AU2015202170B2

AU2015202170B2 - A roof rail assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2015202170B2
Application number: AU2015202170A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Hugh John Lees; Daniel Mcnaulty
Original assignee: Freighter Group Property Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Freighter Group Property Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-09-19
Filing date: 2015-04-28
Publication date: 2018-12-06
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-28
Also published as: NZ707489A; AU2015202170A1

Abstract

A two-piece roof rail assembly for a curtain sided vehicle. The assembly includes a first piece in the form of a roof support and a second piece in the form of a rail system. The roof support includes a beam section and an upwardly open receiving groove provided on the outer side of the beam section. The rail system includes a downwardly open channel defining a rail. The channel includes a downwardly extending lip receivable in the groove. When the lip is received in the groove, downward force applied to the rail system is transferred through the receiving groove in the roof support. <filename> ------ -- - -- ----- --

Description

A ROOF RAIL ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention relates to a curtain-sided vehicle, such as a curtain-sided truck or trailer.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] Curtain-sided vehicles are in wide use for transporting cargo comprising goods and produce. They may have a side curtain along one longitudinal side of the vehicle body, or a respective curtain along each vehicle side. At or adjacent to a longitudinal side of the roof of the body, a rail system extends between the fore and aft ends of the body. The curtain is suspended from the rail system by means of a series of roller assemblies attached to the curtain and engaged with the rail system for longitudinal movement. The arrangement is such that the curtain is able to be pulled to or towards one of both of the fore and aft ends of the body to enable loading or unloading of the body, or to be extended to cover its side of the body.

[0003] Conventional rails systems are typically integrated into a roof rail assembly extending along the upper edge of each vehicle side. The integrated structure may include a roof support for attaching and supporting a roof sheet (such as an aluminium roof sheet), as well as attaching and supporting the ends of a plurality of roof bows extending transversely between the roof supports provided on either side of the vehicle. This type of integrated structure provides relative simplicity during the installation process, because it involves the positioning and securing of a single structure into place along the upper edge of the vehicle side, thereby simultaneously installing both the roof support and rail system in position.

[0004] However, one drawback of utilising an integrated structure becomes apparent when either the roof support or rail system is damaged. Damage can be incurred by, for example, inadvertent impact from a forklift when loading or unloading the vehicle with cargo. If damage occurs to either of the roof support or the rail system then the entire integrated structure must be removed and repaired or replaced. This is considered to be an unnecessarily time consuming task.

2015202170 28 Apr 2015 [0005] Another arrangement exists, wherein the roof support and the rail system are manufactured separately and then releasably connected together in their in-use position. If the rail system of this arrangement is subsequently damaged, then it can be disconnected from the roof support and repaired and re-fitted into position or replaced, without the difficulty associated with also removing the roof support. This, arrangement therefore provides practical benefits when compared to the aforementioned integrated structure.

[0006] However, the applicant considers that there are inherent problems with the existing two-piece arrangement referred to above. This is because it is difficult to fit (and remove) the rail system to the roof support. In particular, handling difficulties are noted because an installer(s) must support the rail system in position while at the same time drilling holes through the roof support and rail system and then fit rivets within the holes to secure the rail system to the roof support.

[0007] Further, this existing two-piece arrangement undesirably results in the rail system, and the associated rollers and curtain being supported primarily by the strength of the rivets used to mount the rail system to the roof support. Such an arrangement is not ideal from a structural integrity point of view.

[0008] The above referred existing two-piece arrangement is also known to rattle because of the connection arrangement between the roof support and the rail system, which is undesirable.

[0009] It would therefore be desirable to at least partially address one or more of the above referred drawbacks of existing integrated and two-piece roof supports and rail systems.

[0010] The terms used in this specification to indicate orientation, such as upwardly”, “downwardly”, “inner”, “outer”, “top”, “bottom” and the like terms are to be interpreted generally in the context of the invention in its in-use orientation when mounted to a curtain sided truck or trailer.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0011 ] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a twopiece roof rail assembly for a curtain sided vehicle. The assembly includes a first <filename>

2015202170 28 Apr 2015 piece in the form of a roof support and a second piece in the form of a rail system. The roof support includes a beam section and an upwardly open receiving groove provided on the outer side of the beam section. The rail system includes a downwardly open channel defining a rail, and the channel includes a downwardly extending lip receivable in the groove. When the lip is received in the groove, downward force applied to the rail system is transferred through the receiving groove in the roof support.

[0012] In one possible form, the beam section is a hollow, generally rectangular beam section.

[0013] In one possible form, the roof support includes:

- an inner top flange and an inner bottom flange, with both the inner top flange and the inner bottom flange extending laterally inwardly from an inner side of the beam section; and

- an outer top flange extending laterally outwardly from an outer side of the beam section.

[0014] The downwardly open channel of the rail system may be provided with a generally square section.

[0015] In one possible form, the rail system includes an upstanding flange extending generally upwardly from the downwardly open channel, the upstanding flange and the outer side of the beam section having, or configured for receiving, at least one pair of aligned fastener receiving apertures when the lip is received within the groove, and the upstanding flange is in contact with the outer side of the beam section. In such an arrangement, the rail system may be releasably connectable to the outer side of the roof support by placing the lip within the receiving groove and then inserting a fastener into at least one pair of aligned fastener receiving apertures.

[0016] Preferably, the roof support and the rail system are each extruded (preferably extruded aluminium) members. The roof support, when fitted in position to a vehicle side, can be considered as an inner member of the roof rail assembly; and the rail system, which is connected on the outer side of the roof support, can be considered as an outer member.

2015202170 28 Apr 2015 [0017] Preferably, the assembly includes a plurality of aligned fastener receiving apertures spaced along each of the upstanding flange and the outer side of the beam, thereby allowing for a secure connection between the first and second extruded members. Typically, these aligned apertures are drilled immediately prior to mounting the rail system to the roof support.

[0018] Each pair of fastener receiving apertures is preferably configured for receiving a rivet, although any other suitable type of fastener may be utilised. Rivets provide a relatively robust connection arrangement, and also allow for the separation of the rail system and roof support should either be damaged and require replacement or repair. Separation is achieved relatively simply by drilling out the rivets.

[0019] The outer top flange is provided for supporting a vehicle roof sheet, such as an aluminium roof sheet.

[0020] The inner top flange is provided for supporting a plurality of vehicle roof bows provided immediately below the roof sheet for support of the roof sheet thereon.

[0021] The downwardly open generally square section channel is provided for receiving a plurality of vehicle side curtain roller assemblies supporting a side curtain, wherein each of the roller assemblies is able to roll along the channel.

[0022] The rail system preferably includes a slot for receiving a bead of a flexible pelmet. The roof support may also include a slot for receiving a bead of a second flexible pelmet, which is typically utilised in the context of a refrigerated vehicle.

[0023] So far, the invention has been described in the context of two-piece roof rail assembly. However, the invention also relates to a method of assembling (and disassembling) a two-piece roof rail assembly of the type generally defined above. The method includes inserting the lip within the receiving groove and then pivoting the rail system relative to the roof support about the lip so as bring the rail system into contact, preferably abutting contact, with the roof support. Once aligned, each pair of aligned apertures may be drilled and an associated rivet then inserted into each pair of aligned apertures to secure the rail system to the roof support.

2015202170 28 Apr 2015 [0024] Disconnection of the rail system from the roof support may then be achieved by drilling out each of the rivets securing the rail system to the roof support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0025] 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.

[0026] Figure 1 is an end view of a two-piece roof rail assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is an end view of the two-piece roof rail assembly shown in Figure 1 in a partially assembled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0028] Referring to the drawings, there is shown a two-piece roof rail assembly 10 for a curtain sided vehicle (not shown).

[0029] The roof rail assembly 10 includes a roof support in the form of a first extruded aluminium member 12; and a rail system in the form of a second extruded aluminium member 14.

[0030] The first extruded member 12 includes a hollow, generally rectangular beam section 16, an inner top flange 18 and an upturned, inner bottom flange 20.

[0031] Both the inner top flange 18 and the upturned, bottom flange 20 extend laterally inwardly from an inner side 22 of the beam section 16. That is, they extend laterally in the direction of the cargo space, when the assembly 10 is fitted in position on a vehicle.

[0032] The first extruded member 12 also includes an outer top flange 24 extending laterally outwardly (i.e. away from the vehicle’s cargo space) from an outer side 26 of the beam section 16.

2015202170 28 Apr 2015 [0033] An upwardly open receiving groove 28 is provided on the outer side 26 of the beam section 16.

[0034] The second extruded member 14 includes a downwardly open generally square section channel 30 defining a rail 32. The downwardly open channel 30 is provided for receiving a plurality of vehicle side curtain roller assemblies 31 (one of which has been sketched in dashed line format in Figure 1) supporting a side curtain (not shown). Each of the roller assemblies 31 is able to roll along the channel 30.

[0035] The channel 30 includes a downwardly extending lip 32 receivable in the groove 28. The lip 32, the groove 28 and the inter-relationship between the lip 32 and groove 28 are considered by the applicant to be unique for the reasons to be discussed below. Moreover they are considered by the applicant to provide installation advantages when compared to existing integrated and two-piece arrangements for the reasons to be discussed below.

[0036] The second extruded member 14 also includes an upstanding flange 34 extending generally upwardly from the square section channel 30. The flange 34 provides a water proofing sill. The upstanding flange 34 and the outer side 26 of the beam section 16 are provided with a plurality of pairs of aligned fastener receiving apertures 36 (only one pair is shown in Figure 1) spaced along the extruded members 12, 14 when the lip 32 is received within the groove 28 and the upstanding flange 34 is in abutting contact with the outer side 26 of the beam section 16. The apertures 36 are typically added during fitment of the second extruded member 14 to the first extruded member 12, to ensure that the apertures 36 are aligned. Figure 2 illustrates an intermediary step in the installation process, prior to the flange 34 being brought into abutting contact with the outer side 26 of the beam section 16. Figure 2 also shows that an initial installation step of locating the lip 32 in groove 28 has already occurred. One or both of the first and second extruded members 12, 14 may include markings and/or notches indicating desired locations for drilling the apertures 36.

[0037] The second extruded member 14 is releasably connectable to the outer side 26 of the beam section 16 by placing the lip 32 within the receiving groove 28 and then inserting rivets 38 (only one is shown) into each pair of aligned fastener receiving apertures 36 (once the apertures 36 have been drilled). This enables a <filename>

2015202170 28 Apr 2015 secure connection between the first and second extruded members 12, 14 to be achieved. The groove advantageously provides a self-supporting arrangement for the second extruded member 14, both during and after installation, whereby the weight of the second extruded member 14 (and, during use, also the associated curtain roller assemblies 31 and curtain) is borne primarily by the groove 28, rather than by the rivets 38, as in existing two-piece assemblies. This is particularly important and advantageous when curtains are of the load restraint variety. Load restraint curtains are designed to withstand the sidewards load of the cargo being carried as per the Australian Load Restraint Guide. This is typically by means of semi flexible vertical tension straps or cords positioned in the curtain which can be attached to the curtain roller assembly 31. These straps or cords can generate large tension forces when restraining a load, and thus exerting extremely high downwards forces through roller assembly 31 and onto roller track 14. It is therefore considered by the applicant that other designs that do not utilise lip 32 within the receiving groove 28 to be far less effective in restraining this downwards load. The proposed design uses far less rivets 38 (or other suitable fastener types) to achieve the same load carrying characteristics in load restraint type curtains.

[0038] The use of rivets 38 allows for the separation of the first and second extruded members 12, 14 should either of the first and second extruded members 12, 14 be damaged and require replacement or repair.

[0039] It is to be appreciated that the outer top flange 24 is provided for supporting a vehicle roof sheet 25 (shown in Figure 1), such as an aluminium roof sheet.

[0040] The inner top flange 18 is provided for supporting a plurality of vehicle roof bows 27 (shown in Figure 1), upon which the roof sheet 25 is supported.

[0041] The second extruded member 14 includes a slot 40 for receiving a bead of a flexible pelmet (not shown). The first extruded member 12 also includes a slot 42 for receiving a bead of a second flexible pelmet, which is typically utilised in the context of a refrigerated vehicle.

[0042] When assembling the assembly 10, the first extruded member 12 is initially fixed in position along or proximate the upper edge of a vehicle side. Once this has been done, the second extruded member 14 can then be manoeuvred into a position, <filename>

2015202170 28 Apr 2015 such as shown in Figure 2, whereby the lip 32 is inserted into the receiving groove 28, thereby providing an at least partially self-supported arrangement during installation. Once this has been achieved, it is a relatively simple process to then pivot the second extruded member 14 relative to the first extruded member 12 about the lip 32 until the upstanding flange 34 is rotated into abutting contact with the outer side 26 of the beam section 16, whereupon drilling of the required apertures 36 may be undertaken. Once the apertures 36 have been drilled, a rivet 38 may then be inserted into each pair of aligned apertures 36 to secure the second extruded member 14 to the first extruded member 12.

[0043] Disconnection of the second extruded member 14 from the first extruded member 12 may be relatively easily achieved by drilling out each of the rivets 38.

[0044] Advantageously, the present invention provides a two-piece arrangement, allowing for removal and repair or replacement of one piece, rather than having to remove and repair/replace the entire arrangement.

[0045] Advantageously, the present invention provides a self-locating and selfsupporting arrangement including groove 28 for receiving lip 32, not found on existing two-piece arrangements. This makes it a less labour intensive task for an installer(s) to fit (and remove) the rail system to the roof support if and when necessary for repair or replacement, because the rail system at least partially is supported by the roof support during fitment (and removal).

[0046] Further, the present invention desirably provides an arrangement whereby the rail system (and the associated rollers and curtain) is supported primarily by the strength of the groove and lip arrangement 32, 28, rather than by the rivets as in existing two-piece arrangements.

[0047] Unlike existing two-piece arrangements, the present invention provides another potential advantage in that it tends not to rattle when in use, by virtue of the groove and lip arrangement 32, 28 being provided.

[0048] Finally, 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.

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Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A two-piece roof rail assembly for a curtain sided vehicle, the assembly including a first piece in the form of a roof support and a second piece in the form of a rail system, the roof support including:

- a beam section;

and

- an upwardly open receiving groove provided on the outer side of the beam section;

the rail system including:

- a downwardly open channel defining a rail; and

- the channel including a downwardly extending lip receivable in the groove, wherein, when the lip is received in the groove, downward force applied to the rail system is transferred through the receiving groove in the roof support.
2. A two-piece roof rail assembly for a curtain sided vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the beam section is a hollow, generally rectangular beam section.
3. A two-piece roof rail assembly for a curtain sided vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the roof support includes:

- an inner top flange and an inner bottom flange;

- both the inner top flange and the inner bottom flange extend laterally inwardly from an inner side of the beam section; and

- an outer top flange extending laterally outwardly from an outer side of the beam section.
4. A two-piece roof rail assembly for a curtain sided vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the downwardly open channel of the rail system has a generally square section.
5. A two-piece roof rail assembly for a curtain sided vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, the rail system including an upstanding flange extending generally upwardly from the downwardly open channel, the upstanding flange and the <filename>

2015202170 28 Apr 2015 outer side of the beam section having, or configured for receiving, at least one pair of aligned fastener receiving apertures when the lip is received within the groove, and the upstanding flange is in contact with the outer side of the beam section;

wherein the rail system is releasably connectable to the outer side of the roof support by placing the lip within the receiving groove and then inserting a fastener into at least one pair of aligned fastener receiving apertures.
6. A two-piece roof rail assembly for a curtain sided vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the upstanding flange of the rail system provides a water proofing sill.
7. A two-piece roof rail assembly for a curtain sided vehicle according to claim 5 or 6, including a plurality of aligned fastener receiving apertures spaced along the upstanding flange of the rail system and the outer side of the roof support beam section.
8. A two-piece roof rail assembly for a curtain sided vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the apertures are added to the upstanding flange and outer side of the beam section during installation of the assembly.
9. A two-piece roof rail assembly for a curtain sided vehicle according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein each pair of fastener receiving apertures is configured for receiving a rivet.
10. A two-piece roof rail assembly for a curtain sided vehicle according to claim 3, or any one of claims 4 to 9 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 3, wherein the outer top flange is provided for supporting a vehicle roof sheet.
11. A two-piece roof rail assembly for a curtain sided vehicle according to claim 3, or any one of claims 4 to 10 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 3, wherein the inner top flange is provided for supporting a plurality of vehicle roof bows.
12. A two-piece roof rail assembly for a curtain sided vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the downwardly open channel is provided for receiving a plurality of vehicle side curtain roller assemblies.

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2015202170 28 Apr 2015
13. A two-piece roof rail assembly for a curtain sided vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rail system includes a slot for receiving a bead of a flexible pelmet.
14. A two-piece roof rail assembly for a curtain sided vehicle according to claim 5, or any one of claims 6 to 13 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 5, wherein the upstanding flange is retained in abutting contact with the outer side of the beam section when the rail system is connected to the roof support.
15. A method of assembling a two-piece roof rail assembly of the type defined in claim 5, or any one of claims 6 to 14 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 5, including inserting the lip within the receiving groove and then pivoting the rail system relative to the roof support about the lip so as to align the apertures of each pair of apertures and, when aligned, then inserting a fastener into each pair of aligned apertures to secure the rail system to the roof support.
16. A method of assembling a two-piece roof rail assembly according to claim 15, wherein each pair of aligned apertures is drilled immediately prior to inserting the respective fastener.

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