Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
END DUMP TRAILER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an end dump trailer, a trailer frame
assembly, a
latch lift assembly for an end dump trailer, a radiused dump body and a method
for
forming a radiused dump body.
BACKGROUND
A semi end dump trailer is a tractor-trailer combination wherein the trailer
itself
contains the hydraulic hoist to lift the dump body. A typical semi end dump
trailer
(hereinafter "end dump trailer") has a 3-axle tractor pulling a 2-axle or 3-
axle
semi-trailer, however other axle combinations are possible. The tractor is
equipped with
a fifth wheel connection, including a fifth wheel locking mechanism, and the
trailer
includes a kingpin connection or kingpin assembly at its front connecting
portion. The
kingpin assembly is reinforced to transfer trailer load to the tractor and to
transmit
torsional/twisting loads from the trailer to the tractor. A key advantage of a
semi end
dump trailer is rapid unloading. A key disadvantage is that the trailer can be
very
unstable when raised in the dumping position, limiting its use in applications
where the
dumping location is uneven or off level. End dump trailer units (i.e., without
the tractor
drive unit) are configured for on-road travel, so have size dimensions which
are within
government road and highway regulations (on-road size regulations). Generally,
the
longitudinal length of the trailer may range between about 20 - 48 ft. and the
transverse
width of the trailer will typically be between about 8 and 9 ft. for on-road
travel. A length
to width ratio for an end dump trailer is generally in the range of 2.5:1 to
6:1, more
typically in the range of 3.5:1 and 4.5:1.
The dump bodies of end dump trailers are supported on wheeled vehicles or
frames which are generally categorized as full frame, quarter frame, or
frameless. For
1
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
the full frame type, an end dump trailer is typically constructed with a
pivoting dump
body hinged at its rear end to a chassis formed as a ladder frame. A ladder
frame
generally consists of two parallel steel I-beams spaced apart by multiple
transverse
structural steel reinforcing members (often termed cross members). The I-beams
themselves are formed by welding, and the cross members are welded at multiple
locations between the I-beams. This creates a heavy frame, and requires
significant
input by skilled welders. As well, a ladder frame provides limited stability
control as the
dump body is raised into its dumping position.
A frame termed a "unibeam" frame system is shown in U.S. Patents 5,611,570
and 5,722,688 to Garcia. This frame is shown with long semi trailer trucks
such as used
to transport containers. The frame includes longitudinal and parallel spaced
vertical
members (termed unibeams), each having an inverse T-cross section, welded
together
at their top edges with a horizontal web termed a uniflange. A plurality of
transverse
cross members are included between the longitudinal members. The unibeam frame
has not, to inventors' knowledge, been applied in the semi end dump trailer
industry.
The unibeam frame has a goal to provide a frame which accommodates flexure.
The hoist system most often used on most end dump trailers is comprised of a
multiple-staged telescoping hydraulic cylinder mounted at the front of the
chassis and
connecting to the underside or to the top front portion of the dump body. This
hoist
system provides little or no contribution to stability of the end dump trailer
in the raised
dumping position, so uneven ground conditions may lead to tipping of the
trailer. To
provide the required tipping angle, which can be greater than 45 degrees to
horizontal
(ground), the hydraulic hoist is typically formed in multiple telescoping
sections of four or
more sections (termed stages). The multiple telescoping sections and long
stroke
generally prevent dual action over the full stroke. Single action telescoping
cylinders, or
multiple stage cylinders without full dual action, must use gravity for some
or all of the
stages to lower the dump body back to the lowered, horizontal position. This
slows the
dump cycle for the vehicle, particularly in cold weather.
2
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
The dump bodies of end dump trailers are available in many shapes ranging from
rectangular dump boxes to dump bodies with radially curved floor and/or side
panels.
The radially curved floor/side panels are advantageous for faster and more
complete
dumping of bulk materials such as gravel, sand, asphalt, and aggregate. To
form a
radially curved floor panel, the steel is rolled into shape. Multiple curved
panels are
welded together, typically transverse to the direction of unloading, to form
these curved
floor panels. The welded joints of these curved panels make unloading more
difficult as
bulk materials, particularly sticky materials such as asphalt, resist gravity
movement at
the panel joints. To completely unload, the angle of the dump body may need to
be
increased even above 45 degrees, which can cause instability, particularly if
the trailer
is on uneven ground or if the payload of bulk materials is not uniformly
distributed or
shifts during travel or unloading.
One exemplary curved panel dump body is shown in U.S. Patent 3,844,616
issued to Acker. A half-elliptical dump body is formed of sheet metal,
presumably steel,
and three arcuate sections are joined, presumably by welding, to a pair of
vertical side
walls. Acker does not specify whether the three arcuate sections are formed
separately
and welded longitudinally the length of the body, or are formed in one piece
and welded
transversely to a plurality of similar shaped sections. The dump body of Acker
includes
exterior bolsters on the sides of the dump body, about center of the body. The
bolsters
extend from the top rail to almost the bottom of the body.
Other exemplary curved dump bodies are shown in U.S. Patent 5,431,475 to
Perry; U.S. Patent 5,482,356 to Goodson, Jr.; U.S. Patent 6,637,808 to Ling et
al.; U.S.
Patent 6,623,234 to Herring et al.; U.S. Published Patent Application
2008/00181135 to
Risner. U.S. Patent 6,490,772 to Deckert et al. describes schematically
different ways
to form a curved skip body using forms, rollers, presses or clamps. U.S.
Patent
6,931,720 to Thompson describes a forming press to fabricate a curved dump
body.
Various types of interior or exterior reinforcement members and/or under
frames
3
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
are provided on these curved dump bodies to provide sufficient structural
stability and
strength. These reinforcement members and under frames add considerable weight
to
the dump body and also complicate the overall methods of fabrication. As well,
rolling
steel to form the curved panels required complicated steel rolling equipment.
Dump trucks and end dump trailers of the type which discharge the payload from
the rear end of the dump body typically include a tailgate or end dump gate
closing the
end of the dump body. The gate is pivotally attached at its upper end to the
dump body,
allowing the gate to swing open and away from the dump body as the dump body
is
angled upwardly with the hoist. The lower end of the dump gate is generally
released
from or locked against the dump body by latch mechanisms on opposite sides of
the
dump body's rear end. Each latch mechanism may be a simple cradle catch
located on
the side of the dump body's rear end with a latch pin extending horizontally
on each
side of the dump gate. The latch mechanism may be mechanically operated, or
more
typically air or hydraulically controlled with actuators located on each side.
Being
exterior of the dump body, and in the path of the discharging payload of bulk
materials,
particularly a load of sticky asphalt, these latch mechanisms become coated
with
payload and road materials.
Improvement is needed in many aspects of dump trucks, particularly those of
the
end dump trailer type.
SUMMARY
In accordance with the embodiments hereinafter described, a trailer frame
assembly is provided for a fifth wheel trailer frame. The trailer frame
assembly includes
at least a portion of the frame which is torsionally stiffed with a
rectangular closed
section in a transverse cross section. The trailer frame assembly includes:
a pair of longitudinal, parallel spaced vertical side plates extending at
least a
portion of a length between the front portion and the rear portion of the
trailer frame
4
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
assembly, each side plate having a top portion and a bottom portion;
a top pan extending between the top portions of the spaced side plates, the
top
pan having opposed side edge portions;
a right angled top connecting wall formed on the top portion of each of the
side
plates or on each of the side edge portions of the top pan to provide opposed
top
overlap joints extending longitudinally along each of the side plates;
a bottom pan extending between the bottom portions of the spaced side plates,
the bottom pan having side edge portions;
a right angled bottom connecting wall formed on the bottom portion of each of
the
side plates or on each of the side edge portions of the bottom pan to provide
opposed
bottom overlap joints extending longitudinally along each of the side plates;
a plurality of top fasteners extending through the top overlap joints to
connect the
top pan and the spaced side plates; and
a plurality of bottom fasteners extending through the bottom overlap joints to
connect the bottom pan and the spaced side plates;
such that the connected spaced side plates, the top pan and the bottom pan
together form at least a portion of the trailer frame assembly, and provide a
rectangular
closed section in a transverse cross section.
In accordance with other embodiments, there is broadly provided an end dump
trailer adapted to be raised and lowered with a dual acting lift cylinder
mounted on each
side of the end dump trailer. The end dump trailer includes:
a wheeled trailer frame adapted for connection to the tractor, the frame
including
a pair of longitudinal, parallel spaced vertical side members, each of the
side members
having opposed ends, and a lower lift cylinder mounting assembly connected on
each
side of the frame forwardly of a midpoint between the opposed ends;
a dump body including a closed front end, an open rear end, a floor, opposed
side walls, and an upper rail connected at a top end of each of the side walls
and
extending longitudinally along each of the side walls, the dump body being
hinged at the
rear end to the frame for pivotal movement between a lowered position for
loading and
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
transporting bulk material and a raised position for dumping the bulk material
from its
open rear end;
a dump gate including an upper portion and a lower portion, the dump gate
being
horizontally pivotally connected at its upper end portion across the rear end
of the dump
body through a hinge assembly for movement between a closed position, wherein
the
dump gate closes the open rear end of the dump body, and an open position
wherein
the dump gate is swung rearwardly away from the open end of the dump body;
a pair of double acting lift cylinders connected on opposed sides of the dump
body between the frame and the dump body for raising and lowering the dump
body on
the frame; a lower end of each of the lift cylinders being pivotally connected
to one of
the lower lift cylinder mounting assemblies, and an upper end of each of the
lift cylinders
being pivotally connected to the upper rail of the dump body at a point
rearwardly of the
lower lift cylinder mounting assembly such that each of the lift cylinders is
angled
generally rearwardly and upwardly from its lower end to its upper end.
In accordance with other embodiments, there is broadly provided a method of
forming a dump body for an end dump trailer. The method includes:
i. providing a floor panel in a single, flat, seamless metal sheet, the floor
panel having a front end, a rear end and opposed side edges;
ii. connecting a side wall panel along each of the opposed side edges of the
floor panel, each side wall panel having a front end coextensive with the
front end of the
floor panel a rear end coextensive with the rear end of the floor panel, and
opposed free
edges;
iii. connecting or forming an upper rail along each of the free edges of the
side wall panel, the upper rail having a polygonal cross sectional shape to
provide
structural strength;
iv. bending the connected floor panel, side wall panels and upper rails around
a curved mandrel frame without rolling the floor panel, such that at least the
floor panel
has a radius of curvature;
v. clamping the connected floor panel, side walls and top rails to the curved
6
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
mandrel from to maintain the radius of curvature;
vi. connecting a front body panel assembly to the upper rails and to the
coextensive front ends of the floor panel and side walls to form a closed
front end of the
dump body;
viii. connecting a rear body panel assembly to the upper rails and to the
coextensive rear ends of the floor panel and the side walls to form a rear end
of the
dump body; and
ix. releasing the dump body from the curved mandrel frame, whereby the
front body panel assembly and the rear body panel assemblies maintain the
radius of
curvature in the floor panel.
In yet other embodiments, there is provided an end dump trailer with a pair of
novel latch lift assemblies for the dump gate. The end dump trailer includes:
a wheeled frame;
a dump body including a closed front end, an open rear end, a floor and
opposed
side walls, the dump body being supported on the frame and hinged at the rear
end to
the frame for pivotal movement between a lowered position for loading and
transporting
bulk material and a raised position for dumping the bulk material from its
open rear end;
one or more lift cylinders between the frame and the dump body for raising and
lowering the dump body on the frame;
a dump gate including an upper portion and a lower portion, the dump gate
being
horizontally pivotally connected at its upper end portion across the rear end
of the dump
body through a hinge assembly for movement between a closed position, wherein
the
dump gate closes the open rear end of the dump body, and an open position,
wherein
the dump gate is swung rearwardly away from the open end of the dump body; and
a pair of latch lift assemblies, each connected at opposing sides of the dump
body between the dump body and the dump gate, for latching the dump gate in
the
closed position, each latch lift assembly including;
a horizontal latch pin connected to the side of the dump gate;
an upwardly opening cradle catch connected to the side of the dump body
7
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
to receive the latch pin, the cradle catch forming a rearwardly and upwardly
inclined ramp portion to retain the latch pin in a latched position;
a linkage assembly pivotally mounted between the dump body and the
hinge assembly such that rotation of the linkage assembly imparts a vertical
upward movement to the dump gate sufficient for the latch pin to clear the
ramp
portion of the cradle catch for unlatching, while also permitting the
horizontal
pivotal movement to the dump gate; and
an actuator connected between the dump body and the linkage assembly
for rotating the linkage assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the end dump trailer,
showing
a two axle, wheeled trailer frame assembly which is closed section along part
of its
length, and showing a fifth wheel kingpin assembly at its front portion. A
dump body
having a radiused (curved) and seamless floor panel is mounted for pivotal
movement
to a rear portion of the frame assembly. Dual lift cylinders, one on each side
of the
dump body, move the dump body into its raised position. A dump gate is
pivotally
connected at its upper end to the rear end of the dump body. A rear body panel
assembly houses a latch lift assembly on each side for latching/unlatching the
dump
gate in its closed position when the dump body is in its lowered position.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the end dump trailer of FIG. 1, with the dump body in
the
lowered position.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the end dump trailer of FIG. 1, showing the dump body
in
the raised, rearwardly tipping position, with the dual lift cylinders fully
extended, the
latch lift assemblies having vertically raised the dump gate, and the dump
gate in the
open position.
8
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the area in circle IV of FIG. 3, showing the
lower
end of the lift cylinder pivotally connected to a lift cylinder mounting
assembly on the
side plates of the frame assembly.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the area in circle V of FIG. 3, showing the
upper
end of the lift cylinder pivotally connected to the upper rail of the dump
body.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of FIG. 1 with the dump
body
and dual lift cylinders removed, showing the dump body tipping horizontal
hinge
assembly for the dump body at the rear portion of the frame assembly, and
showing the
closed section portion of the frame assembly extending forwardly of a rear
axle,
suspension assembly.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of FIG. 6, with the wheels
and
fenders removed to show the side plate, top pan, bottom pan closed section
details of
the closed section portion of the frame assembly.
FIG. 8 is a side view of the frame assembly of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view taken through line A-A of FIG. 8, showing
the top and bottom overlap joints at the side edge portions of the top and
bottom pans,
and showing a vertical cross plate fastened centrally between the top and
bottom pans.
FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view taken through line B-B of FIG. 8,
showing
the king pin assembly, and showing the U-rails over the top portion of the
side plates of
the closed section portion of the frame assembly.
FIG. 11 is an end view of the frame assembly of FIG. 6.
FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 11.
9
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the king pin assembly for connection at the
front
portion of the frame assembly.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the rear, tandem suspension assembly for
connection rearwardly of the closed section portion of the frame assembly,
with some
parts shown in exploded view.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the assembled rear, tandem suspension
assembly of FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the dump body, showing the radiused (curved)
floor panel, the body front panel assembly closing the front end of the dump
body, and
the body rear panel assembly at the rear end, with the dump gate removed.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the seamless floor panel of the dump body of
FIG. 16, with the side wall panel extensions and the upper rails connected,
before
bending to a curved radiused shape.
FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of the connected floor panel, side
wall
panels and upper rails showing the curved radius shape imparted to the floor
panel.
FIG. 19 is a schematic sectional view taken vertically through joints in the
upper
rail of FIG. 18, showing the generally triangular shape of the upper rails,
and showing
the rail stiffening members for reinforcing the upper point connection for the
lift
cylinders.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the curved mandrel frame fixture used to
shape
the radiused floor panel of FIG. 16, showing parallel spaced longitudinal
rails, front end
and rear end curved guide mandrels being moveable along the rails such that
the
curved guide mandrels are longitudinally spaced apart by an adjustable
distance to
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
accommodate the longitudinal length of the floor panel.
FIG. 21 is an end view of the curved mandrel frame fixture of FIG. 20 showing
one of the front end or rear end curved guide mandrels.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the curved mandrel frame fixture of FIG. 20,
with
the dump body of FIG. 17 laid over the curved guide mandrels.
FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view of the detail from circle XXIII of
FIG. 22,
showing the tie down straps extending over the floor panel and fastened to the
curved
mandrel frame fixture to pull the floor panel against the curved guide
mandrels for the
radiused shape.
FIG. 24 is an end view of FIG. 22.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the curved mandrel frame fixture of FIG. 22,
but
showing the tie down straps bending the dump body and secured to the front end
and
rear end curved guide mandrels.
FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of the detail from circle XXVI of FIG.
25.
FIG. 27 is an end view of FIG. 25.
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the body rear panel assembly for attachment
to
the rear end of the dump body while the floor panel is held in the radiused
shape shown
in FIG. 25.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the body rear panel assembly of FIG. 28, with
the components shown in exploded view.
11
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
FIG. 30 is a partial, side view of the dump body hinged at its rear end, with
the
body rear panel assembly partially removed to show one of the latch lift
assemblies, and
to show the dump gate in the closed, latched position.
FIG. 31 is a partial, side view of the dump body with the body rear panel
assembly partially removed to show the latch lift assembly having vertically
raised the
dump gate from its latched position, and with the dump gate in the open
position as the
dump body is raised with the dual lift cylinders.
FIG. 32 is a partial, perspective view of the dump body with the body rear
panel
assembly partially removed, and with some parts of the latch lift assembly
removed, to
show details of the latch lift assembly and the horizontal gate hinge assembly
with the
dump gate in the closed position and the dump body in the lowered position.
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of some of the latch lift assembly components
separated from the dump body.
FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a three axle, wheeled trailer frame assembly
with
the dump body and dual acting lift cylinders removed, showing the body tipping
horizontal hinge assembly for the dump body at the rear end, and showing the
rear
portion of the frame assembly incorporating the rear, triple axle suspension
assembly
within the side plates of the frame assembly.
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of FIG. 34, with the
wheels
and front fenders removed, and the rear suspension and horizontal hinge
assembly
components in exploded view ready to mount to the frame assembly.
FIG. 36 is a side view of the frame assembly of FIG. 34.
FIG. 37 is an end view of the frame assembly of FIG. 34.
12
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
FIG. 38 is a sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 37.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
An end dump trailer 10, a closed section frame assembly 12, a dump body 11
with a radiused floor panel 51 and method of forming same, a dual lift
cylinder assembly
14, and a pair of latch lift assemblies 15for the dump gate 13, may be
understood by
reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying
drawings.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, the end dump trailer 10 is comprised of components
described more fully below, including:
an open top and open rear dump body 11 with a closed front end 11 a, and an
open rear end 11 b, for transporting bulk material payloads such as gravel,
sand,
asphalt, and aggregate;
a supporting wheeled frame assembly 12 with a front portion 12a and a rear
portion 12b, at least a portion of the frame assembly 12 which having a
rectangular
closed section in a transverse cross sectional view;
a rear body tipping hinge assembly 27 attached at the rear end 11 b of the
dump
body 11 and at the rear portion 12b of the frame assembly 12;
a dual lift cylinder assembly 14 to rotate the rear hinged dump body 11
between
a lowered, horizontal position for loading and transporting bulk material and
a raised,
tipping position for dumping the bulk material from the open rear end 11 b of
the dump
body 11;
an end dump gate 13 having an upper portion 13a, and a lower portion 13b;
a horizontal gate hinge assembly 53 attaching the dump gate 13 to the dump
body 11 at the upper portion 13a of the dump gate 13; and
a pair of latch lift assemblies 15 controlling the latching and unlatching
between
the dump body 11 and the dump gate 13 (latch lift assembly 15 shown in FIGS.
30 -
33).
13
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
FIGS. 3 - 5 shows the dump body 11 in the raised, and rearwardly tipping
position. The dual lift cylinder (hoist) assembly 14 is described more fully
below, but
briefly includes a pair of lift actuators such as hydraulic lift cylinders 17
of one or more
stages (for example one, two or three stages, depending on size, tipping
angle, and
applications for the end dump trailer 10). The lift cylinders 17 are double
acting (i.e.,
dual). Each of the lift cylinders 17 is supported at a lower end 17a (piston
end) by the
wheeled frame assembly 12 though lower lift cylinder mounting assembly 18a.
The
lower end 17a is pivotally connected to the frame assembly 12 through this
assembly
18a. The upper end 17b (cylinder end) of each lift cylinder 17 is pivotally
connected
through an upper lift cylinder mounting assembly 18b to an upper rail 59 of
the dump
body 11. The dump gate 13 is shown unlatched and open to allow bulk material
to be
dumped by nature of gravity forces. At the widest point, the upper rails 59 of
the dump
body 11 are positioned in a vertical plane which is spaced outwardly compared
to the
vertical plane containing the lower lift cylinder mounting assembly 18a. The
pivotal
connections (ex. spherical ball joints) at each of the cylinder ends 17a, 17b
allow pivotal
movement in at least two planes, such that the lift cylinders 17 may be angled
generally
rearwardly, upwardly and outwardly from the lower ends 17a to the upper ends
17b as
they span the distance between the upper rails 59 and the lower lift cylinder
mounting
assembly 18a.
Trailer Frame Assembly with Closed Section for Torsional Stiffness
FIGS. 1 - 14 show a first embodiment of the wheeled frame assembly 12
showing a two axle (tandem rear suspension) application in which the closed
section
portion of the frame assembly ends forwardly of the rear suspension area.
FIGS. 34 -
38 show a second embodiment of a wheeled frame assembly 212 showing a three
axle
rear suspension application in which the closed section portion of the frame
assembly
extends through the rear suspension area. Either embodiment may be adapted to
accommodate fewer or greater number of axles. In the second embodiment, like,
parts
to the first embodiment are generally not described in detail. Although herein
illustrated
14
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
with an end dump trailer embodiment, the frame assemblies 12, 212 have broader
application to other truck and/or trailer frame applications.
The end dump trailer 10 has long axes (front to rear along the length), herein
termed "a longitudinal axis". The term "longitudinal" as used herein and in
the claims
thus refers a position, orientation or movement along a longitudinal axis. The
terms
"transverse" or "cross" as used herein and in the claims refer to a position
or orientation
along an axis generally perpendicular to, and between, parallel spaced
longitudinal axes
of the end dump trailer 10. The terms "front" or "forward" as used herein and
in the
claims refer to a position or orientation proximate the tractor connecting end
of the end
dump trailer 10, or movement or inclination in a direction toward the tractor
connecting
end of the end dump trailer 10. The terms "rear" or "rearward" as used herein
and in the
claims refer to a position or orientation proximate the rear, gated discharge
end of the
end dump trailer 10, or movement or inclination in a direction toward the
rear, gated
discharge end of the end dump trailer. The terms "side" as used herein and in
the
claims refers to spaced apart side members, such as side walls of the dump
body 11, or
side plates of the frame assembly 12. The term "outward" as used herein and in
the
claims refers to a position, orientation, surface, movement or inclination
which faces
away from a side member, or is in a direction away from a side member, for
example
generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. The term "inward" as used
herein means
opposite of outward. The term "horizontal" as used herein and in the claims
generally
refers to an position, orientation, a plane or a rotational plane parallel to
level ground,
such as a position or plane when the dump body 11 is in a horizontal, lowered
position.
The term "vertical" as used herein and in the claims generally refers to a
position,
orientation or plane perpendicular to level ground. The terms "upward" and
"downward"
as used herein and in the claims are generally used relative to level ground.
With reference to FIGS. 1 - 14, the front portion 12a of the frame assembly 12
includes a kingpin assembly 19 (see FIG. 13) for connecting to the pulling
tractor (not
shown). The rear portion 12b of the frame assembly 12 accommodates ground
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
engaging wheels 16 and a rear suspension assembly 26 for one or more axle
applications.
In FIGS. 6-14, the dump body 11 and cylinders 17 are removed to show the
components of the frame assembly 12. FIG. 7 has the fenders and wheels removed
to
better show frame assembly details. Structural vertical side plates 21 which
are parallel
spaced apart, and extend longitudinally at least a portion of the longitudinal
length from
the front portion 12a toward the rear portion 12b of the frame assembly 12.
The frame
assembly 12 also includes a generally horizontal upper pan 23 extending
between top
portions 21 a of the side plates 21, and a generally horizontal bottom pan 24
extending
between bottom portions 21 b of the side plates 21. The top pan 23 has opposed
side
edge portions 23a, and bottom pan 24 has opposed side edge portions 24a. While
the
pans 23, 24 are generally horizontal, they may be inclined (or bent) upwardly
or
downwardly to accommodate reduced and/or increased height areas of the side
plates
21, such as at the front kingpin assembly 19, or at the rear suspension
assembly 26.
Thus, as used herein and in the claims, the term "generally horizontal" with
respect to
pans 23, 24 is meant to include inclined or bent portions in the pans 23, 24.
The top
and bottom pans 23, 24 may be formed in a single sheet or in a plurality of
sections
between the front and rear portions 12a, 12b. In the Figures, the top and
bottom pans
are shown in sections, with each section being labeled as 23 or as 24. The
sections
may be formed with connecting flanges to connect the sections together with
transverse
joints (best seen at 225 in FIG. 34). The sections of pans 23, 24 also assist
in
accommodating the reduced/increased height areas of the side plates 21.
A number of vertical pan support plates 25 (shown as cross plates in the
figures)
are connected between the top and bottom pans 23, 24. The vertical pan support
plates are shown as being oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, but
other
vertical orientations between the top and bottom pans 23, 24 may be used. The
vertical
pan support plates 25 provide vertical structural support between the top and
bottom
pans 23, 24 of the frame assembly 12.
16
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
The frame assembly 12 is shown with conventional front fender brackets 12c and
front fenders 12d, extending outwardly from, and connected to, the side plates
21.
FIG. 9 is a schematic, transverse cross-section taken along line A-A of FIG. 8
through the frame assembly 12 to show the rectangular closed section
construction in
the frame assembly 12. This rectangular closed section may be included for the
entire
length of the frame, or for a portion, for example a front half portion, or
middle half
portion, or more than a half portion of the frame assembly 12. Other portions
of the
frame assembly 12, such as at the front and/or rear portions 12a, 12b, may be
constructed without the rectangular cross section, such as using known ladder
frame
construction. The rectangular closed section construction is defined by the
vertical side
plates 21 and the top and bottom pans 23, 24. The rectangular closed section
portion
of the frame assembly 12 provides substantial resistance to transverse bending
and
provides torsional stiffness in the longitudinal direction to withstand
torsional forces
applied by dead and live lifting loads for an end dump trailer. This
rectangular closed
section is accomplished by fastening the horizontal upper and lower pans 23,
24
between the vertical side plates 21 at the upper and lower portions 21 a, 21 b
of the side
plates 21. The mode of fastening is described in greater detail below. It will
be
understood that the rectangular closed section portion of the frame assembly
12 does
not include the structural I-beams used in conventional ladder frames, nor
does it
include the T-shaped beams of the unibeam frames mentioned in the prior art.
As well,
welding of the closed section frame components 21, 23 and 24 is not needed, as
threaded (example bolts) and/or rivet fasteners may be used.
Vertical side plates 21 may be continuous or have cut-out portions 22 (ex.
shaped holes, such as round or oval holes of material removed from the plates)
to
reduce material and weight from the frame assembly 12 while maintaining the
structural
properties. Top and bottom pans 23, 24 may be continuous pans, or as shown in
the
Figures, may have cut out portions 23b, 24b, such as large triangular or
diamond-
shaped holes. Other shaped cut out portions may be used, such as rectangular
cut out
17
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
portions, although generally triangular and/or diamond cut outs are
advantageously
used for structural strength. The cut out portions 23b, 24b result in a
lattice geometry, or
a truss-like structure, with the side edge portions 23a, 24a intact. The cut
out portions
23b, 24b reduce material and weight from the pans 23, 24 (and thus from the
frame
assembly 12), while preferably creating a triangulated lattice geometry which
maintains
strength and torsional stiffness in the frame assembly 12.
Vertical side plates 21 and pans 23, 24 may be formed from plate or sheet
carbon steel, plate or sheet aluminum, or a combination of plate or sheet
aluminum and
steel. For greatest structural properties, each of the side plates 21, at
least for the
closed section portion, are formed in a continuous section from a single sheet
or plate of
steel, such as high tensile 4.5 mm steel. The pans 23, 24 may be formed in
sections,
joined together along the length of the frame assembly 12, for example from 6
mm high
tensile steel. For greatest structural properties, the pans 23, 24 are formed
from steel
sheets or plates. Sectional pans 23, 24 are particularly useful to accommodate
reduced
and/or increased height portions of the side plates 21, as is evident from the
figures.
As best shown in FIG. 9, the side plates 21 and the top and bottom pans 23, 24
are connected together through opposed top overlap joints 30 and opposed
bottom
overlap joints 31 (i.e., top pan side edge portions 23a and top side plate
portions 21 a
overlap one another with parallel overlapping portion, and bottom pan side
edge
portions 24a and bottom side plate portions 21 b overlap one another with
parallel
overlapping portion). The overlap joints 30, 31 may be formed at the side edge
portions
23a, 24a of the top, bottom pans 23, 24, for example by forming right angle
bends, or by
attaching right angle brackets (latter not shown). The overlap joints 30, 31
may
alternatively be formed at the top and bottom portions 21 a, 21 b of the
vertical side
plates 21 by forming right angle bends, or by attaching right angle brackets
(latter not
shown). In this manner, the right angle bends or right angle brackets form top
and
bottom connecting walls or flanges to provide the top and bottom overlap
joints 30, 31.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9, the top pan 23 has side edge portions
23a
18
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
providing a right angled top connecting wall 32 formed with a right angle bend
so that
the top connecting wall 32 is oriented parallel to the side plates 21. The
bottom pan 24
has side edge portions 24a providing a right angled bottom connecting wall 33
formed
with a right angle bend so that the bottom connecting wall 33 is oriented
parallel to the
side plates 21. In FIG. 9 the top and bottom connecting walls 32, 33 are
formed to be
positioned to overlap at inwardly facing surfaces 34 of the side plates 21,
however,
overlap at outwardly facing surfaces 35 of the side plates 21 may also be
used. Top
fasteners 36 (shown as dots along top portion 21 a of side plate 21 in FIG. 8)
extend
through the top overlap joints 30 to connect the top pan 23 and the side
plates 21.
Bottom fasteners 37 (shown as dots along bottom portion 21 b of side plate 21
in FIG. 8)
extend through the bottom overlap joints 31 to connect the bottom pan 24 and
the side
plates 21.
While welding or adhesive connections may be used at the overlap joints 30,
31,
the top and bottom fasteners 36, 37 are most advantageously threaded or rivet
fasteners connected through aligned holes formed by laser, plasma or
mechanical
drilling through the overlap joints 30, 31. Exemplary threaded or rivet
fasteners include
bolts and nuts, lock bolts, and rivets such as HUCK (TM of Alcoa Inc.)
rivets.
Although not fully labeled in the Figures, it will be understood that dots
appearing in the
Figures generally represent threaded or rivet fasteners, and small holes
appearing in
the Figures are drilled for threaded or rivet fasteners. In the event of
welding in the
frame assembly, known techniques of electric metal deposition welding or
electric
resistance welding may be used.
For some applications of the frame assembly 12, additional structural support
may be added, for example the vertical pan support plates 25 between the top
and
bottom pans 23, 24. FIGS. 9, 10 shows a top flange 38 formed at the side edge
portions 23a of the top pan 23, formed as a further right angled bend so as to
extend
horizontally above and outwardly from the side plates 21. A downwardly opening
U-
shaped rail 39 may be connected over the top portion 21 a of each of the side
plates 21.
19
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
The U-shaped rail 39 may extend along part or all of the length of the side
plates 21. In
the Figures, the U-shaped rail 39 extends over at least the front half of the
length of the
side plates 21, where the transverse bending loads are high. Threaded or rivet
fasteners may be used, extending through the U-shaped rail 39 and the top
flange 38,
to connect the U-shaped rail 39. Alternatively welding or adhesives may be
used to
connect the U-shaped rails 39. The U-shaped rails 39 may be replaced by other
upper
longitudinal structural members such as angled or flat flanges, whether formed
integrally
with, or separately from, one or both of the side plates 21 and the top pans
23.
It will be understood that the overlaps joints 30, 31, the top and bottom
connecting walls 32, 33, the top flanges 38, the U-shaped rails 39, and the
vertical pan
support plates 25 all contribute to overall strength of the closed section
portion of the
frame assembly 12, making it ideally suited for end dump trailer applications
and other
applications. The use of threaded or rivet fasteners to connect together the
closed
section portion of the frame assembly provides a faster and more economical
manufacturing process for the frame assembly compared to welded I-beams and
ladder
frame construction of the prior art. Cut out portions 23b, 24b in the pans 23,
24 allow
for lighter weight frame construction, while relying on the closed section
portions for
torsional stiffness and mechanical strength.
As described above, a number of vertical pan support plates 25 may be spaced
through the frame closed section cross-section portions to provide strength to
the top
and bottom pans 23, 24. The vertical pan support plates 25 may be formed from
steel
or aluminum plates, with steel providing the greatest strength. The vertical
pan support
plates 25 may be formed with top and bottom flanges 25a, 25b, for example by
forming
or attaching right angle bends or brackets at the top and bottom edges (see
FIG. 9).
Threaded or rivet fasteners 25c are shown in FIG. 9 extending through the
flanges 25a,
25b and through the pans 23, 24. The vertical pan support plates 25 may be
generally
centrally located between the side plates 21, as shown in the Figures to best
support
the top and bottom pans 23, 24. As above these vertical pan support plates may
be
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
longitudinally oriented between the top and bottom pans 23, 24 (not shown in
figures).
The vertical pan support plates 25, whether oriented transversely or
longitudinally
between the top and bottom pans, increase stiffness and resistance to buckling
of the
top, bottom pans 23, 24 under conditions of high bending or torsional loading,
such as
occur during dumping operations in an end dump trailer 10.
FIGS 6, 7 and 8 also shows a body tipping hinge assembly 27 at the rear
portion
12b of the frame assembly. In FIG. 9, the hinge assembly 27 is located at the
rear end
of the rear suspension assembly 26. The hinge assembly 27 has a horizontal
rotational
axis parallel to the rotational axis of the road wheels 16. The hinge assembly
27 allows
for the raising and lowering of dump body 11 by the dual lift cylinder
assembly 14. The
hinge assembly 27 includes horizontal mounting plates 27a for connection to
the rear
end 11 b of the dump body 11 such as by bolting, vertical spaced apart hinge
side plates
27b extending downwardly from the mounting plates 27a, and horizontal hinge
pins 27c
extending through the hinge pivot holes 27d (see FIG. 7) formed through the
side rails
41 of the rear suspension assembly 16.
FIGS. 10 and 13 show details of the kingpin assembly 19. The kingpin area of
the frame assembly 12 experiences high torsional/twisting loads, so is heavily
reinforced. The side plates 21 have a reduced height at the front portion 12a
of the
frame assembly 12 to accommodate the tractor, and the kingpin assembly 19 is
mounted between the side plates 21 in this reduced height area. The kingpin
assembly
includes downwardly extending kingpin 28, upper fifth wheel horizontal plate
29
(functions as bottom pan 24) formed with upturned side flanges 29f for
connecting to the
side plates 21, a transverse kingpin front plate 29a, dump body landing plates
29b,
kingpin longitudinal reinforcing member 29c, kingpin transverse reinforcing
members
29d, and transverse reinforcing members 29e. Kingpin 28 engages the fifth
wheel
locking mechanism (not shown) of a semi-tractor and transfers tractive forces
to the end
dump trailer 10. The horizontal portion of plate 29 rests on the semi-tractor
fifth wheel
(not shown) and supports the vertical trailer load as well as transmits
torsional/twisting
21
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
loads from the end dump trailer 10 to the semi-tractor. The kingpin front
plate 29a
includes top flanges 29i. The frontmost top pan section 23 is cut away in a
central
portion over the kingpin assembly 19, leaving its side edge portions 23a
extending
forwardly over the kingpin assembly 19 (see FIG. 7 and 10). The side edge
portions
23a of this frontmost top pan 23 connect to a top flange 29i of the kingpin
front plate
29a. The kingpin assembly 19 forms a box-like reinforced structure which can
be
connected between the side plates 25 of the frame assembly 12, for example
with
threaded or rivet fasteners, or by welding or adhesives. As above, dots
appearing in the
Figures represent threaded or rivet fasteners, and small holes appearing in
the Figures,
such as shown in side flanges 29f are drilled for threaded or rivet fasteners.
The front
kingpin plate 29a is formed with multiple holes 29g to allow for electrical,
hydraulic or air
connections through to other components of the end dump trailer 10. For
additional
strength in the king pin assembly area, a bottom flange 29h is connected to
the lower
portion 21 b of the side plates 21, such as by welding. The bottom flange 29h
may be
replaced by other bottom longitudinal support members such as angled or flat
flanged
formed integral with, or separately from, one or both of the side plates 21
and the
bottom pan 24. As well, extending rearwardly from the area of the kingpin
assembly 19
toward the landing gear 45, a curved side plate member 29j is connected to the
outwardly facing surfaces of each of the side plates 21, and extends outwardly
toward
the landing gear leg 45, to strengthen the frame assembly 12 in the landing
gear area.
FIGS. 14, 15 show a typical rear tandem axle suspension assembly 26 including
two axle assemblies 40 and a structural frame having longitudinal, spaced
apart side
rails 41 (C-shaped), which can be connected through upper mounts 41 a to the
top pan
23, between the side plates 21 of the frame assembly 12, for example by
threaded or
rivet fasteners or by welding. In the Figures, the rear suspension assembly 26
is
connected rearwardly of the side plates 21, such that only the forward portion
of the
frame assembly 12 forms a closed section in transverse cross section. In the
second
embodiment of FIGS. 34 - 38, the rear suspension assembly 226 is connected
within
the side plates 21 to extend the closed section of the frame through the rear
22
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
suspension. The rear suspension assembly 26 includes multiple and lateral
cross
members 42, 43 arranged parallel to the rotational axis of the road wheels 16.
Peripheral equipment such as splash fenders 44a and mud flaps (not shown) may
be
attached to mounting brackets 44. The number of axles can be decreased or
increased, as known in the art. The suspension shown in the Figures is a Reyco
Granning 23 K Air Ride air suspension system, which is representative of
conventional
types of air suspension, and thus art known components are not separately
labeled as
they are well understood by persons skilled in the art. Although air
suspension is
shown, it should be understood that other types of rear suspension assemblies
might be
used, for example leaf spring suspension.
FIGS. 34 - 38 show a three axle frame assembly 212 with the full length of the
frame assembly 212 being formed with vertical side plates 221, each formed
from a
single plate of steel. Like parts to the first embodiment are not all
described herein, as
the details will be apparent based on the above description and the Figures.
The top
pans 223 extend along the full length of the frame assembly rearwardly of the
king pin
assembly 219. The bottom pan sections 224 extend along the length of the frame
assembly 212 rearwardly from the king pin assembly 219 to the rear suspension
assembly 226. Vertical pan support plates 225 extend between the pans 223,
224. The
rear suspension assembly 226, which is a conventional triple axle air
suspension
assembly, is connected between the side plates 221, for example with threaded
or rivet
fasteners, and/or with welding. While shown for a three axle frame assembly,
this
embodiment may be adapted to frame applications with fewer or more axles. Rear
suspension subassemblies 254 bolt to the underside of the frame assembly 212
through
mounting plates 261, and include air suspension axle assemblies 240, connected
to
cross tube supports 256. Alternatively, the rear suspension assembly 226 may
be
welded or riveted. Threaded or rivet fasteners throughout the rear suspension
226
under the frame assembly 212 between the side plates 221 reduces the labour
and
material needed for the overall frame construction. Cross tube supports 256
provide
upper mount plates 258 for the air suspension airbags 260. Cross tube supports
256
23
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
bolt to the underside of the frame assembly 212 through the side plates 221
and the
bottom pans 224. Throughout area of the rear suspension assembly 226, the
vertical
pan support members are shown as flanged vertical frame cross members 259
extending between the side plates 221 and being connected to the side plates
221 and
to the top pan 223, for example with threaded or rivet fasteners, or by
welding. The
bottom pans 224 are shown to be longitudinally spaced apart in the area of the
rear
suspension assembly 226 to accommodate and connect to the flanged vertical
frame
cross members 259. The bottom pans 224 are connected to the outward facing
surfaces shown at 235 of the side plates 221. The flanged vertical frame cross
members 259 in the rear suspension area provide rigid mounting points for the
cross
tube supports 256.
Rear tipping hinge assembly 227 is formed separately from frame side plates
221
(see FIG. 35), and is connected with threaded or rivet fasteners, or by
welding, to the
extreme rear end portion 212b of the frame assembly 212. The hinge assembly
227
includes side members 262, cross member 263 extending between side members
262,
and hinge pivot holes 265 formed through the side members 262 in an area that
is
reinforced to strengthen the pivot point.
Frame assemblies 12, 212 formed with full length or partial length rectangular
closed sections as described herein are preferable to conventional full length
ladder
frames by providing better torsional stiffness and stability for an end dump
trailer 10.
The closed section frame assemblies 12, 212 may be used with trailers other
than end
dump trailers. As well, other known wheeled frames such as a ladder frame may
be
used with other components of the end dump trailer 10 described herein,
including the
radiused dump body 11, the dual lift cylinder assembly 14 and the latch lift
assembly 15.
Dump Body with Radiused Floor Panel
FIG. 16 shows the dump body 11 comprised of a front body panel assembly 50,
24
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
body section 57, and rear body panel assembly 52 to which the dump gate 13
mounts
by fixed hinge mounts 53. An access ladder 54 is commonly attached, as are
board
brackets 55 which allow for extendible body height. Upper lift cylinder
mounting
assembly 18b form the upper mount point for the lift cylinders 17 to the upper
rails 59,
while lower lift cylinder mounting assembly 18a (FIG. 1) forms the lower mount
point for
the lift cylinders 17 to the side plates 21 of the frame assembly 12. The
ratio of the
body length to the body width, (where width is between the outermost surfaces
of the
upper rails 59), is generally 2.5:1 to 6:1, more typically 3.5:1 to 4.5:1 for
on-road end
dump trailers. As shown in FIG. 16 the curved body section 57 does not need
inner or
outer structural ribs along its length; the front and rear body panel
assemblies 50, 52,
together with the shaped upper rails 59, once connected together with the
curved body
section 57 provide sufficient structural stability for the typical loads of an
end dump
trailer. This leaves the inner and outer surfaces of the dump body 11 free
from
transverse joints, ribs, and fasteners, facilitating efficient and balanced
discharge of the
bulk material, reducing instability and the need for large tipping angles, and
increasing
wear life of the dump body surfaces.
The method and forming fixture for shaping the radiused body section 57 (with
at
least floor panel 51 in radiused shape), is described below with reference to
FIGS. 17 -
29.
FIG. 17 shows the flat orientation that of connected body components, prior to
bending to assume the shape of the curved body section 57. The body section 57
is
comprised of a center floor panel 51, side wall extension panels 58 on either
side of the
floor panel 51, and upper rails 59 on either side of the extension panels 58.
Depending
on the size requirements for the dump body 11, and depending on availability
of large
metal sheets, the side wall extension panels 58 may not be needed, in which
case, the
upper rails 59 may be connected to the floor panel 51.
FIGS. 18, 19 show the center floor panel 51, preferably formed from a single,
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
seamless sheet of steel, curved with a concave upwardly opening surface with a
central
axis parallel to the direction of road travel. This center floor panel 51 has
no seams
running transverse to the direction of material flow when dumping, allowing
for easier
flow of materials when dumping. The center floor panel 51 is connected to side
wall
extension panels 58 along the opposed side edges 51c of the floor panel 51.
The side
wall panels 58 are also formed from steel sheets, to extend the overall side
wall height.
Side wall extension panels 58 on each side of center floor panel 51 are
connected to
reinforcing upper rail members 59 along opposed free edges 58a (upper edges)
of the
side wall panels 58, and preferably also the outer and upper surfaces of the
side wall
panels (i.e., outward surface 58b as shown in FIG. 19). Welding is preferably
used to
connect the floor panel 51, side wall panels 58 and upper rails 59 at
overlapping
longitudinal seams. While threaded or rivet fasteners might be used, they are
less
desirable since they can interrupt the smooth inner surface of the dump body
11.
The upper rail members 59 are shown in a generally triangular shape in cross
section (once connected to the side wall panels 58), as shown in FIG. 19. The
upper
rail members 59 may contain internal rail stiffeners 60 spaced as desirable to
support
point loading such as at attachment points for the upper lift cylinder
mounting assembly
18b. In FIG. 19, the internal rail stiffeners 60 are generally triangular
shaped, to provide
the same shape as the upper rails 59. The upper rails 59 are shown in FIG. 18
as being
joined at a generally central location along their length to accommodate the
internal rail
stiffeners 60. This joint at 60 may be moved, depending on the desired
connecting
point for the upper lift cylinder mounting assembly 18b (not shown in FIG. 18,
and as
more fully described below). The shape of upper rail members 59 can be
modified, for
example to be box shaped or other polygonal shape in cross section once
connected to
the side wall panels 58. The shape of the upper rails 59 assists in their
purpose of
structurally reinforcing the side wall extension panels 58 and receiving the
upper lift
cylinder mounting assembly 18b. The upper rails 59 may alternatively be formed
by
bending over the side edges 58a of the side wall panels 58. The side wall
extensions
58 may be eliminated if sidewall height is reduced or if wider sections of
center floor
26
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
sheet 51 are used.
High strength steel, 2-10 mm thickness, such as 3-6 mm carbon steel with
Brinell
Hardness Index (BHN) of between 400 BHN and 500 BHN may be used for the center
floor panel 51, providing increased wear life and superior flow during dumping
due to
the single panel, with no transverse seams. This grade of steel provides
superior
strength and low weight. Similar steel may be used in the side wall panels 58
and
upper rails 59.
FIGS. 20, 21 show the forming fixture 70 which is employed to aid in forming
of
the curved dump body section 57. The fixture 70 orients the dump body section
57
upside down compared to its final assembled orientation. FIG. 20 shows the
fixture 70
comprised of a base assembly 71 with longitudinal, side rails 72, and cross
members 73
to add structural integrity. Wheels 75 may be added to aid in towing the
fixture 70 to
and from the process location. Adjusting pads/legs 76 may be included to level
the
forming fixture 70 prior to use.
FIGS. 22 - 24 show the forming fixture 70 with the dump body section 57 of
FIG.
17 (i.e., body floor panel 51 connected to side wall extensions 58 and upper
rail
members 59), draped over spaced apart, radiused (curved) front end and rear
end
guide mandrels 77, 78 located at each end of the fixture 70. The curved guide
mandrels 77, 78 are substantially the same outer shape as the desired inner
shape of
the curved body section 57. In general it is desirable to form a floor panel
51 having a
radius of curvature between about 30 and 72 inches, so the upper portion of
the curved
guide mandrels 77, 78 provide a convex radius of curvature in this range. The
curved
guide mandrels 77, 78 thus provide a curved mandrel frame component for
bending the
body section 57 without the need for rolling the steel of any of the body
section 57
components. While the curved guide mandrels 77, 78 could be formed as a
continuous
mandrel frame, it is preferable to space them apart, and mount them on wheels
90 at
the bases of guide mandrels 77, 78, to allow the guide mandrels 77, 78 to roll
on the
27
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
longitudinal rails 72. In this manner the guide mandrels 77, 78 can be
longitudinally
spaced apart by an adjustable distance to accommodate the longitudinal length
of the
floor panel 51, which will differ for different sizes of end dump trailers 10.
The curved
guide mandrels include spaced apart curved plates 77a, 78a, connected together
and
supported in a central section with an inverted T-frame 77b, 78b, which is
structurally
reinforced to withstand the weight of the dump body section 57. The wheels 90
are
connected at the outer extremities of the T-frames 77b, 78b to roll on the
side rails 72.
When placed over the fixture 70, the weight of the body section 57 causes the
body section 57 to flex downward at its outer edges. FIGS. 22 - 23 show the
body
section 57 resting on the fixture 70 with the flexure due to gravitational
forces depicted
(the amount of downward flexure is a function of the weight of the body
section 57, the
material used, and the thickness of the material used). Additional clamping
force is
applied to pull the body section 57 around the guide mandrels 77, 78. Tie down
straps
79 with cinch tightening mechanisms 80 are wrapped over and around the outside
of
the body floor section 57 and attached at the lower ends to latching points 82
affixed at
the outer extremities of the base of the T-frames 77b, 78b of the guide
mandrels 77, 78.
Spacer blocks 81 are included adjacent the upper rail 59 to apply inward
pressure to
help the side wall panels 58 conform to the guide mandrels 77, 78. Tightening
mechanisms 80 can be any tensioning devices, for example ratchet, winch
cables,
chain tighteners, steel straps etc. Tightening, or cinching, of the straps 79
applies
downward and inward force to cause the body section 57 to conform to the shape
of the
mandrels 77, 78.
FIGS. 25 - 27 show the curved body section 57 pulled entirely down around the
guide mandrels 77, 78 by virtue of the clamping force provided by the straps
79. Front
body panel assembly 50 and rear body panel assembly 52 are then positioned
(not yet
connected in Figures) and welded to the front and rear ends 51 a, 51 b of the
center floor
panel section 51 and to the coextensive front end and rear ends of the side
wall panels
58 and to the upper rails 59. The upper rail 59 is shown spaced from rear end
51 b (see
28
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
FIG. 17) to accommodate overlap of the rear body panel assembly 52 on the
outside
surface of the dump body 11. Once the welding is completed, the straps 79 can
be
removed and the body section 57 retains the radiused shape with the strength
of the
upper rail members 59 overcoming the tendency of the center floor section 51
to flex
back toward its original flat shape. Bolting, riveting, or other forms of
mechanical
fastening may be used to eliminate or partially eliminate welding operations.
Under
typical conditions (grade and thickness of floor section materials) the floor
section 51 is
not permanently deformed into the radiused shape, but instead held in this
shape by the
combined strength of the end assemblies 50, 52 and the upper rail members 59.
Some
flexure back toward the flat shape occurs but is acceptable for the purpose of
the dump
body 11. Alternate means of applying external force to the floor section could
be
employed instead of tie down straps 79, such as, but not limited to, pneumatic
or
hydraulic clamping with or without an inner convex-shaped curved mandrel.
The front body panel assembly 50 as shown in FIG. 16, includes a front wall
50a
closing the front end of the dump body 11, spaced apart vertical structural
support
beams 50b connected to the front facing wall of the front wall 50a, cushions
50c at the
base of the vertical structural support beams 50b for landing the dump body on
the
kingpin assembly 19, and angled guide brackets 50d connected at the base of
the
vertical structural support beams 50b to centre the dump body 11 within the
kingpin
assembly 19. The front wall 50a is welded to the front end 11 a of the dump
body as a
T-joint weld, with the front wall 50a extending by a small distance, such as
one half inch,
outwardly from the front end 11 a of the dump body 11. This allows for welding
along
both the inside and outside of the T-joint formed between the front wall 50a
and the
front end of the dump body 11. An upper plate 50e is connected at the front
faces of
the vertical structural support beams 50b and is connected, for example by
welding, at
its side edges to the upper rails 59 so as to close the upper rails 59 and
assist in holding
the curved shape of the dump body floor panel 51. The upper plate 50e may
support a
tarp shelf (not shown) as is conventional for end dump trailers.
29
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
FIGS. 28, 29 show the structure of bolted (threaded or rivet fasteners) and
welded rear body panel assembly 52. The rear body panel assembly forms an
upwardly opening curved profile P to accommodate the curved body section 57 of
the
dump body 11. Rear body panel assembly 52 includes left and right front facing
panels
91 a, 91 b and left and right rear facing panels 92a, 92b interconnected with
bolts in a
spaced relationship with left and right side panels 94a, 94b and bottom panels
95, 96.
A joining panel 97 may be used between left and right rear panels 92a, 92b.
Bolting
together of the panels 91 - 97 may be facilitated by forming right angle
flanges 98 at one
or more of the edges of one or more of the panels 91 - 97. One or more splice
plates
99 may be used for bolting together any panel joints which abut without
flanges, as
shown for the central joints between joining panel 97 and left and right rear
panels 92a,
92b, between left and right front panels 91 a, 91 b, and between bottom panels
95, 96.
The rear body panel assembly 52 is welded to the outside surface of the body
section
57 of the dump body, such that rear end 11 b extends a small distance to form
a
protruding lip (not visible in figures), for example one half inch, beyond the
rear of the
rear body panel assembly 52. When the dump body 11 is closed by the dump gate
13,
the dump gate 13 rests against this protruding lip of the dump body 11.
In its assembled state, rear body panel assembly 52 provides structural
stability
to the center floor panel 51 of the dump body 11 as the upwardly facing edges
of the
panels 91 - 97 are welded or otherwise attached to the curved dump body
section 57,
as described above. Once attached, the rear body panel assembly 52 also
provides
hollow side housings 100 between the dump body 11 and the panels 90 - 97 at
the rear
of the dump body 11 for housing parts of the latch lift assembly 15, as
described below.
This prevents the latch linkage assembly 15 components from coming into
contact with
the bulk material payload and/or the environment. Latch lift actuator mounting
bracket
101 is bolted into rear body panel assembly 52. In FIGS. 28 - 32 the bracket
101 is
bolted to the side panels 94a, 94b.
In the preferred forming process, rear body panel assembly 52 is assembled
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
using a hybrid combination of mechanical fastening (threaded or rivet
fasteners) and
welding. For example, lock bolts 102 and lock collars 103 (FIG. 29) may be
used in
combination with electric resistance welding where desired for additional
strength. Bolt
holes may be formed in the panels 91 - 97 for example by drilling or laser
cutting.
Assembly may proceed with other types of mechanical fasteners such as helical
thread
bolts and nuts or panels 91 - 97 may be joined solely with welding.
In an alternate embodiment, the connected floor panel 51, side wall panel
extensions 58 and upper rails 59 may be clamped into a radiused shape of FIG.
18
using the front and rear body panel assemblies 50, 52 as curved mandrels, and
the
dump body 11 may then be connected, for example by welding or with threaded or
rivet
fasteners, to the front and rear body panel assemblies 50, 52.
Dual Lift Cylinder Assembly
FIGS. 1 - 5 show a dual lift cylinder (hoist) assembly 14, including a lift
actuator
such as a hydraulic cylinder 17 mounted on each side of the dump body 11
between the
lower and upper lift cylinder mounting assemblies 18a, 18b for pivotal
movement. The
lift cylinders 17 have a sufficient length, and are mounted, so that extension
of the
cylinders 17 rotates and rearwardly tips the dump body 11 through rear, body
tipping
hinge assembly 27 between a lowered position (FIGS. 1, 2) for loading and
transporting
bulk material and a raised position (FIG. 3), at an angle of at least 40
degrees from
horizontal, more preferably 45 degrees, for dumping bulk material from the
open rear
end 11 b of the dump body 11.
For connecting each of the lift cylinders 17 at a lower end 17a, the frame
assembly 12 may include parallel spaced, downwardly extending side plate
extensions
20, each connected to the lower portion 21 b, at an outer surface, of each of
the side
plates 21. Each of the lower lift cylinder mounting assemblies 18a includes a
plate 18
fixed to the side plate extension 20, such as with threaded or rivet
fasteners, at a point
31
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
between the front and rear portions 12a, 12b of the frame assembly 12. A
mounting
bracket 46 extends outwardly from the plate 18. A spherical bearing 47 is
provided at
the lower end 17a of the lift cylinder 17 to provide a pivotal mount to
mounting assembly
18a. Cylinder mounting pin 48 extends generally perpendicularly through the
spherical
bearing 47, and is formed with drilled holes (not visible in figures). The
drilled holes are
oriented generally perpendicularly to the long axis of the mounting pin 48.
Bolts 49
extend through the mounting pin holes to connect the mounting pin 48 at its
ends to the
mounting bracket 46 in a trunnion fashion.
For connecting each of the lift cylinders 17 at an upper end 17b, the upper
lift
cylinder mounting assembly 18b is fixed to the bottom edge of the upper rail
59 of the
dump body 11 at a point rearwardly of the lower lift cylinder mounting
assembly 18a.
This point of connection to the upper rail 59 is generally proximate the
midpoint of the
length of the dump body 11 or within the center three quarters of the length
of the dump
body 11, such as within the centre one half portion of the length. The upper
lift cylinder
mounting assembly 18b is also located to be proximate a vertical stiffener 60
within the
upper rail to provide structural stability to the upper pivotal mount. The
upper end 17b
of the lift cylinder 17 includes a spherical bearing 47b to provide a pivotal
mount to the
upper lift cylinder mounting assembly 18b. The mounting assembly 18b includes
a
downwardly extending mounting bracket 46b. A cylinder mounting pin 48b extends
generally perpendicularly through the spherical bearing 47b, and includes
drilled holes
(not visible in the figures). The drilled holes are oriented generally
perpendicularly to
the long axis of the mounting pin 48b. Bolts 49b extend through the pin holes
to
connect the mounting pin 48b at its ends to the mounting bracket 46b in a
trunnion
fashion.
This nature of the pivotal mount at each of the cylinder ends 17a, 17b allow
pivotal movement of the lift cylinders 17 in at least two planes, such that
the lift cylinders
17 may be angled and extended generally rearwardly, upwardly and outwardly
from the
lower ends 17a to the upper ends 17b.
32
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
A structural cross member 56 extends between the side plates extensions 20 to
provide strength between the lower pivotal mounting of the lift cylinders 17.
The side
plate extensions 20 and cross member 56 are formed so as to allow road
clearance,
such as about 12 inches above ground. In the Figures, the side plate
extensions 20 are
located just rearwardly of the height adjustable landing gear legs 45.
The hydraulic lift cylinders 17 may be telescoping and in one or more stages
(for
example one, two or three telescoping stages, depending on size and
applications for
end dump trailer 10). As shown above, the lower ends 17a of the cylinders 17,
by being
connected to the frame assembly 12 are spaced more closely together than are
the
upper ends 17b, which are connected to the upper rails 59. The cylinders 17
thus are
angled rearwardly, upwardly and outwardly from their lower ends 17a to their
upper
ends 17b. During extension, the cylinders 17 rotate rearwardly, upwardly and
inwardly
in at least two planes. However, in alternate embodiments, the lower and upper
ends
17a, 17b of hydraulic cylinders 17 may be equally spaced apart from each other
so as
to cause the cylinders 17 to rotate in parallel planes during extension.
The hydraulic cylinders 17 are extended to raise dump body 11 into a dumping
position by the application of hydraulic pressure to the underside of the
pistons (not
visible), and allowing hydraulic fluid in the upper volume of the cylinders 17
to return to
the fluid reservoir (not visible). Lowering of dump body 11 to a horizontal
transport
position is ensured to be timely by a combination of gravitational forces and
cylinder
retracting force accomplished by application of hydraulic pressure on the
upper surface
area of the hydraulic cylinder pistons while allowing hydraulic fluid in the
lower volume
of the cylinders to return to the fluid reservoir. The double-acting (dual)
nature of the
cylinders 17 ensures that the dump body is lowered based on the hydraulic flow
and
pressure characteristics of the hydraulic system, not relying solely on
gravitational
forces to overcome hydraulic fluid flow resistance.
Advantageous features of the dual acting lift cylinder assembly 14 will be
33
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
apparent. Short tipping cycles may be obtained due to double acting nature of
cylinders
17. Mounting the cylinders 17 in a rearwardly inclined manner, between the
downwardly extending side plate extensions 20 (i.e., below lower portions 21 b
of side
plates 21) and to the upper rails 59 allows for shortening of the full
extension length
needed for of the cylinders 17 (compared to extension lengths for prior art
front
mounted vertical hoists, or hoists to bottom or sides of dump bodies). This in
turn
allows the use of one, two or three stage telescoping cylinders, much less
that five
stage hoist cylinders of the prior art.
Latch Lift Assemblies
FIGS. 30 - 32 show a cut-away view of the rear body panel assembly 52 with
FIGS. 30, 32 showing the dump gate 13 latched in the closed and locked
position and
FIG. 31 showing the dump gate 13 unlatched in the open position. In FIGS. 30 -
32 the
left side panel 94a is cut away from the rear body panel assembly 52 revealing
the
inside of hollow side housing 100 which contains a latch lift assembly 15 on
the side of
dump body 11. An identical, but mirror image latch lift assembly 15 is
provided on the
other side of the dump body 11.
The details of the latch lift assembly are best shown in FIG. 32. FIG. 33
shows
some components of the latch lift assembly 15, separate from the rear body
panel
assembly 52, as connected to latch lift actuator mounting bracket 101 from the
rear
body panel assembly 52. The mounting bracket 101 connection within the rear
body
panel assembly 52 is best shown in FIG. 28. Latch lift assemblies 15 are
operative to
vertically lift the dump gate 13 before, during and/or after the dump body 11
is raised or
lowered in order to release or re-engage a pin and cradle catch latch
assemblies 109 on
opposite sides of the dump gate 13.
The latch lift actuator mounting bracket 101 is shown in these FIGS. 30 - 33
as
though suspended, though it is actually bolted to the cut away left side panel
94a. A
34
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
linear actuator 110 is adapted for rigid connection to and movement with the
dump body
11, preferably through the mounting bracket 101 of the rear body panel
assembly 52.
The linear actuator 110 may be air actuated, or alternatively hydraulic or
electric
powered actuators may be used. As shown in the embodiment of the Figures, the
cylinder portion 11 Oa of air actuator 110 is rigidly connected to a lower
portion of
mounting bracket 101. As shown in FIGS. 32, lift link plate 112 provides
triangularly
arranged first, second and third pivot points 121, 122 and 123 so as to
provide a first
pivot connection at 121 to the mounting bracket 101 (and thus to the rear body
panel
assembly 52 and the dump body 11), a second pivot connection at 122 to the end
of
piston 11 Ob of the actuator 110, and a third pivot connection at 123 to the
lower end
11 4a of a tie rod 114. The tie rod 114 extends generally vertically upwardly
with its
upper end 114b being pivotally connected to the gate hinge assembly 115.
As best shown in FIG. 32, the gate hinge assembly 115 includes a dump gate
lift
link arm 116, through which horizontal gate bar 13c extends. The gate bar 13c
is
shown in FIG. 1, while the hole 13d in dump gate lift link arm 116, through
which
horizontal gate bar 13c extends is shown without the gate bar 13c in FIG. 32.
The
dump gate lift link arm 116 has triangularly positioned pivot point
connections to the tie
rod 114, the upper portion 13a of the dump gate 13 and the fixed hinge 53 of
the dump
body 11. The dump gate lift link arm 116 is rotatably connected at one end
through
front pin 11 7a to fixed horizontal hinge 53 on dump body 11 and at an opposed
end to
dump gate 13 through rear pin 117b. A lower end of the gate lift link arm 116
is
rotatably connected to the upper end 11 4b of the tie rod 114 through lower
pin 11 7c.
Thus latch lift assembly 15 operates such that upward rotation of lift link
plate 112
(caused by extension of piston 11 Ob) imparts a vertical upward movement to
the dump
gate 13. A reinforcement plate 118 may be provided between front and rear pins
117a,
117b to aid in favorable double-shear loading of the pins 117a, 117b. This
reinforcement plate 118 is removed in FIG. 32 to better show the dump gate
link arm
116.
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
In FIG. 32, each of the pin and cradle latch assemblies 109 (one on each side
of
the dump body 11) includes a latch pin 119 connected to the dump gate 13 via
welding
or other suitable means and an upwardly opening cradle catch 120 welded to the
body
rear panel assembly 52. The cradle catch 120 includes an inclined ramp 120a
extending upwardly and rearwardly, which the latch pin 119 must clear to be
unlatched
(as by the upward vertical movement by the latch lift assembly 15). This
inclined ramp
120a feature results in the dump gate 13 being forcibly pressed against the
rear end
11 b of the dump body 11 when latched to effectively seal the dump gate 13 to
the dump
body 11. This is particularly important during transport of bulk materials,
when the
dump gate is in the closed, latched condition. When the dump gate 13 is
raised, latch
pin 119 is freed from latching engagement with the cradle catch 120. Latch pin
119
preferably extends horizontally outwardly from either side of the dump gate 13
at a
location on the lower portion 13b of the dump gate 13, that is, below a
horizontal center
line of the dump gate 13.
In one alternate embodiment, latch pin 119 may have a stationary inner round
pin
welded in a cantilever arrangement to each side of the dump gate 13 and a
concentric
outer shell tube which is free to rotate about the horizontal axis of the
round pin,
enabling the pin 119 to roll upward and out over inclined ramp 120a of the
cradle catch
120. As known in the art, the outer end of latch pin 119 may additionally be
supported
such that it is not in a cantilever loading condition. For example, the outer
end of latch
pin 119 could be supported in a double-shear loading condition. In still
further alternate
embodiments, multiple latch pins and cradle catches may be provided in spaced
arrangement at the sides of the rear body panel assembly 52 and dump gate 13.
In
other alternate embodiments of a dump body 11 which do not include a rear body
panel
assembly 52, the one or more latch pins and cradle catches may be arranged to
latch
between the dump body itself and the dump gate, or between end columns (not
shown)
on the dump body and the dump gate.
As used herein and in the claims, the word "comprising" is used in its non-
limiting
36
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
sense to mean that items following the word in the sentence are included and
that items
not specifically mentioned are not excluded. The use of the indefinite article
"a" in the
claims before an element means that one of the elements is specified, but does
not
specifically exclude others of the elements being present, unless the context
clearly
requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
All references mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of
skill in
the art of this invention. All references are herein incorporated by reference
in their
entirety to the same extent as if each reference was specifically and
individually
indicated to be incorporated by reference. However, if any inconsistency
arises
between a cited reference and the present disclosure, the present disclosure
takes
precedence. Some references provided herein are incorporated by reference
herein to
provide details concerning the state of the art prior to the filing of this
application, other
references may be cited to provide additional or alternative device elements,
additional
or alternative materials, additional or alternative methods of analysis or
application of
the invention.
The terms and expressions used are, unless otherwise defined herein, used as
terms of description and not limitation. There is no intention, in using such
terms and
expressions, of excluding equivalents of the features illustrated and
described, it being
recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the
claims
which follow. Although the description herein contains many specifics, these
should not
be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing
illustrations
of some of the embodiments of the invention.
One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that elements and materials
other
than those specifically exemplified can be employed in the practice of the
invention
without resort to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents,
of any
such elements and materials are intended to be included in this invention
within the
scope of the claims, including without limitation the options and alternatives
mentioned
37
CA 02716710 2010-10-07
herein. The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be
practiced in the
absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations which is not
specifically
disclosed herein.
38
