Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
I/29
Modular Sleeper System
General Description of the Invention
Area of the Invention
The invention relates to a sleeper for a truck-tractor and the method of using
the
sleeper. The truck-tractor is part of a tractor-trailer used to transport
cargo over the road
In particular, the invention relates to a sleeper that is modular that can be
connected and
disconnected from a truck-tractor and also connected and disconnected to and
from a
substantially like truck-tractor. The invention permits an individual truck
driver to drive
different truck-tractors but always sleep in the same sleeper.
The Tractor Trailer
The tractor-trailer is an articulated road vehicle usually comprised of the
power
providing truck-tractor that is pivotally and releasably connected to one or
more trailers.
Usually the trailers are of the semi-trailer type. In Western Canada and in
the Yukon
Territories and Northwest Territories of Canada the trailer configuration that
usually
maximizes trucking effciencies is a super-b-train. The super-b-train is a set
of two semi-
trailers, a lead-trailer and a rear-trailer, that are releasably and pivotally
connected to each
other. The super-b-train trailer configuration is particularly effective for
cargo that is
appropriate for flatdeck trailers. When two tractor-trailers, both comprised
of a truck-
tractor pulling a super-b-train trailer set, are to travel the same route
empty of cargo, there
are know means of stacking one of the tractor-trailers atop the other tractor-
trailer as
cargo in order to create transportation efficiencies.
The Tractor-Ca6 and the Sleeper
The sleeper is mounted on the truck-tractor behind the tractor-cab. There is a
passageway to permit the driver or a passenger to move between the tractor-cab
and the
sleeper, including when the truck is in transit. In the present invention,
this passageway is
created by the intersection of a cab-sleeve, a collar extending longitudinally
rearward
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
2/29
from the tractor-cab, and of a sleeper-sleeve, a collar extending
longitudinally forward
from the sleeper. Preferably, the cab-sleeve mates into the sleeper-sleeve. An
inflatable-
seal that is positioned in a continuous loop around the outside perimeter of
the cab-
sleeve, when inflated, creates a seal between the cab-sleeve and the inside
surface of the
sleeper-sleeve.
The sleeper is mounted atop, and releasably connected to, a shiftable-
platform.
The shiftable-platform is mounted on a fixed-platform which in turn is
aff=ixed to the
chassis of the truck-tractor behind the tractor-cab. The shiftable-platform is
designed to
slide forward and rearward overtop the fixed-platform. When the shiftable-
platform is
shifted forward, the cab-sleeve will mate into the sleeper-sleeve, and the
inflatable-seal
can be inflated to create a seal between the two. To shift the shiftable-
platform rearward,
the inflatable-seal is first deflated. When shifted rearward, the cab-sleeve
and the sleeper-
sleeve will be unmated; the two sleeves will no longer over lap. The sleeper
can be
disconnected from the shiftable-platform and demounted from the truck-tractor.
The
sleeper can be mounted on a different truck-tractor with substantially the
same
characteristics. Likewise, a different sleeper with substantially like
characteristics can be
mounted on the truck-tractor.
The Truck Crane
A truck-crane is mounted on the chassis of the truck-tractor behind the
sleeper
and forward of the vehicle's fifth-wheel. The truck-crane preferably has
capability to
rotate on the horizontal plane and to lift and lower on the vertical plane.
The truck-crane
is used to mounted and demount the sleeper from the truck-tractor.
Exchanging Sleepers
Preferably, the truck-crane has the capability to demount the sleeper of a
second-
tractor-trailer that is stowed as cargo atop a first-tractor-trailer as cargo
and exchange it
with the sleeper of the first-tractor-trailer. When the two tractor-trailers
are traveling in
this manner, one stacked atop the other, the regular driver of the first-
tractor-trailer and
the regular driver of the second-tractor-trailer can take turns driving and
sleeping. Each
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
3/29
driver will be able to sleep in the sleeper that corresponds to them. The two
drivers do not
need to share one of the sleepers.
There are also other beneficial methods of using the modular sleeper,
including
where the driver sleeps in the sleeper when separated from the truck-tractor,
mounted on
a platform on the ground or set directly on the ground.
Detailed Description
Preferred Physical Embodiment
Description of the Drawn Figures
FIG 1 shows a side elevation of a tractor-trailer comprised of a truck-tractor
pulling a super-b-train trailer set.
FIG 2 shows a perspective view, taken from the front side, of the tractor-
trailer of
FIG 1.
FIG 3 shows a magnified side elevation of the truck-tractor of FIG 1 (here
separated from the super-b-train trailer set). The truck-tractor's sleeper is
in the road-
position, connected to the rear end of the tractor-cab. The figure is enlarged
about double
the size of FIG 1.
FIG 4 shows a top plan view of the truck-tractor corresponding to FIG 3.
FIG 5 shows a perspective view of the truck-tractor corresponding to FIG 3 .
The
view is taken from the front side.
FIG 6 shows a side elevation of the truck-tractor corresponding to FIG 3, but
here
with the sleeper shifted rearward of the road-position. The truck-crane that
is mounted on
the truck-tractor is preparing to demount the sleeper from the truck-tractor.
FIG 7 shows a perspective view, taken from the front side, of the truck-
tractor in
the position corresponding to FIG 6.
FIG 8 shows a magnified side elevation of the center section of the truck-
tractor.
The sleeper is shifted rearward of its road-position. The figure is enlarged
to about double
the size of FIG 6 or four times the size of FIG 1.
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
4/29
FIG 9 shows a top plan view of the center section of the truck-tractor,
corresponding to that shown in FIG 8.
FIG 10 shows a magnified side elevation cross section of the truck-tractor's
sleeper mounted on the truck-tractor as shown in FIG 8. The cross section is
taken on
section A-B as specified in FIG 9, The figure is enlarged to about double the
size of FIG
8 or about eight times the size of FIG 1.
FIG 11 shows a magnified side elevation cross section of the sleeper, in the
road-
position, showing detail of the intersection of the sleeper and the tractor-
cab when in this
position. The cross section is taken on section C-D as specified in FIG 4. The
magnification is about sixteen times that of FIG 4 or about thirty-two times
that of FIG 1.
FIG 12 shows a rear end elevation cross section of the sleeper on the truck-
tractor.
The cross section is taken on section E-F as specified in FIG 9. The
magnification is
about double that of FIG 9 or about eight times that of FIG 1.
FIG 13 shows a magnified top plan view of the center section of the truck-
tractor
but with the sleeper removed from the truck-tractor. The platform to which the
sleeper
would be attached is shifted rearward of the road-position. The magnification
is about
four times that of FIG 1.
FIG 14 shows a bottom plan view of the center section of the truck-tractor
corresponding to FIG 13.
FIG 15 shows a magnified rear end elevation cross section taken on section G-H
as specified in FIG 13. The magnification is about double that of FIG 13 or
about eight
times that of FIG 1.
FIG i 6 shows a magnified rear-end elevation cross section taken on section G-
H
as specified in FIG 13 . The figure shows detail of the connector-bolt system
used to
releasably connect the shiftable-platform, upon which the sleeper is mounted,
to the
fixed-platform, which is fixed to the tractor-chassis. The magnification is
about eight
times that of FIG 13 or about 32 times that of FIG 1.
FIG 17 shows a side elevation of a first-tractor-trailer with a second-tractor-
trailer
stacked atop of it. Both of the tractor trailers are comprised of a truck-
tractor and a super-
b-train trailer set. This figures magnification is about the same as FIG 1.
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
5/29
FIG 18 shows a top plan view of the truck-crane of the first truck-tractor
removing the sleeper from the second truck-tractor while it is stacked atop of
the first-
super-b-train. The sleeper of the first truck-tractor is place on the ground
beside it.
FIG 19 shows a rear end elevation cross section taken across section I-J as is
specified in FIG 18.
FIG 20 shows a perspective view, taken from the front side, of the sleeper
being
removed from the truck-tractor and placed on a platform in a truck-terminal.
The Tractor-Trailer Configuration
FIG 1 shows a side elevation of a tractor-trailer I comprised of a truck-
tractor 2
pulling a super-b-train 3 trailer set. FIG 2 shows a perspective view, taken
from the front
side, of the tractor-trailer 1 of FIG 1.
The tractor-trailer 1 is an over the road vehicle used to transport cargo,
usually on
regulated roads and highways.
The tractor-trailer I is comprised of the truck-tractor 2 that is releasably
and
pivotally connected to the super-b-train 3 set of trailers. The super-b-train
3 is a trailer set
comprised of two semi-trailers, a lead-trailer 4 that is releasably and
pivotally connected
to the truck-tractor 2 and a rear-trailer 5 that releasably and pivotally
connects to the lead-
trailer 4. In the figures these trailers are both flatdeck type semi-trailers,
also sometimes
called flatbed or platform trailers.
The Truck-Tractor
FIG 3 shows a magnified side elevation of the truck-tractor 1 separated from
the
super-b-train 3 trailer set. FIG 4 shows a top plan view of the truck-tractor
corresponding
to FIG 3. FIG 5 shows a perspective view taken from the front side of the
truck-tractor
corresponding to FIG 3.
These figures show that the truck-tractor 2 is comprised of a tractor-chassis
6
supported at the front by a set of front-wheels 7. These are directional
wheels used to
steer the vehicle. At the rear end the tractor-chassis 6 is supported by a set
of drive-
wheels 8 usually comprise of a tandem and sometimes tridem (three axles) axle
set. The
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
6/29
vehicles power is provided through the drive-wheels 8. At the forward end, the
tractor-
chassis 6 supports an engine (not shown) which is covered by an engine-housing
9. A
tractor-cab 10 is positioned on the tractor-chassis 6 reward and above the
engine-housing
9. The tractor-cab 10 houses the driver and the controls needed to operate the
truck-
tractor 2, like the road wheel (steering wheel), brake pedal, transmission
shift stick,
engine ignition, and other controls.
A sleeper 11 is positioned behind the tractor-cab 10. The sleeper 11 is a
compartment designed for the driver to sleep and rest in when not driving. It
is preferably
fitted with a bed, lighting, heating and other features that will permit the
driver to sleep
and rest comfortably. The sleeper 11 can also be fitted with windows and
venting. The
sleeper 11 shown in the figures is special (not typical) in that it is
modular, while most
sleeping compartments for truck tractors are built as an integrated part of
the cab or
mounted to the cab in a substantially permanent way. The sleeper 11 shown in
the
referenced figures is releasably connected to the truck-tractor 2. It is
designed to be
connected to and removed from the truck-tractor 2 by a relatively simple
process,
preferably using equipment that is mounted on the truck-tractor 2 itself In
the figures the
sleeper 11 is shown in the road-position. The road-position is when the front
end of the
sleeper 11 is forward with its front end intersecting the rear end of the
tractor-cab 10. The
sleeper 11 will normally be put into the road-position while undertaking over
the road
transport and when the driver is resting or sleeping in the sleeper 11.
A protector-rack 12 is firmly affixed to the tractor-chassis 6 behind the
sleeper 11.
Consider the sleeper 11 in the road-position, as the figures show, a gap is
provided
between the rear end of the sleeper 11 and the front surface of the protector-
rack 12. This
gap permits the sleeper 11 to be shifted rearward of the road-position. The
protector-rack
12 is a vertical rigid wall that extends upward from the tractor-chassis 6. It
is positioned
laterally across the truck-tractor 2 from side to side. Preferably the lateral
width of the
protector-rack, from side to side of the truck-tractor 2, is about equal to
the width of the
sleeper 1 l and the width of the tractor-cab 10. The main function of the
protector-rack 12
is to protect people in the tractor-cab 10 and in the sleeper 11 in the case
that a piece of
cargo that is stowed on the trailer the truck-tractor 2 is pulling breaks its
strapping and
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
7/29
lunges forward. This might be expected to happen, for example, if the truck-
tractor 2
needed to stop quickly. The protector-rack 12 provides a substantially rigid
barrier to stop
the piece of cargo from continuing forward into the sleeper 11 and the tractor-
cab 10. The
protector-rack 12 is frequently referred to as a headache rack by people
working in the
trucking industry. The protector-rack 12 or a similar barrier to provide the
same kind of
protection to the driver and passengers of the truck-tractor is required by
law in many
jurisdictions in North America on trucks pulling flatdeck type trailers.
An access-ladder 13 is preferably affixed to the rear end of the protector-
rack 12.
Its main use is to access the top of the sleeper 11, especially when the
sleeper 11 is
shifted rearward of the road-position.
A tractor-fifth-wheel 14 is mounted affixed to the top of the tractor-chassis
6
preferably approximately above the drive-wheels 8. The tractor-fifth-wheel 14
is used to
releasably and pivotally connect semi trailers to the truck-tractor 2 by known
means.
Also, mounted affixed to the tractor-chassis 6, preferably forward of the
fifth-wheel 14
and rearward of the protector-rack 12 is a truck-crane 15. The truck-crane 15
is
preferably a crane for cargo handling of a known design such as those
presently being
produced and sold by companies like Hiab and others. In the figures the truck-
crane 15 is
folded up in the position in which it is normal secured for over the road
transport. One of
the principle functions of the truck-crane 15 is to mount and demount the
sleeper 11 from
the truck-tractor. Sufficient longitudinal space is provided between the rear
of the
protector-rack 12 and the front of the truck-crane 15 to permit the truck-
crane 15 to
maneuver. Sufficient longitudinal space is also provided between the rear of
the truck-
crane 15 and the fifth-wheel 14 to permit the over the road articulation of
the semi trailer
that is connected to the truck-tractor 2.
Cab and Sleeper Detail
FIG 6 shows a side elevation of the truck-tractor 2. This figure is distinct
from
FIG 3 in that the sleeper 11 is shifted rearward of the road-position. T'he
truck-crane 1 S is
preparing to lift the sleeper 11 in order to demount the sleeper 11 from the
truck-tractor 2.
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
8/29
FIG 7 shows a perspective view, taken from the front side, of the truck-
tractor 2 in
substantially the same position, undertaking the same activities, as that
shown in FIG 6.
These figures, and additionally FIG 3, FIG 4, and FIG 5, show that a fixed-
platform 16 is mounted atop the tractor-chassis 6 generally between rear end
of the
tractor-cab 10 and the front surface of the protector-rack 12. A shiftable-
platform 17 is
mounted atop the fixed-platform 16. The sleeper 11 is releasably affixed to
the top of the
shiftable-platform 17. The shiftable-platform 17 is longitudinally shorter
than the fixed-
platform 16 and it can be shifted forward and rearward along the top of the
fixed-
platform. When the shiftable-platform 17 is shifted forward until the front of
the sleeper
11 that is mounted atop it intersects with the rear of the tractor-cab 10 the
sleeper 11 is
said to be in the road-position. When the shiftable-platform 17 is shifted
rearward of this
position, the sleeper 11 can be disconnected and demounted from the shiftable-
platform
17 and separated from the truck-tractor 2. Furthermore a different sleeper,
substantially
like the sleeperl l, can be mounted on the truck-tractor 2.
FIG 6 and FIG 7 show some detail of the tractor-cab 10. The following two
paragraphs provide a preferred description of the tractor-cab 10. Other
alternatives are
possible.
Preferably the tractor-cab 10 is an enclosed compartment designed to house for
the driver of the truck-tractor 2 and, optionally, any passengers that might
be traveling in
the truck-tractor 2. Preferably the tractor-cab 10 is defined at the front by
a windshield 18
at the top and the engine-housing-rear-wall 19 at the bottom that is
preferably
appropriately shaped to provide room for the driver's and any passenger's legs
when they
are seated in the tractor-cab 10. The tractor-cab 10 has a cab-top 20,
extending rearward
preferably about horizontally from the top edge of the windshield 18, A cab-
side-wall 21
having an about vertical position extends downward from each of the lateral
edges of the
cab-top 20. The cab-side-walls 21 intersect at their front edges with the
lateral edges of
the windshield 18 and the rear edge of the engine-housing 9. A cab-door 22 is
positioned
in each of the cab-side-walls 21. A cab-floor 23 intersects the bottom edges
of the engine-
housing-rear-wall 19, and the cab-side-walls 21. A cab-rear-wail 24 preferably
extends
about vertically upward from the rearward edge of the cab-floor 23,
intersecting with the
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
9129
cab-side-walls 21 on its lateral edges, and intersecting with the rearward-
edge of the cab-
top 20 on its top edge. Thus, the windshield 18, the engine-housing-rear-wall
19, the cab-
top, the two cab-side-walls 21, including the cab-doors, the cab-floor 23, and
the cab-
rear-wall 24 combine to create the enclosed compartment which is the sleeper
11.
An opening, large enough for the driver to pass through, preferably with ease,
is
positioned in the cab-rear-wall 24. Preferably, the opening has an about
rectangular shape
with somewhat rounded corners. A cab-sleeve 25 extends rearward from around
the
entire perimeter of this opening in the cab-rear-wall 24. The cab-sleeve 25 is
preferably a
wall that extends longitudinally rearward from around the entire perimeter of
the opening
in the cab-rear-wall 24 only a short distance. Preferably the extension of the
cab-sleeve
25 rearward is about ten to twenty centimeters, but other distances are also
possible.
FIG 6 and FIG 7 also show some detail of the sleeper 11. The following two
paragraphs provide a preferred description of the sleeper 11. Other
alternatives are
possible.
Preferably, the sleeper 11 is an enclosed compartment designed for the
driver's
comfort for resting and sleeping. Its bottom is defined by a generally
horizontal sleeper-
base 26 which is preferably has a rectangular shape. From each of the two
lateral edges of
the sleeper-base 26 a sleeper-side-wall 27 rises about vertically. From the
rear edge of the
sleeper-base 26 a sleeper-rear-wall 28 rises about vertically. The lateral
edges of the
sleeper-rear-wall 28 intersect with the rear edges of the two sleeper-side-
walls 27
preferably along substantially the full height of these walls. A sleeper-roof
29, preferably
which is generally horizontally positioned, covers the top of the sleeper 11.
It intersects
along its lateral edges with the top edges of the two sleeper-side-walls 27
and along its
rear edge with the top edge of the sleeper-rear-wall 28. A sleeper-front-wall
30 completes
the enclosure of the sleeper 11. The sleeper-front-wall 30 extends about
vertically
downward from along the front edge of the sleeper-roof 29, intersecting along
each of its
two lateral edges with the forward edge of the one of the two sleeper-side-
walls 27. The
sleeper-front-wall 30 intersects along its bottom edge with the forward edge
of the
sleeper-base 26.
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
10/29
An opening, large enough for the truck-tractor 2 driver to pass through,
preferably
with ease, is positioned in the sleeper-front-wall 30. Preferably this opening
is rectangular
in shape with somewhat rounded corners. Preferably this opening has
approximately
equal proportion of width and height as the opening in the cab-rear=wall 24
but is
somewhat larger than the opening in the cab-rear-wall 24. A sleeper-sleeve 31
extends
forward longitudinally an about equal distance around the entire perimeter of
the opening
in the sleeper-front-wall 30. The sleeper-sleeve 31 is preferably a wall that
extends
forward from around the entire perimeter about ten to twenty centimeters, but
other
distances are possible.
FIG 8 shows a magnified side elevation of the center section of the truck-
tractor.
The sleeper is shifted rearward of its road-position. FIG 9 shows a top plan
view of the
center section of the truck-tractor, corresponding to that shown in FIG 8.
These figures show that affixed to the top of the sleeper-roof 29 in the
vicinity of
each of its four corners is a connector-loop 32. Each connector-loop 32 is
rigid band that
extends upward from the sleeper-roof 29, arches over and then extends downward
reconnecting with the sleeper-roof 29 to form a closed loop. The connector-
loops are
used as lifting eyes for lifting the sleeper using the truck-crane 15 or other
lifting
equipment.
Positioned embedded in each of the four corners of the sleeper-base 26 is a
connector casting 33. The connector-castings 33 are preferably substantially
like the
corner fittings found on multimodal or intermodal containers. The connector-
castings 33
are used to connect and disconnected the sleeper 11 from the shiftable-
platform 17.
Intersection of the Cab and the Sleeper
FIG 10 shows a side elevation cross section of the center section of the truck-
tractor 2 corresponding to where the sleeper 11 is mounted upon it. The cross
section is
taken on section A-B as specified in FIG 9.
This figure, and also FIG 8 and FIG 9, show that the cab-sleeve 25 extends
rearward longitudinally from the opening in the cab-rear-wall 24 and that the
sleeper-
sleeve 31 extends forward longitudinally from the perimeter of the opening in
the
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
11 /29
sleeper-front-wall 30. The two openings have substantially the same shape
proportionally. However the opening in the cab-rear-wall 24 is somewhat
smaller than
the opening in the sleeper-front-wall 30, such that the exterior surface of
the cab-sleeve
25, extending rearward of the cab-rear-wall 24, will fit within the interior
surface of the
sleeper-sleeve 31, extending forward from the sleeper-front-wall 30. When the
cab-sleeve
25 is mated into the sleeper-sleeve 31 in this manner, the sleeper 11 is
termed to be in the
road-position. The sleeper 11 in the road-position is shown in FIG 3, FIG 4,
and FIG 5.
When in this position, the distance between the exterior surface of the cab-
sleeve 25 and
the interior surface of the sleeper-sleeve is preferably substantially the
same around the
entire perimeter of the two sleeves. Preferably, but not necessarily, this
distance is about
one centimeter.
FIG 8, FIG 9, and FIG 10 show that an inflatable-seal 34 is positioned around
the
entire perimeter of the exterior surface of the cab-sleeve 25, connecting back
onto itself
in a continuous loop.
FIG 11 shows a magnified side elevation cross section of the sleeper 11, in
the
road-position, taken on section C-D as specified in FIG 4. The figure shows
the cross
section detail of the inflatable-seal. The inflatable-seal 34 is known
technology. It is
preferably comprised of a retaining-structure 35 that is rigid that supports
an expandable-
tube 36 on the exterior of which is integrated a striking-block 37. When the
inflatable-
seal 34 is deflated, the inflatable-tube 36 and striking-block 37 retract,
preferably within
the retraining-structure 35. When inflated, normally with air, the expandable-
tube 36
expands, pushing the striking-block 37 outward.
Considering the sleeper 11 in the road-position, the exterior surface of the
inflatable-seal 34, when retracted, fits within the interior surface of the
sleeper-sleeve 31.
When the seal is expanded, the top surface of the striking-block extends
outward pressing
against the interior surface of the sleeper-sleeve 31. Preferably, a striking-
pad 38 is
position in a continuous loop around the interior surface of the sleeper-
sleeve 31 in the
position that corresponds with where the top surface of the striking-block 37
will make
contact with when the interior surface of the sleeper-sleeve 31 when expanded.
The
striking-pad 38 provides an appropriate surface to effect a good seal between
it and the
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
12/29
top surface of the striking block 37 when the expandable-tube 36 is inflated.
Preferably
this seal is substantially weather tight and dust tight so as to permit a
comfortable
environment to be preserved within the tractor-cab 10 and within the sleeper
11.
Preferably this seal is strong enough to be substantially maintained while the
truck-tractor
2 is in transit. Preferably too, the connection between the striking-block 37
and the
sleeper-sleeve 31 when the expandable-tube 36 is inflated will have the
property of
absorbing vibration and movement between the tractor-cab 10 and the sleeper 11
when
the truck-tractor 2 is in motion.
The inflatable-seal 34 is normally inflated when the sleeper l 1 is in its
road-
position and the tractor-trailer is in the process of being used for over the
road transport.
The inflatable-seal 34 is deflated to permit the sleeper 11 to be shifted
rearward of its
road-position or shifted from this more rearward position forward into the
road-position.
The sleeper 11 is normally positioned rearward of the road-position in order
to demount
the sleeper 11 from the truck-tractor 2 or to mount the sleeper 11 on the
truck-tractor 2.
Alternatively, a different sleeper that is substantially like the sleeper 11
can be mounted
or demounted from the truck-tractor 2.
Electrical Fixtures, Connections and Power Source
In addition to being outfitted with a comfortable bed, the sleeper 11
preferably has
lights (not shown) and a heater (not shown). Preferably both are powered by
electricity.
Optionally, the sleeper can be outfitted with a temperature control unit or
air
conditioning, also powered by electricity. Also optionally, the sleeper 11 can
be outfitted
with a small refrigerator and a microwave andlor other food storage and
preparation
appliances, The preferred electrical power source for all these fixtures is
the generator
(not shown) that is an integral part of the truck-tractor 2, Preferably an
electrical-cable
(not shown) extends from the generator to rear end of the tractor-cab. The
electrical-cable
extends rearward of the cab-rear-wall 24 a short distance, preferably
positioned close to
one of the side of the truck-tractor in a position that is easily accessed by
the driver. The
electrical-cable preferably has a cable-plug (not shown) on its end that can
be mated into
a sleeper-plug (not shown) on the sleeper 11. Appropriate internal wiring (not
shown) of
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
13/29
the sleeper 11 connects the sleeper-plug with the lights and the heater in the
sleeper.
Preferably when the sleeper 11 is put into the road-position, the cable-plug
is mated with
the sleeper-plug to create an electrical connection. When the sleeper 11 is to
be shifted
rearward of the road-position and demounted from the truck-tractor 2, the
cable-plug and
the sleeper-plug are disconnected from each other.
The Steeper Curtain and the Cab Curtain
FIG 12 shows a rear end elevation cross section of the sleeperl 1 on the truck-
tractor 2, showing the opening in the sleeper-front-wall 30. The cross section
is taken on
section E-F as specified in FIG 9.
This figure, taken together with FIG 10 and FIG 11, shows that a sleeper-
curtain
39 covers the opening in the sleeper-front-wall 30. The sleeper-curtain 39 can
be opened
to permit the passage of the driver or passenger between the sleeper 1 l and
the tractor-
cab 10. The sleeper-curtain 39 can be closed to secure the privacy ofthe
sleeper 11. For
example, it might be closed when a different person than the driver, like a
second driver
perhaps, is occupying the sleeper 11 during over the road transport. The
sleeper-curtain
39 is connected to the inside surface of the sleeper-front-wall 30 around the
entire
perimeter of the opening in the same wall. A curtain-gasket 40 is used to
create a good
seal between the inside surface of the sleeper-front-wall 30 and the sleeper-
curtain 39.
The curtain-gasket 40 preferably extends around the entire connecting surfaces
between
the sleeper-curtain 39 and the sleeper-front-wall 30. A series of curtain-
rivets 41 are used
to secure the sleeper-curtain 39 and the curtain-gasket 40 tightly to the
inside surface of
the sleeper-front-wall 30. Preferably, a curtain-zipper 42 is positioned in
the sleeper-
curtain 39 somewhat to the inside of the edge of the opening in the sleeper-
front-wall 30.
The curtain-zipper 42 preferably follows the edge of this opening along its
top, down one
side, and along its bottom. When the curtain is unzipped, the sleeper-curtain
39 can be
folded to the side to permit a person to pass through it. When the curtain-
zipper 42 is
closed or zipped up, the sleeper 11 becomes a sealed compartment for the
person in it to
have privacy. Preferably, a zipper-handle 42 is positioned on the interior
side of the
sleeper-curtain 39 and a second one is positioned on the exterior side of the
sleeper-
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
14/29
curtain 39. This permits the sleeper-curtain 39 to be opened and closed from
either inside
or outside the sleeper 11. For example, when the sleeper 11 is in the road-
position, the
sleeper-curtain 39 can be opened from either inside the tractor-cab 10 or
inside the
sleeper 11, including when the tractor-trailer 1 is in transit.
Preferably, a cab-curtain 44 covers the opening in the cab-rear-wall 24. It is
sealed affixed to the interior surface of the cab-rear wall 24 around the
perimeter of the
opening in the same wall. A curtain-gasket 40b gasket is positioned between
the cab-
curtain 44 and the cab-rear-wall 24 and is used to affect the seal. A series
of curtain-rivets
41b pass affix the cab-curtain 44 to the cab-rear-wall 24. A curtain-zipper
42b is
positioned in the cab-curtain 44, preferably positioned samewhat inside the
edge of the
opening in the cab-rear-wall 24. The curtain-zipper 42b follows this edge
across the top,
down one side, and across the bottom. This permits the cab-curtain 44 to be
folded over
to one side when the curtain-zipper 42b is opened or unzipped to permit a
person to pass
through the opening in the cab-rear-wall 24. When the curtain-zipper 42b is
closed, or
zipped up, the tractor-cab 10 becomes a sealed compartment. Preferably zipper-
handles
43b are positioned on both the interior side and the exterior side of the cab-
curtain 44 so
that the curtain-zipper 42b can be opened and closed from both the inside and
the outside
of the tractor-cab 10.
An option is that the sleeper-front-wall 30 be comprised of and inside-panel
45
and an outside-panel 46 and a pair of sliding-doors 47 fit between these two
panels. The
sliding-doors 47 are moveable in the lateral direction to open and close the
opening in the
sleeper-front-wall 30. Preferably the sliding-doors 47 can be locked and
unlocked in the
closed position by using a hand operated latch (not shown) from inside the
sleeper 11 and
using a key from outside the sleeper. The sliding-doors 47 provide more
physical security
than the sleeper-curtain 39.
FIG 13 shows a top plan view of the center section of the truck-tractor 2 with
the
sleeper 11 demounted from the truck-tractor 2. The shiftable-platform 17 is
shown shifted
rearward of the road-position. FIG 14 shows a bottom plan view of the center
section of
the truck-tractor 2 corresponding to FIG 13. FIG 15 shows a magnified rear end
elevation
cross section taken on section G-H as specified in FIG 13.
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
15/29
These figures show that the tractor-chassis 6 is comprised of a pair of
longitudinal
chassis-beams 48 running about parallel to each other. Preferably the chassis-
beams 48
are inward turned u-beams, as is typical of truck chassis. A series of chassis-
cross-braces
49 are positioned laterally and connected on each end to one of the two
chassis-beams 48.
The chassis-cross-braces 49 preferably are positioned at intervals along the
length of the
chassis 6. These intervals can be either equal or unequal intervals.
The fixed-platform 16 is affixed atop the tractor-chassis 6. Preferably, the
fixed-
platform 16 is a substantially horizontally positioned and rectangular shaped
frame. The
fixed-platform 16 is comprised of two fixed-platform-beams 50, positioned
longitudinally
and mounted generally atop each of the two chassis-beams 48 generally parallel
to each
other. The fixed-platform-beams 50 have a substantially rectangular cross
section with an
approximately flat, horizontal bottom and top surfaces and substantially flat
and vertical
side surfaces. The two fixed-platform-beams 50 each have about the same
length, and
they run front to back from about the rear end of the tractor-cab 10 to about
the front end
of the protector-rack 12. The fixed-platform-beams 50 are connected to each
other at their
front ends and their rear ends by a pair of cross-beams 51. The cross-beams 51
have
substantially rectangular cross section with generally flat and horizontal top
and bottom
surfaces and generally flat and vertical front and rear surfaces.
The substantially vertical outside lateral surfaces of the fixed-platform-
beams 50,
positioned somewhat laterally outward from the lateral surface of the
corresponding
chassis-beam 48 that the particular fixed-platform-beam 50 is mounted upon.
A groove is positioned running longitudinally along top surface of each of the
fixed-platform-beams 50 (which is otherwise substantially flat). The two
grooves, one in
each of the fixed-platform-beams 50, are substantially parallel to each other.
The shiftable-platform 17 is preferably a substantially horizontally
positioned
rectangular shaped frame mounted atop the fixed-platform 16. It is slightly
shorter and
somewhat wider than the fixed-platform 16. Each of the two lateral sides of
the shiflable-
platform 17 is defined by a side-beam 52. The two side-beams 52 are preferably
about
parallel to each other, the center point between them being approximately the
longitudinal, front to back, centerline of the tractor-chassis 6. The distance
between the
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
16/29
outside lateral sides of the two side-beams 52 is preferably substantially
close to the
width of the sleeper 11. A half center-beam 53 is positioned extending
longitudinally
generally overtop each of the two fixed-platform-beams 50 of the fixed-
platform 16. The
lateral sides of the half center-beams 53 are preferably substantially
vertical and are
preferably position somewhat laterally outward from the position of the
vertical outside
lateral surfaces of the fixed-platform-beams 50. The two half center-beams 53
are
parallel to each other and parallel to the side-beams 52. A center-beam 54
runs
longitudinally about centered between the two half center-beams 53,
Preferably, the
center-beam 54 approximately follows the longitudinal centerline of the
tractor-chassis 6.
Preferably the length of the side-beams 52, the half center-beams 53 and the
center-beam 54 are all about equal. Preferably too, all these beams have a
rectangular
shaped cross section (per FIG 15) with substantially vertical sides arid
horizontal top and
bottom. The beams are preferably constructed of rectangular shaped steel or
aluminum
tubing but also can be made of an alternative material. The two-side-beams,
the two half
center-beams 53, and the center-beam 54 are connected together across their
front ends
by a front-end-beam 55 that is laterally positioned. The same beams are
connected across
their rear ends by a rear-end-beam 56, also laterally positioned.
A sliding-rail 57, a rigid and longitudinally position strip of material,
downward
from the bottom surface of each of the half center-beams 53, preferably along
the full
length of the half center-beam 53. The sliding-rails 57 are positioned so as
to intersect
with the grooves that are positioned in the top surface of each one ofthe
fixed-platform-
beams 50. The sliding-rails 57 mate into these grooves. The depth ofthe
sliding-rails 5?
is such that they hold the bottom surface of the half center-beams 53 slightly
above the
top surface of the fixed-platform-beams 50. The intersection of the sliding-
rail 57 and the
groove in the top surface of the fixed-platform-beam 53 is preferably greased
or oiled so
that the shiftable-platform I7 can be slid forward and rearward along this
connection. The
mating of the sliding-rail 57 protrusion into the groove guides the direction
of the
movement.
FIG 13, FIG 14 and FIG 15 and also FIG 10 show that an extendable-piston 58 is
positioned under the shiftable-platform 17. The extendable-piston 58 is used
to move the
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
17/29
shiftable-platform 17 forward and rearward. Preferably, the extendable-piston
58 is a
hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder that is connected to an appropriate hydraulic
or
pneumatic power source on the truck-tractor 2. The extendable-piston is used
shift the
sleeper 11 between its road-position and a position rearward of the road-
position when
the sleeper 11 is mounted on the shiftable-platform l7. Preferably, the
extendable-piston
58 is positioned longitudinally, aligned under the center-beam 54 of the
shiftable-
platform 17. The extendable-piston 58 is connected on one end to the fixed-
platform 16
by means of a ftxed-platform-hinge 59 that is mounted on the rearward facing
vertical
surface of the cross-beam 51 at the front of the fixed-platform 16. The
extendable-piston
58 is connected at its opposite end to the shiftable-platform 17 by means of a
shiftable-
platform-hinge 60. The shiftable-platform-hinge 60 is affixed between a pair
of hinge-
slats 61 that extend downward from the underside of the center-beam 54,
preferably
positioned about half way along the longitudinal length of the same beam.
Thus, the
extendable-piston 58 effectively is connected at one end to the fixed-platform
16 and at
the opposite end to the shiftable-platform 17. When the extendable-piston 58
is retracted
it pulls the shiftable-platform 17 forward, so that when the sleeper 11 is
mounted upon
the shiftable-platform the sleeper will be in its road-position. When the
extendable-piston
58 is extended the shiftable-platform 17 is shifted rearward and the sleeper
11 mounted
upon it will be shifted rearward of its road-position. In this more rearward
position the
sleeper 11, or a different sleeper substantially like it, can be demounted
from or mounted
onto the shiftable-platform using the truck-crane 15.
A series of turn-pins 62 are mounted on the shiftable-platform 17. Preferably
one
of the turn-pins is generally positioned in each of the shiftable-platform's
17 four corners.
The position of the turn-pins 62 corresponds to the position of the connector-
castings 33
on the sleeper 11, so that when the sleeper 11 is mounted on the shiftable-
platform 17, the
turn-pins 62 intersect with the connector-castings 33. The intersection of the
turn-pins 62
and the connector-castings 33 are used to releasably affix the sleeper 11 to
the shiftable-
platform 17. Preferably the turn-pins 62 are substantially like the turn pins
typically used
to connect multimodal containers to container chassis type trailers and
flatdeck type
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
18/29
trailers, as similarly, the connector-castings 33 are substantially like the
connector
castings typically found on multimodal containers.
A series of connector-slats 63 extend vertically downward from the lateral
sides
of the two half center-beams 53. Each connector-slat 63 is a generally
vertically
positioned flat plate that extends downward close along side of the
corresponding fixed-
platform-beam 50 to an elevation that is somewhat lower than the fixed-
platform-beam
50. An opening passes laterally through each of the connector-slats 63. An
anti-lift-lip 65
extends inwards from the bottom edge of the connector-stat 63 under bottom
surface of
the fixed-platform-beam 50. The anti-lift-lip 65 extends inward a short
distance and
preferably not so far as to make contact with the lateral side of the chassis-
beam 48 that
corresponds to it. The anti-lift-lip 65 prevents the shiftable-platform 17
from lifting off
the fixed-platform 16 when the shiftable-platform 17 is being shifted forward
or
rearward. Preferably there are two connector-slats 63 mounted on each of the
two half
center-beams 53, one near the front end and one near its rear end of each of
the half
center-beams 53. Thus preferably there are four connector-slats 63 in total.
A series of connector-bolts 66 are affixed mounted laterally positioned
through
openings in the fixed-platform-beams 50. One connector-bolt 66 corresponds to
each one
of the connector-slats 63, Each connector-bolt 66 is preferably a
hydraulically or
pneumatically actuated pin mechanism that can be extended laterally outward
and
retracted inward. When retracted, the connector-bolt 66 preferably does not
extend
laterally outward beyond the lateral outside surface of the fixed-platform-
beam 50. When
extended, the pin of the connector-bolt 66 extends outward laterally past the
lateral
outside surface of the connected-slats 63 of the corresponding half center-
beam 53. The
connector-bolts 66 are positioned such that when the shiftable-platform 17 is
shifted
forward, to the position corresponding to the sleeper 11 being in the road-
position, the
connector-bolts 66 will be laterally aligned with the openings in the
connector-slats 63.
With the shiftable-platform 17 in the position corresponding to the sleeper 11
being in the
road-position, the connector-bolts 66 can be extended and their pins will pass
through the
openings in the connector-slats 63 releasably affixing the shiftable-platform
17 to the
fixed-platform 16 and inhibiting movement forward or rearward or otherwise.
The
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
19iz9
connector-bolts 66 are retracted in order to disconnect the shitlable-platform
17 from the
fixed-platform 16 and permit the shiftable-platform 17 to be moved forward and
rearward.
Truck Crane Detail
Returning to look at FIG 6 and FIG 7, these figures show that the truck-crane
15
is comprised of a crane-base 69 mounted atop the tractor-chassis 6. A turn-
plate 70 with
the capability to rotate on the horizontal plane, preferably 360 degrees, is
mounted atop
the crane-base 69. A vertical-shaft 71 extends about vertically upward from
the turn-plate
70. A telescopic-boom 72, preferably with a plurality of hydraulically powered
telescoping sections, is connected by means a boom-hinge 73 of the vertical-
shaft 71. The
boom-hinge 73 rotates on the vertical axis. A lift-piston 74 that extends and
retracts
telescopically, preferably by hydraulic power, is connected at its lower end
to the lower
part of the vertical-shaft 71 and at its upper end to the telescopic-boom 72.
When the lift-
piston 74 is extended it raises the telescopic-boom 72. When the lift-piston
74 is retracted
it lowers the telescopic-boom 72.
The Super B Train Trailers
FIG 1 and FIG 2 show the tractor-trailer 1 which is comprised of the truck-
tractor
2 releasably connected to the super-b-train 3 type double trailer combination.
The super-
b-train 3 is comprised of a lead-trailer 4 and a rear-trailer 5, both of which
are semi trailer
type trailers.
The lead-trailer 4 is releasably and pivotally connected to the truck-tractor
2 by
means of a lead-kingpin (not shown) that intersects with the tractor-fifth-
wheel 14. The
tractor-fifth-wheel 14 supports the front end of the lead-trailer 4. A lead-
trailer-deck 75 is
the cargo carrying platform of the lead-trailer 4. The lead-trailer-deck 75 is
supported on
its bottom side by a pair of lead-trailer-beams 76 which are preferably about
parallel to
each other running longitudinally and extending rearward beyond the rear end
of the
lead-trailer-deck 75. A set of tridem-wheels 77, connected to the lead-trailer-
beams 76,
support the lead-trailer 4 at the rear end. A set of lead-landing-gear 78 that
can be raised
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
20/29
and lowered is used to support the generally forward end of the lead-trailer 4
when the
truck-tractor 2 is disconnected from the lead-trailer 4. A trailer-fifth-wheel
79 is
positioned on the top center of the rearward part of the lead-trailer-beams
76, rearward of
the lead-trailer-deck 75.
The rear-trailer 5 is releasably and pivotally connected to the lead-trailer
by
means of a rear-kingpin (not shown) that intersects with the trailer-fifth-
wheel 79. The
trailer-fifth-wheel 79 supports the forward end of the rear-trailer 5. A rear-
trailer-deck 81
is the cargo carrying surface of the rear-trailer 5 and is supported on its
bottom surface by
a pair of rear-trailer-beams 81. Preferably these two beams are position about
parallel to
each other and run longitudinally to about the rear of the lead-trailer-deck
80. A set of
tandem-wheels 82, connected to the rearward part of the rear-trailer-beams 81,
support
the rearward end of the rear-trailer 5. A set of rear-landing-gear 78 that can
be raised and
lowered is used to support the generally forward end of the rear-trailer 4
when the lead-
trailer 4 is disconnected from the rear-trailer 5.
Preferred Method of Use
Stacked Tractor Trailers
FIG 17 shows a side elevation of a first-tractor-trailer la with a second-
tractor-
trailer lb stacked atop of it. Both of the tractor trailers shown are
comprised of a truck-
tractor and a super-b-train trailer set.
The figure shows that both the two tractor trailers preferably have
characteristics
substantially like the characteristics the tractor-trailer 1 described above.
The first-tractor-
trailer la is carrying on its cargo supporting decks the second-tractor-
trailer lb. A first-
truck-tractor 2a is connected to a first-super-b-train 3a with the first-lead-
trailer 4a and a
first-rear-trailer Sa releasably and pivotally connected to each other in a
train, A second-
truck-tractor 2b is positioned strapped atop the deck of the first-lead-
trailer 4a. A second-
b-train 3b is positioned strapped atop the deck of the first-rear-trailer Sa
in the following
way: First, a second-lead-trailer 4b is stacked atop and strapped to a second-
rear-trailer
Sb that in turn is stacked atop and strapped to the first-rear-trailer Sa. As
the figure shows,
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
21 /29
the second-truck-tractor 2b, the second-lead-trailer 4b, and the second-rear-
trailer Sb are
all disconnected from each other.
An alternative stacking arrangement is that the second-truck-tractor 2b be
stacked
atop the first-rear-trailer Sa arid the second-super-b-train 3b to be stacked
atop the first-
lead-trailer 4a.
Preferably, the process of stacking the second-tractor-trailer 1 b atop the
first-
tractor-trailer 1 a is accomplished by a known means. One such means is by
using a ramp
that has approximately the same height as the decks of the super b train
trailers, One of
the two truck tractors connects to the second-rear-trailer Sb and backs it up
to the ramp.
One of the two truck tractors then connects to the second-lead-trailer 4b and
backs that
trailer offthe ramp onto the deck of the second-rear-trailer Sb. The second-
lead-trailer 4b
is then strapped atop the second-rear-trailer Sb as cargo. One of the truck
tractors then
moves the second-rear-trailer Sb away from the ramp area. One of the truck
tractors then
connects to the first-super-b-train 3a and backs it up to the ramp. The second-
truck-
tractor 2b drives off the ramp onto the deck of the first-rear-trailer Sa and
drives forward
onto the deck ofthe first-lead-trailer 4a. Preferably a rigid plate (not
shown) is used to
span the articulation gap between the first-rear-trailer Sa and the first-lead-
trailer Sa. The
second-truck-tractor 2b is then strapped to the deck of the first-lead-trailer
4a as cargo.
The first-truck-tractor 2a then connects to the second-rear-trailer Sb, which
has the
second-lead-trailer 4a strapped atop it as cargo, and backs it off the ramp
onto the first-
rear-trailer Sa, The stack of the second-rear-trailer Sb and the second-lead-
trailer 4b are
strapped or otherwise secured to the first-rear-trailer Sa as cargo. The first-
truck-tractor
2a disconnects from the second-rear-trailer Sb and connects to the first-lead-
trailer 4a.
The first-tractor-trailer 1 a is ready to travel over the road with the second-
tractor-trailer
lb strapped to its decks as cargo.
An alternative method of stacking the second-tractor-trailer 1 b atop the
first-
tractor-trailer I a is to use a crane or forklift to stack the second-lead-
trailer 4b and the
second-rear-trailer Sb and either a crane, forklift, or a ramp, generally as
describe in the
previous paragraph, to stack the second-truck-tractor 2b.
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
22/29
The second-tractor-trailer lb can stacked atop the first-tractor-trailer lb in
order
to lower the overall combined cost of repositioning the two tractor trailers.
An example
of when this practice can be beneficial is when the first-tractor-trailer la
and the second-
tractor-trailer lb carry loads of cargo from an origin point to a destination
point and there
is no appropriate cargo available to carry back on the return trip from the
destination
point to the origin point. The second-tractor-trailer lb is stacked atop the
first-tractor-
trailer la to reduce costs. The costs that can be reduced included, but are
not necessarily
limited to, fuel consumption, wear and tear on the second-tractor-trailer lb
and the
corresponding maintenance cost, driver cost, lubricant cost. These costs are
reduced
because on the return trip there is no operating wear and tear on the second-
tractor-trailer
lb and no driver needs to be occupied with operating it. The total savings
that can be
achieved can possibly be in the order of 25% of the total cost of
transportation from the
origin point to the destination point and back to the origin point again for
the two tractor
trailers.
Exchanging Sleepers
The first-truck-tractor 2a has a first-sleeper 1 la and the second-tractor 2b
has
second-sleeper l lb. These sleepers are substantially alike and have the
characteristics of
the sleeper 11 described above. The first-sleeper 1 Ia and the second-sleeper
1 lb can be
connected to and disconnected from and mounted onto and demounted from the
corresponding truck tractor. The first-sleeper 1 la and the second-sleeper l
lb are
interchangeable. The first-sleeper 1 la can be mounted onto and connected to
the second-
truck-tractor 2b and put into the road-position thereon. Likewise the second-
sleeper 1 lb
can be mounted unto and connected to the first-truck-tractor 2a and put into
the road-
position thereon. The first-truck-tractor 2a has a first-truck-crane 15a and
the second-
truck-tractor 2b has a second-truck-crane 1 Sb, also as described above.
FIG I 8 shows a top plan view of a first-truck-crane 1 Sa of the first-truck-
tractor
2a removing the sleeper I lb from the second truck-tractor 2b while the same
truck tractor
is stacked atop of the first-super-b-train 3a. The first-sleeper 11 a of the
first truck-tractor
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
23/29
2a is place on the ground beside the same truck-tractor, FIG 19 shows a rear
end
elevation cross section taken across section I-J as is specified in FICx 18.
The figures shows that the first-truck-tractor 2a is disconnected from the
first-
super-b-train 3a and positioned along side the first-super-b-train 3a,
preferably adjacent
to the second-truck-tractor 2b that is stacked atop the first-lead-trailer 4a.
According to
the figures, the first-truck-crane 1 Sa has lifted the first-sleeper 11 a off
the first-truck-
tractor 2a and has placed it on the ground. The first-truck-crane 15a is in
the process of
removing the second-sleeper 1 lb from the second-truck-tractor 2b while it is
stacked atop
and strapped to the first-lead-trailer 4a. The first-truck-crane I Sa will
then mount the
second-sleeper 11 b on the first-truck-tractor 2a and also lift the first-
sleeper 11 a and
mount it on the second-truck-tractor 2b while the second-truck-tractor 2 is
position atop
the first-super-b-train 3a.
FIG 6 and FIG 7 as well as FIG 18 and FIG 19 show that a crane-hook 84 hangs
preferably from the end of the furthest extending section of the extendable-
boom 72. A
spreader-loop 85 is looped over the crane-hook 84. A plurality (preferably
four) spreader-
straps 86, each having a spreader-hook 87 at the end, extend from the spreader-
loop 85.
The spreader-hooks 87 are hooked onto the corner-loops 32 that are positioned
on the top
of the sleeper 11. This permits the second-sleeper 1 lb to be lifted and
manipulated by the
truck-crane 15. Vertical movement is provided by the crane-boom 72 being
raised and
lowered by the lift-piston 74 and also by telescopically extending or
retracting the crane-
boom 72, depending on the angle at which it is positioned . Horizontal
movement is
provided by the horizontal rotation of the turn-plate 70 and also by extending
and
retracting the crane boom. The combination of these capabilities of vertical
and
horizontal movement of the truck-crane 15 permit it to be used to demount and
mount the
sleeper 11 from the truck-tractor 2 in the confines between the cab-rear-wall
24 of the
and the forward side of the protector-rack 12. The sleeper 11 will usually be
shifted
rearward of the road-position when it is to be mounted and demounted by the
truck-crane
15. It is also by these capabilities of vertical and horizontal movement that
permit the
first-truck-crane 15a to be used to demount and mount the second-sleeper 1 Ib
from the
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
24/29
second-truck-tractor 2b while it is stacked as cargo atop the decks of a first-
super-b-train
3a (as shown in FIG 18 and FIG 19).
Operating Scenario
When the first-tractor-trailer 1 is carrying the second-tractor-trailer 2
stacked atap
it and secured to it as cargo (per FIG 1?) there is usually the requirement to
accommodate
two drivers in the first-truck-tractor 2a. These two drivers are the driver of
the first-
tractor-trailer la and the driver of the second-tractor-trailer lb. It is
unsafe and usually
illegal for a person to occupy a vehicle while it is being carried on the deck
of a cargo
trailer. Thus, the driver of the second-tractor-trailer lb cannot safely and
legally occupy
the second-track-tractor 2b during the transport.
The regular driver of the first-tractor-trailer 1 a is referred to as the
first-driver and
the regular driver of the second-tractor-trailer is hereafter referred to as
the second-driver.
A trip from an origin-point to a destination-point is termed a forward-haul. A
trip from
the destination-point to the origin-point is termed a backhaul.
One scenario of use is that the first-driver drives the first-tractor-trailer
1 a and the
second-driver drives the second-tractor-trailer lb, both tractor trailers
loaded with cargo,
on the forward-haul, from the origin-point to the destination-point. If there
is no cargo
available to carry on the backhaul, as often occurs for trucks in Canada when
the
destination point is the Northwest Territories or the Yukon Territory or the
State of
Alaska USA, then in order to create economic savings on the backhaul, the
second-
tractor-trailer lb is stacked and secured as cargo atop the decks of the first-
tractor-trailer
la as has been describe above (and as shown in FIG 1? and FIG 18). The first-
driver and
the second-driver occupy the first-truck-tractor 2a during the backhaul
transport.
Preferably, the two drivers take turns driving and sleeping. The first-sleeper
11 a and the
second-sleeper 11 b are exchanged between the first-truck-tractor 2a and the
second-
truck-tractor 2b to facilitate this arrangement of first-driver and the second-
driver taking
turns driving and sleeping. When the first-driver is driving the first-tractor-
trailer 1 a, then
the second-sleeper 1 lb is mounted on the first-truck-tractor 2a (and the
first-sleeper 1 la
mounted on the second-truck-tractor 2b) so that the second-driver can sleep in
the
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
25/29
second-sleeper 1 lb, a personalized compartment, rather than using the first-
sleeper 1 la
which corresponds to the first-drivers. When the second-driver is driving the
first-tractor-
trailer 1 a, then the first-sleeper 11 a is mounted on the first-tractor-
trailer 1 a and put into
its road-position. The first-driver is able to sleep in the first-sleeper 11
a, a personalized
compartment. The second-sleeper 1 lb is mounted on the second-truck-tractor 2b
which is
mounted as cargo atop the decks of the first-tractor-trailer 1 a.
Alternative Embodiments
Truck Terminal with Ground Platforms
FIG 20 shows a perspective view, taken from the front side, of the sleeper 11
being removed from the truck-tractor 2 and placed on a ground-platform 88,
preferably in
a truck-terminal 89 or alternatively some other designated location, like
perhaps a truck
stop or the parking lot of a convenience store. Preferably the truck-terminal
89 has a
plurality of the ground-platforms 88.
The ground-platform 88 is a generally horizontal platform that is set on the
ground and designed to receive the sleeper 11. The size and shape of the
ground-platform
are about the same as the sleeper-base 26. A series of platform-turn-pins 90
are
positioned generally in the corners of the ground-platform 88 and are
positioned and
designed to intersect with the connector-castings 33 of the sleeper 11. The
platform-turn-
pins 90 are used to releasably connect the sleeper 11 to the ground-platform
88. An entry-
pedestal 91 is preferably positioned next to the ground-platform 88 adjacent
to the
position of the sleeper-front-wall 30 when the sleeper 11 is mounted on the
ground-
platform 88. The entry-pedestal 91 is used by the driver to assist entering
and exiting the
sleeper 11 through the opening in the sleeper-front-wall 30 when the sleeper
11 is
mourned on the ground-platform 88. Preferably, the ground-platform 88 is wired
to an
electrical power source and has a power-card (not shown) that can be mated
into the
sleeper-plug (not shown} to provide power to the heater and the lights and the
other
electric fixtures of the sleeper 11. The truck-crane 15 is capable of
demounting the
sleeper 11 from the truck-tractor 2 onto the ground-platform and mounting it
from the
ground-platform 15 onto the truck-tractor 2. The driver of the tractor-trailer
1 can sleep in
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
26/29
the sleeper 11 either mounted upon the tn~ck-tractor 2 or mounted upon the
ground-
platform 88.
The following is an operating scenario. The first-driver drives the first-
tractor-
trailer 1 from the origin-point toward the destination-point. In route this
driver stops at
one of the truck-terminals 89, demounts the first-sleeper 11 off the truck-
tractor 2 and
onto one of the ground-platforms 88. The first-driver rests or sleeps in the
first-sleeper
11. The second-driver is occupying the second-sleeper 11 which is mounted on a
different one of the ground-platforms 88 in the same truck-terminal 89 and is
finishing up
his/her period of sleep or rest. The second-driver mounts the second-sleeper
11 onto the
first-tractor-trailer 1 and begins to drive it onward toward the destination-
point while the
first-driver is sleeping, resting or otherwise occupying the first-sleeper 11
on the ground-
platform 88. After a time, a third-driver driving the second-tractor-trailer
1, carrying a
third-sleeper, enters the same truck-terminal 89. The third-driver demounts
the third-
sleeper 11 onto an empty one of the ground-platforms 88 and enters it to sleep
or rest.
The first-driver, who has finished sleeping and resting, mounts the first-
sleeper 11 onto
the second-truck-tractor 2 and begins driving the secand-tractor-trailer 1
towards its
destination.
Preferably, a trucking-operation has a plurality of truck-terminals 89 located
in
different places with the area it carries on trucking activity. Each truck-
terminal 89
preferably has a plurality of ground-platforms 88. The trucking-operation also
has a
plurality of truck-tractors 2, a plurality of trailers, and a plurality of
sleepers 11. The
trailers can be the super-b-train 3 trailer sets that were describe above, The
trailers,
alternatively, can be any kind of trailer or semi-trailer or combination of
two or more
trailers and/or semi-trailers. The trailers can also be different kinds of
trailers than flatbed
trailers. For example, among the plurality of trailers could be van semi-
trailers (usually
about 48 or 53 feet long), tanker semi-trailers for either liquid or dry bulk
cargos, semi-
trailers for gravel or grains, and many other kinds and varieties of trailer
equipment. The
tractor-trailer 1 is formed by combining one of the truck-tractors 2 with one
of the trailers
(or combination of two or more trailers). Usually, one of the sleepers 11 will
be attached
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
27/29
to the truck-tractor 2. Preferably too, one of the truck-cranes 15 is mounted
upon each of
the truck-tractors 2. Each one of the truck-tractors 2 may have or may not
have one of the
protector-racks 12; the inclusion of the protector-rack 12 is usually
determined by the
kind of trailer the truck-tractor 2 will usually be pulling. For example, when
the truck-
tractor 2 is pulling a van type trailer, the protector-rack 12 is usually not
required. It is
usually required when a flatdeck type trailer is to be pulled.
Each of the sleepers 11 generally corresponds to one individual driver. The
sleepers 1 I are mounted on different of the truck-tractors 2; the truck-
tractors 2 are
interchanged with different of the trailers. These interchange of truck-
tractors 2 and
trailers is done in order to maximize the productivity of the trucking-
operation. The
drivers will generally sleep in their corresponding sleepers I 1, either
mounted upon one
of the truck-tractors 2 or mounted upon one of the ground-platforms 88 in one
of the
truck-terminals 89. The determination of where each of the sleepers 11 is
mounted
(whether upon one the truck-tractors 2 or in one of the truck-terminals 89)
when the
corresponding driver is to rest and/or sleep is also determined in order to
maximize the
productivity of the trucking-operation. When the driver sleeps with the
sleeper 11
mounted upon the ground-platform 88 in a truck-terminal 89, the tractor is
available for a
different driver to drive. This permits more efficient utilization of truck-
tractor 2
equipment, creating transportation efficiencies. It also provides a way to
house drivers
away from home when they are not driving. It is a less costly system than
using hotels or
operating bunks and rooms in truck terminals.
An alternative to the ground-platforms 88 describe in this embodiment is that
the
sleeper 11, and particularly the sleeper-base 26, be designed to be placed on
the ground,
preferable ground that is generally level. This eliminates the need for the
ground-
platforms 88. Preferably a means, like a power-cord (not shown) is provided to
connect
the sleeper 11 to an electrical power source to power its lights, heater, and
other electrical
appliances and fixtures once it is placed on the ground.
A further alternative is that a generator (not shown) be mounted upon the
sleeper
11 or associated with it mounted upon the tractor-trailer 1 during over the
road transport.
When the sleeper 11 is demounted from the truck-tractor 2 onto the ground or
onto one of
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
28/29
the ground-platforms, the generator is also demounted with it. The generator
is started
and used to provide electrical power to the lights, heater and other
appliances and fixtures
in the sleeper 11.
Of course, the sleeper 11 can also be outfitted with electrical powered
entertainment devices like audio cassette and CD players or DVD and video tape
players.
These devices can be especially convenient for the driver when spending time
resting in
the truck-terminal.
Self Stacking Tractor Trailers
The second-tractor-trailer lb is stacked atop the first-tractor-trailer lb
using
equipment, means and methods that are carried on or are an integral part of
the first-
tractor-trailer la and/or the second-tractor-trailer lb. Some possible
embodiments and
methods to accomplish this stacking of the tractor-trailers 1 include these:
First, the truck-crane 15 of the first-tractor-trailer 1 a is powerful enough
and has
enough range to lift the second-lead-trailer 4b, the second-rear-trailer Sb
and/or the
second truck-tractor 2b so these can be stacked atop the first-super-b-train
3a using
known methods.
Second, the first-tractor-trailer 1 a and/or the second-tractor-trailer 1 b
carry a
modular-ramp (not shown} that is able to be lifted and positioned by one of
the truck-
cranes 15. The modular-ramp is positioned so that the second-truck-tractor 2b
can drive
up the ramp onto the first-super-b-train 3a. In a similar manner, the ramp can
be
positioned and used to stack the second-super-b-train 3b atop the first-super-
b-train 3a
generally following the same process that was described above but using a
fixed ramp.
When the modular ramp is not in use, including during over the road transport,
it is
preferably stowed on a purpose built supports (not shown) positioned atop the
protector-
rack 12, the sleeper 11 and the tractor-cab 10 of one of the truck-tractors 2.
The modular-
ramp preferably can be loaded and unloaded from this position using the truck-
crane 1 S
of the same truck-tractor 2. Preferably it is stowed atop the first-truck-
tractor 2a. The
modular-ramp is removed from this position in order to mount and demount the
sleeper.
CA 02466363 2004-05-12
29/29
Third, the combination of the two methods of stacking describe in the above
two
paragraphs.
Forth, other methods used alone or in combination with one or more of the
other
methods above.
Different Kinds of Trailers
The stacking of the tractor-trailers can involve different kinds of trailers.
This
includes the following situations: First, one of the super-b-trains is a drop
deck type b-
train where the deck height drops below the tractor-fifth-wheel height 14 over
about the
later two-thirds of the lead-trailer 4 and over the full length of the rear-
trailer 4. Second,
the super-b-train and the truck-tractor 2 are stacked atop a single semi-
trailer pulled by
the truck-tractor 2. Third, a single semi-trailer and truck-tractor 2 is
stacked atop a second
single semi-trailer pulled by the truck-tractor 2. Normally, the first single
semi-trailer will
need to be shorter than the second single semi-trailer. one or more ofthe
trailers can be
extendable and retractable. Fourth, at least one of the trailers has hopper
bottoms and fold
up sides. These trailers can carry granular products, like grain or
fertilizer, with sides up,
on the forward-haul and return one tractor trailer stacked upon another, with
sides down,
on the backhaul. Finally, other types and combinations of tractors and
trailers.
