GB2554885A

GB2554885A - Mounting apparatus for a vehicle-mounted covering system

Info

Publication number: GB2554885A
Application number: GB1617281.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hines Steve
Original assignee: ECLATS HOLDINGS Ltd
Current assignee: ECLATS HOLDINGS Ltd
Priority date: 2016-10-12
Filing date: 2016-10-12
Publication date: 2018-04-18
Also published as: GB201617281D0

Abstract

An apparatus for mounting a covering system to a truck (Fig 1) vehicle with a container (5). The apparatus 30 comprises a linear actuator comprised of a cylinder 62 and piston 64 in which the piston is selectively operable to extend and retract along a substantially linear axis. A telescopic arm 46 is arranged on one side of, and generally parallel with, the linear actuator, the telescopic arm comprising inner and outer elongate members, telescopically arranged, one of which is connected to the piston of the linear actuator by means of a rotatable linkage 66 so that in use the overall length of the telescopic arm can be extended in a direction substantially parallel to the linear axis, between first and second positions, by operation of the linear actuator to move the piston through only part of its stroke. A base member 36 for supporting the vehicle-mounted covering system is also provided which is connected to the linkage 66 so that it may rotate therewith. The telescopic arm comprises a mechanical brake which prevents further extension of the telescopic arm beyond the second position, and in which further extension of the piston is translated by means of the linkage into rotational movement which causes the base member (36, Fig 8) to rotate relative to the telescopic arm.

Description

(54) Title ofthe Invention: Mounting apparatus for a vehicle-mounted covering system Abstract Title: Mounting Apparatus for a Vehicle-Mounted Covering System (57) An apparatus for mounting a covering system to a truck (Fig 1) vehicle with a container (5). The apparatus 30 comprises a linear actuator comprised of a cylinder 62 and piston 64 in which the piston is selectively operable to extend and retract along a substantially linear axis. A telescopic arm 46 is arranged on one side of, and generally parallel with, the linear actuator, the telescopic arm comprising inner and outer elongate members, telescopically arranged, one of which is connected to the piston of the linear actuator by means of a rotatable linkage 66 so that in use the overall length ofthe telescopic arm can be extended in a direction substantially parallel to the linear axis, between first and second positions, by operation of the linear actuator to move the piston through only part of its stroke. A base member 36 for supporting the vehicle-mounted covering system is also provided which is connected to the linkage 66 so that it may rotate therewith. The telescopic arm comprises a mechanical brake which prevents further extension ofthe telescopic arm beyond the second position, and in which further extension ofthe piston is translated by means ofthe linkage into rotational movement which causes the base member (36, Fig 8) to rotate relative to the telescopic arm.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy. This print incorporates corrections made under Section 117(1) ofthe Patents Act 1977.

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Mounting Apparatus for a Vehicle-Mounted Covering System

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a mounting apparatus for a vehicle-mounted covering system, for example a system for covering containers or skips.

Background of the Invention

There is a need for loads which are held within containers and skips which are mounted on a vehicle such as a truck to be covered to avoid spillage and/or protect the load from adverse weather. For this purpose, various types of container covering systems are known which are mounted on the truck body. Such systems generally employ a sheet-like tarpaulin or cover, which is wound onto a roller provided at one end of the truck body, which in use is unfurled so as to cover the load.

Figure 1 shows by way of example a truck 3 having a container 5 mounted on its trailer and a covering system 7 with a tarpaulin cover 9 unfurled from a roller 11 and secured by means of string or rope 13 to the rear of the container so that the load is covered. The roller 11 in this case is mounted on a tower 15 which in use selectively raises or lowers the roller relative to the trailer/container 5 by user control. This control is typically by means of a hydraulic and/or pneumatic compressor actuated by an electrical control system. Raising of the tower 15 permits easier access to the rope 13 whereby the user can manually unfurl the tarpaulin cover 9 to tie it to the rear of the container 5. The tower 15 is then lowered to complete the covering.

Figure 2 shows another example without a container, in which example a similar covering system is connected to the rear of truck body 18. As will be seen more clearly, the covering system comprises a tower 21 formed of parallel, spaced-apart upright arms 22 welded or similarly fixed at the approximate centre of the rear end of the truck body 18. In-between the upright arms 22 are provided two movable arms 24, electrically and/or hydraulically and/or pneumatically operated, which lift and lower a roller 26 carrying a tarpaulin 28 responsive to control signals as mentioned above.

A problem exists in that, in both cases, the presence of the tower 15, 21 prevents loading access to the truck body from one end, whether the front or back. For example, if the location/orientation of the truck body is such that access to the end without the tower 15, 21 is not possible, the truck body will need to be moved so that it is accessible, e.g. for a container to be loaded or removed.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for mounting a covering system to a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a linear actuator comprising a cylinder and a piston for moving through a substantially linear stroke between retracted and extended positions; a telescopic arm formed of an inner section and an outer section, having a braking means for limiting the extent of telescoping movement between the sections when extending the telescoping arm; a linkage pivotally connecting the piston of the linear actuator to one section of the telescopic arm and to part of a covering system for a vehicle; wherein the linear actuator is arranged during a first part of its extension stroke to effect linear extension of the telescopic arm by telescoping movement between the sections until the braking means limits further movement, and thereafter to effect a rotational movement on the linkage for substantially the remainder of the extension stroke.

The linear actuator may be arranged to one side of the telescopic arm, generally parallel thereto.

The cylinder may be pivotally attached to the other section of the telescopic arm.

The linkage may be pivotally connected to the piston at one part thereof, and pivotally connected to the telescopic arm and covering system part at another part thereof.

The linkage may be substantially L-shaped.

The covering system part may comprise a supporting member which is disposed substantially parallel to the telescopic arm at the start of the extension stroke and is moved sideways with the telescopic arm until the braking means limits further movement whereafter the linkage causes rotation of the supporting member.

The linkage may be arranged to rotate the covering system part through approximately 90 degrees for the remainder of the extension stroke.

The braking means may comprise a spring-pin located on one section of the telescopic arm arranged to engage an aperture or recess on the other section during telescoping movement to prevent further extension.

The spring pin may be located on the inner section and the aperture or recess on the outer section.

The braking means may comprise an aperture on the outer section and wherein the linear actuator carries a return means arranged and dimensioned to force the spring-pin against its biasing during a return stroke of the piston so as to permit a reverse telescoping movement.

The return means may comprise a protruding component such as a pin or bolt arranged and dimensioned so as to pass through the aperture on the outer section.

According to a further aspect, there is provided an apparatus for mounting a covering system to a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a linear actuator comprised of a cylinder and piston in which the piston is selectively operable to extend and retract along a substantially linear axis; a telescopic arm arranged on one side of, and generally parallel with, the linear actuator, the telescopic arm comprising inner and outer elongate members, telescopically arranged, one of which is connected to the piston of the linear actuator by means of a rotatable linkage so that in use the overall length of the telescopic arm can be extended in a direction substantially parallel to the linear axis, between first and second positions, by operation of the linear actuator to move the piston through only part of its stroke; a base member for supporting the vehicle-mounted covering system, which base member is connected to the linkage so that it may rotate therewith; wherein the telescopic arm comprises a mechanical brake which prevents further extension of the telescopic arm beyond the second position, and in which further extension of the piston is translated by means of the linkage into rotational movement which causes the base member to rotate relative to the telescopic arm.

In any above definition, the linear actuator may be an electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuator arranged to be controlled through extension and retraction strokes by a user control device.

A covering system may be provided for a vehicle, the covering system comprising a roller which carries a web of covering material which in use can be drawn over a skip or container, the roller being supported by a tower which at or near its lower extent is provided a mounting apparatus according to any preceding definition for mounting to a vehicle or vehicle trailer.

10 16

A further aspect provides a vehicle or vehicle trailer which comprises the covering system of the above definition, mounted at or near one widthways edge of the trailer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art truck with a covering system hxed at 10 the front widthways edge;

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a prior art truck with a covering system hxed at the rear widthways edge;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of components of a mounting apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the Figure 3 apparatus in an initial position when mounted on a widthways edge of a truck;

Figure 5 is a partial plan view of the Figure 4 apparatus;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the Figure 3 apparatus, part-way through an opening cycle;

Figure 7 is a partial plan view of the Figure 6 apparatus;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the Figure 3 apparatus, at the end of the opening cycle;

Figure 9 is a partial plan view of the Figure 8 apparatus;

Figure 10 is a partial plan view of the Figure 3 apparatus during a closure cycle; and 25 Figure 11 is a perspective view of a guide system for a covering system.

10 16

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Embodiments herein relate to a mounting apparatus for a cover system, primarily for a truck, lorry or similar vehicle that carries demountable containers or skips.

In overview, the mounting apparatus is for mounting the cover system to a truck body in such a way that it can be controlled to move the cover system sideways, e.g. parallel with the mounted end, and then rotationally, so that that the mounted end is left open to permit the container to be loaded. For ease of explanation, this is referred to as the opening cycle. In some embodiments, this means that the truck body can be loaded from both ends, i.e. widthways ends, rather than from one end only. The mounting apparatus is also arranged to return to its original state, substantially parallel with the mounted end, in a so-called closing cycle.

Referring to Figure 3, a mounting apparatus 30 according to one preferred embodiment is shown. The mounting apparatus 30 comprises a tower 32 which is similar in operation to that described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The tower 32 comprises fixed upright arms 33 between which are provided one or more movable arms 34 which in use raise the height of the roller carrying the tarpaulin (not shown in the Figure). The bottom ends of the arms 33, 34 are fixed to an elongate support means, which can be of any suitable form but in this case is a plate 36 which in use extends above the majority of the widthways edge of the truck body. The support plate 36 may be planar and have a lip 38 extending downwardly on one side thereof. The lip 38 may extend downwards by approximately 90 degrees.

First and second support members 40, 42 are located either side of the tower 32 to provide structural rigidity. At or near the distal end of the support plate 36 is provided a boss 44 or similar component for pivotable or rotatable connection to

Ί one or more other parts to be described below. The boss 44 forms part of a hingetype joint and any practicable way of achieving this can be used in practice.

The mounting apparatus 30 further comprises a telescopic arm 46 comprised of a proximal outer sleeve 48 and a distal inner member 50 which locates within the sleeve. Alternative cross-sections may be used. At the distal end of the inner member 50 is provided a bracket 52, which comprises upper and lower sections with respective apertures 53, 55 the purpose of which will be explained below. At the proximal end of the outer sleeve 48 is provided a mount 54 to which is connected part of a linear actuator 60, to be described below.

A mechanical locking mechanism is further provided to limit the linear relative movement of the outer sleeve 48 and inner member 50. Various mechanisms may be employed, and in this embodiment the inner member 50 carries a spring-pin or bolt 56 which is biased outwards from the front face of the inner member 50. An aperture 58 is provided at a corresponding height on the front face of the outer sleeve 48. The locking mechanism operates by means of the spring-pin 56 entering the aperture 58 at a predetermined braking point during telescopic movement which will arrest further movement until the said pin is forced backwards against its biasing. For this purpose, a return pin 71 or similar component is provided on the rear face of a linear actuator at an appropriate position.

The linear actuator 60 is located to one side of the telescopic arm 46 and comprises a cylinder 62 and piston 64. At the proximal end, the cylinder 62 is rotatably connected by means of a mounting bracket 70 to the mount 54. Again, similar pivot-types mechanisms may be employed for the same purpose. At the distal end of the piston 64, there is provided a linkage 66 in the form of a substantially L-shaped bracket an upper face of which carries a boss 68, as does the lower face which is obscured from view. The shape of the linkage 66 is such as to permit a predefined angular motion responsive to a sufficient linear force applied by the piston 64. Indeed, any form of mechanical linkage can be used for this purpose, such that a rotational movement translates from linear movement piston

64.

As noted above, on the rear face of the cylinder 62 is provided the return pin 71 that projects towards the outer sleeve 48, in alignment with the aperture 58, which in use is employed to urge the spring pin 56 backwards against its biasing.

The aforementioned lower boss 44 is dimensioned and arranged to pass through the aperture 53. The linkage 66 is positioned between the upper and lower sections of the bracket. The upper boss 68 is welded to the lower boss 44 so that any rotation imparted onto the linkage 66 will rotate the support plate 36 and so the tower 32.

The linear actuator 60 can be of any form which provides relative linear movement, in this case comprising a cylinder 62 and piston 64. The linear actuator 60 may be of any type, for example electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic —based, receiving a control signal from an electronic control panel to effect relative movement of the piston 64, either in an extension stroke or a retraction stroke.

Referring to Figure 4, the mounting apparatus 30 is shown when assembled and in an initial state, for example when mounted to the rear 90 of the truck body, across its width. Figure 5 is a plan view of the telescopic arm 46 and linear actuator 62 when connected. The tower 32 is omitted from this view for ease of reference. As will be seen, the spring-pin 56 rests against the inner wall of the outer sleeve 48 in this position.

An opening cycle will now be described.

Responsive to a user input, the linear actuator 60 will move the piston 64 out of the cylinder 62 in an extension stroke. In the Figure, the movement is towards the left-hand side of the page, as indicated by the larger arrow. This in turn will cause the inner member 50 to slide out of the sleeve 48 in the same direction, shown by the smaller arrow.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the described movement results in the base member 36 and tower 32 translating sideways also, parallel to the widthways edge of the truck body. The linear movement will continue until the spring-pin 56 aligns with the aperture 56, when its biasing will cause it to enter the aperture and arrest further linear movement. In consequence, further movement of the piston 64 will apply sufficient force on the linkage 66 to effect rotational movement about the vertical axis X of the bosses 55, 68 which will cause likewise rotation of the base plate 36 and therefore tower 32.

This rotational movement is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. The apparatus is arranged such that the base plate 36 and the tower 32 will rotate by approximately ninety degrees by the time the piston 64 is extended fully. As rotational movement starts, the shape of the linkage 66 causes the cylinder 62 to rotate about the mounting bracket 70 and marginally away from the telescopic arm 46 as shown by the dotted line 80. The return pin 71 moves away from the aperture 58 accordingly.

It will be appreciated from the above that rotational movement occurs when the linear movement is arrested. In some embodiments, the weight of the base plate 38 and tower 32 is sufficient to prevent rotational movement beforehand, i.e. during linear translational movement.

Figure 8 shows in dotted line the approximate position of the tower 32 relative to the rear end 90 of a truck body. It can therefore be seen that a container or the like can be loaded via the rear end, unhindered by the covering system. The controlled translational and rotational movement is achieved efficiently using one linear actuator operating through one stroke.

Referring to Figure 10, the reverse operation is indicated whereby the mounting system 30 returns to its original (closed) position shown in Figure 4. A user will initiate the retraction using a control panel, e.g. using a separate button, and in response the piston 64 is retracting, reversing the sequence of motion described above. First, the linkage 66 rotates the base plate 38 and tower 32 back to the parallel orientation as shown in Figures 6 and 7. As the base plate 38 travels over the upper surface of the telescopic arm 46, further rotation is prevented by means of the lip 38 which contacts said arm. The rotation of the cylinder 62 relative to the telescopic arm is reversed and causes the return pin 71 to enter within the aperture 56 which forces the spring pin 56 against its biasing to unlock the sleeve and inner members 48, 50. Further retraction of the piston 64 will slide the tower 32 and base plate 36 back to the original closed position shown in Figure 4.

For completeness, Figure 11 shows a tarpaulin guide mechanism 100 for use with any of the tower(s) mentioned above. The guide mechanism 100 is connected to, or close to, the roller such that the tarpaulin 102 as it exits the roller or roller housing (not shown) passes through the mechanism in the manner to be described here. The tarpaulin 102 comprises at one or both lateral edges a raised edge 103 which can be of any profile but it thicker than that of the tarpaulin web.

The guide mechanism 100 is comprised of a first bracket 104 which is fixed to the covering system at or near the roller. To the first bracket 104 is pivotally attached an arm 105 which can be adjusted relative to said first bracket by untightening a screw or bolt. The arm 105 is angled inwardly towards the tarpaulin 102. At a distal end of the arm 105 is provided a guide 107 in the form of a pair of jaws, inwardly-angled, which carry at each end a roller 109. The rollers 109 are diagonally oriented towards one another (in a V-type shape) so as to define an internal passage Y-Y through which the edge 103 passes in use. A gap is left between the rollers 109 which allows the tarpaulin web to pass through whilst preventing the edge 103 from leaving. The guide 107 is connected to the arm 105 by a spring mounting 106.

It will be understood, that the various embodiments described herein have been described by way of example only and that modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus for mounting a covering system to a vehicle, the apparatus

5 comprising:

a linear actuator comprising a cylinder and a piston for moving through a substantially linear stroke between retracted and extended positions;

a telescopic arm formed of an inner section and an outer section, having a braking means for limiting the extent of telescoping movement between the

10 sections when extending the telescoping arm;

a linkage pivotally connecting the piston of the linear actuator to one section of the telescopic arm and to part of a covering system for a vehicle;

wherein the linear actuator is arranged during a first part of its extension stroke to effect linear extension of the telescopic arm by telescoping movement

15 between the sections until the braking means limits further movement, and thereafter to effect a rotational movement on the linkage for substantially the remainder of the extension stroke.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the linear actuator is arranged to

20 one side of the telescopic arm, generally parallel thereto.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the cylinder is pivotally attached to the other section of the telescopic arm.

25

4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the linkage is pivotally connected to the piston at one part thereof, and pivotally connected to the telescopic arm and covering system part at another part thereof

5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the linkage is substantially L-shaped.

6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the covering system

5 part comprises a supporting member which is disposed substantially parallel to the telescopic arm at the start of the extension stroke and is moved sideways with the telescopic arm until the braking means limits further movement whereafter the linkage causes rotation of the supporting member.

10

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the linkage is arranged to rotate the covering system part through approximately 90 degrees for the remainder of the extension stroke.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the braking means

15 comprises a spring-pin located on one section of the telescopic arm arranged to engage an aperture or recess on the other section during telescoping movement to prevent further extension.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the spring pin is located on the

20 inner section and the aperture or recess on the outer section.

10. Apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the braking means comprises an aperture on the outer section and wherein the linear actuator carries a return means arranged and dimensioned to force the spring-pin against its biasing

25 during a return stroke of the piston so as to permit a reverse telescoping movement.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the return means comprises a protruding component such as a pin or bolt arranged and dimensioned so as to pass through the aperture on the outer section.

5

12. Apparatus for mounting a covering system to a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

a linear actuator comprised of a cylinder and piston in which the piston is selectively operable to extend and retract along a substantially linear axis;

a telescopic arm arranged on one side of, and generally parallel with, the 10 linear actuator, the telescopic arm comprising inner and outer elongate members, telescopically arranged, one of which is connected to the piston of the linear actuator by means of a rotatable linkage so that in use the overall length of the telescopic arm can be extended in a direction substantially parallel to the linear axis, between first and second positions, by operation of the linear actuator to move the

15 piston through only part of its stroke;

a base member for supporting the vehicle-mounted covering system, which base member is connected to the linkage so that it may rotate therewith;

wherein the telescopic arm comprises a mechanical brake which prevents further extension of the telescopic arm beyond the second position, and in which

20 further extension of the piston is translated by means of the linkage into rotational movement which causes the base member to rotate relative to the telescopic arm.

13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the linear actuator is a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator arranged to be controlled through extension and

25 retraction strokes by a user control device.

14. A covering system for a vehicle, the covering system comprising a roller which carries a web of covering material which in use can be drawn over a skip or container, the roller being supported by a tower which at or near its lower extent is provided a mounting apparatus according to any preceding claim for mounting to a

5 vehicle or vehicle trailer.

15 A vehicle or vehicle trailer which comprises the covering system of claim 14 mounted at or near one widthways edge of the trailer.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1617281.9 Examiner: Mr Charles Ellwood