NZ723436B2 - A roof support and/or freight restraint for a vehicle or container - Google Patents

Abstract

post for an open sided vehicle or container having a roof and a floor, the post including an upper end adapted to be hung from or mounted to the roof at an open side of the vehicle or container; a lower end of the post adapted to support the post in position between the floor or a coaming associated with the floor and the roof so that the post supports the roof; and a biasing means adapted to bias the upper end of the post into contact with the roof when the post is located in position between the floor or coaming and the roof. ed with the floor and the roof so that the post supports the roof; and a biasing means adapted to bias the upper end of the post into contact with the roof when the post is located in position between the floor or coaming and the roof.

Description

A ROOF SUPPORT AND/OR FREIGHT RESTRAINT FOR A VEHICLE OR CONTAINER Introduction The present invention relates to a roof support structure for a vehicle, such as a truck or trailer, or for a container. The structure is particularly adapted for use on large curtain sided semi-trailers and truck bodies, and will hereinafter be generally described in this context, although other applications are also envisaged. The support structure may also be used as, or utilised in, a freight restraint for a vehicle or container. In this regard, the structure may function as both a roof support and a freight restraint.

Background of Invention In curtain sided semi-trailers for example, the roofs are often not sufficiently self-supporting. To address this issue, posts are fitted along the side of the semi- trailer between the floor and the roof and act as a roof support. It is generally undesirable for the posts to be mounted permanently in place, as this can inhibit access to the load space, and so the posts are usually removably fitted in place.

Many curtain-sided semi-trailers include posts that, in addition to supporting the roof, also act as freight restraints. In this regard, the curtains are not sufficiently strong to prevent loads from falling laterally off the trailer during transit and regulations require additional restraints for this purpose. It has long since been known to use fixed gates along the side of the trailer to provide lateral load restraint. The gates have "spades" at the bottom edge that fit into pockets in the floor to retain the gates in position, and in order to provide access to the load it is necessary to lift the gates off the trailer. This cumbersome task of lifting the gates off the trailer was addressed several decades ago by hinging the gates to sliding side posts spaced along the side of the trailer. The sliding side posts were well known at the time and initially used as roof supports on longer trailers. The posts have a "knee joint" towards the bottom of the post which enables the post to be detached from a locating slot in the floor, and a carriage at the top which runs in a rail along the roof of the trailer. By disconnecting the post at the bottom the post is able to move along the rail to an end <filename> of the trailer to provide clear access to the load or load space. This hinging of the gates avoided the need to lift the gates from the trailer but it was not all that convenient to slide the post towards an end of the trailer with the hinged gates thereon. This problem has been addressed more recently by providing the gates as a rigid structure on the post. In other words, the gates become fixed wings on either side of the "knee joint" post and the restraint can be readily slid to an end of the trailer to provide clear access to the load space.

One problem of existing posts and/or restraint gates noted by the applicant is that of gates/posts rattling or “chattering” when in their restraining positions connected between the roof and floor during transit. This rattling sound is undesirable, although the resultant damage that rattling can cause to the post, gates, roof, roller assemblies and floor can be particularly problematic and potentially dangerous. The overhead roof rail is particularly prone to damage sustained by the long term rattling of the carriages within the rail, causing the rail to wear. This can lead to damage of the rail, eventually requiring its replacement.

This problem is exacerbated by the fact that multiple gates/posts are typically used with a given freight vehicle or container, and so damage can be caused by each rattling gate/post.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a way of at least reducing the amount of rattling of the restraint gates/posts at their connection points with the roof and floor.

Summary of Invention According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post for an open sided vehicle or container having a roof and a floor, the post operable in a restraint mode and in an open mode, the post including: an upper end adapted to be hung from or mounted to the roof at an open side of the vehicle or container; the upper end of the post provided on a first post portion; a lower end of the post adapted to support the post in position between the floor or a coaming associated with the floor and the roof so that the post supports the roof; the lower end of the post provided on a second post portion; and a biasing means adapted to bias the upper end of the post into contact with the roof when the post is in the restraint mode, with the post located in position between the floor or coaming and the roof; wherein, when in the restraint mode, the first post portion is movable relative to the second post portion between a minimum post length and a maximum post length; and <filename> the biasing means is mounted to one of the first and second post portions, and remains in biasing contact with the other of the first and second post portions when in the restraint mode, such that the biasing means biases the post towards the maximum post length.

The post may form part of a restraint gate, such that the gate may be adapted for use as a restraint against lateral displacement of a load on the vehicle or container. In one possible form, the post is integrated into the gate structure. In such an arrangement, the gate (by virtue of including the post) supports the roof, and also functions as a load restraint. The gate may include a rigid frame supported by the post, with the gate adapted to engage the floor or coaming to locate the gate in position between the floor or coaming and the roof. However, other embodiments are also contemplated in which the gate functions as a load restraint, but not as a roof support.

Preferably, the biasing means is adapted to bias the upper end of the post in a generally upward direction into contact with the roof. This is desirable in the context of the invention because it can eliminate, or at least reduce, the amount of rattling or “chattering” of the post when in use. As stated previously, rattling is undesirable not only because of the noise it generates, but also because it means that the post is constantly vibrating relative to its contact/mounting points with the roof and floor, resulting in premature wear of the post, roof and floor or coaming. Again, constant rattling can lead to irreparable damage of the rail along the side of the roof at the contact point of the rattling post, meaning that the rail (or entire gate, if the post is part of a gate) must then be replaced.

It is to be appreciated that the amount of bias provided by the biasing means may be selected as desired, and may be selected to meet the requirements of a specific application.

The distance between maximum and minimum lengths may be sufficient to allow for normal deformation of the vehicle or container that may be experienced depending on the load being carried, and due to any deformation experienced during transit. It may also be sufficient to accommodate any manufacturing intolerances and/or wear inherent in the vehicle or container; as well as any manufacturing intolerances and/or wear inherent in the post (or gate). For example, deformation of the vehicle during transit may alter the distance between the roof and floor, and so the maximum and minimum lengths may be selected to ensure that the biasing means is <filename> capable of biasing the upper end of the post into contact with the roof at least most of the time during transit, regardless of any such deformation.

The biasing means may adopt any suitable form, and in one embodiment the biasing means is provided in the form of a compression spring. That said, other types of springs have been contemplated, including tension or extension springs. The use of other types of springs may require reconfiguration of the post (or gate).

In embodiments of the invention including a compression spring, the spring may be manufactured from a polymeric material. For example, the spring may include a rubber spring body or a bonded rubber body. The rubber spring body or bonded rubber body may be provided in the form of a bush. However, it is also to be appreciated that other embodiments of the invention are contemplated, with the biasing means including a metal spring, such as a metal compression spring.

In embodiments wherein the post forms part of a restraint gate, a lower end of the gate may be adapted to engage the floor to locate the gate in position between the floor and the roof, so that the gate acts as a restraint against lateral displacement of the load on the vehicle or container. In one preferred form, a lower end portion of the frame engages the floor. However, it is to be appreciated that in other embodiments a lower end portion of the post engages the floor. Further, it may be that both the lower end of the frame and the lower end of the post engage the floor.

Previously, it has been mentioned that the post is adapted to support the roof, although it is to be appreciated that in other possible embodiments of the invention another part of the gate may be adapted to support the roof. For example, the frame may be adapted to support the roof.

In embodiments of the invention, the post includes generally aligned first and second post portions, with the first post portion movable relative to the second post portion to facilitate extension of the post between the minimum length and the maximum length. In such an arrangement, the biasing means may be adapted to act between the first post portion and the second post portion to bias the post towards the maximum length.

In one particular embodiment, one of the first post portion and the second post portion is receivable in an open end of the other of the second post portion and the first post portion.

In one embodiment, the first post portion includes a roller assembly adapted for hanging and slidably (or movably) mounting the post (or gate) from an <filename> overhead rail provided along one side of the roof. If a frame is included, then it may be mounted to the second post portion.

As previously stated, the biasing means is mounted to one of the first and second frame portions. For example, the biasing means may be mounted to the second frame portion in such a way as to allow the overall post length to move between the maximum and minimum lengths by virtue of movement the first and second frame portions relative to one another.

In one form, the biasing means is mounted to the second post portion within the open end of the second post portion. The biasing means may be mounted to the second post portion by a bolt or pin extending through aligned apertures provided in the biasing means and the second post portion.

So far, the invention has been described in terms of a post and gate.

However, it is to be appreciated that the invention also pertains to a vehicle or container including at least one post or gate of the type described generally above.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a restraint gate for an open sided vehicle or container having a roof and a floor, the gate including: a rigid frame supported by a post; the post having a first post portion and a second post portion, and the post operable in a restraint mode and an open mode; the post having an upper end adapted to be hung from the roof at an open side of the vehicle or container; the upper end of the post provided on the first post portion; a lower end of the gate adapted to engage the floor or a coaming associated with the floor to locate the gate in position between the floor or coaming and the roof so that the gate acts as a restraint against lateral displacement of a load on the vehicle or container; and a biasing means adapted to bias the upper end of the post into contact with the roof when the gate is located in position between the floor or coaming and the roof, and the post is in the restraint mode; wherein, when in the restraint mode, the first post portion is movable relative to the second post portion between a minimum post length and a maximum post length; and the biasing means is mounted to one of the first and second post portions, and remains in biasing contact with the other of the first and second post portions when in the restraint mode, such that the biasing means biases the post towards the maximum post length.

In yet another aspect, the invention is also provided in the form of a post and gate arrangement, with the post in accordance with any one or more of the <filename> preceding paragraphs. In such an arrangement, the post is adapted to limit transverse (outwards) movement (of the upper end) of at least one associated gate. Transverse movement of each associated gate is limited by abutting one or more abutment surfaces provided on the post.

The post may include a first upper abutment surface, with the first upper abutment surface adapted to abut a first gate proximate an upper side or upper side edge region of the first gate.

The post may include a second upper abutment surface, with the second upper abutment surface adapted to abut a second gate proximate an upper side or upper side edge region of the second gate. Each of the first and second abutment surfaces may be provided on a respective tab extending from the post.

Brief Description of Drawings It will be convenient to hereinafter describe a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The particularity of the drawings is to be understood as not limiting the preceding broad description of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective front view of a post according to one possible embodiment of the present invention, when integrated into a restraint gate. The post and gate are configured for use on an open sided freight vehicle.

Figure 2 is a magnified perspective front sectional view of an upper portion of the post shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description Referring to the drawings, there is shown a restraint gate 10 for an open sided freight vehicle having a roof and a floor.

The gate 10 includes a rigid frame 14 supported by a post 16. The post 16 has an upper end 17 to which is mounted a roller assembly 12. The roller assembly 12 is adapted for hanging and slidably (or movably) mounting the gate 10 from an overhead rail (not shown) provided along one side of the roof. <filename> It is to be appreciated that the post 16 may be configured without the frame 14, particularly when the post is primarily utilised only to support the vehicle (or container) roof, and not required to provide any substantial lateral load restraint. The specific design of the post 16 is considered by the applicant to be unique, irrespective of whether or not it is integrated into the gate 10, for reasons detailed in the following description. Also, the specific form of the gate 10 may vary from that illustrated.

A lower end of the gate 10 includes a pair of gate spades 18, 20 rigidly mounted in position to the frame 14. The provision of rigidly mounted spades 18, 20 is considered by the applicant to be unique to their invention. The spades 18, 20 are adapted for receipt in suitably positioned apertures in the floor (or coaming rail), such that the gate 10 is then secured in position between both the floor and the roof, in order to act as a restraint against lateral displacement of a load in the vehicle or container during transit. If desired, the gate 10 may be redesigned such that the lower end of the post 16 is also secured in a restraining position to the floor.

It is to be appreciated that the roller assembly 12 includes rollers 22 rotatably mounted to the body 24. When the gate 10 is in the restraint position secured between the floor and the roof, the upwardly facing surface 26 of the body 24 is biased into intimate contact with a downwardly facing surface of the overhead rail, and the rollers 22 are raised upwardly from their rolling contact with the rail.

When it is desired to open the gate 10 (for example, to access freight within the vehicle or container), the bias retaining the surface 26 in contact with the overhead rail is removed, thereby returning the rollers 22 into rolling contact with the rail. The frame 14 can then be raised relative to the floor allowing the spades 18, 20 to be removed from the receiving apertures in the floor so that the gate can slide along the overhead rail.

It is to be appreciated that the gate 10 is adapted to support the roof (by virtue of it including post 16), in addition to acting as a load restraint. However, embodiments are also contemplated wherein the gate 10 isn’t adapted or utilised to support the roof.

The gate 10 also includes a biasing means 28. The biasing means 28 is adapted to bias the upper end 17 of the post 16 into contact with the roof when the <filename> gate 10 is located in its freight restraint position between the floor and the roof. The provision of biasing means 28 is considered by the applicant to be particularly advantageous, because it ensures that the upwardly facing surface 26 of the body 24 remains in intimate contact with the downwardly facing surface of the overhead rail.

This enables the rattling of the gate 10 while in its restraint position to be substantially reduced or even eliminated and, in turn, reduces wear and other potential damage at the contact points between the gate 10 and overhead rail, as well as between the gate 10 and the floor. The biasing means 28 desirably accommodates differences in height between the floor and the overhead rail as may be experienced between vehicles, and also as may be experienced along the sides of a given vehicle. These differences may be static and/or dynamic height differences, and may be caused by factors such as vehicle manufacturing intolerances, damage, wear, deformation of the vehicle or container due to dynamic loads experienced during transit, and the amount and distribution of freight within the cargo space of the vehicle. It may also accommodate any wear, damage, and unintended manufacturing inaccuracy associated with the gate 10.

The post 16 includes generally aligned first and second post portions 32, 34. The first post portion 32 is movable relative to the second post portion 34 to facilitate extension of the post 16 between a minimum post length and a maximum post length. This difference between the minimum post length and maximum post length is the degree to which the portion X (see Figure 2) of the biasing means 28 is able to compress in the direction X1 from the at rest position shown in Figure 1. The at-rest positon shown in Figure 1 corresponds to the maximum post length.

It can be seen in Figure 2 that the first post portion 32 is slidably received within an upwardly facing open end 36 of the second post portion 34. Moreover, it can be seen that the roller assembly 12 is mounted to the first post portion 32; and the frame 14 is mounted to the second post portion 34. The embodiment illustrated can of course be reconfigured such that the second post portion 34 is, instead, slidably received in a downwardly facing open end of the first post portion 32.

As stated previously, the length of the post 16 is adapted to accommodate differences in height between the floor and overhead rail, by virtue of its effective <filename> overall length being dynamically adjustable between the maximum and minimum post lengths mentioned above.

The biasing means 28 biases the post 16 from the minimum length towards the maximum length, ensuring that the upwardly facing surface 26 of the body 24 remains in intimate contact with the downwardly facing surface of the overhead rail to prevent or at least reduce rattling of the gate 10 during transit.

In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing means 28 is provided in the form of a rubber compression spring. That said, other types of springs manufactured from other materials are also contemplated. Also, the spring need not specifically be rubber. It may be constructed from another suitable material, such as another polymeric material or composite material.

Although not specifically shown in the application drawings, the applicant envisages embodiments wherein the biasing means is integrated in or within the frame 14, or some other suitable portion of the gate 10. For example, the applicant has contemplated providing a frame 14 having a biasing means in the form of a flexible integrated lower strut 40. The strut 40 may be sufficiently downwardly flexible in relation to the remainder of the frame 14 and gate 10 to provide the desired amount of bias to the post 16 to retain it in intimate contact with the downwardly facing surface of the overhead rail to prevent, or at least reduce the amount of rattling experienced by the gate 10 during transit.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body 42 of the biasing means 28 is provided in a generally cylindrical shape and includes a fastener receiving bore 44.

The bore 44 is aligned with bores 46 provided in the second post portion 34 for receiving a bolt 48 of a nut, bolt and washer assembly 50. In this way the biasing means 28 is mounted in position within the upwardly facing open end 36 of the second post portion 34. The first post portion 32 is slidably receivable within and extends from the open end 36 of the second post portion 34. An elongate aperture 54 provided in the first post portion 32 limits the extent of movement of the first post portion 32 relative to the second post portion 34. The elongate aperture 54 is aligned with apertures 56 provided in the second post portion 34 for receiving a bolt 58 of a nut, bolt and washer assembly 60. This prevents the first post portion 32 being <filename> separated from the second post portion 34. The biasing means 28 remains in constant abutting (and biasing) contact with the end 62 of the first post portion 32.

The biasing means 28 may be provided in the form of, or as part of, a biasing module.

The gate 10 and post 16 provide an effective way of limiting rattling during transit. They also provide a useful way of limiting damage and wear sustained to the gate, post, overhead rail and floor attributable to rattling in existing gate/post arrangements.

The arrangement is also relatively cost effective to manufacture. Moreover, the biasing means 28 is of a robust and simple, yet effective design, and is easily adapted to suit a range of specific applications.

The biasing means 28 of the present invention may be easily adapted for use in a range of restraint gate and post designs, and is in no way limited to the specific gate 10 or post 16 illustrated in the drawings of this application.

It is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the construction and arrangement of the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of this invention.

A reference herein to a patent document or other matter which is given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission or a suggestion that the document or matter was known, or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims. <filename>

Claims (21)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A post for an open sided vehicle or container having a roof and a floor, the post operable in a restraint mode and in an open mode, the post including: an upper end adapted to be hung from or mounted to the roof at an open side of the vehicle or container; the upper end of the post provided on a first post portion; a lower end of the post adapted to support the post in position between the floor or a coaming associated with the floor and the roof so that the post supports the roof; the lower end of the post provided on a second post portion; and a biasing means adapted to bias the upper end of the post into contact with the roof when the post is in the restraint mode, with the post located in position between the floor or coaming and the roof; wherein, when in the restraint mode, the first post portion is movable relative to the second post portion between a minimum post length and a maximum post length; the biasing means is mounted to one of the first and second post portions, and remains in biasing contact with the other of the first and second post portions when in the restraint mode, such that the biasing means biases the post towards the maximum post length.

2. A post according to claim 1, wherein the post forms part of a restraint gate, the gate including a rigid frame supported by the post, with the lower end of the gate adapted to engage the floor or coaming to locate the gate in position between the floor or coaming and the roof so that the gate acts as a restraint against lateral displacement of a load on the vehicle or container.

3. A post according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the biasing means is adapted to bias the upper end of the post in a generally upward direction into contact with the roof.

4. A post according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biasing means includes a spring. <filename>

5. A post according to claim 4, wherein the spring includes at least one of a metal spring and a polymeric compression spring.

6. A post according to claim 5, wherein the spring is a polymeric compression spring including a rubber spring body.

7. A post according to claim 2, or any one of claims 3 to 6 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 2, wherein the lower end of the post is adapted to engage at least one of the floor or coaming and the frame to locate the gate in position between the floor or coaming and the roof, so that the gate acts as a restraint against lateral displacement of the load on the vehicle or container.

8. A post according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the post includes generally aligned first and second post portions, with the first post portion movable relative to the second post portion to facilitate extension of the post between the minimum length and the maximum length.

9. A post according to claim 8, wherein one of the first post portion and the second post portion is receivable in an open end of the other of the second post portion and the first post portion.

10. A post according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first post portion includes a roller assembly adapted for hanging and slidably or movably mounting the post from an overhead rail provided along one side of the roof.

11. A post according to claim 10, when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 2, wherein the frame is mounted to the second post portion.

12. A post according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biasing means is mounted on the second frame portion. <filename>

13. A post according to claim 12 when dependent directly or indirectly to claim 9, wherein the biasing means is mounted on the second post portion within the open end of the second post portion.

14. A post according to claim 13, wherein the biasing means is mounted to the second post portion by a bolt or pin extending through aligned apertures provided in the biasing means and the second post portion.

15. A vehicle or container including at least one post according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. A restraint gate for an open sided vehicle or container having a roof and a floor, the gate including: a rigid frame supported by a post; the post having a first post portion and a second post portion, and the post operable in a restraint mode and an open mode; the post having an upper end adapted to be hung from the roof at an open side of the vehicle or container; the upper end of the post provided on the first post portion; a lower end of the gate adapted to engage the floor or a coaming associated with the floor to locate the gate in position between the floor or coaming and the roof so that the gate acts as a restraint against lateral displacement of a load on the vehicle or container; and a biasing means adapted to bias the upper end of the post into contact with the roof when the gate is located in position between the floor or coaming and the roof, and the post is in the restraint mode; wherein, when in the restraint mode, the first post portion is movable relative to the second post portion between a minimum post length and a maximum post length; the biasing means is mounted to one of the first and second post portions, and remains in biasing contact with the other of the first and second post portions when in the restraint mode, such that the biasing means biases the post towards the maximum post length.

17. A vehicle including at least one restraint gate according to claim 16. <filename>

18. A post and gate arrangement, with the post in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 14, the post adapted to limit transverse movement of at least one associated gate, wherein transverse movement of each associated gate is limited by abutting one or more abutment surfaces provided on the post.

19. A post and gate arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the post includes a first upper abutment surface, with the first upper abutment surface adapted to abut a first gate proximate an upper side or upper side edge region of the first gate.

20. A post and gate arrangement according to claim 19, wherein the post includes a second upper abutment surface, with the second upper abutment surface adapted to abut a second gate proximate an upper side or upper side edge region of the second gate.

21. A post and gate arrangement according to claim 19 or 20, wherein each of the first and second abutment surfaces is provided on a respective tab extending from the post. <filename>