periphery of the trailer.
PCT/GB2010/000732 2009-04-09 2010-04-09 Curtain-sided vehicles WO2010116155A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0906227.4 2009-04-09
GB0906227A GB0906227D0 (en) 2009-04-09 2009-04-09 Curtain-sided trailers and semi-trailers
GB0921942A GB0921942D0 (en) 2009-04-09 2009-12-13 Curtain-sided trailers and semi-trailers
GB0921942.9 2009-12-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010116155A1 true WO2010116155A1 (en) 2010-10-14

Family

ID=40750421

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2010/000732 WO2010116155A1 (en) 2009-04-09 2010-04-09 Curtain-sided vehicles

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (3) GB0906227D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2010116155A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2676824A3 (en) * 2012-06-20 2014-01-01 Fahrzeugbau Heinz Böse GmbH Superstructure for conveying goods
EP2881275A1 (en) * 2013-12-06 2015-06-10 Orten GmbH & Co. KG Fahrzeugbau und -vertrieb Transport container and a vehicle comprising such a transport container

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102020126429A1 (en) * 2020-10-08 2022-04-14 Schmitz Cargobull Aktiengesellschaft Side tarpaulin and structure of a commercial vehicle

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH07276990A (en) * 1994-04-04 1995-10-24 Takada Shatai Kk Fully opened structure of expansion curtain with stile in motor truck load-carrying platform
GB2420744A (en) * 2005-11-08 2006-06-07 John Arthur Phillips Curtainsider freight transporting unit for road and intermodal transport
US20080272617A1 (en) * 2007-05-04 2008-11-06 Vanguard National Trailer Corporation Trailer With Aerodynamic Rear Door
WO2009003218A1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2009-01-08 Barker Trailers Pty. Ltd. Curtain-sided trailer and roller assembly for side curtain assemblies

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1581879A (en) * 1978-05-22 1980-12-31 Boalloy Ltd Van bodies
US5320402A (en) * 1992-10-26 1994-06-14 Ande Evers Closure web for a truck van
GB2293144B (en) * 1994-09-14 1997-11-26 M & G Tankers & Trailers Ltd Cargo transport
US6877794B2 (en) * 2002-11-26 2005-04-12 Benlee, Inc. Trailer particularly suited to hauling crushed and flattened vehicles

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH07276990A (en) * 1994-04-04 1995-10-24 Takada Shatai Kk Fully opened structure of expansion curtain with stile in motor truck load-carrying platform
GB2420744A (en) * 2005-11-08 2006-06-07 John Arthur Phillips Curtainsider freight transporting unit for road and intermodal transport
US20080272617A1 (en) * 2007-05-04 2008-11-06 Vanguard National Trailer Corporation Trailer With Aerodynamic Rear Door
WO2009003218A1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2009-01-08 Barker Trailers Pty. Ltd. Curtain-sided trailer and roller assembly for side curtain assemblies

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2676824A3 (en) * 2012-06-20 2014-01-01 Fahrzeugbau Heinz Böse GmbH Superstructure for conveying goods
EP2881275A1 (en) * 2013-12-06 2015-06-10 Orten GmbH & Co. KG Fahrzeugbau und -vertrieb Transport container and a vehicle comprising such a transport container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201005938D0 (en) 2010-05-26
GB0921942D0 (en) 2010-02-03
GB2469559A (en) 2010-10-20
GB2469559B (en) 2013-12-18
GB0906227D0 (en) 2009-05-20

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