GB2268718A

GB2268718A - Covering for open-topped vehicles

Info

Publication number: GB2268718A
Application number: GB9215338A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kleanthis Pavlou
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-07-18
Filing date: 1992-07-18
Publication date: 1994-01-19
Anticipated expiration: 2012-07-18
Also published as: GB9215338D0; GB2268718B

Abstract

A covering for open-topped transport vehicles and in particular for heavy duty transport vehicles for transporting gravel, sand and building materials comprises extension and retraction means that can be operated resulting in respectively the covering of at least a part of the open-topped vehicle and exposing at least part of the open-topped vehicle a coupling means 11 is provided whereby the covering means 8 and coupling means are functionally connected together in antagonistic fashion whereby the extension of one brings about the retraction of the other. Further, a remote control means for activating the control means may be provided whereby an operator can selectively determine the position of the covering means to be appropriate for emptying the contents of the vehicle. <IMAGE>

Description

Ilv!PROViENS RELATING TO TRANSPORT VEHICLES The invention relates to open top transport vehicles and in particular heavy duty transport vehicles for transporting gravel, sand and building materials.

IIeavy duty transport vehicles typically colnprise an enclosed front cabin and a rear chassis on which is mounted a containing means adapted for the transportation of goods. In tlie instance where- the vehicle is adapted to transport gravel, sand or building materials the containing means is typically open topped and advantageously pneu!natically pivotable about a pre-deterrnined axis for the purpose of tipping the containing nieans into a position whereby the contents can be emptied.

There is a disadvantage to these open topped heavy duty vehicles in that when they are filled to optimum capacity, and so operating at maximum transport efficiency, the contents of the containing means often spills out of the vehicle and on to the road. This can be particularly dangerous for other vehicles in the vicinity of such transport vehicles. As a result of this, in some countries, it is now stated in the law that open top vehicles must be covered if the driver is to avoid the payment of fines. Despite this pecuniary measure it is still known for open topped vehicles to relllain uncovered and for the ensuing hazards to be present.It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a removable cover for an open top vehicle vehicle cover can be quickly and efficiently brought into operation for the purpose of covering the open topped containing means and retracted for the purpose of enipty i ig the containing means According to the invention there is therefore provided a covering mealls on, or for use on, an open topped vehicle comprising an extension and retraction means adapted to be mounted on the open topped vehicle and a covering means attached to the extension and retraction means whereby operation of the extension means results in the covering means covering at least a part of the open topped vehicle and operation of the retraction means results in the covering means exposing at least part of the open topped vehicle.

Preferably the extension and retraction means coirprises a reversibly rotatable support member to which a first end of tlie covering means is attached.

Preferably both the said first end and an extendible and retractable second end of the covering means is attached to the support member.

Preferably the extendible and retractable end of the covering means is attached to the support member by adjustable coupling means which coupling means takes the form ideally of lengths of rope, wire or the like which can be wound about the support member Preferably guide means are provided in which the adjustable coupling means can pass.

Preferably the covering means is wound about the support means in a first direction and the coupling means are wound about the support means .in a direction opposite to this said first direction.

riore preferably further still at least one additional reversibly rotatable support member is provided for the purpose of supporting the coupling gleans whereby unfolding of the covering means results in folding of the coupling atleans .

This arrangement provides for the unfolding and lengthening of the covering means as tlie covering means is extended and the sitiul taneous folding and shortening reduction of the coupling means. Conversely when the covering means is folded or retracted and its length is therefore decreased the system operates to allow unfolding of the coupling means.

It wi 11 therefore be understood that the covering rcans and coupling means are functionally connected tofretlier in antagonistic fashion whereby the extension of one brings about the retraction of the other. In this way the covering means is selectively made to extend and retract so as to selectively cover or expose the open topped part of an open topped vehicle.

Preferably extension and retraction of the system is riotorized ideally by a motor linked to the battery of the vehicle or by hydraulic means whereby an operator can selectively control the position of the covering means using control nieans positioned within a cabin of tlie vehicle.

More preferably a remote control means is provided for activating the said control means whereby an operator can selectively determine the position of the covering means at a remote location.

Preferably the support means is located towards the forerìlost end of the vehicle, that is at the end of the veli i c 1 c remote f r oin t lie p i vo t position of t the containing nieans so as to overcome any possibility of the support means interfering with filling and elnptying of the containing means.

Preferably the support means is mounted along an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figurc 1 represents a side view of aii OI)Cti topped vehicle adapted in accordance with the invent ion; and figure 2 represents a plan view of the vehicle shown in Figure 1.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown an open topped vehicle comprising a front cabin 1 and a rear chassis 2. Mounted on chassis 2 is an open topped containing means 3 which is adapted for hydraulically operated pivoting about a pivot axis 4. It will therefore be understood that when the contents of the containing means 3 are to be emptied the forward most end of containing means 3 is raised upwardly and the rearward roost end of containing means 3 is consequently- moved dowrnvardly so as to faci I itate etnptying of the containing means 3.

The apparatus of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures.

It can be seen in Figure 1 and Figure 2 that there is provided along the upper longitudinal cadges of containing means 3 a pair of hollow cylindrical guides 5a and 5b. Further, along the foretnost edge of containing means 3, which edge is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, there is provided a supporting means 6. Supporting means G is mounted to tlie containing means 3 by means of spaced brackets 7.

The distance between brackets 7 is generally equal to the internal width of the containing means.

A covering means û is attached at a first end 9 to the central region of support 6. The width of covering means 8 is approximately equal to tlie internal width of the containing means and therefore is accol odated in the space provided by the distance between brackets 7.

The extension and retraction end 10 of covering means 8 is provided at either corner with coupling means 11 in the fonn of lengths of rope. These length of rope are niade to travel through guides 5a and 5b in a forwardly direction and they are attached at their free ends to the outermost regions of support 6.

It will be understood that covering means 8 is wound about support G in a first direction and ropes 11 are wound about support 6 in a second direction which direction is opposite that to the said first direction.

Although the Figures do not show specific regions on support 6 adapted for accomnodating rope 11 it will be understood that recesses, specific surfaces and the like can be provided for this purpose.

hiovelllent of support G is under tlie control of a motor (not shown) which is attached to the battery of the vehicle. Further, gearing may also be provided (not shown) for the purpose of controlling the movement of support 6.

Activation of the motor is controlled by a switch located in tlie vehicle cabin 1. Ilowever, in a preferred embodiment of the invention a remote control device is also provided for the purpose of activating support G.

In use, the invention operates as follows.

In order to cover the open part of an open topped vehicle the motor is activated so as to bring about rotation of support 6 which rotation is in a direction which brings about unfolding of covering means 8 and in turn folding of ropes 11. Thus, ropes 11 are wound onto support 6 and in so doing pull the extension and retraction end 10 of covering means Z in a rearward direction.

Conversely, when support 6 is rotated in an opposite fashion covering means 8 is folded onto support 6 and so retracted. This results in ropes 11 attached toextension and retraction end 10 of covering means 8 being gloved in a forwardly direction within guides 5a and 5b.

It can therefore be seen that the invention provides for the selective extension and retraction of a covering means so as to cover the open part of an open topped vehiclc.

Claims

1. A covering means on, or for use on, an open-topped vehicle comprising an extension and retraction means adapted to be mounted on the open-topped vehicle and a covering means attached to the extension and retraction means whereby operation of the extension means results in the covering means covering at least a part of the open-topped vehicle and operation of the retraction means results in the covering means exposing at least part of the open-topped vehicle.

2. A covering means according to Claim 1 wherein the extension and retraction means comprises a reversibly rotatable support member to which a first end of the covering means is attached.

3. A covering means according to Claim 2 wherein both the said first end and an extendable and retractable second end of the covering means is attached to the support member.

4. A covering means according to Claim 3 wherein the extendable and retractable end of the covering means is attached to the support member by adjustable coupling means.

5. A covering means according to Claim 4 wherein said coupling means takes the form ideally of lengths of rope, wire or the like which can be wound about the support member.

6. A covering means according to Claim 5 wherein guide means are provided in which the adjustable coupling means can pass.

7. A covering means according to Claim 6 wherein the covering means is wound about the support means in a first direction and the coupling means are wound about the support means in a direction opposite to this said first direction.

8. A covering means according to Claim 7 wherein at least one additional reversibly rotatable support member is provided for the purpose of supporting the coupling means whereby unfolding of the covering means results in folding of the coupling means.

9. A covering means according to Claim 8 wherein extension and retraction of the system is motorised ideally by a motor linked to the battery of the vehicle.

10. A covering means according to claim 8 wherein extension and retraction of the system is motorised by hydraulic means.

11. A covering means according to Claims 9 or 10 wherein said motorised means allow an operator to selectively control the position of the covering means using control means positioned within a cabin of the vehicle.

12. A covering means according to Claim 11 wherein a remote control means is provided for activating the said control means whereby an operator can selectively determine the position of the covering means at a remote location.

13. A covering means according to any preceding Claim wherein the support means is located towards the foremost end of the vehicle, that is at the end of the vehicle remote from the pivot position of the containing means so as to overcome any possibility of the support means interfering with filling and emptying of the containing means.

14. A covering means according to Claim 13 wherein the support means is mounted along an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.