WO2019142008A1 - Tail lift assembly for vehicle trailer - Google Patents

Tail lift assembly for vehicle trailer Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019142008A1
WO2019142008A1 PCT/GB2019/050172 GB2019050172W WO2019142008A1 WO 2019142008 A1 WO2019142008 A1 WO 2019142008A1 GB 2019050172 W GB2019050172 W GB 2019050172W WO 2019142008 A1 WO2019142008 A1 WO 2019142008A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
platform
trailer
assembly
guide means
use position
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2019/050172
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
William Mark Adams
Original Assignee
William Mark Adams
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 William Mark Adams filed Critical William Mark Adams
Priority to GB1905071.5A priority Critical patent/GB2573208A/en
Publication of WO2019142008A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019142008A1/en

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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
    • B60P1/44—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading having a loading platform thereon raising the load to the level of the load-transporting element
    • B60P1/4414—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading having a loading platform thereon raising the load to the level of the load-transporting element and keeping the loading platform parallel to the ground when raising the load
    • B60P1/4421—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading having a loading platform thereon raising the load to the level of the load-transporting element and keeping the loading platform parallel to the ground when raising the load the loading platform being carried in at least one vertical guide
    • 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
    • B60P1/44—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading having a loading platform thereon raising the load to the level of the load-transporting element
    • B60P1/4457—Means for immobilising the load or preventing it from rolling off during lifting; Man-rails
    • 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
    • B60P1/44—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading having a loading platform thereon raising the load to the level of the load-transporting element
    • B60P1/4471—General means for controlling movements of the loading platform, e.g. hydraulic systems
    • B60P1/4478—Safety stops, switches

Definitions

  • the invention to which this application relates is a tail lift apparatus which can be used in combination with a goods transporting trailer body which is fitted with the tractor unit either integrally or, more commonly, via an articulated connection.
  • the tail lift apparatus is mounted at the rear of the trailer at the opening which allows access to be gained into the trailer for loading and unloading of goods.
  • the tail lift apparatus includes a platform which is pivotally moveable between a storage position in which the same lies substantially parallel with the end wall of the trailer and an in use position in which the platform is substantially perpendicular to the said end of the trailer and is also moveable in a vertical linear direction at least when in the in use position, to allow the height of the platform to be adjusted with respect to the support surface for the trailer such as a road surface.
  • the linear movement is typically via linear guide means or pillars which are mounted on the trailer and the vertical movement allows the platform and a person and/or goods thereon to be moved to the required height to allow loading and/ or unloading of goods to and from the trailer.
  • tail-lift apparatus is well-known and is an important part of the trailer in order to allow the efficient loading and unloading of goods such that the tail lift apparatus is used frequently during normal usage of the trailer.
  • tail lifts there are known problems with the use of tail lifts and, in particular, with regard to the safety of personnel using the tail lift, which it will be appreciated can be in inclement weather conditions, at locations where the support surface is rough or uneven and which may be relatively confined and/ or busy environments. As a result of this, there is a risk of injury to personnel when using the tail lifts.
  • One known problem is when the tail lift is lowered to a position below the base floor of the trailer on which the tail lift apparatus is mounted. When the tail lift is lowered below the base floor, pillars or guide means extend downwardly and the taillift platform is most typically lowered to the support surface with which the trailer wheels contact, such as a road, or may be lowered to a height of an adjacent surface such as a pavement, grass or the like.
  • the platform When in the required lowered position, the platform, when in the horizontal in use position effectively lies on the support surface and a foot is typically provided at the end of the pillars or guide means and which includes the pivot assembly about which the platform can be moved between the substantially horizontal in use position and the substantially vertical storage position. It is known that when operating the tail lift when in the in use position to move the same down to the support surface, personnel may attempt to further power the tail lift downwardly even though it is already in contact with the support surface and/ or the weight of the goods being moved to and from the platform, and/ or unevenness in the support surface can cause the tail lift to effectively be jammed or snagged in the in use position on the support surface.
  • the release of the platform at that time means that the platform movement is acted upon by the built up movement force so that the platform rapidly moves in an uncontrolled snap like action from the in use position to the storage position and if the operator or other personnel is located between the platform when the in use position and the trailer, the snap action of the platform can be so rapid and have sufficient force so as to trap and snare the operator between the platform when in or near the storage position and the trailer.
  • a further problem which is experienced in the operation of trailers which have multiple, spaced apart floors is how to be able to gain access to and move goods to and from the different floors of the trailer in a commercially viable manner.
  • One known solution is to provide, at the loading bay of a warehouse or the like, lifting apparatus in a fixed position which has a movable platform which can be raised and lowered to the required heights of the floor of the loading bay and the floors of the trailer to allow goods to be moved between the same via the platform. Flowever, this requires the installation of the apparatus to be performed and there still exists a potential problem if the trailer is to be used at a location where the fixed lifting apparatus is not available.
  • a further known solution is to provide at least one of the floors of the trailer with a drive system to allow the floor to be lowered towards the base of the trailer to allow goods to be moved onto and from that floor at the height of the loading bay, but it is found that the drive system and movement of the floor often fails which means that there is then no possibility of easily accessing the goods on the floor when it is still raised, or using both floors if the floor is still lowered.
  • An aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a tail lift assembly in a form which ensures that the apparatus can be used with a reduced risk of injury to the operator and/or damage to the goods.
  • a further aim is to provide a tail lift assembly which allows this to be achieved and which is provided in a form so as to allow the same to be moved into position efficiently and thereby have minimum impact on the usage of the taillift assembly in terms of operational performance.
  • a further aim is to provide the tail lift assembly in a form which allows the same to be used in conjunction with multiple floor trailers and allows access to be gained to the floors at different heights in a reliable, safe and efficient manner.
  • a tail lift assembly for use with a goods storage trailer, said assembly including a platform attached at, or adjacent to, a wall of the trailer via guide means, drive means to allow powered movement of the platform along the guide means, a pivot means to allow the platform to be pivotally moved between a storage position substantially parallel to the guide means and an in use position at which the platform is substantially perpendicular to the guide means, said platform movable along the guide means to a lowered position at which the platform, when in the in use position allows goods to be moved between the platform and a support surface which the platform is positioned on or adjacent thereto and operator control means are provided to control the movement of the platform along the guide means and between in use and storage positions and wherein the assembly includes detection means to detect when the platform in the in use position is a predetermined distance from the said support surface and/or has moved a predetermined distance from when in the in use position and when said predetermined distance is reached the control means are enabled to allow the operator to select to move the platform from the in-use position
  • the platform control means only allow movement of the platform in a direction away from the support surface along the guide means when in the in use position and the control means cannot be operated to move the platform from the in use to the storage position during this time and hence prevent the possibility of jamming causing a snap action of the platform from the in use position to the storage position.
  • the said support surface is below the height of the lowest floor of the trailer. More typically the said support surface is a surface on which the trailer is located or a surface which is located between the same and the height of the lowest floor of the trailer.
  • the said detection means are mechanical and/or electrical detection means which sense the position of the connection between the platform and the guide means along which the same can move and the predetermined distance is in one embodiment determined with respect to the distance of the platform connection and the lower end of the guide means.
  • the detection means is one or more proximity sensors mounted on the platform and which are directed towards the support surface when the platform is in an in-use position.
  • the tail lift assembly includes a barrier assembly which is movable to an erected condition to provide a barrier at or adjacent to one or more edges of the platform which depend away, and/ or are spaced, from the said edge of the platform which is at, or adjacent, the said wall of the trailer.
  • the said platform is substantially rectangular in plan and one of the longer edges of the platform is located at, or adjacent to, the wall of the trailer and the barrier assembly provides a barrier at each of the said three remaining edges of the platform so as to minimise the risk of a person and/ or goods located on the platform from falling off the same.
  • the platform can be linearly moved to different heights with the range of heights typically defined by the length of the guide means and attachment means connected therewith and is also pivotally movable between storage and in use positions.
  • At least part of the barrier assembly is movable between a collapsed condition for use when the platform is in a storage position and the erected condition when the platform is an in use position.
  • the barrier assembly is movable to the erected condition after the platform has been moved to the in use position and is movable to the storage condition prior to moving the platform to the storage position. In one embodiment the movement of the platform between storage and in use positions automatically causes the movement of the barrier assembly to the storage and erected conditions respectively.
  • the barrier assembly includes one or a number of preformed barrier structures which, when in the erected condition, depend upwardly from the platform at the respective edges.
  • the barrier assembly further includes a connector which is selectively engaged and released by the user of the platform.
  • the engagement of the connector is required before the movement of the platform, when in the in use position, along the guide means is possible and when the connector is not engaged the platform is immovable along the guide means when in the in use position.
  • this ability for movement is achieved by the engagement of the connector causing the completion of an electrical circuit and hence the provision of power to allow operation of the taillift to move the same to different heights.
  • the connector includes first and second parts which are required to be brought together and engaged to provide mechanical and electrical connection.
  • the electrical connection allows the raising and lowering of the platform when in the in use position and the mechanical connection ensures that the barrier structures are retained in the required erected position during the movement of the platform.
  • the engagement of the connector is only possible once the barrier assembly has been moved to the erected condition and thereby provides the required certainty in day to day usage, that the barrier assembly is being used.
  • the barrier assembly includes a strap which extends along the edges of the platform and between the opposing ends of the edge of the taillift which lies adjacent the trailer.
  • the strap includes a connector body formed of two parts which can be engaged to retain the strap in the required location.
  • the barrier structures are rendered load bearing.
  • the body parts are disengaged, which disables the movement of the platform and the straps are withdrawn to a storage position to thereby allow the movement of the barrier structures to lie adjacent to the wall of the trailer and then the platform to be pivotally moved to the storage position.
  • the connector is provided as part of first and second barrier gates which, when moved to the engaged erected position, allow automatic engagement of the connector.
  • the connector is provided as a body formed of engagable parts provided in connection with the strap which, when engaged, forms the electrical and mechanical connection.
  • the free edge of the platform has located therewith an extension plate which can be pivotally moved between an in use position and a storage position.
  • the tail lift assembly is used in conjunction with a trailer which has a door assembly at the opening and, when the door assembly is in the closed position, the same has a recessed area and the taillift is moved to a height such that, when in the storage position, the extension plate is located in the recessed area.
  • the trailer includes first and second vertical floors and the taillift assembly can be moved to the heights of the first and second floors and to the height of an adjacent loading bay and typically also to the support surface on which the trailer is located.
  • the platform is movable along the guide means when the platform is in the storage condition and the use of the electrical connector is not required.
  • a tail lift assembly including a platform attached at, or adjacent to, one edge, via guide means, to a wall of the trailer, drive means to allow powered movement of the platform along the guide means and movement of the platform between in use and storage positions and wherein a barrier assembly is provided which is movable to an erected condition to provide a barrier at or adjacent to one or more of the edges of the platform depending away, or spaced, from the wall of the trailer when the platform is in the use position and an interlock connector is provided to only allow movement of the platform, when in the in use position, along the guide means when the interlock is in a mechanically engaged and electrically connected position.
  • a trailer including a tail lift assembly including a platform attached at, or adjacent to, one edge via guide means to a wall of the trailer, drive means to allow powered movement of the platform along the guide means and movement of the platform between in use and storage positions and wherein a tail lift assembly is provided as herein described.
  • a trailer including a tail lift assembly with a platform attached at, or adjacent to, one edge via guide means, to a wall of the trailer, drive means to allow powered movement of the platform along the guide means and movement of the platform between in use and storage positions and wherein an interlock connector is provided to only allow movement of the platform, when in the in use position, along the guide means when the interlock is in a mechanically engaged and electrically connected position.
  • the electrical connection of the interlock connector is only achievable once the barrier assembly is in the in use position.
  • a trailer including a door assembly at the rear of the trailer, said door assembly, when in a closed position including a recessed area, a taillift assembly mounted for movement and use at the said rear end and including a platform and at a free edge of the platform there is located an extension plate which can be pivotally moved between an in use position in which the same extends outwardly from an edge of the platform and a storage position in which the same is upstanding from the platform and which , when the taillift assembly is in the storage position, is located in the said recessed area of the door assembly.
  • the extension plate is provided angularly offset to the platform when in the storage position to a greater extent than when in the in use position.
  • the extension plate when the extension plate is in the in use position the same provides a continuous surface between the platform and a surface onto and from which goods are required to be moved.
  • Figures la-c illustrate side and rear elevations of a trailer and tail lift combination in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
  • FIGS. 2a- c illustrate the tail lift and barrier assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the tail lift and barrier assembly in an in use condition in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 4a and b illustrate an elevation of the taillift assembly with a platform and extension plate shown in storage and in use positions respectively;
  • Figures 5a-d illustrate a tail lift assembly in accordance with the invention in one embodiment of use; and Figures 6a-d illustrate a further embodiment of the invention which may be used in conjunction with or independently from the features illustrated in Figures l-5d
  • the trailer 2 includes side walls 4,5, a front wall 6 a roof 12 and a rear wall 8 which has an opening 9 to allow access to the interior of the trailer and a door, in this embodiment, a shutter door 23 is provided to allow the selective opening and closing of the opening.
  • the trailer 2 is mounted on a tractor unit 10 which is provided with the engine, and the tractor and trailer combination form an articulated vehicle 14 which is spaced from the support surface 18 by wheels 16.
  • a tail lift assembly 20 is mounted on guide means 40,42 at the rear wall 8 of the trailer and a platform 22 which spans across the opening 9.
  • the tail lift assembly 20 platform 22 is movable between a storage position as shown in Figure lc and an in use position as shown in the Figures la and b. When in the storage position the platform 22 is substantially vertical and parallel with the rear wall 8.
  • the platform 22 When in the in use position the platform 22 is moved by pivoting round the connection brackets or feet 49 as indicated by arrow 46 so that the platform lies in a position which is substantially perpendicular to the rear wall 8 and acts as a surface for operators and goods to be located on the same.
  • the platform 22 is also linearly movable along the guide means 40, 42 as indicated by arrow 44 so that the height of the platform above the support surface 18 can be adjusted which when the tail lift assembly is in the storage position, allows the platform to be moved to the required location for storage during movement of the vehicle and, when the platform is in the in use position, allows, the platform to be moved to a height to suit the particular use requirements of the platform 22 and to move goods and the operator thereon between different heights.
  • edge 48 of the platform 22 is positioned to lie adjacent the rear wall 8
  • the remaining edges 50, 52, 54 of the platform can be“open” in the embodiment shown in Figures 6a-d or barriers can be provided in accordance with one embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figures 2a-5d.
  • FIG. 6a-d there is illustrated a tail lift assembly 20 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
  • the platform 22 is attached at, or adjacent to, the wall 8 of the trailer 2 via guide means 40, 42.
  • Drive means are also provided typically in the form of motors which are driven by the power supply of the vehicle in order to allow powered movement of the platform 22 along the guide means 40, 42 and pivotal movement between a storage position substantially parallel to the guide means shown in Figures 6a and d and an in use position at which the platform is substantially perpendicular to the guide means and as shown in Figures 6b and c.
  • the platform 22 is movable along the guide means and via pillars 102, 104 which extend beyond the lower end of the guide means 40,42 as indicated by arrow 106 to a lowered position at which the platform 22, when in the in use position allows goods to be moved between the platform and a support surface 18 which the platform is positioned on or adjacent thereto as shown in Figure 6b.
  • the operator control means can be provided on the trailer and are typically a range of buttons or levers provided to control the drive means operation and hence movement of the platform 22 along the guide means 40,42 and pillars 102, 104 and between in use and storage positions.
  • the platform 22 can be moved from the storage position shown in Figure 6a to the in use position shown in Figure 6 b and lowered as illustrated by arrow 112 so that the platform reaches and is normally in contact with the support surface 18 as shown in Figure 6b and then allows the movement of goods between the platform and the support surface 18.
  • the platform 22 can be snagged or jammed in this position by the contact with the support surface so that attempts to move the platform when in the position shown in Figure 6b to the storage position can be resisted by the jamming and snagging and cause a build up force which, if the jam or snag is overcome can cause the platform to pivot about axis 114 and snap or slam against the wall 8 of the trailer at a risk of injury to personnel.
  • the assembly includes detection means 108 to detect when the platform in the in use position is within a predetermined distance X from the said support surface as illustrated in Figures 6c and d and/ or has moved a predetermined distance Y from when in the in use position at the support surface as shown in Figure 6b.
  • the control means are enabled to allow the operator to select to move the platform 22 from the in-use position shown in Figure 6c to the storage position shown in Figure 6d but when the platform 22 is in the use position and is detected as being at or having moved a distance from the said support surface which is less than the predetermined distance X, Y as is the case in Figure 6c, the platform 22 control means can only be operated to allow movement of the platform 22 in the direction 116 away from the support surface 18 when the platform is in the use position and the control means cannot be operated to pivotally move the platform about pivot axis 114 from the in use to the storage position during this time and it is only when the platform distance exceeds the distance X or Y as shown in Figure 6d that the platform 22 can be pivotally moved to the storage position as indicated by arrow 118. this therefore prevents the possibility of jamming or causing a snap action of the platform from the in use position to the storage position.
  • the said support surface 18 is below the height of the lowest floor 120 of the trailer 2. More typically the said support surface is a surface on which the trailer is located or a surface which is located between the same and the height of the lowest floor of the trailer.
  • the said detection means 108 can be any suitable mechanical and/or electrical detection means which sense the position of the connection between the platform 22 and the guide means along which the same can move and the predetermined distance is in one embodiment determined with respect to the distance of the platform connection and the lower end of the guide means.
  • the detection means are one or more proximity sensors mounted on the platform and which are directed towards the support surface 18 when the platform 22 is in an in-use position.
  • the said predetermined distance is selected to be such at which there is no longer a possibility of any part of the platform being snagged or jammed on the support surface when in the in use position.
  • Figures 2a-c and 3 illustrate the taillift assembly 20 in accordance with the invention in a further embodiment in greater detail and illustrates the provision of one form of a barrier assembly 24. It should be appreciated that the features of the embodiment described above with respect to Figures 6a-d can also be used in conjunction with the features described hereonin or independently.
  • the assembly includes two opposing barrier structures 30,32 and two gate barrier structures 26, 28 which lie along the edge 50 of the platform 22 when in the use position as shown in Figures 2c and 3.
  • the barrier structures 26,28,30,32 are provided so that when in the in use position they are located adjacent the respective edges 50, 52, 54 of the platform 22 so as to allow the maximum area of the platform to still be available for use whilst allowing the barrier structures to be of a height so as to allow the same to restrict access to the edges of the platform and be of a height and form so as to be load bearing and therefore resist the possibility of goods or the operator from falling through the barrier assembly 24.
  • the barrier assembly 24 can be provided in a storage condition as shown in Figure 2a so that the platform 22 can still be moved to the storage position.
  • the barrier assembly 24 can be deployed to the in use condition by first pivoting the barrier structures 30, 32 around respective pivot locations 64, 66 as indicated by arrows 60, 62 to the positions shown in Figure 2b.
  • the barrier structures 26, 28 can be pivotally moved about respective pivot brackets 68, 70 as indicated by arrows 56, 58 to bring the barrier structures 26,28 in line and the free ends of the same are mechanically located in position as shown in Figure 2c and 3, in one embodiment, by dropping the same into receiving apertures on the platform.
  • straps 34, 36 are extended from the edge 48 of the taillift assembly 22 as indicated by arrows 72,74 in Figure 2c so as to pass along the barrier structures and the free ends of the straps are provided with connector parts, which, when engaged as illustrated in Figures 2c and 3, retain the strap in position mechanically via the location of the connector 38 which mechanically locates the straps 34, 36 together.
  • the“on platform” controls are not accessible for operator use and so controls mounted on the vehicle are operational, and these controls allow the platform, when in the storage position to be raised and lowered. In one embodiment the vehicle mounted controls cannot be used when the platform has been moved to the in use position.
  • the electrical interlock system allows the selective operation of the control system for movement of the platform, when it is in the in use position, such that movement of the platform along the guide means when in the in use position is only possible when the electrical circuit is completed by the engagement of the interlock connector which completes an electrical circuit connected to the control means for the drive and movement of the platform 22.
  • the completion of the interlock connector is achieved when the gate barrier structures are moved into the in use position and electrical connection is made between interlock components provided on the respective gates. This therefore ensures that the barrier structures are in position before the electrical interlock connection can be achieved and before the platform is moveable, thereby improving the safety of operation.
  • the engagement of a connector 38 provided on the straps allows the mechanical location and support of the barrier structures and also the connection of the_electrical circuit is completed.
  • the interlock and electrical circuit is connected to the control means of the power supply for the movement of the platform 22 so that it is only when the electrical circuit is complete and which is only possible when the barrier assembly 20 is fully deployed in the in use and safe condition, that the control means will allow operation and movement of the platform 22 to different heights.
  • a display may be provided in order to indicate when the system is in a condition to allow operation of the tail lift in the in use position.
  • a taillift assembly in which the same is provided with additional physical safety due to the barrier structures depending upwardly from the platform at the edges of the same and also additional safety restrictions can be achieved as the platform, when in the in use position, is only movable when the barrier assembly has been deployed.
  • FIGs 4a and b there is illustrated the platform in use with a trailer 2 which has at the rear end 8 a door assembly which includes two sections 80, 82 ,each of which is movable in a vertical direction such that the two sections can be selectively moved to a lower overlapping position in which access is possible through the rear opening 9 to the goods on a higher floor 84 of the trailer, can be moved to a higher overlapping position in which access can be gained to the goods on a lower floor 86 of the trailer, and a partially separated position, as shown, in which the opening 9 into the trailer is closed.
  • a door assembly which includes two sections 80, 82 ,each of which is movable in a vertical direction such that the two sections can be selectively moved to a lower overlapping position in which access is possible through the rear opening 9 to the goods on a higher floor 84 of the trailer, can be moved to a higher overlapping position in which access can be gained to the goods on a lower floor 86 of the trailer, and a partially separated position, as shown
  • a recessed area 88 In order to allow the relative movement of the door assembly sections 80, 82 the same are offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the trailer and furthermore, when the same are in the closed position as shown there is provided a recessed area 88. It should be appreciated that the respective offset of the door assembly sections can be provided to suit specific requirements such that in one embodiment the upper door assembly section lies outwardly of the lower door, or vice versa.
  • the platform is provided with an extending plate 90 at the free edge of the platform.
  • the extending plate can be moved between an in use position as shown in Figure 4a in which the same extends outwardly from the platform 22 and a storage position as shown in Figure 4b in which the same has been pivoted about axis 92 to lie substantially perpendicular to the platform 22 and the platform is moved to a height such that the extending plate 90 lies in the recessed area 88.
  • FIGs 5a— d there illustrated an example of use of the tail lift assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention and the tail lift assembly is shown in the in use position with the platform 22 extending from the rear end 8 of the trailer, the barrier assembly24 in position in Figures 5a and b and with an operator 94 and a roll cage 96 with goods thereon safely located on the platform 22.
  • FIG 5a it is shown how the platform 22 is at the height of the upper floor 84 and the roll cage 96 has been moved from the upper floor 84 onto the platform 22.
  • the platform can then be lowered to the height of the floor 98 of the loading bay 100 as shown in Figure 5b with the operator 94and goods 96 still safely located on the platform 22 as a result of the positioning of the barrier assembly, including the straps 34, 36 and thereby the connection of the electrical interlock.
  • the gate barrier structures 26, 28, straps 34, 36 and electrical interlock are disengaged and the extending plate 90 is moved to the in use position so as to allow the operator 94 to move the roll cage 96 from the platform 22 onto the floor 98 of the loading bay 100 as shown in Figure 5c.
  • the trailer is provided at a location where there is no loading bay and so the same steps as described above for Figure 5c are repeated but in this case the platform 22 is moved to substantially the same height as the ground on which the trailer 2 is located as shown in Figure 5d.
  • the gate barrier structures 26, 28 and straps 34, 36 are reengaged and so the electrical interlock is electrically connected and the platform 22 can then be moved to the next required height for use or moved to the storage position shown in Figure 4b for onward transport of the trailer.

Abstract

There is provided a trailer with a tail lift assembly which includes a platform attached at,or adjacent to,awall of the trailer via guide means, drive means to allow powered movement of the platform along the guide means, a pivot means to allow the platform to be pivotally moved between a storage position substantially parallel to the guide means and an in use position at which the platform is substantially perpendicular to the guide means are provided. The assembly includes detection means to detect when the platform in the in use position is a predetermined distance from the said support surface and/or has moved a predetermined distance from when in the in use position and when said predetermined distance is reached the control means are enabled to allow the operator to select to move the platform from the in-use position to the storage position.In one embodiment the tail lift assembly includes a barrier assembly which is movable to an erected condition to provide a barrier a tor adjacent to one or more edges of the platform which depend away, and/o rare spaced, from the said edge of the platform which is at,or adjacent,the said wall of the trailer.

Description

Tail Lift Assembly For Vehicle Trailer
The invention to which this application relates is a tail lift apparatus which can be used in combination with a goods transporting trailer body which is fitted with the tractor unit either integrally or, more commonly, via an articulated connection. Most typically, the tail lift apparatus is mounted at the rear of the trailer at the opening which allows access to be gained into the trailer for loading and unloading of goods.
Typically, the tail lift apparatus includes a platform which is pivotally moveable between a storage position in which the same lies substantially parallel with the end wall of the trailer and an in use position in which the platform is substantially perpendicular to the said end of the trailer and is also moveable in a vertical linear direction at least when in the in use position, to allow the height of the platform to be adjusted with respect to the support surface for the trailer such as a road surface. The linear movement is typically via linear guide means or pillars which are mounted on the trailer and the vertical movement allows the platform and a person and/or goods thereon to be moved to the required height to allow loading and/ or unloading of goods to and from the trailer.
This form of tail-lift apparatus is well-known and is an important part of the trailer in order to allow the efficient loading and unloading of goods such that the tail lift apparatus is used frequently during normal usage of the trailer.
However there are known problems with the use of tail lifts and, in particular, with regard to the safety of personnel using the tail lift, which it will be appreciated can be in inclement weather conditions, at locations where the support surface is rough or uneven and which may be relatively confined and/ or busy environments. As a result of this, there is a risk of injury to personnel when using the tail lifts. One known problem is when the tail lift is lowered to a position below the base floor of the trailer on which the tail lift apparatus is mounted. When the tail lift is lowered below the base floor, pillars or guide means extend downwardly and the taillift platform is most typically lowered to the support surface with which the trailer wheels contact, such as a road, or may be lowered to a height of an adjacent surface such as a pavement, grass or the like. When in the required lowered position, the platform, when in the horizontal in use position effectively lies on the support surface and a foot is typically provided at the end of the pillars or guide means and which includes the pivot assembly about which the platform can be moved between the substantially horizontal in use position and the substantially vertical storage position. It is known that when operating the tail lift when in the in use position to move the same down to the support surface, personnel may attempt to further power the tail lift downwardly even though it is already in contact with the support surface and/ or the weight of the goods being moved to and from the platform, and/ or unevenness in the support surface can cause the tail lift to effectively be jammed or snagged in the in use position on the support surface. It is known that accidents have then occurred causing injury to the operator of the tail lift and/or other personnel in the vicinity when they subsequently attempt to move the platform from the in-use position at the support surface to a storage position as the required pivotal movement of the platform with respect to the trailer guide means or pillars is prevented by the snagging or jamming of the platform and/or the foot on the ground surface and so continued operation of the power drive to try and move the platform to the storage position causes a build- up of movement force acting on the platform until such a point at which the snagging or jamming which is preventing movement is overcome. However the release of the platform at that time means that the platform movement is acted upon by the built up movement force so that the platform rapidly moves in an uncontrolled snap like action from the in use position to the storage position and if the operator or other personnel is located between the platform when the in use position and the trailer, the snap action of the platform can be so rapid and have sufficient force so as to trap and snare the operator between the platform when in or near the storage position and the trailer.
Another problem with the platform and use of the same when in the in use position is that the edges of the platform can be unguarded completely, or there may be barriers provided on the side edges but not along the longer distal edge of the platform via which goods are moved to and from the platform and/or a tape or strap may be provided across the longer distal edge which is not load bearing. When one considers that the platform can be moved to a height which is some 10-15 feet above the ground, it will be appreciated that the risk of injury to an operator, if they were to fall off the platform, and/or damage to goods which fall from the platform, is high. While there is also provided guidance as to the appropriate use of tail lifts, and certain forms of barriers for the same, there is no specific legislation. Furthermore, a problem with any existing safety equipment for use with the tail lift is that during day to day usage there is no conventional way of ensuring that any or all of the safety barriers or straps which may be provided are actually being used.
Thus, despite the accepted risks, the need for apparatus of this type in the in use condition to allow loading and unloading of goods, and the need to allow the platform to be moved to a storage position when the vehicle is being moved to different locations, means that the conventional tail lift apparatus continues to be used extensively.
A further problem which is experienced in the operation of trailers which have multiple, spaced apart floors is how to be able to gain access to and move goods to and from the different floors of the trailer in a commercially viable manner. One known solution is to provide, at the loading bay of a warehouse or the like, lifting apparatus in a fixed position which has a movable platform which can be raised and lowered to the required heights of the floor of the loading bay and the floors of the trailer to allow goods to be moved between the same via the platform. Flowever, this requires the installation of the apparatus to be performed and there still exists a potential problem if the trailer is to be used at a location where the fixed lifting apparatus is not available. A further known solution is to provide at least one of the floors of the trailer with a drive system to allow the floor to be lowered towards the base of the trailer to allow goods to be moved onto and from that floor at the height of the loading bay, but it is found that the drive system and movement of the floor often fails which means that there is then no possibility of easily accessing the goods on the floor when it is still raised, or using both floors if the floor is still lowered.
An aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a tail lift assembly in a form which ensures that the apparatus can be used with a reduced risk of injury to the operator and/or damage to the goods. A further aim is to provide a tail lift assembly which allows this to be achieved and which is provided in a form so as to allow the same to be moved into position efficiently and thereby have minimum impact on the usage of the taillift assembly in terms of operational performance. A further aim is to provide the tail lift assembly in a form which allows the same to be used in conjunction with multiple floor trailers and allows access to be gained to the floors at different heights in a reliable, safe and efficient manner.
In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a tail lift assembly for use with a goods storage trailer, said assembly including a platform attached at, or adjacent to, a wall of the trailer via guide means, drive means to allow powered movement of the platform along the guide means, a pivot means to allow the platform to be pivotally moved between a storage position substantially parallel to the guide means and an in use position at which the platform is substantially perpendicular to the guide means, said platform movable along the guide means to a lowered position at which the platform, when in the in use position allows goods to be moved between the platform and a support surface which the platform is positioned on or adjacent thereto and operator control means are provided to control the movement of the platform along the guide means and between in use and storage positions and wherein the assembly includes detection means to detect when the platform in the in use position is a predetermined distance from the said support surface and/or has moved a predetermined distance from when in the in use position and when said predetermined distance is reached the control means are enabled to allow the operator to select to move the platform from the in-use position to the storage position.
Typically when the platform is in the use position and is detected as being at or having moved a distance from the said support surface which is less than the predetermined distance, the platform control means only allow movement of the platform in a direction away from the support surface along the guide means when in the in use position and the control means cannot be operated to move the platform from the in use to the storage position during this time and hence prevent the possibility of jamming causing a snap action of the platform from the in use position to the storage position.
Typically the said support surface is below the height of the lowest floor of the trailer. More typically the said support surface is a surface on which the trailer is located or a surface which is located between the same and the height of the lowest floor of the trailer.
In one embodiment the said detection means are mechanical and/or electrical detection means which sense the position of the connection between the platform and the guide means along which the same can move and the predetermined distance is in one embodiment determined with respect to the distance of the platform connection and the lower end of the guide means.
In one embodiment the detection means is one or more proximity sensors mounted on the platform and which are directed towards the support surface when the platform is in an in-use position.
Typically the said predetermined distance is selected to be such at which there is no longer a possibility of any part of the platform being snagged or jammed on the support surface when in the in use position. In one embodiment the tail lift assembly includes a barrier assembly which is movable to an erected condition to provide a barrier at or adjacent to one or more edges of the platform which depend away, and/ or are spaced, from the said edge of the platform which is at, or adjacent, the said wall of the trailer.
In one embodiment the said platform is substantially rectangular in plan and one of the longer edges of the platform is located at, or adjacent to, the wall of the trailer and the barrier assembly provides a barrier at each of the said three remaining edges of the platform so as to minimise the risk of a person and/ or goods located on the platform from falling off the same.
In one embodiment the platform can be linearly moved to different heights with the range of heights typically defined by the length of the guide means and attachment means connected therewith and is also pivotally movable between storage and in use positions.
In one embodiment at least part of the barrier assembly is movable between a collapsed condition for use when the platform is in a storage position and the erected condition when the platform is an in use position.
In one embodiment the barrier assembly is movable to the erected condition after the platform has been moved to the in use position and is movable to the storage condition prior to moving the platform to the storage position. In one embodiment the movement of the platform between storage and in use positions automatically causes the movement of the barrier assembly to the storage and erected conditions respectively.
In one embodiment the barrier assembly includes one or a number of preformed barrier structures which, when in the erected condition, depend upwardly from the platform at the respective edges. In one embodiment the barrier assembly further includes a connector which is selectively engaged and released by the user of the platform. In one embodiment the engagement of the connector is required before the movement of the platform, when in the in use position, along the guide means is possible and when the connector is not engaged the platform is immovable along the guide means when in the in use position. Typically, this ability for movement is achieved by the engagement of the connector causing the completion of an electrical circuit and hence the provision of power to allow operation of the taillift to move the same to different heights.
In one embodiment the connector includes first and second parts which are required to be brought together and engaged to provide mechanical and electrical connection. Typically, the electrical connection allows the raising and lowering of the platform when in the in use position and the mechanical connection ensures that the barrier structures are retained in the required erected position during the movement of the platform.
Typically the engagement of the connector is only possible once the barrier assembly has been moved to the erected condition and thereby provides the required certainty in day to day usage, that the barrier assembly is being used.
In one embodiment the barrier assembly includes a strap which extends along the edges of the platform and between the opposing ends of the edge of the taillift which lies adjacent the trailer. Typically the strap includes a connector body formed of two parts which can be engaged to retain the strap in the required location.
Typically when the straps and connector parts are engaged the barrier structures are rendered load bearing.
Typically in order to move the barrier assembly to the storage condition, the body parts are disengaged, which disables the movement of the platform and the straps are withdrawn to a storage position to thereby allow the movement of the barrier structures to lie adjacent to the wall of the trailer and then the platform to be pivotally moved to the storage position.
In one embodiment the connector is provided as part of first and second barrier gates which, when moved to the engaged erected position, allow automatic engagement of the connector. In another embodiment the connector is provided as a body formed of engagable parts provided in connection with the strap which, when engaged, forms the electrical and mechanical connection.
In one embodiment the free edge of the platform has located therewith an extension plate which can be pivotally moved between an in use position and a storage position.
In one embodiment the tail lift assembly is used in conjunction with a trailer which has a door assembly at the opening and, when the door assembly is in the closed position, the same has a recessed area and the taillift is moved to a height such that, when in the storage position, the extension plate is located in the recessed area.
In one embodiment the trailer includes first and second vertical floors and the taillift assembly can be moved to the heights of the first and second floors and to the height of an adjacent loading bay and typically also to the support surface on which the trailer is located.
Typically the platform is movable along the guide means when the platform is in the storage condition and the use of the electrical connector is not required.
In one embodiment the control system for the movement of the taillift prevents movement of the platform from the in use to storage position when the platform is at or adjacent the ground support surface to prevent any“snap” movement of the platform. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a tail lift assembly including a platform attached at, or adjacent to, one edge, via guide means, to a wall of the trailer, drive means to allow powered movement of the platform along the guide means and movement of the platform between in use and storage positions and wherein a barrier assembly is provided which is movable to an erected condition to provide a barrier at or adjacent to one or more of the edges of the platform depending away, or spaced, from the wall of the trailer when the platform is in the use position and an interlock connector is provided to only allow movement of the platform, when in the in use position, along the guide means when the interlock is in a mechanically engaged and electrically connected position.
In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a trailer including a tail lift assembly including a platform attached at, or adjacent to, one edge via guide means to a wall of the trailer, drive means to allow powered movement of the platform along the guide means and movement of the platform between in use and storage positions and wherein a tail lift assembly is provided as herein described.
In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a trailer including a tail lift assembly with a platform attached at, or adjacent to, one edge via guide means, to a wall of the trailer, drive means to allow powered movement of the platform along the guide means and movement of the platform between in use and storage positions and wherein an interlock connector is provided to only allow movement of the platform, when in the in use position, along the guide means when the interlock is in a mechanically engaged and electrically connected position.
Typically the electrical connection of the interlock connector is only achievable once the barrier assembly is in the in use position.
In a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a trailer, said trailer including a door assembly at the rear of the trailer, said door assembly, when in a closed position including a recessed area, a taillift assembly mounted for movement and use at the said rear end and including a platform and at a free edge of the platform there is located an extension plate which can be pivotally moved between an in use position in which the same extends outwardly from an edge of the platform and a storage position in which the same is upstanding from the platform and which , when the taillift assembly is in the storage position, is located in the said recessed area of the door assembly.
In one embodiment the extension plate is provided angularly offset to the platform when in the storage position to a greater extent than when in the in use position.
In one embodiment when the extension plate is in the in use position the same provides a continuous surface between the platform and a surface onto and from which goods are required to be moved.
Specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying Figures; wherein
Figures la-c illustrate side and rear elevations of a trailer and tail lift combination in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Figures 2a- c illustrate the tail lift and barrier assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the tail lift and barrier assembly in an in use condition in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Figures 4a and b illustrate an elevation of the taillift assembly with a platform and extension plate shown in storage and in use positions respectively;
Figures 5a-d illustrate a tail lift assembly in accordance with the invention in one embodiment of use; and Figures 6a-d illustrate a further embodiment of the invention which may be used in conjunction with or independently from the features illustrated in Figures l-5d
Referring firstly to Figures la-c there is illustrated a trailer in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The trailer 2 includes side walls 4,5, a front wall 6 a roof 12 and a rear wall 8 which has an opening 9 to allow access to the interior of the trailer and a door, in this embodiment, a shutter door 23 is provided to allow the selective opening and closing of the opening. The trailer 2 is mounted on a tractor unit 10 which is provided with the engine, and the tractor and trailer combination form an articulated vehicle 14 which is spaced from the support surface 18 by wheels 16.
In order to allow improved access to all areas of the trailer 2 as well as the support surface 18 to allow the unloading from and loading of goods with respect to the interior of the trailer, and in particular when the trailer has multiple level floors, a tail lift assembly 20 is mounted on guide means 40,42 at the rear wall 8 of the trailer and a platform 22 which spans across the opening 9. The tail lift assembly 20 platform 22 is movable between a storage position as shown in Figure lc and an in use position as shown in the Figures la and b. When in the storage position the platform 22 is substantially vertical and parallel with the rear wall 8. When in the in use position the platform 22 is moved by pivoting round the connection brackets or feet 49 as indicated by arrow 46 so that the platform lies in a position which is substantially perpendicular to the rear wall 8 and acts as a surface for operators and goods to be located on the same. The platform 22 is also linearly movable along the guide means 40, 42 as indicated by arrow 44 so that the height of the platform above the support surface 18 can be adjusted which when the tail lift assembly is in the storage position, allows the platform to be moved to the required location for storage during movement of the vehicle and, when the platform is in the in use position, allows, the platform to be moved to a height to suit the particular use requirements of the platform 22 and to move goods and the operator thereon between different heights.
While the edge 48 of the platform 22 is positioned to lie adjacent the rear wall 8, the remaining edges 50, 52, 54 of the platform can be“open” in the embodiment shown in Figures 6a-d or barriers can be provided in accordance with one embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figures 2a-5d.
Referring now to Figures 6a-d there is illustrated a tail lift assembly 20 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As already stated the platform 22 is attached at, or adjacent to, the wall 8 of the trailer 2 via guide means 40, 42. Drive means are also provided typically in the form of motors which are driven by the power supply of the vehicle in order to allow powered movement of the platform 22 along the guide means 40, 42 and pivotal movement between a storage position substantially parallel to the guide means shown in Figures 6a and d and an in use position at which the platform is substantially perpendicular to the guide means and as shown in Figures 6b and c. In this embodiment the platform 22 is movable along the guide means and via pillars 102, 104 which extend beyond the lower end of the guide means 40,42 as indicated by arrow 106 to a lowered position at which the platform 22, when in the in use position allows goods to be moved between the platform and a support surface 18 which the platform is positioned on or adjacent thereto as shown in Figure 6b. The operator control means can be provided on the trailer and are typically a range of buttons or levers provided to control the drive means operation and hence movement of the platform 22 along the guide means 40,42 and pillars 102, 104 and between in use and storage positions.
In accordance with this embodiment the platform 22 can be moved from the storage position shown in Figure 6a to the in use position shown in Figure 6 b and lowered as illustrated by arrow 112 so that the platform reaches and is normally in contact with the support surface 18 as shown in Figure 6b and then allows the movement of goods between the platform and the support surface 18. It is at this stage that it is known that the platform 22 can be snagged or jammed in this position by the contact with the support surface so that attempts to move the platform when in the position shown in Figure 6b to the storage position can be resisted by the jamming and snagging and cause a build up force which, if the jam or snag is overcome can cause the platform to pivot about axis 114 and snap or slam against the wall 8 of the trailer at a risk of injury to personnel.
To solve this problem the assembly includes detection means 108 to detect when the platform in the in use position is within a predetermined distance X from the said support surface as illustrated in Figures 6c and d and/ or has moved a predetermined distance Y from when in the in use position at the support surface as shown in Figure 6b. When said predetermined distance is reached the control means are enabled to allow the operator to select to move the platform 22 from the in-use position shown in Figure 6c to the storage position shown in Figure 6d but when the platform 22 is in the use position and is detected as being at or having moved a distance from the said support surface which is less than the predetermined distance X, Y as is the case in Figure 6c, the platform 22 control means can only be operated to allow movement of the platform 22 in the direction 116 away from the support surface 18 when the platform is in the use position and the control means cannot be operated to pivotally move the platform about pivot axis 114 from the in use to the storage position during this time and it is only when the platform distance exceeds the distance X or Y as shown in Figure 6d that the platform 22 can be pivotally moved to the storage position as indicated by arrow 118. this therefore prevents the possibility of jamming or causing a snap action of the platform from the in use position to the storage position.
Typically the said support surface 18 is below the height of the lowest floor 120 of the trailer 2. More typically the said support surface is a surface on which the trailer is located or a surface which is located between the same and the height of the lowest floor of the trailer. The said detection means 108 can be any suitable mechanical and/or electrical detection means which sense the position of the connection between the platform 22 and the guide means along which the same can move and the predetermined distance is in one embodiment determined with respect to the distance of the platform connection and the lower end of the guide means. In addition or alternatively the detection means are one or more proximity sensors mounted on the platform and which are directed towards the support surface 18 when the platform 22 is in an in-use position.
Typically the said predetermined distance is selected to be such at which there is no longer a possibility of any part of the platform being snagged or jammed on the support surface when in the in use position.
Figures 2a-c and 3 illustrate the taillift assembly 20 in accordance with the invention in a further embodiment in greater detail and illustrates the provision of one form of a barrier assembly 24. It should be appreciated that the features of the embodiment described above with respect to Figures 6a-d can also be used in conjunction with the features described hereonin or independently. The assembly includes two opposing barrier structures 30,32 and two gate barrier structures 26, 28 which lie along the edge 50 of the platform 22 when in the use position as shown in Figures 2c and 3.
The barrier structures 26,28,30,32 are provided so that when in the in use position they are located adjacent the respective edges 50, 52, 54 of the platform 22 so as to allow the maximum area of the platform to still be available for use whilst allowing the barrier structures to be of a height so as to allow the same to restrict access to the edges of the platform and be of a height and form so as to be load bearing and therefore resist the possibility of goods or the operator from falling through the barrier assembly 24.
The barrier assembly 24 can be provided in a storage condition as shown in Figure 2a so that the platform 22 can still be moved to the storage position. When the platform 22 is moved to the in use position the barrier assembly 24 can be deployed to the in use condition by first pivoting the barrier structures 30, 32 around respective pivot locations 64, 66 as indicated by arrows 60, 62 to the positions shown in Figure 2b. Thereafter the barrier structures 26, 28 can be pivotally moved about respective pivot brackets 68, 70 as indicated by arrows 56, 58 to bring the barrier structures 26,28 in line and the free ends of the same are mechanically located in position as shown in Figure 2c and 3, in one embodiment, by dropping the same into receiving apertures on the platform. When the barrier assembly 24 is in this position or as the barriers are moved into position straps 34, 36 are extended from the edge 48 of the taillift assembly 22 as indicated by arrows 72,74 in Figure 2c so as to pass along the barrier structures and the free ends of the straps are provided with connector parts, which, when engaged as illustrated in Figures 2c and 3, retain the strap in position mechanically via the location of the connector 38 which mechanically locates the straps 34, 36 together.
Thus, in whichever embodiment, in accordance with the invention, when the platform is in the in use position, there can be provided a series of“on- platform” controls which are usable by the operator when standing on the platform but these controls are only rendered operable when the interlock connector is engaged thereby indicating that the barrier assembly is erected and which then allows the platform to be moved up or down.
When the platform is in the storage position the“on platform” controls are not accessible for operator use and so controls mounted on the vehicle are operational, and these controls allow the platform, when in the storage position to be raised and lowered. In one embodiment the vehicle mounted controls cannot be used when the platform has been moved to the in use position. Thus the electrical interlock system allows the selective operation of the control system for movement of the platform, when it is in the in use position, such that movement of the platform along the guide means when in the in use position is only possible when the electrical circuit is completed by the engagement of the interlock connector which completes an electrical circuit connected to the control means for the drive and movement of the platform 22. In one embodiment, the completion of the interlock connector is achieved when the gate barrier structures are moved into the in use position and electrical connection is made between interlock components provided on the respective gates. This therefore ensures that the barrier structures are in position before the electrical interlock connection can be achieved and before the platform is moveable, thereby improving the safety of operation. In an alternative embodiment, the engagement of a connector 38 provided on the straps allows the mechanical location and support of the barrier structures and also the connection of the_electrical circuit is completed. The interlock and electrical circuit is connected to the control means of the power supply for the movement of the platform 22 so that it is only when the electrical circuit is complete and which is only possible when the barrier assembly 20 is fully deployed in the in use and safe condition, that the control means will allow operation and movement of the platform 22 to different heights. In one embodiment a display may be provided in order to indicate when the system is in a condition to allow operation of the tail lift in the in use position.
In order to allow the barrier assembly 20 to be moved to the storage condition the reverse steps of Figures 2a— c are performed.
Thus there is provided a taillift assembly in which the same is provided with additional physical safety due to the barrier structures depending upwardly from the platform at the edges of the same and also additional safety restrictions can be achieved as the platform, when in the in use position, is only movable when the barrier assembly has been deployed.
In Figures 4a and b there is illustrated the platform in use with a trailer 2 which has at the rear end 8 a door assembly which includes two sections 80, 82 ,each of which is movable in a vertical direction such that the two sections can be selectively moved to a lower overlapping position in which access is possible through the rear opening 9 to the goods on a higher floor 84 of the trailer, can be moved to a higher overlapping position in which access can be gained to the goods on a lower floor 86 of the trailer, and a partially separated position, as shown, in which the opening 9 into the trailer is closed. In order to allow the relative movement of the door assembly sections 80, 82 the same are offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the trailer and furthermore, when the same are in the closed position as shown there is provided a recessed area 88. It should be appreciated that the respective offset of the door assembly sections can be provided to suit specific requirements such that in one embodiment the upper door assembly section lies outwardly of the lower door, or vice versa.
In accordance with one embodiment of the tail lift assembly the platform is provided with an extending plate 90 at the free edge of the platform. The extending plate can be moved between an in use position as shown in Figure 4a in which the same extends outwardly from the platform 22 and a storage position as shown in Figure 4b in which the same has been pivoted about axis 92 to lie substantially perpendicular to the platform 22 and the platform is moved to a height such that the extending plate 90 lies in the recessed area 88. This therefore allows the platform to be of an increased length when in use whilst still allowing the platform to be stored within the area of the rear end 8 of the trailer.
In Figures 5a— d there illustrated an example of use of the tail lift assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention and the tail lift assembly is shown in the in use position with the platform 22 extending from the rear end 8 of the trailer, the barrier assembly24 in position in Figures 5a and b and with an operator 94 and a roll cage 96 with goods thereon safely located on the platform 22.
In Figure 5a it is shown how the platform 22 is at the height of the upper floor 84 and the roll cage 96 has been moved from the upper floor 84 onto the platform 22. The platform can then be lowered to the height of the floor 98 of the loading bay 100 as shown in Figure 5b with the operator 94and goods 96 still safely located on the platform 22 as a result of the positioning of the barrier assembly, including the straps 34, 36 and thereby the connection of the electrical interlock. When at the required height, the gate barrier structures 26, 28, straps 34, 36 and electrical interlock are disengaged and the extending plate 90 is moved to the in use position so as to allow the operator 94 to move the roll cage 96 from the platform 22 onto the floor 98 of the loading bay 100 as shown in Figure 5c.
In an alternative use the trailer is provided at a location where there is no loading bay and so the same steps as described above for Figure 5c are repeated but in this case the platform 22 is moved to substantially the same height as the ground on which the trailer 2 is located as shown in Figure 5d.
In either embodiment, once the loading procedure has been completed, the gate barrier structures 26, 28 and straps 34, 36 are reengaged and so the electrical interlock is electrically connected and the platform 22 can then be moved to the next required height for use or moved to the storage position shown in Figure 4b for onward transport of the trailer.

Claims

Claims
1. A tail lift assembly for use with a goods storage trailer, said assembly including a platform attached at, or adjacent to, a wall of the trailer via guide means, drive means to allow powered movement of the platform along the guide means, a pivot means to allow the platform to be pivotally moved between a storage position substantially parallel to the guide means and an in use position at which the platform is substantially perpendicular to the guide means, said platform movable along the guide means to a lowered position at which the platform, when in the in use position allows goods to be moved between the platform and a support surface which the platform is positioned on or adjacent thereto and operator control means are provided to control the movement of the platform along the guide means and between in use and storage positions and wherein the assembly includes detection means to detect when the platform in the in use position is a predetermined distance from the said support surface and/or has moved a predetermined distance from when in the in use position and when said predetermined distance is reached the control means are enabled to allow the operator to select to move the platform from the in-use position to the storage position.
2. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein when the platform is in the use position and is detected as being at or having moved a distance from the said support surface which is less than the predetermined distance, the platform control means only allow movement of the platform in a direction away from the support surface along the guide means when in the in use position.
3 An assembly according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the control means cannot be operated to move the platform from the in use to the storage position when the platform is in a position less than the said predetermined distance from the support surface.
4 An assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the said support surface is below the height of the lowest floor of the trailer.
5 An assembly according to claim 4 wherein the said support surface is a surface on which the trailer is located or a surface which is located between the same and the height of the lowest floor of the trailer.
6 An assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the said detection means are mechanical and/or electrical detection means which sense the position of the connection between the platform and the guide means along which the same can move.
7 An assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the detection means is one or more proximity sensors mounted on the platform and which are directed towards the support surface when the platform is in an in-use position.
8 An assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein a barrier assembly is provided which is movable to an erected condition to provide a barrier at or adjacent to one or more edges of the platform which depend away, and/ or are spaced, from the said edge of the platform which is at, or adjacent, the said wall of the trailer.
9 An assembly according to claim 8 wherein the said platform is substantially rectangular in plan and one of the longer edges of the platform is located at, or adjacent to, the wall of the trailer and the barrier assembly provides a barrier at each of the said three remaining edges of the platform so as to minimise the risk of a person and/ or goods located on the platform from falling from the same.
10 An assembly according to claim 8 wherein at least part of the barrier assembly is moveable between a collapsed condition for use when the platform is in a storage position and the erected condition when the platform is an in use position.
11. An assembly according to claim 10 wherein the barrier assembly is moveable to the erect condition after the platform is moved to the in use position and is moveable to a storage condition prior to moving the platform to the storage position.
12 An assembly according to claim 11 wherein the movement of the platform between storage and in use positions automatically causes the movement of the barrier assembly to the storage and the erected conditions respectively.
13 An assembly according to claim 8 wherein the barrier assembly includes one or a number of preformed barrier structures which, when in the erected condition, depend upwardly from the platform at the respective edges.
14 An assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the barrier assembly further includes a connector which is selectively engaged and released by the user of the platform.
15 An assembly according to claim 14 wherein the engagement of the connector is required before movement of the platform, when in the in use position, along the guide means, is possible.
16 An assembly according to claim 15 wherein when the connector is not engaged, the platform is immoveable along the guide means when in the in use position.
17 An assembly according to claim 14 wherein the engagement of the connector causes the completion of an electrical circuit and the provision of power tool allow operation of the tail lift to move the same to different heights.
18 An assembly according to any of claims 14-17 wherein the connector includes first and second parts which are required to be brought together and engaged to provide mechanical and electrical connection.
19An assembly according to claim 18 wherein the electrical connection allows the raising and lowering of the platform when in the in use position and the mechanical connection.
20 An assembly according to claim 18 wherein the electrical connection allows the raising and lowering of the platform when in the in use position and the mechanical connection ensures that the barrier structures are retained in the required directed position during the movement of the platform.
21 An assembly according to claim 14 wherein the engagement of the connector is only possible once the barrier assembly has been moved to the erected condition and thereby provides the required certainty in the day-to- day usage that the barrier assembly is being used.
22 An assembly according to any of the claims 8-21 wherein the barrier assembly includes a strap which extends along the edges of the platform and between the opposing ends of the edge of the trailer which lies adjacent to the trailer.
23 A tail lift assembly including a platform attached at, or adjacent to, one edge via guide means, to a wall of the trailer, drive means to allow power of movement of the platform along the guide means and movement of the platform along the guide means and movement of the platform between an in use and storage positions and wherein a barrier assembly is provided which is moveable to an erect condition to provide a barrier at or adjacent to one or more edges of the platform depending away, or spaced from, the wall of the trailer when the platform is in the in use position and an interlock connector is provided to only allow movement of the platform when in the in use position along the guide means when the interlock is in a mechanical engaged and electrical connected position.
24A trailer including a tail lift assembly as herein described in any of claims
25. A trailer including a tail lift assembly with a platform attached at, or adjacent to, one edge via guide means to a wall of the trailer, drive means to allow power of movement of the platform along the guide means and movement of the platform between the in use and storage positions and wherein an interlock connector is provided to only allow movement of the platform when in the in use position along the guide means when the interlock is in the mechanically engaged and electrically connected positions.
PCT/GB2019/050172 2018-01-22 2019-01-22 Tail lift assembly for vehicle trailer WO2019142008A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1905071.5A GB2573208A (en) 2018-01-22 2019-01-22 Tail lift assembly for vehicle trailer

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GBGB1800977.9A GB201800977D0 (en) 2018-01-22 2018-01-22 Tail lift assembly for vehicle trailer
GB1800977.9 2018-01-22

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WO2019142008A1 true WO2019142008A1 (en) 2019-07-25

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP7208599B1 (en) 2022-08-01 2023-01-19 株式会社 いそのボデー folding safety fence
BE1030378B1 (en) * 2022-03-22 2023-10-23 Jana Loading platform.

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US3968890A (en) * 1974-04-11 1976-07-13 John Ratcliff (Tail Lifts) Limited Vehicle load lifting and lowering units
US4147261A (en) * 1976-11-30 1979-04-03 Firma Emil Dautel, Kipperbau Loading device for goods vehicles
US5513943A (en) * 1994-05-16 1996-05-07 Tatcom, Inc. Load elevator with columnar power assemblies
DE102014014248A1 (en) * 2013-09-26 2015-03-26 Scania Cv Ab Method and system for positioning a vehicle
US20170252234A1 (en) * 2016-03-01 2017-09-07 The Braun Corporation Platform entrance gate safety barrier for a mobility vehicle lift

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3968890A (en) * 1974-04-11 1976-07-13 John Ratcliff (Tail Lifts) Limited Vehicle load lifting and lowering units
US4147261A (en) * 1976-11-30 1979-04-03 Firma Emil Dautel, Kipperbau Loading device for goods vehicles
US5513943A (en) * 1994-05-16 1996-05-07 Tatcom, Inc. Load elevator with columnar power assemblies
DE102014014248A1 (en) * 2013-09-26 2015-03-26 Scania Cv Ab Method and system for positioning a vehicle
US20170252234A1 (en) * 2016-03-01 2017-09-07 The Braun Corporation Platform entrance gate safety barrier for a mobility vehicle lift

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE1030378B1 (en) * 2022-03-22 2023-10-23 Jana Loading platform.
JP7208599B1 (en) 2022-08-01 2023-01-19 株式会社 いそのボデー folding safety fence
JP2024019965A (en) * 2022-08-01 2024-02-14 株式会社 いそのボデー folding safety fence

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