WO2018150225A1

WO2018150225A1 - A loading bay unit

Info

Publication number: WO2018150225A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/050858
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hamed Bin Zayed Bin Sultan AL NAHYAN
Original assignee: Al Nahyan Hamed Bin Zayed Bin Sultan
Priority date: 2017-02-16
Filing date: 2017-02-16
Publication date: 2018-08-23

Abstract

The invention teaches of an interchangeable unit (10) for use with a vehicle, and specifically with use with a truck. The unit (10) is engagable to the loading bay (44) of a truck and the provides for a base on which a plurality of commonly transportable arrangements may be built. Additionally the unit (10) includes a lifting arrangement (14) for the mounting and dismounting of the unit (10) from the loading bay (44), such that the use of a crane is not required for the mounting and dismounting.

Description

A LOADING BAY UNIT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an interchangeable unit configured for use with a loading bay of a truck, and in particular to an interchangeable unit which may be mounted to, and dismounted from , the loading bay without the need of a crane.

BACKROUND OF THE INVENTION

A truck is commonly used for transporting of a payload across land. The payload may include persons, goods, or fluids, and the trucks may differ in type, size, design and capabilities.

A loading bay of a truck is commonly located over the rear axle, or set of rear axles. The loading bay area can be purpose formed, as in a tanker-truck wherein a loading bay unit is formed as a tank, or in the case of a flat-bed truck, where the unit is a substantially planer base for loading various types of payloads.

Since trucks are capable of carrying various types of payloads, it is preferable that a single truck include a disengaging unit in the place of the loading bay. Such a unit may be a trailer, wherein the trailer connects to the truck through a connection arrangement. In this way a truck may be used for multiple purposes without the need for numerous, individual purpose built trucks.

There are times when a truck and trailer arrangement would not be desirable. This is may be so when the terrain is particularly arduous and a specialized truck is required.

In these situations a trailer may not be capable of traveling across the land as it could topple and the payload may be lost. Therefore a specialized truck with a purpose built loading bay unit is required. It is desirable that this unit, like the above trailers, be disengageable thus to provide for a multi-purpose truck.

Furthermore, payloads of significant mass are transported with the use of trucks. These payloads must be lifted off, or loaded onto, the loading bay area of a truck with the use of cranes. The crane may be part of the truck, or may be a separate piece of equipment altogether. A problem may be encountered when a crane is not available. In this instance a payload cannot be removed from , or loaded onto, the loading bay.

It is preferably to have a loading bay unit which may be loaded to, or from, the loading bay of a truck without the need to rely on a crane.

A need for a truck which is capable of interchanging a securely mounted loading bay unit, which does not need use of a crane for loading and unloading is required. This is especially relevant when dealing with a specialized truck.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the current invention to address the above mentioned problems, at least to a degree, by providing an alternative to the need for purpose built trucks and additionally to address the problem encountered when a crane is not available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention there is provided a loading bay unit which includes; a frame having a lifting arrangement engaged therewith , wherein the lifting arrangement is configured to displace the frame relative to a surface.

The invention provides for the fame to include one or more elongate members and one or more transversally extending elements; for the frame to include an upper face and an opposing lower face in abutment with one another. The invention provides further for the lifting arrangement to be formed as a composite body having a surface engaging portion and a frame connecting portion ; preferably for the portions to be formed as a plurality of elongate tubular members; for the members to be arranged telescopically with respect to each other. The invention provides for each portion to include a pneumatic piston ; for the piston to expandable and retractable to adjust the length of each portion ; for each portion to include one or more pistons.

The invention provides for the lifting arrangement to be engageable with the surface.

The invention provides for the frame to include one or more lifting arrangements. The invention provides further for the frame to include a connecting arrangement for securably mounting the frame to a vehicle; preferably for the connector to include a first part affixed to a chassis of a vehicle and a second part formed on the frame and for the first part and the second part to be securable to one another; preferably for the frame to include a plurality of connector arrangements.

The invention provides further for the frame to include a locating channel for aligning the chassis of a vehicle; for the locating channel to be formed of spaced apart flanges, wherein each flanges extends away from an element; for the locating channel to receive a chassis of a vehicle between the spaced apart flanges; for the locating channel to include the connector means.

The invention provides further for the lower face to include opposing skirting arrangements; for the skirting arrangements to be substantially V-shaped and include a flange which extends away from an element and a strut which connects a free end of the flange to an end of an element; for the lower face to include an array of opposing skirting arrangements to form a convex lower surface of the frame; for opposing flanges of opposing skirting arrangements to form the locating channel between them.

The invention provides for the upper face of the frame to be in the form of a vessel for transporting fluids; alternatively for the upper face to be in the form of a capsule for transporting passengers; alternatively for the upper face to be in the form of a substantially planar body; preferably for the body to include a pair of opposing edges where at least one edge includes a sidewall.

The invention provides further for the unit to include equipment for manipulating the lifting arrangement; for the equipment to be in communication with the lifting arrangement; for the control unit to include equipment selected from at least one of the following items: a pneumatic system, a generator, and/or a compressor.

The invention provides further still for a loading bay unit which includes a frame having a lifting arrangement; wherein the lifting arrangement is configured to be extendable from the frame in a first direction; and wherein the lifting arrangement is configured to be extendable relative to the frame in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction differ, so as to displace the frame relative to a surface with which the lifting arrangement is engaged. The invention provides further still for the lifting arrangement to be actuated by a pneumatic system; for the system to include one or more pneumatic pistons housed within each portion of the lifting arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent by the following description of the embodiment, which is made by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a view, in perspective, of the loading bay unit in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 shows a plan view, from below, of the loading bay unit of Figure 1

Figure 3 shows a plan view, from above, of the loading bay unit of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a view, in partial cross-section, from the front end of the loading bay unit of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows a view, in partial cross-section, from the rear end of the loading bay unit of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows a view, from a side of the loading bay unit of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 7 - 12 show, in multiple perspective views, the loading bay unit in accordance with the invention in use, with a truck.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the Figures, which show a loading bay unit 10 in accordance with the invention. The unit 10 includes a substantially planer frame 12 and a lifting arrangement 14, engaged with the frame. The frame 12 includes a first pair of opposing ends 16A and 16B, which correlate to a front end and a back end of the frame respectively, and a second pair of opposing ends 18A and 18B, which correlate opposing sides of the frame. Additionally the frame includes an upper face 20 and an opposing lower face 22. The opposing first and second pair of opposing ends give the frame a substantially rectangular shape.

The unit 10 includes a lifting arrangement 14. The lifting arrangement is formed as a composite body and includes a connector portion 24, which extends laterally from the frame 12, and a surface engaging portion 26.

Connector portion 24 consists of a fixed end 28 for connecting the lifting arrangement 14 to the frame 12, and an opposed free end 30 for connecting to the surface engaging portion 26. The surface engaging portion 26 is positioned at the free end 30 of connector portion 24.

The engaging portion includes a first end 32 and an opposed second end 34. The second end includes a foot pad 36.

The unit 10 includes four lifting arrangements numbered 14A, 14B, 14C and 14D respectively. Each of the lifting arrangements is positioned toward a corner of the rectangular frame 12. Arrangements 14A and 14C are positioned along one side of the frame, while arrangements 14B and 14D are positioned on the opposing side of the frame. Each portion 24 and 26 of the lifting arrangement 14 is formed as a plurality of elongate tubular bodies. The bodies are arranged telescopically with respect to one another. The telescopic nature of the tubular members provides for the length of each portion to be varied. Each portion 24 and 26 may house a pneumatic piston arrangement (not shown). Each of the pistons may extend and retract under the control from a pneumatic system (discussed below). The pistons are arranged with each of the portions such that the extension and retraction of the pistons will act to vary the length of each portion. The frame 12 additionally includes a compartment 38 positioned toward the front end

16A. The compartment houses a pneumatic system used for controlling each of the pistons. The compartment is of sufficient capacity to house a generator, a compressor, pneumatic fluids and any other equipment necessary for controlling the pistons. The pneumatic system is in communication with the pistons, as housed in each of the portions. Control of the pneumatic system allows for the pistons to be extended and retracted on command, which in turn relates to the length of each portion varying. The unit 10 includes a capsule 40. The capsule is designed to receive an engine block of a vehicle (not shown). The capsule includes vented panels 42 to allow for cooling. The capsule 40 is commonly located to the rear of the passenger cabin (not shown).

Unit 10 is compatible with a vehicle, such that the engine block will be received by the capsule 40 and the frame 12 will be positioned over the vehicle's loading bay. In the drawings the loading bay of the vehicle is shown by a chassis 44, formed of two elongate supporting beams 44A and 44B.

The frame 12 includes a first array of longitudinal members 46, which run the length of the frame between the first pair of opposing ends 1 6A and 16B, and a second array of longitudinal elements 48, which extend between opposing sides 1 8A and 18B.

Elements 48 extend transversally to the beams 44 and members 46 respectively. Each element includes a pair of opposing open ends 50. The transverse arrangement of members 46 and elements 48 form the base 80 of the frame 12, for which all types of units may be built (discussed in further detail below).

The longitudinal members are aligned with, and supported by, supporting beams 44A and 44B.

A skirting arrangement 52 is located along the lower face 22 of the frame 12. The skirting arrangement includes a protruding flange 54 and a support strut 58. The flange extends transversally away from an element 48 towards an exposed end 56. The strut connects the exposed end of the flange and an open end 50 of an element 48.

The frame 12 includes a plurality of skirting arrangements 52, positioned toward either side 1 8A and 18B.

The skirting arrangements 52 form a locating channel 60 between them, specifically between the protruding flanges 54. The locating channel is used to align the unit 10 over the loading bay, such that the members 46 are located over, and supported by, the beams 44. Skirting arrangement 52 provides for lower surface 22 to form a substantially convex shape. The convex shape is important in deflecting a blast which may emanate from below the vehicle. This would be for example from a blast of a mine explosive. The force from the blast is deflected outwardly along the convex shape of the lower surface 22. This deflection aids to dissipate the full force of the blast, as opposed to having a substantially planer lower face which would absorb most of the blast.

A connector arrangement 62 (not shown) is located along the lower surface 22 of the frame 12. The connector arrangement may take several forms and serves to securely mount the frame 12 onto the chassis 44 of the vehicle. The frame may include one or more connector means.

The connector 62 may be of differing embodiments, each of which depend on the vehicle or frame which is to be used. Some factors to consider would include; the shape of the chassis 44, the weight of the frame 12, and the nature of the payload carried by the unit

10.

A type of connector arrangement may be of a mating type, in which the chassis of the vehicle is retrofitted with a part for securing with the connector. In a different embodiment the arrangement may frictionally engage with the chassis by either expanding between the beams or by clamping the beams 44 between it. In such an arrangement the chassis is not required to have a retro-fitted part.

The locating channel 60 resits, to a degree, pivotal motion of the unit 1 0. Each of the flanges 54 extend away from the elements 48 partially along an outer region of the chassis 44. The flanges thus flank the chassis.

The chassis 44 is spaced apart, substantially equally, along its length by a distance D. Opposing flanges include a distance D2 between their chassis facing edges (the distance D2 additionally is also the width of locating channel 60). As unit 10 pivots, say on a sharp bank, the distance D2 becomes angled with respect to distance D. The D2 angles grows, so the distance shortens, relatively, with respect to D.

Once the distance D2 has shortened to a sufficient degree (i.e. as the pivoting motion increases) opposing flanges will bite into outer regions of the chassis 44 and hence cause a clamping force. This clamping force attempts to hold the unit from completely toppling and serves as an aid to the connector means in stabilising the unit 10. The frame 12, as disclosed, thus provides the base 80 for which different units 10 may be built. These units may include a vessel for transporting fluids. The vessel may be built on the frame 12 acting as the support. Additional units may include a flat-bed, or cabin. The frame may even be used to support a built box, similar to those used for transporting smaller goods, or products.

The embodiment chosen in the Figures show the unit 10 built as a cabin for transporting passengers. Panels, which provide for the sidewall, roof and floorboards have been removed to aid in the description. The panels also form the lower, convex shaped, face of the frame.

These panels may be armoured for protection from projectiles and even armour piercing rounds. Reinforcing ribs 64, which extend from the opposing ends 50 of the elements, are shown. Borders 66 extend between the opposing ends 50 of the elements 44. The borders and ribs provide mounting points for attaching and supporting outer shell 68, partially shown. (The outer shell being made up of the various panels).

The outer shell 68, shown in part, is formed of an armour-plated material. The outer shell forms a substantially flush outer surface of the cabin. The shell may include a recess 70 along its surface for receiving the lifting arrangement 14 in a stored position. The lifting arrangement may also include an armour-plated shell attached to the engaging portion, such that a substantially flush exterior of the shell is presented when the lifting arrangement is in the stored position. Turning to Figures 7 to 10 where the unit, as in use in a dismounting operation from a vehicle, is shown. The unit 10 is shown as a cabin with a covering outer shell 68, in use with a vehicle 72. The vehicle includes a passenger cabin 74 and a loading bay region 76 located to the rear. The loading bay region is located along the vehicle's chassis and over the rear sets of axles. The chassis, for the purpose of this description, will match that of chassis 44, disclosed above.

Vehicle 72, with unit 10, is driven to a location where the unit is required. The unit is securably mounted to the chassis 44 of the vehicle by means of connector 62. Once the vehicle has reached the destination and parked, the dismounting of the unit 10 may begin to take place. The connector 62 remains in a locked condition to secure the unit 10 to chassis 44 of the vehicle 72. The unit is supported by beams 44A and 44B through the elongate members 46 of the frame 12. In Figure 8 lifting arrangements 14 are activated and manipulated, substantially simultaneously, by operation of the equipment as housed in cabin 38.

The outer shell 68 which forms the sidewalls and roof of the cabin, has been removed from the engaging portion 26 of the lifting arrangements (for descriptive purposes only).

In a first step of the operation the connector portion 24 extends in a first direction and laterally away from the frame. The tubular bodies of the portion move telescopically away from the fixed end 28 increasing the overall length of the connector portion. The engaging portion 26 is moved free of the recess 70 by this first movement. The connector portion extends to a workable position.

Once in the workable position, as shown in Figure 9, the next step involves the engaging portion 26 of the lifting arrangement 14 being manipulated. Much like the connector portion, tubular members of the portion move telescopically so as to increase the overall length of the engaging portion. The second direction of the extension of the portion is substantially transverse to that of the connecting portion 24.

The extension of the engaging portion 26 moves the foot-pad 36, located at the second end 34, in the direction a surface 78. Extension of the engaging portion takes place until the foot-pad is pressed into abutment with the surface.

Once the foot-pad 36 is in contact with the surface, the unit will be supported, to a degree, by the lifting arrangements 14. As shown in Figure 10. This is in addition to the support received from chassis 44 of the vehicle 72. At this point the connector means 62 is manipulated to an unlocked condition. This step un-secures the frame 12 from the chassis 44. The unit continues to rest on the chassis and as such the majority of the unit's mass is still supported by the vehicle.

Figure 1 1 shows that the next step involves additional extension of the engaging portion 26. The engaging portion extends further to press against the surface 78 and begins to bear the mass of the frame 12. The frame, as the continuing extension takes place, becomes vertically displaced relative to the surface 78 by raising from the chassis 44. The displacement of the frame 12, continues such that lower face 22 of the frame is moved clear of the loading bay region 76 of the vehicle 72. The connector means 62 at this point completely disengages. The unit 1 0 is free of the chassis 44 and vehicle 72. The lifting arrangement 14 now bears the full mass, and supports, the unit 1 0.

Once the frame is sufficiently clear, the vehicle is driven forward, as shown in Figure 12. This step represents the final step in the dis-mounting process. The unit 10 is available at the location while the vehicle is free to collect a second or additional unit. The vehicle may return to a depo site to collect an additional unit, or be utilised in some or other fashion, while the unit 10 has been dismounted at the desired location. The unit may be lowered toward the surface 78 to the degree in which the tubular bodies may telescopically receive one another. The reverse process of the above mentioned steps provide a process for mounting a unit

10 to the loading bay region 76 of the vehicle 72.

The alignment of the elongate members 46 over the chassis 44 (supporting beams 44A and 44B) becomes important when mounting the unit to a vehicle. Misalignment may have the result of the connector means not being fully aligned with the chassis. In this instance it may not be possible to place the connector arrangement in the locked condition, hence leaving the unit unsecured. The risk of the unit 10 falling, tipping or sliding off the vehicle when in transit, or when parked becomes possible. The locating channel 60, as formed between opposing flanges 54 of the skirting arrangements 52, aid in the proper alignment of the unit 10 with the vehicle's chassis 44.

In mounting the unit 1 0, the vehicle is reversed into a position below the already displaced unit.

Flanges 54, forming the sides of the locating channel 60, flank the outer surface chassis 44 as it is moved into position beneath the unit 10. A small degree of play is available between the outer surface of the chassis and the flanges. Misalignment will result in the chassis abutting a flange and hence not sliding into place along the locating channel. This reverse step serves to align the elongate members 46 of the frame over the supporting beams 44A and 44B of the vehicle. A further alignment may be required to match the mating arrangement on the chassis with the complimentary arrangement of the connector means 62. The frame 12 can then be securely mounted to the chassis 44. If no mating arrangement is present, the connector means will be secured with the chassis 44 to mount the frame 12, without further alignment being necessary.

Lifting arrangements 14 may include pneumatic pistons located within each of the portions 24 and portions 26. The pneumatic pistons are controllable by use of the equipment placed in communication with the lifting arrangements and housed in cabin 38.

The invention provides for the alternative to the need for a hoisting arrangement such as a crane to removed cargo or objects form the loading bay of a truck. In this instance the loading bay may additionally be mounted to the loading bay of a truck, once again, without the need of the crane arrangement.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a number of variations may be made to the above described invention or features thereof, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1 . A loading bay unit which includes; a frame having a lifting arrangement engaged therewith, wherein the lifting arrangement is configured to displace the frame relative to a surface.

2. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame includes at least one elongate member and at least one transversally extending element.

3. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 2 wherein the frame includes an upper face and an opposing lower face placed in abutment with one another.

4. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 3 wherein the lifting arrangement includes a composite body having a surface engaging portion and a frame connecting portion.

5. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 4 wherein each portion includes a plurality of elongate tubular members arranged telescopically with respect to each other.

6. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 5 wherein each portion includes at least one pneumatic piston housed within the tubular bodies, which, in use, is expandable and retractable to adjust the length of the portion.

7. A loading bay unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the lifting arrangement is engageable with the surface.

8. A loading bay unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the frame includes a plurality of lifting arrangements.

9. A loading bay unit according to any of the preceding claims wherein the frame includes a connecting arrangement for securably mounting the frame to a vehicle.

10. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 9 wherein the connector includes a first part affixed to a chassis of a vehicle and a second part formed on the frame and for the first part and the second part to be securable to one another.

1 1 . A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 10 wherein the frame includes a plurality of connector arrangements.

12. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim anyone of the preceding claims wherein the frame includes a locating channel for aligning a chassis of a vehicle with the unit.

13. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 12 wherein the locating channel includes spaced apart flanges, wherein each flange is connected to an element, and wherein the flange extends transversally away from the element.

14. A loading bay unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the lower face includes a skirting arrangement.

15. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 14 wherein the skirting arrangement is substantially V-shaped and includes a flange, which extends away from an element, and a strut which connects a free end of the flange to an end of an element.

16. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 15 wherein the lower face includes an array of opposing skirting arrangements.

17. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 16 wherein the array presents a substantially convex lower surface of the frame.

18. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 17 wherein the opposing flanges of the skirting arrangements form the locating channel between them.

19. A loading bay unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper face of the frame is a vessel for transporting fluids.

20. A loading bay unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the upper face is a capsule for transporting passengers.

21 . A loading bay unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the upper face is a substantially planar body having a pair of opposing edges.

22. A loading bay unit according to claim 21 wherein at least one edge of the body includes a sidewall.

23. A loading bay unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes equipment for manipulating the lifting arrangement.

24. A loading bay unit according to claim 23 wherein the equipment includes a pneumatic system configured to control the lifting arrangement.

25. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 24 wherein the equipment includes at least one of the following items placed in communication with the lifting arrangement: a pneumatic system, a generator, and/or a compressor.

26. A loading bay unit which includes a frame having a lifting arrangement; wherein the lifting arrangement is configured to be extendable from the frame in a first direction, and wherein the lifting arrangement is configured to be extendable in a second direction relative to the frame, so as to displace the frame relative to a surface with which the lifting arrangement is engaged.

27. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 26 wherein the first direction and the second direction differ.

28. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 26 wherein the lifting arrangement is actuated by a pneumatic system.

29. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 28 wherein the pneumatic system includes at least one pneumatic piston arrangement.

30. A loading bay unit as claimed in claim 29 wherein the piston arrangement is housed within each portion of the lifting arrangement.