Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
APPARATUS FOR COVERING A CONTAINER LOAD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention pertains to the field of transportation and in
particular to an
apparatus for covering a container load such as bulk materials in a trailer.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Wood chips of varying sizes are hauled using road trailers. One version
of these
road trailers, known as chip trains, includes two trailers hauled behind a
tractor unit; a lead
trailer (nearest the tractor) and a pup trailer. To maximize the hauled load,
it is desirable
for chip trains to be as light-weight and as large as possible. This can be
achieved in part by
designing the trailers to meet the maximum allowable road limits for width,
height, and
length. Use of lightweight construction material, such as aluminum, is also
possible. When
loaded, the wood chips often heap higher than the height of the trailer, an
allowable method
to fit additional chips in many jurisdictions.
[0003] The tops of the chip trailers are often open to facilitate loading.
Loading is
typically done via a front-end loader or by driving under a hopper filled with
chips. To
unload the chips, the entire chip train and tractor unit can be driven onto a
hydraulic tipper.
This tipper then raises the chip train and tractor to a steep incline. The
front and rear of the
pup trailer, and the rear of the lead trailer, are composed of doors that
swing open. These
doors are unlatched when on the tipper, and the chips flow through both
trailers into a pit
below the tipper.
[0004] Loads should be retained when driving and chips easily blow out the top
of the
trailer. One common approach is to have a tarp manually drawn across the top
of each
trailer before transporting chips. This is accomplished by climbing a ladder
to a small
platform between the trailers. Manual tarping is inherently dangerous, as the
operator
stands on a small platform approximately 3 meters off the ground in possibly
difficult
environmental conditions while attempting to draw a tarp across a heaped load.
Injuries,
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
1
often serious, can occur. It also takes a significant amount of time to
accomplish the
manual tarping and untarping of each trailer.
[0005] Due to the size and weight constraints of chip trains, the large doors,
and the
nature of wood chips, mechanically assisted tarping solutions for this
application are
challenging, and existing solutions are not fully satisfactory.
[0006] Therefore there is a need for an apparatus for covering a container
load, such as
woodchips of a chip train, or other bulk materials, that is not subject to one
or more
limitations of the prior art.
[0007] This background information is provided to reveal information believed
by the
applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission
is necessarily
intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information
constitutes prior
art against the present invention.
II SUMMARY
[0008] An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus for
covering a container load. The container may be part of a chip train carrying
wood chips,
or a container carrying other bulk materials, and the cover may be a flexible
cover such as a
tarpaulin (tarp). The apparatus can automatically cover the load, thereby
reducing labour
and time required for load covering and uncovering. The apparatus can handle
heaped
loads that extend above the top of the container.
[0009] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, there is
provided an
apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container, the
apparatus
comprising: an arm pivotable between a closed position and an open position,
the arm
holding a rotatable roller for dispensing and receiving a flexible cover, the
flexible cover
being wrapped around the roller when the arm is in the open position, the
flexible cover
being unrolled from the roller to cover the open top due to motion of the arm
from the open
position to the closed position, the arm pivotably mounted to an arm pivot; a
recessed
region comprising the arm pivot; and a secondary cover movable between a cover
closed
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
position and a cover open position, the secondary cover covering a top of the
recessed
region when in the cover closed position, the secondary cover biased toward
the cover
closed position, the secondary cover being overtop of the arm when the arm is
in the closed
position and the cover is in the cover closed position.
[0010] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include an actuating surface
mechanically coupled to the arm, the actuating surface configured, when the
arm moves
from the closed position to the open position and the secondary cover is in
the cover closed
position, to contact and apply an outward force to the secondary cover, the
outward force
initiating movement of the secondary cover to the cover open position.
[0011] In some embodiments, the secondary cover is biased to move from the
cover open
position to the cover closed position when the arm pivots to the open
position. In some
further embodiments, the secondary cover is biased to move from the cover open
position
to the cover closed position when the arm pivots to the closed position. As
such, the
secondary cover can be closed when the flexible cover is in the open position
to inhibit
material from entering the arm mechanical components during bulk material
loading. The
secondary cover can also be closed when the flexible cover is in the closed
position to cover
the arm mechanical components during transportation.
[0012] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, there is
provided an
apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container, the
apparatus
comprising: a frame disposed on top of the container, the frame surrounding an
aperture for
flow of material into the container; and an arm pivotable between a closed
position and an
open position, the arm holding a rotatable roller for dispensing and receiving
a flexible
cover, the flexible cover being wrapped around the roller when the arm is in
the open
position, the flexible cover being unrolled from the roller to cover the
aperture due to
motion of the arm from the open position to the closed position, wherein the
frame includes
a side portion having an inwardly and upwardly tapered outer surface, the
roller contacting
the outer surface when the arm is in the closed position.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0013] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent
from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the
appended drawings,
in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow-through chip train for use with a covering
apparatus
provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates aspects of a covering apparatus provided according
to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3A illustrates further aspects of a covering apparatus, including
details of a
recessed region, provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3B illustrates a detail of FIG. 3A, according to an embodiment of
the present
invention.
1 [0018] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate aspects of a covering
apparatus, including a flexible
cover and roller, provided according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIGs. 5A and 5B illustrate further aspects of a covering apparatus,
including a
ramp and support roller, provided according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of a recessed region for a covering
apparatus and
associated cover, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of recessed regions and their
associated covers,
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIGs. 6C and 6D illustrate a recessed region for a covering apparatus
and
associated cover, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIGs. 7A to 7C illustrate a movable side flap provided in accordance
with
embodiments of the present invention.
4
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a roller and flexible cover of a covering apparatus,
according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIGs. 9A and 9B illustrate a sealing member integrated into a flexible
cover,
according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0026] FIGs. 10A and 10B illustrate a Y-shaped flexible cover, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features
are identified
by like reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for
automatically
11 deploying and retracting a flexible cover over an open top of
a transportation trailer
container. The container can carry bulk material such as wood chips, and the
flexible cover
can be used over heaped loads. The apparatus allows for deployment and
retraction of the
cover by remote control, without requiring an operator to climb to the
container top or work
at heights. The cover unrolled from and is rolled onto a rotating cylindrical
roller, for
deployment and retraction, respectively.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow-through chip train potentially having a
covering apparatus
provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. The chip train
includes a
lead trailer 110 and a pup trailer 120. The lead trailer has a rear door 112
and the pup trailer
has a front door 122 and a rear door 124. With the chip train tilted to a
certain angle, the
doors on the lead and pup trailers can be opened so that wood chips in the
lead trailer will
exit the lead trailer rear door, and pass through the pup trailer to a
destination. The lead and
pup trailers also include open tops 114, 126 which are covered by a flexible
cover such as a
tarp (not shown). The covering apparatus of the present invention can be used
on one or
both of the lead and pup trailers. The vehicle of FIG. 1 can alternatively be
used to carry
other bulk materials.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
1
[0030] Due to the chip train trailer front and rear doors, there is limited
space in which to
mount a covering apparatus. Furthermore, the front and rear doors are often of
large size to
allow increased flow of bulk material, thus further limiting space for the
covering
apparatus. Embodiments of the present invention therefore provide for a
covering
apparatus with a limited footprint, compatible with the chip train. For
example, the covering
apparatus may be confined to a narrow upper portion of the trailer, thereby
leaving
sufficient room for the inclusion of front and/or rear doors.
[0031] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates aspects of a covering apparatus
provided
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus is used for
covering an
open top of a transportation trailer container, such as that of a road
trailer, and more
particularly such as that of a trailer of a flow-through chip train or more
generally a trailer
carrying bulk material. Some details of the covering apparatus (such as the
flexible cover,
enclosures for the recessed regions 240, 242, and anchoring points for the arm
and arm
actuator) are omitted from FIG. 2 for clarity.
[0032] The apparatus includes a frame 204 disposed on top of the container
202, the
frame surrounding an aperture 205 for flow of material into the container. The
top of the
container can be provided at a height that is less than a regulatory height
limit for the trailer.
In particular, where the height of the frame is hl and the height limit is r,
the top of the
container can be at a height of hl+h2=r or less, where h2 is the height of the
top rail
extension. Such a height may be configured by custom construction or cutting
of a
previously constructed container, for example. As such, the trailer plus the
frame are
configured to be within the regulatory height limit. The frame has front,
back, left and right
sides, which generally align with front and back ends, and left and right
sides of the
container. In some embodiments, the height h2 can be designed to be as small
or as large as
possible within regulatory limits.
[0033] The apparatus includes an arm 220 which is pivotable between a closed
position,
in which an end of the arm is located on a first side 210 of the frame, and an
open position,
in which the end of the arm is located on a second, opposite side 212 of the
frame. The arm
is pivotably mounted to the frame at a pivot point location 222 along the
front or back end,
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Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
the location for example being approximately midway between the first and
second sides.
Matching and cooperating arms can be provided at both the front and the back
ends of the
frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm pivots from side to side rather
than from
front to back. As such, the arms are located on the front and/or back of the
container.
Because the container is longer than it is wide, this allows for a reduction
in sizes of various
features (e.g. arm length, recessed regions holding arms and associated
mechanical
components, recessed region covers, etc.)
[0034] The arm holds (or the arms hold) a rotatable roller 224 for dispensing
and
receiving a flexible cover (not shown in FIG. 2). The flexible cover is
wrapped around the
roller when the arm is in the open position, and is unrolled from the roller
to cover the
container due to motion of the arm from the open position to the closed
position. As such,
when the arm is in the open position, the container is uncovered, while when
the arm is in
the closed position the container is covered.
[0035] In various embodiments, the frame 204 includes a side portion having an
inwardly
and upwardly tapered outer surface 230. That is, the outer surface is disposed
at an angle,
such as but not limited to a 45 angle. The side portion is located so that
the roller contacts
and rests against this outer surface when the arm is in the closed position.
This
configuration provides for multiple features. First, bulk material such as
woodchips is
inhibited from accumulating on the outer surface due to the slope. Second, the
non-vertical
f
aspect of the outer surface acts as a stop that inhibits further motion of the
arm and provides
stability during transport by allowing the roller to rest against the surface.
Third, the outer
surface location and roller diameter can be figured so that, when the roller
rests against the
outer surface, outer and upper edges of the roller lie within regulatory
height and width
limits for the trailer. Fourth, the angled outer surface provides a more
gradual change in
surface profile which reduces potential damage to the flexible cover when
contacting the
outer surface of the container, in contrast to a 90 degree corner between top
and sides of the
container.
[0036] In some but not necessarily all embodiments, both sides of the frame
can include
inwardly and upwardly tapered outer surfaces. That is, the frame may include a
second side
7
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
portion opposite the first side portion, the second side portion having a
second inwardly and
upwardly tapered outer surface 232. The flexible cover, rolled onto the
roller, contacts the
second outer surface when the arm is (arms are) in the open position. Noting
that the
flexible cover will be (e.g. fully) rolled onto the roller in the open
position, the second outer
.. servers may be located and/or angled differently from the outer surface on
the opposite side
of the frame.
[0037] It is noted that the top rail extension may allow the original top
frame of the trailer
to be continuous, while allowing the structural integrity to be maintained.
The top rail extension may also be retrofitted to an existing trailer, subject
to height
restrictions, if applicable.
[0038] In various embodiments, the frame is mounted to a top edge of the
container such
that a combined height of the transportation trailer container and the frame,
including the
arm(s) and the roller when in the closed position, is less than or equal to a
regulatory road
height limit defined for road trailers. In various embodiments, the width of
the
.. transportation trailer, including the apparatus when the arm(s) and the
roller is in the closed
position, is within a regulatory road width limit defined for road trailers.
[0039] In various embodiments, recessed or pocketed locations (e.g. the
rectangular prism
regions 240, 242 bounded by the frame and the dotted lines in FIG. 2) are
provided. These
recessed regions contain the arm(s) and its (their) associated mechanical
elements, as can be
seen in more detail in FIG. 3A. The recessed regions are located inwardly from
the front
and back ends of the container, respectively and below a top height of the
frame, designated
as region 302 in FIG. 3A. Within this region 302 is located various mechanical
components for holding and operating the arm holding the roller, potentially
along with
related mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and/or electrical components. The
size of the
recessed regions can be limited or minimized so that only the required
mechanical
components are held therein, with little to no additional space. This can
result in as wide a
container opening (to be covered by the flexible cover) as possible. Use of a
recessed
region for housing the arms and associated components can allow the mounting
of a cover
system without exceeding height, length or width restrictions, including both
operational
8
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
1
and regulatory restrictions. In some embodiments, only one such recessed
region is
provided, at either the front or back of the container. A recessed region may
be located
within a rectangular prism volume defined by extreme edges of the
transportation trailer. A
recessed region may intrude into a volume of the transportation trailer
container. In other
embodiments, a recessed region is omitted and the arm(s) and associated
mechanical
elements extend upward and/or outward from the frame.
[0040] In some embodiments, and with reference again to FIG. 2, the frame 204
includes
a lower rail portion 206, which may be structural to the frame, and an upper
extension 208,
which is not necessarily structural to the frame. The upper extension may
include the
tapered outer surface(s) 230, 232 as described above. The top of the lower
rail portion may
1
be level with a bottom of the recessed or pocketed locations, while the top of
the upper
extension may be level with a top of the recessed or pocketed locations. As
such, the upper
extension may be set inward from the front and/or back ends of the container
so as to define
the recessed regions.
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the region 302 includes an arm pivot 310
(also referred
to as a base), which is mounted to the frame and which is pivotably coupled to
a proximal
end of the arm (illustrated as having two portions 315, 317), for example by a
trunnion or
bearing mechanism. The region 302 further includes an arm actuator pivot 320
(also
referred to as a base), which is also mounted to the frame and which is
pivotably coupled to
a first end of an arm actuator 325, for example by a trunnion or bearing
mechanism. A
second part of the arm actuator 325 (which may be a motorized telescoping rod)
is
pivotably connected to the arm using a pivot block 327. The pivot block 327 is
connected
to the arm portion 317 away from the arm pivot 310. The arm actuator may be a
linear
actuator, which comprises a straight section that is variable in length. In
the presently
illustrated embodiment, a motor 330 suspended at a non-anchored end of the arm
actuator
acts to vary the length of the arm actuator. By extending the arm actuator 325
the arm 315,
317 can be made to pivot away from the arm actuator pivot 320; by retracting
the arm
actuator the arm can be made to pivot in the opposite direction. The arm
actuator can be a
hydraulic actuator, such as a piston mechanism, or an electric or pneumatic
actuator, chain-
driven actuator, etc..
9
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
[0042] In one embodiment, the arm actuator is mounted via a rod eye to the
pivot block
327, and is also mounted to a trunnion 320. The trunnion is pivotable in a
vertical plane,
and may include a second swivel that allows horizontal rotation once it
attaches to the arm
315, 317. By allowing the trunnion to pivot in two directions, side forces and
bending
moments can be inhibited from damaging an actuator which is only intended to
encounter
axial forces. The movement of the actuator drives the angular movement of the
arm. The
angular movement can also cause telescopically varying length of the arm, as
will be
described below.
[0043] In a particular embodiment, the arm actuator is an electric actuator,
which is
powered by a battery mounted to the transport trailer. For example, the
battery can be
mounted at a midpoint of the trailer, under the top rail. This high-midpoint
location serves
to limit the length of wires to each linear actuator (in embodiments in which
linear arm
actuators are provided at both front and rear of the container to actuate a
corresponding pair
of arms). The battery can be trickle charged for example by connection to a
main battery of
the road tractor towing the trailer. The use of a trickle charged battery can
mitigate the
need to run larger-gauged wires between the arm actuator and the road tractor.
Operation
of the arm actuator can be performed using an electrical controller, such as a
toggle switch
or other switch or control. Controls can be used to operate the actuator arm
to both close
and open the cover. In some embodiments, a wireless controller, such a
BluetoothTm
controller can be provided for remotely causing the arm actuator to move in a
desired
direction.
[0044] In some embodiments, a wired or wireless control pendant is located at
the rear
passenger side. The control pendant includes a toggle that allows an operator
to cause the
arm to move toward the open or closed position. A synchronization button and
associated
wireless electronics can be provided to synchronize the controller with an
operator's
smartphone, e.g. via BluetoothTM An application running on the smartphone also
has
controls such as "open" and "close" buttons on the smartphone's touchscreen
that allow the
operator to remotely control the apparatus from a distance. Other control
mechanisms may
also be used, as would be readily understood by a worker skilled in the art.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the arm actuator can be omitted and
another
mechanism can be used to move the arm between the closed and open positions.
For
example, a rotating motor can be provided between the arm and the roller, such
that rotation
of the motor in one direction causes the roller to take up the flexible cover,
thereby drawing
the arm toward the open position. Rotation of the motor in the opposite
direction causes the
roller to let out the flexible cover and also causes a spool, which is coaxial
with the roller,
to take up a cable which is anchored on the opposite side of the container as
the flexible
cover, thereby drawing the arm toward the closed position.
[0046] In one embodiment, and with reference to FIGs. 4A and 4B, the flexible
cover 410
is attached to the roller 224. FIG. 4B illustrates a view of an example
apparatus including
some of the elements of FIG. 4A, with some details omitted for clarity. In
FIG. 4B, the
flexible cover in FIG. 4B is not anchored to the container. The roller 224 may
be supported
by two arms, one at each end, using bearings. Rotation of the roller in one
direction is
accomplished by tensile force exerted by the flexible cover on the roller when
the arms are
moved away from the side of the container to which the flexible cover 410 is
anchored
using anchoring bodies 415. The anchoring bodies 415 may be cables, or
resilient elastic
bodies, for example. This rotation also causes cables 420 at either end of the
roller to be
wrapped up on the roller or associated coaxial spools, and the cover to become
unwrapped,
covering the load. When the arm travels in the opposite direction, the tension
in the cables
420 causes the roller to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the
flexible cover is taken up
by the roller. The cables are also anchored to the container either directly
or via another
resilient elastic anchoring body.
[0047] In some embodiments, and with reference again to FIG. 3A, the recessed
region
302 includes a ramp 332 and optionally also a retention hook 334 or, more
generally, a
retention body. A support roller 336 is connected to the arm 315, 317 and is
supported on
the ramp 332. When the arm 315, 317 is in the closed position (as
illustrated), the support
roller 336 is disposed between the ramp 332 and the retention hook 334. This
assists in
retaining the arm, and hence the flexible cover, in the closed position during
transport. The
support roller is disposed to rest on and roll along the ramp during motion of
the arm. The
ramp may have a width that is narrower than a bulk material (e.g. wood chips)
to be carried
11
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
in the container, thereby inhibiting accumulation of the bulk material on the
ramp (which
could stall operation of the arm). For example, the ramp may be a "knife
edged" ramp and
the support roller may include a V-shaped groove which receives the ramp. As
such, the
retention body is located in the recessed region and overtop of the support
roller when the
arm is in the closed position, and the retention body is configured to inhibit
upward motion
of the support roller away from the ramp, thereby assisting retaining the arm
in the closed
position. This inhibits the flexible cover and roller from lifting during
transport.
[0048] FIGs. 5A and 5B illustrate additional views of the ramp 332, the
retention hook
334, and the support roller 336, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG.
5B illustrates the limited width of the ramp surface and the grooved support
roller.
[0049] In some embodiments, and with reference again to FIG. 3A, the arm is a
telescoping arm, having a lower arm portion 315 coupled to the arm pivot
(base) and an
upper arm portion 317 coupled to the roller 340 and the support roller 336.
The upper arm
portion 317 is also coupled to the arm actuator 325 through a pivot and double
trunnion of
the pivot block 327. The lower arm portion and the upper arm portion are
relatively
movable to provide a telescopically variable length of the arm. The ramp is
located and
shaped to vary length of the arm according to a predetermined profile as the
arm pivots
between the open position and the closed position and the support roller 336
is
correspondingly forced to vary its path by the presence of the ramp 332. In
some
embodiments, use of a telescoping arm can facilitate the ability of the cover
to clear heaped
loads. Additionally or alternatively, use of a telescoping arm can reduce the
amount of
pivot force associated with pivoting of the arm, by lowering the moment arm
from the
roller. Additionally or alternatively, use of a telescoping arm can allow for
a shorter arm
length, thereby lowering wind sail effects.
[0050] In some embodiments, the support roller 336 and the ramp 332 are
configured to
support the arm during its pivoting motion and also to assist in arm pivoting.
For example,
the ramp may assist in reducing the amount of force required to pivot the arm
on an upward
trajectory. This facilitates an efficient arm pivot between fully open and
fully closed
positions, in terms of force required to pivot the arm. When used with a
telescoping arm,
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
the shape of the ramp facilitates extension of the arm so that its outer end
(at which the
roller is located) reaches the edge of the trailer when in the fully open and
fully closed
positions. Furthermore, the ramp may facilitate an efficient arm rotation
[0051] FIG. 3B illustrates a double trunnion operation of the pivot block 327
in more
detail, according to embodiments of the present invention. The arm actuator
rod 325 is
pivotably connected to the pivot block 327 via a first trunnion mechanism 362,
which
allows relative rotation of the arm actuator rod 325 and the pivot block 327
about a first
axis 363. The pivot block 327 is pivotably connected to the upper arm portion
317 of the
telescoping arm via a second trunnion mechanism 366, which allows relative
rotation of the
pivot block 327 and the telescoping arm about a second axis 367. The
combination of the
first and second trunnion mechanisms 362, 366 allows for relative pivoting of
the arm
actuator rod 325 and the telescoping arm in two different axes of rotation.
This mitigates
the impact of side forces and bending moments on the arm actuator mechanism.
[0052] In one embodiment, the telescoping arm may be a two-part "tube-in-tube"
extending arm. The lower arm portion 315 is slideably received within the
hollow upper
arm portion 317. The upper arm portion is attached to the roller 340 using a
bearing. The
bottom of the upper arm portion is also connected, on the side facing outward
toward the
container edge, to a pivot block 327 coupled to the linear arm actuator 325.
The bottom of
the upper arm portion is also connected, on the side facing inward away from
the container
edge, to a V-groove roller 336. The lower arm portion slides into and out of
the upper arm
portion. The upper arm portion 317 is hollow to facilitate this sliding in a
telescoping
manner. Sliding pads between the lower and upper arm portions may be provided.
The
base of the lower arm portion may be attached to the container frame using a
shaft and two
pillow block bearings, or using other pivoting mechanisms, such as flanges,
bearings,
bushings, etc.. The V-roller 336 rests and rolls over on an arced ramp 332
surface. In some
embodiments, a pivot axis of the pivot block 327 is coaxial with the axis of
the V-roller
336. The V-roller may have a V-shaped profile. Alternatively, the V-roller may
have
another profile, and may be replaced with an ungrooved roller in some
embodiments. By
changing the profile of the arc in relation to the center pivot of the arm, a
cam mechanism is
provided, in which the upper arm portion will telescopically slide relative to
the lower aim
13
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
portion in response to changes in the angular position of the arm. A first
portion of the ramp
that is directly above the center pivot 310 of the arm is the portion that is
closest to the
center pivot. Therefore, when the arm is approximately vertical, the V-roller
is at the closest
position to the center pivot and the overall arm length is at its shortest
Distance between
the center pivot and the ramp generally increases for portions of the ramp
away from this
first portion of the ramp. The distance between at least some portions of the
ramp is greater
than the distance between the center pivot of the arm and the V-roller, and
thus the ramp
acts to telescope the arm when the V-roller rests on these portions. When the
arm is in the
fully open and/or fully closed position, the telescoping arm may be
substantially fully
extended.
[0053] Because the recessed regions 240, 242 are set back from the ends of the
container
and is below the top height of the frame, the arm's base 310, arm pivot, at
least part of the
arm 315, 317 itself, and associated components such as the arm actuator 325,
roller ramp
332, etc. are all located within a maximum size envelope defined by
transportation
regulations and below the top height of the frame. For example, the components
can all be
located inwardly from the outer edge of a frame holding the container. As
another
example, the components can all be located inwardly from the container sides
and ends.
This is particularly the case when the arm is in the fully closed
(substantially horizontal or
close to horizontal) position, and optionally also when the arm is in the
fully open
(substantially horizontal or close to horizontal) position.
[0054] In more detail, when the arm is in the fully closed position, a
significant or major
portion of the arm lies fully below the top height of the frame and thus (with
the exception
of an end region holding the roller) is fully within the recessed region 240,
242. Further,
the arm actuator is also, by nature of its connection, substantially
horizontal or close to
horizontal when the arm is in the fully closed position, and thus the arm
actuator also lies
within the recessed region 240, 242. In various embodiments, this
configuration is also
achieved when the arm is in the fully open position (except with the arm now
pivoted
toward the opposite side of the frame).
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
[0055] This location of components inwardly from the container ends and below
the top
height of the frame facilitates conformity of the apparatus to regulatory road
height limits,
and road length limits, if applicable. This configuration also avoids
protrusion of such
components beyond the front (or back) end face of the container, which could
potentially
.. inhibit tight turns of the vehicle-trailer combination (e.g. chip train)
due to contact between
the components and a tractor or other trailer. As such, tighter turns are
facilitated in
embodiments of the present invention.
[0056] In some but not necessarily all embodiments, a design principle is
followed in which
surfaces are configured to limit or inhibit the collection of bulk material.
For example, the
surfaces can be vertically sloped or curved. In various embodiments, outer
surfaces of the
frame or components thereof are configured and/or sloped to at least a degree
that inhibits
the accumulation of certain types of bulk material (such as wood chips)
thereon. Thus, for
example, the side portions of the frame have outer surfaces 230, 232 which are
inwardly
and upwardly tapered, and the ramp 332 on which the arm's support roller rests
is narrow.
A surface at the bottom of the recessed region can be similarly sloped. Where
necessary,
some surfaces are flat or unsloped to allow for features such as tarp sealing
or to mitigate
wear on the flexible cover. For example, an unsloped lip along the outside of
the top rail
extension can be provided. As another example, a flat horizontal surface (or
alternatively a
rounded edge or downwardly sloping surface) may be provided at the top of the
sloped
outer surfaces 230, 232, in order to mitigate wear on the flexible cover.
[0057] In various embodiments, and with reference again to FIG. 3A, the bottom
of the
recessed region includes one or more gaps 344 or openings that communicate
with the
container. The gaps or openings can be designed with maximal area, within the
constraints
imposed by the apparatus area and the requirement to include other structural
elements and
moving mechanisms. As such, bulk material that falls into the recessed region
can flow
through the openings into the container, to inhibit accumulation in the
recessed region.
Sloped surfaces in the recessed region can slope toward such openings. The
gaps 344 in the
bottom of the recessed region, along with the use of sloped surfaces, together
inhibit the
collection of bulk material in undesired locations, such as the recessed
region.
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
[0058] In various embodiments, and with reference by way of example to FIG.
6A, a
movable secondary cover 610, hinged along one edge, is located overtop of the
recessed
region 640. FIG. 6A illustrates a partial side view of the recessed region
including the
secondary cover. The secondary cover 610 is movable between a cover closed
position and
a cover open position. In the cover closed position, the secondary cover is
disposed overtop
of and covers the recessed region. The secondary cover may be biased toward
the cover
closed position, for example by use of a spring 612. The secondary cover is
overtop of the
arm 622 when the arm is in the closed position and when the cover is in the
cover closed
position. A stopper tab (not shown) can be provided on the outside of the
container which
inhibits the secondary cover from opening and/or closing beyond a certain
amount.
[0059] The secondary cover is movable between the cover closed and opened
positions, for
example by hinged connection 611 to the frame. In the illustrated embodiment,
an end wall
620 coplanar with the container face extends upward and is hingedly connected
to the
secondary cover. However, in other embodiments, the secondary cover may be
hingedly
connected to the frame along a different edge. The end wall 620 assists in
enclosing the
II recessed region. In other embodiments, a separate hinge is
omitted, and the secondary
cover is constructed at least partially out of a resilient, flexible material
(e.g. rubber or
urethane). The hinge can then be regarded as a portion of the flexible
material. The
material is biased toward a shape and orientation that causes the secondary
cover to be in
the closed cover position. As such, the secondary cover may be a flexible
secondary cover
that is movable between the cover closed and cover open positions by flexing
thereof. The
flexible secondary cover may be resilient, or include resilient portions,
which bias it toward
the cover closed position.
[0060] The secondary cover may be configured to move to the cover closed
position
when the arm is in the closed position. Additionally, in some embodiments, the
secondary
cover may be configured to move to the cover closed position when the arm is
in the open
position. The secondary cover is in the cover open position at least to allow
the actuating
arm to move between the closed and open positions. The secondary cover is in
the cover
closed position when the arm is in the open position to inhibit material from
falling inside
the recessed regions 240, 242 during loading. Likewise, the secondary cover is
in the cover
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
closed position when the arm is in the closed position to inhibit material
from entering the
recessed regions 240, 242 during transportation.
[0061] An actuating surface 630 is mechanically coupled to the arm and
configured,
when the arm moves from the closed position to the open position (and/or vice-
versa) and
the secondary cover is in the cover closed position, to contact and apply an
outward force to
the secondary cover. In some embodiments, the actuating surface may be a
portion of the
arm itself The outward force initiates movement of the secondary cover to the
cover open
position. The actuating surface is positioned to contact and push the cover
outward in
advance of the arm passing through the opening previously covered by the
secondary cover.
In some embodiments, the actuating surface 630 is rigidly or pivotably
connected to and
extends from the arm 622. In other embodiments, the actuating surface is
rigidly connected
to and extends from the arm actuator (e.g. linear actuator). In some
embodiments, and as
illustrated in FIG. 6A, the actuating surface 630 is connected to and extends
from the
trunnion block 632 (or other attachment mechanism) which also attaches the arm
622 to the
arm actuator. The actuating surface may comprise, at its end, a material that
easily slides
against the secondary cover.
[0062] In some embodiments, when the secondary cover closes both when the arm
is in
the open position and the closed position, two actuating surfaces (or two
portions of the
same actuating surface) are provided. A first actuating surface operates to
lift the
secondary cover when the arm moves away from the closed position. A second
actuating
surface operates to lift the secondary cover when the arm moves away from the
open
position. In other embodiments, the same actuating surface operates to lift
the secondary
cover when the arm moves in either direction.
[0063] When the actuating surface moves away from the secondary cover, in
response to
the arm nearing the closed position or the open position, the cover is biased,
e.g. due to the
spring 612 and/or gravity, to move to the cover closed position. When the
secondary cover
is in the closed position, the secondary cover inhibits debris, such as bulk
material, from
entering the recessed region, and inhibits escape of bulk material during
transport.
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
[0064] The actuating surface may include a sliding block attached to the arm
actuator
trunnion. When the arm actuator extends, one end raises upward due to
connection to the
arm. Due to this upward motion, the sliding block engages the cover's interior
surface and
subsequently pushes the secondary cover upward and out of the way of the arm
and arm
actuator. The sliding block can be configured to pivot to maintain contact
against the cover.
Additionally or alternatively, the end of the sliding block may have a curved
shape.
[0065] In some embodiments, and with reference to FIGs. 7A and 7B, a movable
side
flap 710 is located on a side of the recessed region. Such side flaps may be
located on one
or both sides of one or both of the recessed regions (as applicable). The side
flap is
movable between a side flap closed position (FIG. 7A) and a side flap open
position (FIG.
III 7B), and may be biased, e.g. by a spring, toward the side flap
closed position. As an end of
the arm 720 moves into the location occupied by the side flap 710 (FIG. 7B)
(e.g. due to the
arm being in the open position or the closed position, depending on the
location of the side
flap), the arm pushes the side flap from the side flap closed position to the
side flap open
position. As the end of the arm 720 moves away from the location of the side
flap 710
(FIG. 7A), the side flap moves into the side flap closed position. As such,
the side flap,
when in the closed position, covers a side of the recessed region in order to
assist in
enclosing the recessed region to keep out debris, reduce air flow during
transportation, etc.
The side flap is movable to the open position to allow the arm to extend
outward from the
side of the recessed region when required. In some embodiments, the side flap
is provided
on the side on which the arm is located when in the open position. The side
flap may be
straight, rather than curved. The side flap may be inwardly angled or
otherwise configured
so that it pivots inward and downward when the arm impinges downward on the
side flap.
The side flap may alternatively be wedge shaped and pivotably coupled to the
frame at a
different location (FIG. 7C).
[0066] As described above, some embodiments of the present invention include a
secondary cover 610 which completely covers the top of the recessed region
when the arm
is in both the closed position and the open position, and further include a
bottom of the
recessed region having one or more gaps 344 or openings that communicate with
the
container. In such embodiments, and due to the combination of these features,
bulk
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
material is inhibited from collecting in the recessed region both during
container loading
and container transport. This is desirable to avoid the bulk material jamming
the moving
parts in the recessed region. Further, the secondary cover inhibits potential
escape of the
bulk material by upward flow through the gaps or openings during transport,
and also
inhibits air flow that could cause such bulk material escape. Covering of the
recessed
region during transport also protects the mechanical components therein from
debris such
as snow, ice and dirt during transport.
[0067] In various embodiments, the (e.g. spring-biased) secondary cover 610
and the side
flap(s) 710 operate together to enclose the recessed region when the arm is in
the open
and/or closed position.
[0068] In some embodiments, the flexible cover (held by the roller 340), when
in the
closed position, includes a portion proximate to its front or back edge which
is covered by
the rigid (or alternatively non-rigid) secondary cover 610 which is hingedly
connected and
covers the recessed region. That is, the secondary cover 610 overlaps the end
of the
flexible cover. This configuration is apparent in FIG. 6A. The secondary cover
610
thereby assists in anchoring the flexible cover to the container, and further
assists in sealing
the load into the container. In some embodiments, a rubber or metal extension
650
protrudes downward from the bottom of the secondary cover 610 to contact and
push the
flexible cover downward to facilitate such anchoring. To facilitate this
configuration the
.. cover may be hingedly connected along the outside edge of the container.
[0069] In some embodiments, the secondary cover 610 includes a deflector 655
mounted
to the edge of the cover opposite the hinged edge. Alternatively, the
deflector can be
mounted to the frame (e.g. the top rail extension) at a location just forward
of the cover
when closed, rather than the cover. The deflector may be made of resilient
material such as
rubber and is angled downward relative to the cover 610. The deflector is
angled such that
when air travels over the cover during transport, the air exerts a downward
force on the
deflector which inhibits the cover from lifting. In some embodiments, at least
the cover at
the rear end of the container includes such a deflector. The deflector extends
along the
width of the secondary cover.
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
[0070] The secondary cover 610 over the recessed region can be provided in a
variety of
forms. For example, the secondary cover can be a complete one-piece cover. The
secondary cover may include a skirt, such as a rigid or flexible skirt which
surrounds at
least a portion of the cavity. The secondary cover may include a substantially
flat hinged
top.
[0071] When two arms are provided at the front and back of the container,
respectively,
two recessed regions 240, 242 can be provided at the front and back of the
container for
housing the arm pivots and other associated components. Further, two secondary
covers
610 as described herein can be provided for covering each of the recessed
regions, i.e. at
both the front and rear edges of the container. Each secondary cover can have
some or all
of the features as described above. In some embodiments, only one of the front
and back
arms includes an arm actuator.
[0072] In some embodiments, the secondary covers 610 are flat sheets of
material, such
as metal, plastic, or fiberglass. In some embodiments, the secondary covers
610 may have
downward extensions along at least one edge. The secondary covers 610 may be
hingedly
attached to the frame 204 or lower rail portion 206 thereof rather than to the
upper
extension 208. In some embodiments, the secondary cover may be a single,
unitary body.
This may inhibit the accumulation of debris around the secondary cover.
[0073] FIG. 6B illustrates an embodiment in which the two recessed regions
240, 242 are
covered with secondary covers 610a, 610b, respectively. The secondary covers
are hinged
toward a leading edge 680 of the trailer, with respect to a forward direction
of motion 685
of the trailer during transport. As such, during transportation, the secondary
covers are
inhibited from lifting due to placement of the hinges. The secondary covers
can be lifted
using an actuating surface mechanism as described elsewhere herein. One or
both of the
recessed regions 240, 242 can be provided with secondary covers which are
hinged along
the leading edge. Where only one recessed region is provided, only one
secondary cover is
provided.
[0074] FIGs. 6C and 6D illustrate a recessed region for a covering apparatus
and
associated cover 690, according to another embodiment of the present
invention. In this
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
embodiment, the cover 690 includes a top portion and sidewalls extending
downwardly
from the top portion. The cover thus encloses the recessed regions using a
horizontal top
portion, a vertical end portion 692, and two vertical sidewall portions 694,
which are
connected together. The cover is hingedly connected at the bottom edge of the
vertical end
portion 692. A spring 612 or other biasing means can be provided to bias the
cover 690
into the closed position.
[0075] As mentioned above, as illustrated for example in FIGs. 4A and 4B, the
flexible
cover 410 is received and dispersed by a roller 224 held at the end of the
arm, while a
coaxial spool disperses and receives a cable 420. The flexible cover is
anchored to a first
side of the container (the side at which the arm is located when in the open
position), while
the cable is anchored to a second side of the container opposite the first
side. In various
embodiments, one or both of the flexible cover and the cable are anchored to
the container
via one or more resilient elastic anchoring bodies 415, such as a shock cord
(e.g. bungee
cord). A first end of each anchoring body is attached to the container, while
an opposite
end is attached to a cable (which is in turn attached to the flexible cover or
roller) or to the
flexible cover directly. The anchoring bodies exert a downward force onto the
cover and/or
the cable, thereby providing a self-tensioning mechanism which keeps the
flexible cover
taut against the container and/or the container load. For example, the
anchoring bodies
may maintain a constant tension on the cover to continue to seal the bulk
material (e.g.
wood chips) while the heaped load settles. The anchoring bodies do not have to
be removed
during regular automated use.
[0076] In some embodiments, the self-tensioning mechanism comprising the
resilient
elastic anchoring body/bodies is configured so that the same amount of
flexible cover is
deployed when the arm is in the closed position, regardless of the amount of
heaping of the
load above the container top. This can be due to a variable excess portion of
the flexible
cover (i.e. a portion not required for covering the container top and
potentially heaped load
thereof) being drawn down the first side of the container by the elastic
anchoring
body/bodies located on the first side and holding the cover. As the load
settles (e.g. during
transport), the flexible cover can be maintained taut by force exerted by the
anchoring
bodies and further drawing down of the cover.
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
[0077] In some embodiments, cables 420 coupled to spools at either end of the
roller are
kept taut by elastic anchoring bodies 415 anchored to the container side. The
spools may
have grooves to receive the cables. In some embodiments, the length of the
spools may be
such that only one layer of cable is wrapped thereupon when the arm is in the
fully open
position. Pulley wheels may be mounted to the side of the trailer and the
cable threaded
over the pulley wheels, in order to redirect the cables from the roller
downward for
anchoring by the elastic anchoring bodies.
[0078] FIG. 8 illustrates another view of the roller 224, including the
grooved spools 810
on either end for receiving cables. The flexible cover 410 is shown partially
unrolled.
[0079] In some embodiments, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 9A, a
flexible,
resilient sealing member 910 is integrated into the flexible cover 410 and
extends parallel to
the roller 224. The sealing member is located and configured to sealingly
contact the (e.g.
sloped) outer surface 230 of the frame when the arm is in the closed position.
Due to the
self-tensioning mechanisms as described above, the apparatus is configured so
that, when in
.. the open position, a consistent amount of the cover (e.g. all of the cover)
is deployed from
the roller regardless of the amount of heaping of the load. As such, the
sealing member is
consistently deployed into substantially the same location regardless of the
amount of
heaping of the load. The sealing member is located so that this consistent
location is
overtop of a side portion of the frame. The sealing member can be made of foam
and seals
the roller against the top rail of the trailer on the side where the flexible
cover is not fixed.
This inhibits bulk material such as light-weight chips from exiting the
container during
transport. In some embodiments, a closed cell or pocket may be provided in the
flexible
cover for housing the sealing member.
[0080] FIG. 9B illustrates another embodiment, in which the sealing member 910
is
integrated into the flexible cover 410 at a location even more proximate to
the roller 224, so
that the sealing member 910 is sandwiched between the roller 224 and the outer
surface 230
of the frame when the arm is in the closed position.
[0081] In some embodiments, and with reference by way of example to FIGs. 10A
and
10B, the flexible cover is Y-shaped, so that it includes three rectangular
portions 1010,
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
1020, 1030 extending from a linear region 1035 that is parallel with axis of
the roller 224.
FIG. 10A illustrates the cover unrolled while FIG. 10B illustrates the cover
taken up by the
roller. Such a cover can be formed by attaching an edge of a second (e.g.
rectangular) to an
interior location of a first flexible cover. The first and second flexible
covers may be
attached along the linear region 1035. The Y-shaped cover includes three edges
1012, 1022,
1032 parallel to the roller axis. A first edge 1012 is attached to the take-up
roller 240. A
second edge 1022 is a hanging edge, with the second portion 1020 hanging
downward into
the interior of the container proximate to the container sidewall 1050. A
third edge 1032 of
the Y-shaped flexible cover is anchored to the exterior of the same container
sidewall 1050.
The sidewall 1050 is on the same side of the container as the arm and roller
224 when the
arm is in the open position. The Y-shaped cover causes the second and third
portions 1020,
1030 to envelop the container sidewall 1050, even when the arm is in the open
position
(FIG. 10B). This inhibits bulk material from getting caught between the
flexible cover and
trailer (frame), and also inhibits bulk material from being blown out during
transport.
Because of the inwardly and upwardly angled frame side portion, bulk material
is otherwise
susceptible to being caught in the "V" shaped region defined by the frame side
portion and
the roller plus rolled-up flexible cover. The second, hanging portion 1020 can
be
configured to have a sufficient weight to assist in causing the hanging
orientation thereof,
or it may be anchored to an interior of the sidewall 1050. Weights or
attachment cables or
II 20 elastic anchors can be added to the second portion 1020 as
necessary. Transitioning from
FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B comprises rotating the roller 224 clockwise. In the
arrangement of
FIG. 10B, if material lands on the narrow horizontal section of the cover,
when the cover is
returned to the closed position the material will be deposited into the
container.
[0082] In some embodiments, the combination of covering and sealing features
as
described herein, such as the (recessed region) secondary cover and recessed
region side
flaps, the arm-actuated flexible cover (e.g. tarp), the sealing member
integrated into the
cover, and the Y-shaped cover, cooperate to substantially completely cover the
top of the
bulk material transportation container, and to seal the container to inhibit
escape of bulk
material.
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
[0083] In some embodiments, a manual actuation system is provided which can be
used
to move the arm between the open and closed position (to cover or uncover the
container)
in case of failure of the automatic system. The manual actuation system can
include a hand
crank system, a pulley system, etc. In one embodiment, resilient members
anchoring the
flexible cover (e.g. bungees) can be unhooked and the flexible cover can be
wrapped up
manually in in case of failure of the automatic system.
[0084] Although the present invention has been described with reference to
specific
features and embodiments thereof, it is evident that various modifications and
combinations
can be made thereto without departing from the invention. The specification
and drawings
are, accordingly, to be regarded simply as an illustration of the invention as
defined by the
appended claims, and are contemplated to cover any and all modifications,
variations,
combinations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the present
invention.
24
Date Recue/Date Received 2024-03-27
