GB2480244A

GB2480244A - Two portion gate for transporter

Info

Publication number: GB2480244A
Application number: GB201007753A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael John Houghton
Original assignee: HOUGHTON-PARKHOUSE Ltd; HOUGHTON PARKHOUSE Ltd; Parkhouse Country Estates Ltd
Current assignee: Parkhouse Country Estates Ltd
Priority date: 2010-05-10
Filing date: 2010-05-10
Publication date: 2011-11-16
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-10
Also published as: GB201007753D0; GB2480244B

Abstract

A gate 1 for use in a transporter comprises first and second gate portions 11,12 and a coupling, whereby in one position the first and second gate portions 11,12 are coupled to one another and in another position the first and second gate portions 11,12 are uncoupled and can be operated independently of one another. The transporter may be a trailer for carrying dry freight or livestock. The gate 1 may be of particular use between interior sections along the inside of a transporter having multiple platforms which are movable according to livestock height requirements. In an embodiment, nine gate portions 11-19 are provided which can rotate through 180 degrees about a pivot 40. Each coupling 20 may comprise firstly a latch 30 within and between opposing surfaces of a gate portion, and secondly a corresponding catch wherein a latch body 31 may be retained, a part of the coupling further having an opening to allow fluids to drain out.

Description

GATES FOR USE IN TRANSPORTERS

Field to the Invention

The present invention relates to gates for use in transporters, transporters comprising a gate and especially, but not limited to, gates for use in livestock transporters and transporters for use in transporting livestock. The present invention further relates to associated methods.

BackQround to the Invention Trailers and other transporters for use in transporting livestock generally comprise a number of levels each level having a platform to support the livestock. Each level may be divided into sections along its length with one or more gates, the gates being shut to create separate pens for the livestock. During loading and unloading, or if separate pens are not required the gates are opened. Such transporters enable livestock to be transported economically and efficiently. Transporters for transporting livestock may comprise an integrated cab plus transport area or comprise a trailer forming a livestock area to be towed behind a tractor unit.

The transport area may have at least one platform which is vertically moveable in order for the height of the level to be adjusted according to the type of goods being transported. In livestock transporters, the height of the level will be dependent upon the type of livestock being transported. For example, a level supporting cattle will require a greater height than a level supporting poultry or sheep or pigs. Accordingly, it is advantageous for a transporter to have a plafform which can move vertically in order for the transporter to transport different goods efficiently and economically.

However, it is not straighiforward to ensure that the gate or gates used to divide the levels into sections along the length of the transporter can work effectively in transporters with multiple movable platforms, as the gates must be able to perform their required functions correctly irrespective of the plafform level or the means by which the platform is moved.

It is an aim of the present invention to address at least one problem associated with the prior art, whether referred to herein or otherwise.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a gate for use in a transporter, the gate comprising first and second gate portions and further comprising a coupling, wherein the coupling is arrangeable in a coupling position to couple the first and second gate portions to one another and is arrangeable in an uncoupled position to allow the first and second gate portions to be operated independently of one another.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a transporter having a gate therein, the gate comprising first and second gate portions and further comprising a coupling, wherein the coupling is arrangeable in a coupling position to couple the first and second gate portions to one another and is arrangeable in an uncoupled position to allow the first and second gate portions to be operated independently of one another.

Suitably, the first gate portion comprises first and second gate faces. Suitably, the first gate portion comprises a generally planar first gate face. Suitably, the first gate portion comprises a generally planar second gate face. Suitably, the first gate portion comprises a first gate face that is substantially free from projections extending there-from. Suitably, the first gate portion comprises a second gate face that is substantially free from projections extending there-from.

Suitably, the first gate portion comprises a latch, arrangeable in a latching position to latch the first gate portion to a corresponding catch, and arrangeable in an unlatched position in which gate movement is not restrained by a corresponding catch. Suitably, the latch comprises a latch body that is arranged such that at least part thereof extends from the gate with the latch arranged in the latching position. Suitably, the latch body extends radially from the gate with the latch arranged in the latching position. Suitably the latch body extends from between the first and second gate faces with the latch arranged in the latching position.

Suitably, the latch body is housed substantially within the first and second gate faces with the latch arranged in the unlatched position. Suitably, the first and/or second gate faces comprise an access recess to enable a user to operate the latch body and to thereby arrange the latch body in the latched or unlatched position.

Suitably, the first gate portion is mounted for rotation about a pivot. Suitably, the first gate portion is mounted for rotation through 180 degrees around the pivot.

Suitably, the second gate portion comprises first and second gate faces. Suitably, the second gate portion comprises a generally planar first gate face. Suitably, the second gate portion comprises a generally planar second gate face. Suitably, the second gate portion comprises a first gate face that is substantially free from projections extending there-from.

Suitably, the second gate portion comprises a second gate face that is substantially free from projections extending there-from.

Suitably, the second gate portion comprises a latch, arrangeable in a latching position to latch the second gate portion to a corresponding catch, and arrangeable in an unlatched position in which gate movement is not restrained by a corresponding catch. Suitably, the latch comprises a latch body that is arranged such that at least part thereof extends from the gate with the latch arranged in the latching position. Suitably, the latch body extends radially from the gate with the latch arranged in the latching position. Suitably the latch body extends from between the first and second gate faces with the latch arranged in the latching position.

Suitably, the second gate portion is mounted for rotation about a pivot. Suitably, the second gate portion is mounted for rotation through 180 degrees around the pivot.

Suitably, the coupling is arranged, when in the coupling position to provide a load-bearing interface between the first gate portion and the second gate portion.

Suitably, the coupling comprises a coupling body associated with one of the first and second gate portions, and a coupling catch associated with the other of the first and second gate portions. Suitably, the coupling body is arranged such that at least part thereof extends from the gate portion with the coupling arranged in the coupling position. Suitably, the coupling body extends in a vertical direction from the gate with the coupling arranged in the coupling position. Suitably the coupling body extends from between the first and second gate faces with the coupling body arranged in the coupling position. Suitably, the coupling body is housed substantially within the first and second gate faces with the coupling arranged in the uncoupled position. Suitably, the coupling body is arranged to rotate to change the coupling between coupled and uncoupled positions. Suitably, the coupling body is arranged to rotate in a generally vertical plane to change the coupling between coupled and uncoupled positions.

Suitably, the first and/or second gate faces comprise an access recess to enable a user to operate the coupling body and to thereby arrange the coupling body in the coupled or uncoupled position. Suitably, the coupling body is arranged to engage the coupling catch at upper and lower portions thereof when arranged in the coupling position. Suitably, the coupling body is arranged to engage interior surfaces of the first and second gate faces when arranged in the coupling position. Suitably, the coupling body and coupling catch are load bearing components, arranged to transfer loads in a vertical direction between first and second gate portions. Suitably, the coupling is arranged, when in the uncoupled position to be contained between the first and second gate faces of both first and second gate portions.

Suitably, the coupling body comprises a hook. Suitably, the coupling comprises holding means arranged to hold the coupling body in place in coupling and/or uncoupled positions.

Suitably, the holding means comprises one or more sprung ball plungers to engage the coupling body. Suitably, the coupling body comprises one or more detents to cooperate with the holding means.

Suitably, the first gate portion is lower than the second gate portion. Suitably, the first gate portion comprises a latch body arranged at an upper edge portion thereof. Suitably, the first gate portion comprises a coupling catch arranged at an upper edge portion thereof.

Suitably, the second gate portion comprises a latch body arranged at an upper edge portion thereof. Suitably, the second gate portion comprises a coupling body arranged at a lower edge portion thereof. Suitably, the second gate portion further comprises a coupling catch arranged at an upper edge portion thereof.

Suitably, the gate further comprises a third gate portion. Suitably, the gate further 1 5 comprises fourth and optionally fifth through ninth gate portions. Suitably, the third and any higher ordinal gate portions are arranged in sequence above the second gate portion.

Suitably, the first and second, and optionally third or higher ordinal gate portions are mounted for rotation about a common axis, preferably about a common pivot.

Suitably, the coupling body and latch body are housed together in an integrated unit.

Suitably, the coupling catch and latch body are housed together in an integrated unit. Suitably one or more of the coupling catch, coupling body and latch body are housed in a unit comprising a drain opening at a lower portion thereof to allow fluid to drain there-from.

Suitably, one or more of the coupling catch, coupling body and latch body are housed in a unit comprising a drain opening at a lower portion thereof to allow fluid to drain there-from from between the first and second gate faces, preferably onto one or both of the first and second gate faces.

Suitably, the transporter is arranged, in use, to transport dry freight. Suitably, the transporter is arranged, in use, to transport livestock. Suitably, the transporter comprises a trailer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a gate, the method comprising coupling first and second gate portions to one another using a coupling, and further comprising uncoupling the gate portions from one another by arranging the coupling in an uncoupled position to thereby enable the first and second gate portions to operate independently of each other.

Suitably, the method comprises use of the coupling, latch or other component or feature substantially as described above in relation to the first or second aspect of the present invention, to achieve the operative ends substantially as described above for the coupling, latch, or other component or feature.

Brief Description of the DrawinQs

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with 1 0 reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gate according to a first example embodiment of the present invention arranged in a closed position; Figure 2 is perspective view of an integrated unit housing a coupling body and latch body and an integrated unit housing a coupling catch and a latch body, as show in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the integrated units of Figure 2 with a front plate removed to show the internals thereof; Figure 4 is a front view of the integrated units of Figure 2 arranged in an unlatched and uncoupled configuration; and; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the units of Figure 4.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Typically a transporter for use in transporting livestock comprises a plurality of levels.

Each level has a platform for supporting the livestock thereon, with the height of each level selected dependent upon the type of livestock being transported. In addition, it is normally required to separate the transporter into pens, and gate these pens effectively irrespective of the height of the levels selected.

As shown in Figure 1, a gate 1 comprises a plurality of gate portions, in this embodiment first through ninth gate portions 11-19. Initially, a detailed description of first and second gate portions 11,12 is given.

The gate 1 comprises a gate for use in a transporter (not shown). Figure 1 shows first though ninth gate portions mounted for rotation about a pivot 40. In a typical installation the gate portions 11-19 are mounted for rotation through 180 degrees around the pivot 40. The gate 1 includes a coupling 20 between the first and second gate portions 11,12. The coupling is arrangeable in a coupling position as shown in Figure 1 to couple the first and second gate portions 11,12 to one another. The coupling 20 is also arrangeable in an uncoupled position to allow the first and second gate portions 11,12 to be operated independently of one another.

The first gate portion 11 comprises first and second gate faces, the front face 111 being visible in Figure 1. Similarly, the second gate portion 12 comprises first and second gate faces, the front face 121 being visible in Figure 1. The first and second gate faces of the gate portions are generally planar and are substantially free from projections extending there-from across their whole extent.

The first gate portion 11 comprises a latch 30. The latch 30 comprises a latch body 31.

The latch 30 is arranged to cooperate with a catch (not shown) that releasably retains the latch body 31 therein. As shown in Figure 1, the latch body 31 of the first gate portion 11 is arranged such that at least part thereof extends from the gate 1 when the latch 30 is arranged in the latching position.

The latch body 31 extends from between the first and second gate faces when the latch is arranged in the latching position, but is housed substantially within the first and second gate faces when the latch is arranged in the unlatched position. The second and higher ordinal gate portions also comprise latches 30, which are shown in a either latched or unlatched positions in Figure 1.

The coupling 20 provided between the first and second gate portions 11,12 is replicated between second and third gate portions 12,13, and so on up the gate 1.

The operation of the latches 30 and the couplings 20 is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 2 through 5.

The coupling 20 comprises a coupling body 21 associated the higher of the gate portions involved in the coupling, here in relation to coupling of the first and second gate portions 111,121, the second gate portion 121. A coupling catch 22 is associated with the lower of the gate portions involved in the coupling, here the first gate portion 111. As shown in Figure 3, the coupling catch 22 comprises a generally convex, here generally cylindrical body.

The coupling body 21 is arranged such that at least part thereof extends from the gate portion with the coupling arranged in the coupling position. The coupling is arranged in the coupling position in Figures 2 and 3. The coupling body 21 extends in a vertical direction from between the first and second gate faces of the gate portion with which it is associated when the coupling is arranged in the coupling position.

In the uncoupled position the coupling body 21 is housed within the first and second gate faces of the gate portion with which it is associated. The coupling is arranged in the uncoupled position in Figures 4 and 5.

To move between coupling and uncoupled positions, and back, the coupling body 21 rotates. A pivot 23 is provided in the gate portion with which the coupling body 21 is associated. The pivot 23 is arranged to allow the coupling body 23 to rotate in a generally vertical plane within the gate portion and between the first and second gate faces of each gate portion involved in the coupling.

An access recess 24 is provided to enable a user to operate the coupling body 21 and to thereby arrange the coupling body 21 in the coupled or uncoupled position. A user may introduce a finger, or tool into the access recess 24 to push the coupling body 21 between a coupling position and an uncoupled position, or between an uncoupled position and a coupling position. A depression 25 in the coupling body 21 is provided to receive a finger or tool, and the access recess 24 shaped to follow the path of the depression 25 as the coupling body 21 moves between positions. By providing no externally extending parts with which to actuate the coupling body it is made more difficult for livestock to interfere with and/or release/activate the coupling. Further security against unwanted operation of the coupling is provided by providing a relatively narrow access recess, for example narrower than 25mm, or more suitably narrower than 15mm. A spring-loaded, frictional or other holding means is suitably provided to give a degree of resistance to initial or continuing operation of the coupling, for example by holding the coupling body 21 in place in coupling or uncoupled positions using one or more sprung ball plungers 27 to engage a detent 26 in the coupling body 21.

As shown in Figure 3, the coupling body 21 is generally hook-shaped. When arranged in the coupling position the coupling body 21 engages the coupling catch 22 at upper and lower portions thereof, thereby enabling the coupling to transfer vertical load between the gate portions involved in the coupling. The coupling catch 22 in received in a concave portion of the coupling body 21. This is helpful in reducing stress on the pivot 40 exerted by the gate portions, particularly by gate portions that are not particularly tall and therefore produce a significant moment at the pivot by virtue of their own weight.

When arranged in the coupling position the coupling body 21 also engages interior surfaces of the gate faces, to enable the gate portions to move as one about the pivot 40.

When in the uncoupled position the coupling body 21 is contained between the first and second gate faces of the gate portion with which it is associated, enabling the gate portions to move independently about the pivot 40, in either a forward or backward rotational sense.

Figures 2 to 5 also show latches 30, one arranged in a latching position and the other in an unlatched position. The lower latch 30 in Figures 2 and 3 is arranged in the latching position, but in the unlatched position in Figures 4 and 5, whereas the upper latch 30 is arranged in the unlatched position in all of Figures 2 to 5. Each latch 30 comprises a latch body 31 that may be arranged such that at least part thereof extends from the gate 1 when the latch 30 is arranged in the latching position. The latch bodies 3lextend radially from the gate, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the pivot 40. The latch bodies 31 extend in a direction parallel to the gate faces. The latch bodies 31 extend from between the gate faces. When the latch is arranged in the unlatched position the latch body 31 is housed within the first and second gate faces. The gate faces comprise an access recess 33 to enable a user to operate the latch body 31 and to thereby arrange the latch body 31 in the latched or unlatched position.

A user may introduce a finger, or tool into the access recess 33 to push the latch body 31 between positions. A depression 34 in the latch body 31 is provided to receive a finger or tool, and the access recess 33 shaped to follow the path of the depression 34 as the latch body 31 moves between positions. By providing no externally extending parts with which to actuate the latch body it is made more difficult for livestock to interfere with and/or release/activate the latch. Further security against unwanted operation of the coupling is provided by providing a relatively narrow access recess, for example narrower than 25mm, or more suitably narrower than 15mm. A spring-loaded, frictional or other holding means is suitably provided to give a degree of resistance to initial or continuing operation of the latch, for example by holding the latch body 31 in place in latching or unlatched positions using one or more a sprung ball plungers 35 to engage one or more detents 36 in the latch body 31.

The coupling body and latch body may be conveniently housed together in an integrated unit, as may the coupling catch and latch body. An integrated unit of this nature may be provided with a drain opening 50 at a lower portion thereof to allow fluid to drain there-from, which is advantageous when considering the requirement for transporters to be washed out between uses.

The embodiment shown in Figure 1 comprises a full complement of latches and couplings, but it will be appreciated that in other embodiments gates including fewer latches or couplings may be provided.

An advantage of the present invention is that it allows flexibility in gate configuration to deal with different platform level configurations, including facilitating safe loading, transportation and unloading. Safe unloading in the event of failure of a plafform actuator is also made possible. Each gate portion can be operated independently, and can be combined with neighbouring gate portions to increase ease of operation once gating requirements are known. A load bearing coupling between gate portions serves to reduce the stress on the pivot, which is particularly useful when considering gate portions with relatively small height.

Animals being transported cannot access gate coupling means and latching means, and cleaning down of vehicles is facilitated.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extend to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A gate for use in a transporter, the gate comprising first and second gate portions and further comprising a coupling, wherein the coupling is arrangeable in a coupling position to couple the first and second gate portions to one another and is arrangeable in an uncoupled position to allow the first and second gate portions to be operated independently of one another.
2. A gate according to claim 1, wherein the first gate portion comprises first and second gate faces and wherein the first gate face and/or second gate face is generally planar.
3. A gate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and/or second gate face is substantially free from projections extending there-from.
4. A gate according to any preceding claim, wherein the first gate portion comprises a latch, arrangeable in a latching position to latch the first gate portion to a corresponding catch, and arrangeable in an unlatched position in which gate movement is not restrained by a L() corresponding catch. 0 20

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5. A gate according to claim 4, wherein the latch comprises a latch body that is arranged Q such that at least part thereof extends from the gate with the latch arranged in the latching position.
6. A gate according to claim 5, wherein the latch body extends radially from the gate with the latch arranged in the latching position.
7. A gate according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the latch body extends from between the first and second gate faces with the latch arranged in the latching position and the latch body is housed substantially within the first and second gate faces with the latch arranged in the unlatched position.
8. A gate according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first and/or second gate faces comprise an access recess to enable a user to operate the latch body and to thereby arrange the latch body in the latched or unlatched position.
9. A gate according to any preceding claim, wherein the first gate portion is mounted for rotation about a pivot.
10. A gate according to claim 9, wherein the first gate portion is mounted for rotation through 1 80 degrees around the pivot.
11. A gate according to any preceding claim, wherein the second gate portion comprises any one or more of the features described in claims 2 to 10 of the first gate portion.
12. A gate according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling is arranged, when in the coupling position, to provide a load-bearing interface between the first gate portion and the second gate portion.
13. A gate according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling comprises a coupling body associated with one of the first and second gate portions, and a coupling catch associated with the other of the first and second gate portions.
14. A gate according to claim 13, wherein the coupling body is arranged such that at least part thereof extends from the associated gate portion when the coupling is arranged in the coupling position.

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15. A gate according to claim 14, wherein the coupling body extends in a vertical direction Q 20 from the gate when the coupling is arranged in the coupling position.
16. A gate according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the coupling body extends from between the first and second gate faces with the coupling body arranged in the coupling position.
17. A gate according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the coupling body is housed substantially within the first and second gate faces with the coupling arranged in the uncoupled position.
18. A gate according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the coupling body is arranged to rotate to change the coupling between coupled and uncoupled positions.
19. A gate according to claim 18, wherein the coupling body is arranged to rotate in a generally vertical plane to change the coupling between coupled and uncoupled positions.
20. A gate according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the first and/or second gate faces comprise an access recess to enable a user to operate the coupling body and to thereby arrange the coupling body in the coupled or uncoupled position.
21. A gate according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the coupling body is arranged to engage the coupling catch at upper and lower portions thereof when arranged in the coupling position.
22. A gate according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the coupling body is arranged to engage interior surfaces of the first and second gate faces when arranged in the coupling position.
23. A gate according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the coupling body and coupling catch are load bearing components, arranged to transfer loads in a vertical direction between first and second gate portions.
24. A gate according to any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein the coupling is arranged, when in the uncoupled position to be contained between the first and second gate faces of both first and second gate portions.
25. A gate according to any one of claims 13 to 24, wherein the coupling body comprises a hook. L()

Q 20
26. A gate according to any one of claims 13 to 25, wherein the coupling comprises holding means arranged to hold the coupling body in place in coupling and/or uncoupled positions.
27. A gate according to claim 26, wherein the holding means comprises one or more sprung ball plungers to engage the coupling body.
28. A gate according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the coupling body comprises one or more detents to cooperate with the holding means.
29. A gate according to any preceding claim, wherein the first gate portion is lower than the second gate portion, the first gate portion comprises a coupling catch arranged at an upper edge portion thereof and the second gate portion comprises a coupling body arranged at a lower edge portion thereof.
30. A gate according to any preceding claim, wherein the first gate portion is lower than the second gate portion, the first gate portion comprises a latch body arranged at an upper edge portion thereof and the second gate portion comprises a latch body arranged at an upper edge portion thereof.
31. A gate according to any preceding claim, wherein the second gate portion comprises a coupling catch arranged at an upper edge portion thereof.
32. A gate according to any preceding claim, further comprising a third gate portion, and optionally further comprising fourth and optionally fifth through ninth gate portions.
33. A gate according to claim 32, wherein the third and any higher ordinal gate portions are arranged in sequence above the second gate portion.
34. A gate according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the first and second, and optionally third or higher ordinal gate portions are mounted for rotation about a common axis.
35. A gate according to any preceding claim, comprising a coupling body and latch body housed together in an integrated unit.
36. A gate according to any preceding claim, comprising a coupling catch and latch body housed together in an integrated unit.

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37. A gate according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the coupling catch, Q 20 coupling body and latch body are housed in a unit comprising a drain opening at a lower portion thereof to allow fluid to drain there-from.
38. A gate according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the coupling catch, coupling body and latch body are housed in a unit comprising a drain opening at a lower portion thereof to allow fluid to drain there-from from between the first and second gate faces, preferably onto one or both of the first and second gate faces.
39. A transporter having a gate therein, the gate comprising first and second gate portions and further comprising a coupling, wherein the coupling is arrangeable in a coupling position to couple the first and second gate portions to one another and is arrangeable in an uncoupled position to allow the first and second gate portions to be operated independently of one another.
40. A transporter according to claim 39, arranged, in use, to transport dry freight; or to transport livestock.
41. A transporter according to claim 39 or 40, comprising a trailer.
42. A transporter according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the gate is comprises any one or more of the features described in claims 1 to 38.
43. A method of operating a gate, the method comprising coupling first and second gate portions to one another using a coupling, and further comprising uncoupling the gate portions from one another by arranging the coupling in an uncoupled position to thereby enable the first and second gate portions to operate independently of each other.
44. A method according to claim 43, comprising use of the coupling, latch or other component or feature of claims 1 to 38, in order to achieve the operative ends substantially as described herein for the coupling, latch, or other component or feature.
45. A gate, substantially as herein described, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. L() a)