NZ196634A - Collapsible bin for flat deck of truck or rolling stock - Google Patents

Description

196634 Patents Form No. 5 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No. 196634 dated 26 March 19 81 "A COLLAPSABLE BIN FOR THE TRAY OF A TRUCK, TRAILER OR FLAT DECK ROLLING STOCK" I, ALAN FREE REESE, of 28 Taumutu Road, Southbridge, Canterbury, New Zealand, being a British subject and New Zealand citizen, do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- . ', ' 196634 This invention relates to the transportation of bulk particulate materials and more particularly relates to a collapsable bin for a flat deck truck, trailer or rolling stock.

A problem currently encountered by persons running transportation businesses on both road and rail is to maximise usage of their trucks or rolling stock. At present different types of materials are normally carried in different types of containers built or fitted on the tray of a truck, trailer or rolling stock. For example, cartons, packages and pallets of goods are generally carried on a flat deck while bulk supplies of particulate materials like grain and sand are carried in a bin formed by fixed side walls which surround a flat deck of tray of the vehicle. A flat decked vehicle can easily be fully loaded by using a fork lift while a flat decked vehicle with fixed sides can only be partly loaded from the rear without considerable manual effort to move the goods along the flat deck. Some vehicles have side walls which are either dropped, removed or collapsed to lie on the flat deck. This can result in an uneven surface on which it is difficult if not impossible to safely load packaged goods.

The use in known manner of trucks, trailers or rolling stock results in inefficient use thereof especially when a vehicle with side walls which form a bin thereon only travels one way of a two way journey with a full load, for example, of a bulk particulate free flowable material. If the vehicle on the return journey is not able to carry 196634 a load of similar material the flat deck is inefficiently used as a bin thereon can only carry a small load of packaged material.

An object of the present invention is to provide a 5 collapsable bin for a tray of a truck, trailer or flat deck rolling stock which enables the carriage of bulk particulate materials and also allows the tray to be fully loaded with other packaged goods.

A further object of the present invention is to 10 provide a collapsable bin for a tray of a truck, trailer or flat decked rolling stock which offers to the public a useful alternative choice.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions which 15 are given by way of example only.

According to the present invention there is provided a collapsable bin for a tray of a flat decked truck, trailer or rolling stock, the collapsable bin including a mounting frame or wall fixed or adapted to be fixed transversely on 20 a flat deck or tray of a truck, trailer or rolling stock, the mounting frame having a substantially vertically extending support on each end thereof which is adjacent the side edges of the flat deck, each support having one panel hinged thereto with the plane thereof substantially vertical, each panel having a first position where the base thereof is aligned with the side edge of the flat deck and a second position where the panel is pivoted to be substantially parallel to and adjacent the transverse mounting frame or wall, the arrangement being such that on the flat deck the mounting frame and therf _ N.Z. PATENT QPPICE -3- \ RECEIVED '' 196634 in their first position form three sides of a bin the fourth side of which is either a tailgate or head board of the flat deck and when in their second position the flat deck is free to have a packaged load thereon.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a collapsable bin for a flat decked tray of a truck, trailer or rolling stock, the collapsable bin including a transverse mounting frame fixed or adapted to be fixed transversely to the rear of a flat deck or tray of a truck, trailer or rolling stock, the mounting frame supporting a tailgate and substantially vertically extending support frames positioned one on each end thereof adjacent and extending parallel to the side edges of the flat deck, each support frame having a first panel of a series of panels which are in a substantially vertical plane, hinged thereto, the first panel and successive panels being hinged to the -panel adjacent thereto with the hinges between alternate panels being on opposite sides of the panels, the panels having a first position where the respective series of panels are parallel to the side edges of the flat deck and a second position where the panels of each series are pivoted to be substantially parallel and adjacent to the tailgate, the arrangement being such that on the flat deck the mounting frame and the series of panels when in their first position form three sides of a bin which is closed by a fourth side which is a head board positioned at the front end of the flat deck and in their second position the series of panels are parallel to and adjacent the tailgate so that the flat deck is free for use for carrying goods.

PATENT OFFICE RECEIVED 196634 The number of panels in the series of panels on each side of the support frame is dependant on the width and the length of the flat deck. Preferably each panel is the same length which is slightly less than the width of the flat deck so that when in their second position they are parallel to the transversely mounted mounting frame and they occupy a small space-at the front or rear of the flat deck.

Further aspects of the present invention which should be considered in all its novel aspects will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only.

An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: is a plan view of a flat deck of a vehicle which has positioned thereon a collapsable bin according to the present invention; Figure 2; is a side elevation of the collapsable bin shown in Figure 1; Figure 3: is a rear view of the collapsable bin shown in Figure 1.

The example of a collapsable bin described herein will be with reference to it being fitted to the tray or flat deck of a truck. It is to be appreciated that with minor modifications thereto the present invention can alternatively be fitted to any vehicle, for example, a trailer or flat decked rolling stock.

The collapsable bin according to the present invention can be permanently fixed to the flat deck of the vehicle or alternatively can be manufactured as an attachment 196634 which is mounted on the tray or flat deck by a crane or fork lift when it is required.

The example of collapsable bin according to the present invention hereinafter described is attached to or formed as part of a tailgate or head board of the flat deck.

The collapsable bin includes a transversely mounted mounting frame generally indicated by arrow 1. The mounting frame 1 is positioned either at the front or rear of the flat deck. The example described will be with reference to the mounting frame 1 mounted at the rear of the flat deck. The mounting frame 1 has a support frame 2 at each end of a transverse member 3 thereof. The transverse member 3 has attached thereto a tailgate 4. Each support frame 2 is a vertically extending panel 5 provided with box section bracing. The support frames 2 are fixed to be substantially parallel to the side edges 6 of the flat deck. The support frames 2 are maintained in their spaced apart relationship by the transverse member 3 and by a cross member 7. The cross member 7 and the transverse member 3 can be joined by box section members 8 which form a frame which can be used to raise the collapsable bin (when collapsed) onto or off the vehicle by using a crane or fork lift. The cross member 7, transverse member 3 and support frames 2 form therein a rectangular space A (shown in plan in Figure 1) into which the bin when collapsed is folded.

Each support frame 2 has hinged thereto at least one side panel or a series of side panels. The length of each panel is slightly less than the overall width 196634 of the flat deck. In practice the size of each panel is dependant upon the overall length of the flat deck relative to the width thereof.

In the example shown in the drawing each side wall of ^ the collapsable bin is formed from three panels 9, 10 and 11 respectively. It is to be appreciated that if the length of the flat deck is longer than three times the width thereof it may be necessary to include four panels or only two panels on each side if the flat deck is smaller. The panels are constructed from a sheet material provided 'with appropriate bracing members. Adjacent panels 9 and 10 and 10 and 11 are hinged to each other and the hinges between successive panels and the support frame 2 are on opposite sides to enable them to concertina to the position within the rectangular space. The hinge point 12 for one of the series of panels 9, 10 and 11 is nearer to the rear of the support frame 2 so that when these panels are moved from their first position alongside the side of the flat deck to their second position shown dotted in Figure 1 they are immediately adjacent the tailgate 4. The other series of panels are adjacent the other series of folded panels.

The panels have a substantially planar inner face and on the outside thereof they are provided with strengthening members and braces to maintain each panel substantially rigid. The panels 9, 10 and 11 when collapsed to their second position are held in position with the weight thereof off the hinge 12 by providing spaced apart pins (not shown) at intervals across the transverse member 3 which pins extend toward the cross member 7 so that the pins can be engaged in N.Z. PATENT OFFICE 2 9 JA^ 1985 RECEIVED I5§ee34 apertures formed in the upper edge of the panels to thereby support the weight of the panels off their hinges.

The side wall formed from the series of panels 9", 10* and 11' is hinged on shorter arms at the point 13 than the other support frame 2. The positions of the hinges 12 and 13 are such that one side wall (that formed by panels 9, 10 and 11) must be collapsed first. The weight of the other side wall formed from panels 9', 10* and 11' is supported by providing lugs 14 on the cross member 7 which lugs 14 have engaged thereon when the panels 9', 10' and 11' are in their second position catches 15. The catches 15 are pivoted upward to engage with the lugs 14 to support the weight of the panels 9', 10' and 11' off the hinge 13.

When the bin is in its erected position the support frames and the individual panels are located relative to the flat deck by placing pins or bolts at points 16 between the bottom edge 17 of the panels and holes formed in the side frame members 25 of the flat deck.

The free ends of the panels 11 and 11' are provided with an extension or lip 18 along the vertical edge 19 thereof. The extension or lip 18 engages on the periphery of a side pillar (not shown) formed on either side of a head board 26 positioned at the forward end of the flat deck. The head board 26 forms the fourth side of the bin.

The free ends of the panels 11 and 11' are fixed in position by a horizontal pin or bolt 20 which engages with a connection on the vertical pillar adjacent thereto.

In use the panels when in their first position along the side edges of the flat deck form together with the head board of the flat deck a bin in which grain, 196634 sand or other free flowing particulate material can be carried. When the flat deck is to be used to carry palletted cargo, crates, and boxes the panels are disengaged from the flat deck by removing bolts 20 and disengaging the pins/ clips or bolts at points 16. The series of panels 9, 10 and 11 and then 9', 10' and 11' are pivoted to their second position which leaves a major portion of the flat deck free for use.

The upper edges 27 of the centre of the bin can be maintained at a desired spacing by providing transverse members 21 the ends 22 of which engage over the upper edges of the panels to ensure that when loaded the side edges of the panels do not distort. In the example shown the transverse members 21 are included and are linked to each other by a removable horizontal member 23. These members provide a ridge over which a taupaulin or cover can be placed to protect grain or other material within the bin.

In practice the mounting frame can be fixed to a flat deck when required and with the side panels thereof collapsed into the rectangular space A the flat deck can be used in the normal manner to carry boxes or other goods thereon. When a particulate material is to be carried in a bin for example on a one way journey the panels are moved to their first position and locked in this position. The bin is filled and a cover placed thereon if required.

Thus by this invention there is provided a collapsable bin for the flat deck of a truck, trailer or rolling stock which enables the carriage of bulk 196634 particulate materials and allows the flat deck to ~v be used in the normal way when and if required.

A particular example of the present invention has been described herein by way of example and it is envisaged that improvements and modifications thereto may take place without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (13)

196634- WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. A collapsable bin for a tray of a flat decked truck, trailer or rolling stock, the collapsable bin including a mounting frame or wall fixed or adapted to be fixed transversely on a flat deck or tray of a truck trailer or rolling stock, the mounting frame having a substantially vertically extending support on each end thereof which is adjacent the side edges of the flat deck, each support having one panel hinged thereto with the plane thereof substantially vertical, each panel having a first position where the base thereof is aligned with the side edge of the flat deck and a second position where the panel is pivoted to be substantially parallel to and adjacent the transverse mounting frame or wall, the arrangement being such that on the flat deck the mounting frame and the panels when in their first position form three sides of a bin the fourth side of which is either a tailgate or head board of the flat deck and when in their second position the flat deck is free to have a packaged load thereon.

2. A collapsable bin for a tray of a flat decked truck, trailer or rolling stock, the collapsable bin including a transverse mounting frame fixed or adapted to be fixed transversely to the rear of a flat deck or tray of a truck, trailer or rolling stock, the mounting frame supporting a tailgate and substantially vertically extending support frames positioned one on each end thereof adjacent and extending parallel to the side edges of the flat deck, each support frame having a first panel of a series of panels which - ------I a^.^3 | 196634 are in a substantially vertical plane, hinged thereto, the first panel and successive panels being hinged to the panel adjacent thereto with the hinges between alternate panels being on opposite sides of the panels, the panels having a first position where the respective series of panels are parallel to the side edges of the flat deck and a second position where the panels of each series are pivoted to be substantially parallel and adjacent to the tailgate, the arrangement being such that on the flat deck the mounting frame and the series of panels when in their first position form three sides of a bin which is closed by a fourth side which is a head board positioned at the front end of the flat deck and in their second position the series of panels are parallel to and adjacent the tailgate so that the flat deck is free for use for carrying goods.

3. A collapsable bin as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the number of panels on each side of the support frame is dependant on the width of the flat deck,

4. A collapsable bin as claimed in claim 3 wherein each panel is the same length which is slightly less than the width of the flat deck.

5. A collapsable bin,as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting frame, support frames and the panels can be removed as a unit from the flat deck or tray.

6. A collapsable bin as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each of the support frames and panels is constructed from a sheet metal material braced by bracing members.

7. A collapsable bin as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting frame is formed from a spaced -12- 198634 apart transverse member and a cross member which are joined together by box section members which form a frame by which the collapsed bin can be removed from the flat deck or tray.

8. A collapsable bin as claimed in any one of the preceding 5 claims wherein the hinge or pivot point of the panels on one side of the tray is nearer the rear of the tray than the hinge or pivot point of the panels on the other side of the tray.

9. A collapsable bin as claimed in claim 8 wherein the weight of the panels when in the collapsed position is supported by the 10 mounting frame, off their hinges, by suspending them from the transverse member or cross member of the mounting frame.

10. A collapsable bin as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the lower edge of each panel is bolted, pinned or clipped to side frame members of the flat deck or tray. 15

11. A collapsable bin as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper edges of the panels are maintained in position by the use of transverse members the ends of which engage over the panels to minimise distortion therein.

12. A collapsable bin as claimed in claim 11 wherein upper 20 central regions of the transverse members are linked by a ridge member to form a frame over which a protective sheet or cover can be placed.

13. A collapsable bin for a flat decked tray of a truck, trailer or rolling stock substantially as hereinbefore described 25 with reference to the accompanying drawings. ALAN FREE REESE