GB2543543A

GB2543543A - Ramp-actuated securing mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2543543A
Application number: GB1518667.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mangnall Lee
Original assignee: Indespension Ltd
Current assignee: Indespension Ltd
Priority date: 2015-10-21
Filing date: 2015-10-21
Publication date: 2017-04-26
Also published as: GB201518667D0

Abstract

A vehicle transportation apparatus 10 such as a trailer has a platform 12 for receiving a vehicle, a ramp or ramps 3 for driving the vehicle onto the platform 12, means such as paddle assemblies 1 with plates 15 for releasably securing the vehicle against upward motion, the ramp 3 being coupled to the paddle assemblies 1 such that movement of the ramp 3 from the open position to a closed position in which the ramp 3 forms a wall of the transportation apparatus 10 and causes the paddle assemblies 1 to move from a retracted position to a deployed position securing the vehicle against upward motion. The plates 15 of the paddle assemblies 1 may rotate about an axis perpendicular to the platform 12. The ramp 3 and the paddle assemblies 1 may be connected by connectors or con-rods 7 and cams 6, 8. The vehicle may be a tracked vehicle such as a mini-excavator and the plates 15 may be deployed above the rear of the tracks. A stop 14 may be arranged to clamp the top of the tracks by rotation upon contact with the tracks as the vehicle is driven onto the platform 12.

Description

Ramp-actuated securing mechanism

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to vehicle transportation apparatus such as trailers, and in particular to a ramp-actuated securing mechanism for such apparatus.

Background to the Invention

It is well known to transport vehicles (such as plant machinery, including excavator machines and other tracked vehicles) on a trailer and arrangements for securing vehicles on trailers are known.

Historically, lashing tensioning straps were used to tie down the machinery. One common fault associated with lashing straps is that they are prone to fraying and subsequently breaking due to rubbing on the machinery surfaces.

In addition to the above, fitting straps is prone to human error and careful controls need to be in place to ensure that the machines are strapped in the correct position, the process of which is both costly and time consuming.

Another apparatus for securing an excavator machine (excavator) on a trailer is disclosed in W02007/129054, which proposes a pair of bars which can be arranged (manually) over the tracks of an excavator to restrain the vehicle therein. This is more straightforward than using straps, but the bars are heavy and moving them is heavy work. The bars are also preferred to be fully detachable, which leads to possibilities of theft, or simply leaving the bars in a store room and not having them available when required.

An improvement on this arrangement is disclosed in GB2521252 - in the system of GB2521252, the user is no longer required to manually place bars over the tracks of an excavator, but rather, the excavator driver drives the excavator onto the transportation apparatus, such that its tracks abut a stop, which rotates (about a horizontal axis) to clamp the front of the tracks. To secure the rear of the vehicle against vertical motion, con-rods extend from the stop and are connected to catch plates, so as to simultaneously rotate the catch plates, (about a vertical axis) to cover the rear of the tracks.

This system whilst excellent is somewhat complicated as the con-rods have to be quite long and as they are subjected to fairly significant forces when the vehicle is driven into the stops, they must be made of quite thick, heavy material. The system also takes up space along the side of the trailer.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved vehicle transportation apparatus that automatically secures a vehicle thereon.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle transportation apparatus comprising a platform for receiving a vehicle having wheels or tracks, a ramp for driving the vehicle onto the platform and means for releaseably securing the vehicle on the platform against upward motion; the ramp being movable between an open position, in which it operates as a ramp, extending between the platform and the ground, and a closed position, in which it acts as a wall of the transportation apparatus; the means for releaseably securing the vehicle against upward motion being movable between a deployed position in which it secures part of the vehicle against vertical motion and a retracted position; the vehicle transportation apparatus characterised in that the ramp is operably connected to the means for releaseably securing the vehicle, such that movement from the open position to the closed position causes the means for releasably securing the vehicle to move from the retracted position to the deployed position.

Those skilled in the art will immediately understand the meaning of upward in this context, i.e. motion at least partially in the direction which would be vertical if the platform was horizontal.

When driving a vehicle onto a vehicle transportation apparatus, such as a trailer with a ramp that doubles as a wall of the transportation apparatus, it is always necessary to lower the ramp, then raise it after the vehicle has been placed onto the ramp. This action is carried out regularly and it is virtually impossible to forget/fail to do it, because in that case, the ramp would drag along the ground behind the transportation apparatus, causing noise and damage. Consequently, whereas straps may be incorrectly attached, or not attached at all, bars are cumbersome and may be forgotten, a ramp will always be raised to the closed position before moving the vehicle transportation apparatus, automatically securing the vehicle against upward motion. Accordingly, failure to secure the vehicle on the machine requires no extra step and is almost certain to occur every time.

The vehicle transportation apparatus may be adapted to transport tracked vehicles. In particular, the vehicle transportation apparatus may be adapted to transport miniexcavators.

The means for securing the vehicle against upward motion may be arranged towards the rear of the vehicle transportation apparatus (eg in the rear quarter, rear fifth, or rear eighth of the length of the trailer).

This arrangement, close to the ramp, allows for means connecting the ramp to the means for securing the vehicle against upward motion to be short.

The short distance, combined with the fact that movement of the ramp is normally performed by hand and hence gentler than movement of the vehicle against a stop, allows for use of shorter, lighter con-rods (or the like) reducing the weight and the space required at the side of the transportation apparatus.

The ramp may be operatively connected to the means for securing the vehicle against upward motion via one or more con-rods.

The ramp may be provided with one or more cams connected to one end of one or more con rods.

The means for securing a vehicle against upward motion may be provided with one or more cams, which may be connected to the other end of one or more con rods.

The transportation apparatus may be provided with wheels and the means for securing the vehicle against upward motion may be arranged rearward of the wheels. More than one set of wheels may be provided. The means for securing the vehicle against upward motion may be rearward of the rearmost wheels. Typically, the platform onto which a vehicle is driven is provided inward of the wheels. Consequently the maximum width of the platform is defined by the width between the wheels. Providing the means for securing the vehicle against upward motion to the rear of the wheels, means that it can be arranged outboard of the platform, without increasing the total width of the trailer (since the total width is typically equal to or greater than the width of the platform plus the width of the wheels).

The means for releaseably securing a vehicle against upward movement may comprise one or more plates (or “paddles”). The one or more plates may be arranged outboard of the platform.

The means for releaseably securing a vehicle against upward movement may be a pair of plates, one on each side of the vehicle transportation apparatus.

The plate(s) may be rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the platform (i.e. a vertical axis). (As alternatives, they could slide, or be rotatable about a horizontal axis.)

The plates may be attached to a rotatable axle.

The ramp may be provided on a rotatable axle. The rotatable axle of the plate may be operatively connected to the rotatable axle of the ramp.

In light of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will readily be able to manufacture suitable apparatus to transform the motion of the ramp about a horizontal axis into rotation of securing means about a vertical axis, with reference, for example to the analogous motion about a horizontal axis of the stop disclosed in GB2521252.

The plate(s) may be arranged to rotate to a deployed position above a dozer blade stop. The plate(s) may be arranged to rotate to a deployed position above a dozer blade stop of a mini-excavator.

Alternatively, the plate(s) may be arranged to rotate to a deployed position above the rear of the tracks of an excavator, e.g. a mini excavator.

The vehicle transportation apparatus may be a trailer.

The ramp may comprise a plurality of ramps, for example two ramps, one for each track.

The vehicle transportation apparatus may further comprise a stop arranged so as to clamp the tracks of a tracked vehicle driven onto the vehicle transportation apparatus. The stop may rotate upon contact with the tracks, so as to clamp the top of the tracks.

The ramp may further comprise a stop mechanism arranged to extend inwardly and contact a part of the vehicle being carried by the vehicle transportation apparatus.

The stop mechanism may be an adjustable stop mechanism. It may be arranged to abut a dozer blade (e.g. of a mini-excavator). It may be automatically retractable into a knee of the ramp when the ramp moves from the closed position to the open position.

The present system automatically deploys the securing devices when carrying out the procedure of raising and lowering the ramp, when lowering the ramp the securing devices swing free of the chassis and when raising the ramp ready for transport, the securing devices (plates) locate over the dozer blade or area of the machinery (vehicle) in order to secure the machinery (vehicle).

The above system allows for a fast installation method without the need for additional procedures to be carried out offering both cost reduction speed of operation and consistency of application.

The invention relates to: • A system of securing machinery or part of machinery using a device that is deployed or located during the action of closing the ramp. • A system of releasing machinery or part of machinery from a secured state by opening of the ramp. • One embodiment described is such that the securing devices rotate into position over part of the machinery, however it would also be possible that the securing devices could deploy by other means such as slide twist flip or rotate around a different axis or indeed a combination of any of the aforementioned methods.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood an embodiment thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle transportation apparatus according to the invention, showing a ramp in the open position;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the vehicle transportation apparatus of figure 1 with the ramp in the open position;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rear left hand side of the transportation apparatus of figures 1 and 2 with the ramp in the open position;

Figure 4 is a side view of the transportation apparatus of figures 1 to 3 with the ramp partially closed;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the transportation apparatus of figures 1 to 4 with the ramp partially closed;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the rear left hand side of the transportation apparatus of figures 1 to 5 with the ramp partially closed;

Figure 7 is a side view of the transportation apparatus of figures 1 to 6 with the ramp closed;

Figure 8 is a plan view of the transportation apparatus of figures 1 to 7 with the ramp closed; and

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the rear left hand side of the transportation apparatus of figures 1 to 8 with the ramp closed.

Referring to the figures, a vehicle transportation apparatus 10 is provided in the form of a trailer, having two pairs of wheels 11 on each side of platform 12, mounted on a chassis 2. A ramp 3 is provided at the rear of the platform 12 and includes an adjustable stop mechanism 13, the details of which are described in British patent application No. 1501292.5. Towards the front of the platform 12, mounted on the chassis 2, is a stop 14 arranged to be driven into by the tracks of a vehicle, in this case a miniexcavator (not shown) and to rotate about an axis clamp on top of the tracks.

At the rear of the transportation apparatus 10, means for securing the vehicle against upward movement, in the form of two rotating paddle assemblies 1 are provided.

The rotating paddle assemblies 1 are mounted on the side of the trailer chassis 2, and automatically operated by the trailer ramp 3.

With the ramp 3 in the open position shown in figures 1 to 3, the paddles, or plates 15 are rotated to a position away from the trailer centreline, generally in line with the wheels 11, leaving the loading area free from obstruction. As the ramp 3 is closed, the two plates 15 rotate inwards towards the trailer centreline as shown in Fig. 4, Fig. 5 & Fig.6. With the ramp 3 fully closed the plates 15 of the paddle assemblies 1 cover the dozer blade 4 position in the payload area, securing the payload as shown in Fig. 7, Fig. 8 & Fig.9 against upward motion.

Mini-excavators are of relatively uniform size, so the paddle assemblies 1 can be arranged a predetermined distance from the stop mechanism 13, such that when a miniexcavator is driven onto the platform 12 against the stop mechanism 13, the position of the dozer blade 4 will be known. Of course, for abnormal sizes, or other vehicles, those skilled in the art can modify the arrangement accordingly.

Referring to figures 3, 6 and 9, to achieve this motion each paddle assembly 1 is fitted inside a bracket 5, with enough clearance to rotate about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the platform 13. In practice the axis is slightly eccentric, leaning backwards. Each bracket 5 is mounted to a respective side of the trailer chassis 2, rearward of the wheels 11 and outboard of the platform 13. Connected to the lower end of the paddle assembly 1 is a pivot cam 6, the ramp 3 is also fitted with a pivot cam 8, attached to the end of the axle of the ramp, so as to rotate as the ramp 3 is opened and closed; both of the pivot cams 6, 8 are linked using a connector 7 (or con-rod) attached via ball and socket joints 17, so as to operatively connect the ramp 3 to the means for securing the vehicle against upward motion. Consequently, as the ramp 3 is moved to the open or closed position, the ramp pivot cam 8 is rotated, and therefore, the connector 7 drives the paddle pivot cam 6 and thus rotates the paddle assembly 1 into the deployed or retracted position. As shown in figures 1 to 3, when the ramp 3 is in the open position, the paddle assembly 1 is in the retracted position, with the plates 15 extending rearwardly (and slightly upwardly) and as shown in figures 7 to 9, when the ramp 3 is in the closed position, the paddle assembly 1 is in the deployed position, with the plates having rotated inboard (and slightly downwardly).

Each rotating paddle assembly 1 is fitted with a manual adjustment system 9 in the form of a spacer 16 carried by adjustable bolts, such that it can be raised and lowered beneath the plate 15 to compensate for the varying heights of payload dozer blade 4.

In use, the spacer will be lowered to about 2.5-5cm above the top of the dozer blade, in order to restrict upward motion by more than that amount. A tight fit is not necessary and is generally not used, because if the dozer blade 4 is not lowered completely, or rests on any detritus, and if the fit was tight, the top of the dozer blade 4 could block the plates 15 from fully rotating, thereby blocking the ramp 3 from closing.

The above embodiment is described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle transportation apparatus comprising a platform for receiving a vehicle having wheels or tracks, a ramp for driving the vehicle onto the platform and means for releaseably securing the vehicle on the platform against upward motion; the ramp being movable between an open position, in which it operates as a ramp, extending between the platform and the ground, and a closed position, in which it acts as a wall of the transportation apparatus; the means for releaseably securing the vehicle against upward motion being movable between a deployed position in which it secures part of the vehicle against vertical motion and a retracted position; the vehicle transportation apparatus characterised in that the ramp is operably connected to the means for releaseably securing the vehicle, such that movement from the open position to the closed position causes the means for releasably securing the vehicle to move from the retracted position to the deployed position.

2. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 1 which is adapted to transport tracked vehicles.

3. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 adapted to transport mini-excavators.

4. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the means for securing the vehicle against upward motion is arranged towards the rear of the vehicle transportation apparatus.

5. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the ramp is operatively connected to the means for securing the vehicle against upward motion via con-rods.

6. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the ramp has one or more cams connected to one end of one or more con-rods.

7. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the means for securing a vehicle against upward motion is provided with one or more cams, which connected to the other end of one or more con rods.

8. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising wheels, wherein and the means for securing the vehicle against upward motion is arranged rearward of the wheels.

9. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 8 comprising more than one set of wheels, wherein the means for securing the vehicle against upward motion is rearward of the rearmost wheels.

10. A vehi cl e transportation apparatus according to any preceding cl aim wherein the means for securing the vehicle against upward motion is arranged outboard of the platform.

11. A vehi cl e transportation apparatus according to any preceding cl ai m wherein the means for releaseably securing a vehicle against upward movement comprises one or more plates.

12. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the one or more plates may be arrangable outboard of the platform.

13. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 11 or 12 wherein the means for releaseably securing a vehicle against upward movement is a pair of plates, one on each side of the vehicle transportation apparatus.

14. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 13 wherein the plate(s) is/are rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the platform.

15. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 14 wherein the or each plate is attached to a rotatable axle.

16. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the ramp is provided on a rotatable axle.

17. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 15 and 16 wherein the rotatable axle of the plate is operatively connected to the rotatable axle of the ramp.

18. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 17 when dependent on claim 6 and or 7 wherein the rotatable axle of the ramp and/or the rotatable axle of the plate is provided with at least one cam.

19. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim adapted to carry a vehicle comprising a dozer blade, wherein the or each plate is arranged to rotate to a deployed position above a dozer blade stop.

20. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 2 or any of claims 3-19 when dependent on claim 2 wherein the or each plate is arranged to rotate to a deployed position above the rear of the tracks.

21. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim which is a trailer.

22. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the ramp comprises a plurality of ramps.

23. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising a stop arranged so as to clamp the tracks of a tracked vehicle driven onto the vehicle transportation apparatus.

24. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the stop is arranged to rotate upon contact with the tracks, so as to clamp the top of the tracks.

25. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the ramp further comprises stop mechanism arranged to extend inwardly and contact a part of the vehicle being carried by the vehicle transportation apparatus.

26. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the stop mechanism is an adjustable stop mechanism arranged to abut a dozer blade of a mini-excavator and which is automatically retractable into a knee of the ramp when the ramp moves from the closed position to the open position.

27. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim which automatically deploys means for securing a vehicle against upward movement when carrying out the procedure of raising and lowering the ramp, such that when lowering the ramp the means for securing a vehicle against upward movement swing free of the chassis and when raising the ramp ready for transport, the means for securing a vehicle against upward movement locate over a dozer blade or area of a vehicle in order to secure the vehicle.

28. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim operable to secure machinery or part of machinery using a device that is deployed or located during the action of closing the ramp.

29. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 28 which is operable to release machinery or part of machinery from a secured state by opening of the ramp.

30. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the means for securing the vehicle against upward motion comprises securing devices which rotate into position over part of the vehicle, and/or slide, twist and/or flip into position

31. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to any preceding claim arranged to prevent upward motion by more than 5 cm.

32. A vehicle transportation apparatus according to claim 31 arranged to prevent upward motion by more than 2.5cm.

33. A vehicle transportation apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.