GB2457128A

GB2457128A - Curtain closure structures for load carrying vehicles

Info

Publication number: GB2457128A
Application number: GB0901344A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Cartwright
Original assignee: Cartwright & Sons S
Current assignee: Cartwright & Sons S
Priority date: 2008-02-02
Filing date: 2009-01-28
Publication date: 2009-08-05
Also published as: GB0801938D0; GB0901344D0

Abstract

A curtain closure structure 9 for a load carrying vehicle comprises flexible curtain 10 that can be opened or closed, laterally spaced straps 11 with tightening devices 12 for attaching curtain 10 to body 1, and laterally spaced upright strengthening bodies 15, which may be rigid plates or boards. Body 15 may comprise an openwork or honeycomb structure between two sheets, may extend over the length of the curtain, and may fit removably within open topped pocket 14 in curtain 10. Support member (16, Fig 2) may comprise post (17) or ladder frame (18) and may be releasably fixed within the open side of the vehicle. At least one strap 28 may extend laterally across curtain 10. Also claimed is a curtain structure comprising at least one support member 16 for fixing within the open side of the vehicle. Member 16 may be on the inner side of the curtain 10, and may be releasably and movably fixed between the upper 7 and lower 3 structures of the body. Member 16 may slide laterally or pivot, and may comprise a plate or sheet parallel to the plane of the open side. Also claimed is a curtain with a laterally extending strap 28 that may be attached to upright end posts 29. The curtain may be slidable relative to each strap 28.

Description

I

CURTAIN CLOSURE STRUCTURES

This invention relates to curtain closure structures for load carrying vehicles.

Trailers and other load carrying road vehicles which have open-sided bodies commonly use sliding curtains with tensioning straps as closure structures for the open sides. Typically the open-sided body has a roof structure supported above a floor structure mounted on a chassis. The (or each) open side of the body is bounded at its upper horizontal periphery by a rigid elongate member, or cant rail, which supports the roof structure and is supported on the chassis via vertical posts at opposite ends. A further rigid elongate member, or rave, runs horizontally beneath the floor structure along the lower periphery of the open side. A curtain made from a double thickness of a strong flexible material such as PVC sheeting hangs from runners on a slide track mounted along the cant rail so that the curtain can slide horizontally between a closed position at which it extends over the open side between the vertical corner posts, and an open position at which it is largely clear of the opening, in folded conformation adjacent one corner post. Straps are fixed between the double layers of the curtain so as to run vertically, from the top of the curtain and the cant rail runners to a position spaced above the bottom, at equally spaced positions horizontally along the curtain. At the bottom end each strap projects at the front of the curtain, and is connected to a buckle or ratchet device. This device is also connected to a further strap which has a lower free end attached to a hook. When the curtain is closed, the hooks are attached to the rave and the buckles or ratchet devices are operated to tighten the straps and thereby hold the curtain taut. The taut curtain restricts unauthorised entry to the interior of the trailer body, and restrains movement of loads within the body through the body side.

With this known arrangement, the usual curtain sheeting and tensioning straps provide only limited restriction to unauthorised entry and displacement of loads through the body side.

An object of the invention is to provide enhanced restriction when the curtain is closed without undue detraction from ease of opening of the curtain to provide clear access to the load space within the vehicle.

According to a first aspect of the invention therefore there is provided a curtain closure structure for a load carrying vehicle comprising a flexible curtain adapted to be fixed across an open side of a load carrying body of the vehicle so as to be movable between open and closed positions at which the curtain is respectively drawn to one end and extended over the open side, a plurality of main straps fixed at laterally spaced intervals to the curtain and extending in upright disposition between upper and lower portions thereof, the straps having attachment means for attachment of lower end parts thereof to the vehicle body, and tightening means for tightening the straps between the said upper and lower portions of the curtain, characterised by the provision of upright strengthening bodies attached to the curtain at laterally spaced intervals therealong.

With this arrangement, the strengthening bodies can act to restrict unwanted or unauthorised access through, or transverse displacement by contact with loads of, the curtain. Due to the lateral spacing of the strengthening bodies, these need not unduly limit flexibility of the curtain whereby the curtain can still be readily drawn to provide easy access, when required, to the interior of the body through the respective open side.

The strengthening bodies are preferably rigid so as to prevent or limit flexing of the curtain in any direction at the location of the strengthening body. In one embodiment the body is in the form of a plate or board. In order to achieve strength with a relatively low weight, the body may comprise an openwork structure, such as a honeycomb structure. This openwork structure may be located between attached sheets at opposite faces. A polypropylene honeycomb structure between glass fibre-reinforced polypropylene sheets, with the sheets being thermally moulded to the honeycomb structure, may be used. Alternatively any other suitable strengthening body made from aluminium, wood or any other suitable material or combination of materials may be used.

The strengthening bodies may be elongate and may extend over a major portion of the length (i.e. top to bottom dimension) of the curtain. The bodies may all be of like form. The bodies may fit loosely and removably in open-topped pockets formed in the curtain e.g. between front and back layers of the curtain. Alternatively the bodies may be attached to the curtain in any other suitable removable or fixed manner.

In order further to provide enhanced strength transversely of the curtain, preferably at least one rigid upright support member is provided, in conjunction with the curtain, for fixing within the open side.

With this arrangement, when fixed, the support member can act as a load-retaining structure. The member may be at least partially releasable so that, when released, it may be movable, in at least one direction, to facilitate access through the open side of the load carrying body. In a preferred embodiment the (or each) support member is fixed between upper and lower structures of the body, such as a roof structure and a floor or chassis thereof, to help support the upper structure on the lower structure.

Thus, and in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a curtain closure structure for a load carrying vehicle comprising a flexible curtain adapted to be fixed across an open side of a load carrying body of the vehicle so as to be movable between open and closed positions at which the curtain is respectively drawn to one end and extended over the open side, a plurality of main straps fixed at laterally spaced intervals to the curtain and extending in upright disposition between upper and lower portions thereof, the straps having attachment means for attachment of lower end parts thereof to the vehicle body, and also tightening means for tightening the straps between the said upper and lower portions of the curtain, characterised by the provision of at least one rigid upright support member for fixing within the open side.

There may be two laterally spaced apart support members. The (or each) such member may be on the inner side of the curtain relative to the load carrying body.

The (or each) support member may be fixed between upper and lower structures of the body as aforesaid.

The (or each) support member may be releasably fixed and may be adapted to be movable within the open side when released. This movement may be lateral slidable movement and/or displacement outwardly e.g. by pivoting at its top end region or otherwise. In one embodiment, the (or each) support member is suspended from an upper slide track to which it is connected by one or more runners or rollers or other device allowing sliding movement along the track, and an attachment device, such as a clamp device, is provided for releasably attaching the (or each) support member at its bottom end to a rail or other structure of the vehicle body.

The (or each) support member preferably incorporates a plate or sheet construction in a plane at least substantially parallel to the plane of the open side.

Thus, the member may incorporate a plate or board e.g. of like nature to the plate or board hereinbefore described with reference to the first aspect of the present invention.

The (or eah) support member may be separate from or may be connected to the curtain. Preferably it is separate although it may be in contact therewith when the curtain is closed.

For yet further enhancement of the strength of the curtain of the first or second aspect of the present invention, at least one additional strap may be provided attached to the curtain and extending laterally along the curtain, such strap being arranged to be attached at opposite end regions to end structural parts of the load carrying body, and a further tightening device being provided for tightening this additional strap. In this way the tautness of the curtain when closed can be enhanced particularly in the lateral direction.

Thus and in accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided a curtain closure structure for a load carrying vehicle comprising a flexible curtain adapted to be fixed across an open side of a load carrying body of the vehicle so as to be movable between open and closed positions at which the curtain is respectively drawn to one end and extended over the open side, a plurality of main straps fixed at laterally spaced intervals to the curtain and extending in upright disposition between upper and lower portions thereof, the straps having attachment means for attachment of lower end parts thereof to the vehicle body, and tightening means for tightening the straps between the said upper and lower portions of the curtain, characterised by the provision of at least one additional strap attached to the curtain and extending laterally along the curtain, such strap being arranged to be attached at opposite end regions to end structural parts of the load carrying body, a further tightening device being provided for tightening the additional strap.

The end structural parts of the body may be upright end posts and the opposite end regions of the (or each) additional strap may be iooped around or otherwise fixed to such posts. The posts may comprise permanent structural parts of the vehicle body.

Alternatively they may be detachable structural parts e.g. they may be fixed to end regions of the curtain and may plug in to sockets fixed to the vehicle body.

The curtain may be slidable relative to the (or each) additional strap to enable the curtain to be drawn whereby for example the strap may be retained within one or more loops or tunnels e.g. formed between double layers of the curtain. Alternatively or additionally at least one end region may be releasable, or the strap may be separable between its end regions. As appropriate the strap may be formed in one integral length or in two or more lengths e.g. two lengths linked by the tightening device. The tightening device may comprise a buckle or ratchet device.

Any or all of the features of the second aspect of the invention may be combined with the first aspect as appropriate. Any or all of the features of the third aspect may be combined with the first and/or the second aspect of the invention as appropriate.

Any one, or any combination of the first, second and third aspects of the invention, may incorporate any feature of the known curtain closure structure as hereinbefore acknowledged and described.

Any one or any combination of the different aspects of the invention may be applied to the load carrying body of any kind of load carrying vehicle, particularly a road vehicle which may be a trailer, semi-trailer, lorry or other vehicle.

The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side view of part of a load carrying body of a load carrying road trailer incorporating one form of a curtain closure structure according to the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic side view of the body of Figure 1 with the curtain of the closure structure removed and showing two support members in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; and Figure 3 is a detail side view of a lower part of one of the support members of Figure 2 shown in a released condition.

Referring to Figure 1, this shows a load carrying body I of a load carrying road trailer, which is a generally rectangular box structure. The body I has a chassis with longitudinal and transverse metal beams supported via a suspension system on road wheels 2. A floor structure is supported on the chassis. Also there is a roof structure 4, a front end structure 5 and a rear end structure 6 supported on the chassis.

The roof structure has supporting cant rails 7 along its two long edges and these are supported on the chassis on the rear end structure 6.

The two sides of the body are open but are provided with curtain closure structures 9 which can be used to temporarily close the open sides. Beneath the flooring at each side there is a respective side rave in the form of a rigid metal member 3.

Each curtain closure structure 9 comprises rectangular double thickness strong PVC sheeting curtain 10 which is of a size sufficient to cover the entire respective open side.

At equal laterally spaced intervals there are vertical strong woven textile straps 11 fixed to the curtain. Each strap extends from a top end at the top of the curtain, down between the double layers of the curtain sheeting, to a bottom end projecting through the sheeting at the front face of the curtain at a lower position spaced above the bottom end of the curtain. The top end of the strap is fixed to the top of the curtain and to a suspension hook or roller carriage or other runner arrangement. The bottom end of the strap is fixed to a buckle or ratchet-type tightening device 12. The tightening device 12 is adjustably fixed to a top end part of an extension strap 13. The bottom end part of this extension strap is fixed to a retention hook.

In use, the runner arrangements at the top ends of the straps 11 are engaged with a slide track mounted beneath the respective cant rail. The curtain 10 can thereby be drawn between an open position at which it is drawn to one end of the open side in folded disposition, and a closed position at which it extends over and covers the open side.

In the closed position, the hooks at the bottom ends of the extension straps 13 are engaged beneath the respective side rave. By operating the tightening devices 12 the straps 11 and consequently the curtain 10 can be stretched taut.

As shown in Figure 1, by use of stitching or heat welded seams, pockets 14 are defined between the double layers of the curtain sheeting, such pockets 14 being upright elongate rectangular pockets which have open tops accessible at the inner face of the curtain but which are closed at the sides and bottoms. The pockets extend over a major part of the height of the curtain 10 and are spaced apart laterally with free upright strip-shaped regions therebetween.

Within each pocket 14 there is a respective elongate rectangular flat-faced board 15 which is generally the same size and shape as the pocket. The boards 15 are held in position by the pockets 14 without being permanently attached thereto so that they can be removed and replaced as desired. Each board 15 is formed from a polypropylene openwork honeycomb structure with a flat impervious sheet made from glass-fibre reinforced polypropylene heat laminated to inner and outer sides thereof.

The boards 15 are rigid and resist deformation of the curtain sheeting transversely i.e. between the inner and outer faces of the curtain, in the regions of the pockets 14. Between the pockets 14 the sheeting is free to flex whereby the curtain can be folded or caused to concertina in the lateral direction of the curtain. Thus, when the curtain has been drawn and tightened, the reinforcing members align in the plane of the open side of the vehicle body to form a wail which provides considerable strength for the curtain. Unauthorised entry and displacement of loads within the body through the open side can therefore be effectively resisted.

Also, as shown in Figure 2, further strengthening, as well as additional support of the roof structure is provide at each open side by two upright support members 16 extending between the respective side rave and cant rail 7.

The members 16 comprise an elongate metal structure 17 to the inner side of which is attached a rectangular ladder frame 18. This may be covered on its inner side with a board of like kind to the above described strengthening member boards 15.

Alternatively the frame 18 may be freely exposed.

The elongate metal structure 17 is connected at its top end to a carriage 20 which can slide along a slide track 19 fixed at the inner side of the curtain slide track beneath the cant rail 7. The elongate metal structure 17 is engageable at its bottom end with the respective side rave 3. As shown in Figure 3, the structure 17 has at its bottom end a downwardly projecting pin 21 which can engage a longitudinally extending groove 22 in the top face of the rave 3. A hook part 23 extends downwardly from the front face of the lower end region of the structure 17 and hooks around the bottom of the rave 3. A toggle device 24, including a plate 25 with handles 26 pivoted at its bottom end to the bottom of the structure 17 and a link 27 pivotally connected between the structure 17 and the plate 25, acts to clamp the pin 21 on the bottom of the structure 17 into the groove 22 in the side rave 3 whereby the upright support member 16 is held securely in vertical disposition and is retained against movement in any direction. In an open position of the curtain 10 the toggle device 24 can be moved to the position shown in Figure 3 where the pin 21 is no longer clamped tightly into the groove 22 and the support member 16 can be positionally adjusted laterally by sliding along the cant rail track 19 and the rave 3. If desired, the arrangement may also be such that the bottom end of the member 16 can be displaced outwardly with the hook part 23 disengaged from the rave 3. To enable this displacement the elongate member may be connected to the carriage 20 via an axle or pin which extends longitudinally parallel to the cant rail 7 whereby the elongate member 16 can pivot about the axis of this axle or pin. A spring-loaded peg (not shown) is engageable between the plate and the structure 17 to hold the plate in the upright position corresponding to the clamped position of the member 16. The peg can be retracted to allow release of the plate.

With the elongate member 16 clamped in its vertical disposition this provides additional support for the roof structure 4. The width of the frame 18 and board 19 provides additional strengthening and support for the curtain and further restricts any undesired movement of loads from within the vehicle body towards the curtain 10.

The movability of the member 16, when released, enables the member 16 to be moved out of the way, as necessary, to allow loads to be freely moved through the open side of the body.

As shown in Figure 1, yet further strengthening of the curtain 10, when closed, is provided by one or more additional straps 28 each of which runs horizontally along the length of the curtain 10 in a respective tunnel defined between the double layers of the curtain sheeting. At each end the strap 28 is fixed to a respective upright corner post 29 e.g. by looping around the post, and an intermediate buckle or ratchet tightening device 30 is provided for pulling the strap 21 taut. Two such straps 28 may be provided spaced one above the other. The corner posts 29 are fixed to the curtain 10 by incorporation between the double layers of the curtain sheeting. Top and bottom ends of the posts 29 are exposed and these plug into top and bottom sockets or other retaining structures on the vehicle body alongside the front and rear structures 5, 6 when the curtain is in the closed position. The posts 29 can be detached from one or both of these retaining structures when the curtain 10 is to be opened or removed.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiment, which are described by way of

example only.

Claims

1. A curtain closure structure for a load carrying vehicle comprising a flexible curtain adapted to be fixed across an open side of a load carrying body of the vehicle so as to be movable between open and closed positions at which the curtain is respectively drawn to one end and extended over the open side, a plurality of main straps fixed at laterally spaced intervals to the curtain and extending in upright disposition between upper and lower portions thereof, the straps having attachment means for attachment of lower end parts thereof to the vehicle body, and tightening means for tightening the straps between the said upper and lower portions of the curtain, characterised by the provision of upright strengthening bodies attached to the curtain at laterally spaced intervals therealong.

2. A closure structure according to claim I wherein each strengthening body is a rigid plate or board.

3. A closure structure according to claim 2 wherein each strengthening body has an openwork structure between attached sheets at opposite faces.

4. A closure structure according to claim 2 or 3 wherein each strengthening body is elongate and extends over a major portion of the length of the curtain.

5. A closure structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein each strengthening body fits loosely and removably within an open-topped pocket in the curtain.

6. A closure structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein at least one rigid support member is provided for fixing within the open side.

7. A closure structure according to claim 6 wherein the support member is at -13 -least partially releasable.

8. A closure structure according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the support member is arranged to be fixed between upper and lower structures of the body.

9. A curtain closure structure for a load carrying vehicle comprising a flexible curtain adapted to be fixed across an open side of a load carrying body of the vehicle so as to be movable between open and closed positions at which the curtain is respectively drawn to one end and extended over the open side, a plurality of main straps fixed at laterally spaced intervals to the curtain and extending in upright disposition between upper and lower portions thereof, the straps having attachment means for attachment of lower end parts thereof to the vehicle body, and also tightening means for tightening the straps between the said upper and lower portions of the curtain, characterised by the provision of at least one rigid upright support member for fixing within the open side.

10. A closure structure according to claim 9 wherein there are two laterally spaced apart support members.

11. A closure structure according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the (or each) support member is on the inner side of the curtain relative to the load carrying body.

12. A closure structure according to any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the (or each) support member is fixed between upper and lower structures of the body.

13. A closure structure according to any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the (or each) support member is releasably fixed so as to be movable within the open side when released.

14. A closure structure according to claim 13 wherein the (or each) support -14 -member is movable by lateral sliding.

15. A closure structure according to claim 13 wherein the (or each) support member is movable by pivoting.

16. A closure structure according to any one of claims 9 to 15 wherein the (or each) support member incorporates a plate or sheet construction in a plane at least substantially parallel to the plane of the open side.

17. A closure structure according to any one of claims 9 to 16 which is also a closure structure according to any one of claims I to 8.

18. A closure structure according to any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein at least one additional strap is attached to the curtain and extends laterally along the curtain, such strap being arranged to be attached at opposite end regions to end structural parts of the load carrying body, and a further tightening device is provided for tightening this additional strap.

19. A curtain closure structure for a load carrying vehicle comprising a flexible curtain adapted to be fixed across an open side of a load carrying body of the vehicle so as to be movable between open and closed positions at which the curtain is respectively drawn to one end and extended over the open side, a plurality of main straps fixed at laterally spaced intervals to the curtain and extending in upright disposition between upper and lower portions thereof, the straps having attachment means for attachment of lower end parts thereof to the vehicle body, and tightening means for tightening the straps between the said upper and lower portions of the curtain, characterised by the provision of at least one additional strap attached to the curtain and extending laterally along the curtain, such strap being arranged to be attached at opposite end regions to end structural parts of the load carrying body, a further tightening device being provided for tightening the additional strap.

20. A closure structure according to claim 19 wherein the end structural parts of the body are upright end posts.

21. A closure structure according to claim 19 or 20 wherein the curtain is slidable relative to the (or each) additional strap.

22. A closure structure according to any one of claims 19 to 21 which is also a closure structure according to any one of claims I to 17.

23. A curtain closure structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

24. A load carrying body of a load carrying road vehicle incorporating a curtain closure structure according to any one of claims I to 23.