Trailer-tilting, load-discharge apparatus and method
AssigneeTy-Crop Manufacturing Ltd.
InventorsKevin Richard McCrory, Gary Wayne Teichrob, Fred P. Smith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A trailer unloading system anchors one or more trailers to a deck, with, or without tractor attached. The sides of the trailers are free to pivot from a top, longitudinal, pivot axis once unlatched from the edge of the trailer floor. The deck tilts the trailers sideways, the doors swing free, and the load discharges. The deck returns to level, the sides latch to support the floor and the trailers are ready to be reloaded.
Claims30
A method for unloading a cargo from a vehicle, the method comprising:
- providing a vehicle defining a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the direction of travel thereof, a vertical direction substantially parallel to the normal direction of gravitational forces, and a lateral direction substantially perpendicular to both the vertical and longitudinal directions during straight travel on a flat surface, the vehicle comprising a frame supporting loads in at least the vertical direction and a door selectively engageable with the frame to restrain cargo against removal;
- engaging the door with the frame to provide the combination thereof with a stiffness substantially greater than that of the frame and door when disengaged;
- loading the vehicle with cargo;
- externally supporting the frame;
- disengaging the door from the frame;
- and
- unloading the cargo.
An apparatus for transporting and unloading cargo, the apparatus comprising:
- a vehicle defining a longitudinal direction parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle, a vertical direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravitational forces, and a lateral direction perpendicular to both the vertical and longitudinal directions, the vehicle comprising:
- a frame supporting loads in at least the vertical direction,
- a door selectively engaging the frame to restrain a cargo against exiting, and
- a securement structure fixing the door and frame with respect to one another to substantially increase mechanical stiffness thereof when engaged;
- and
- a platform comprising:
- a bearing member for supporting the vehicle,
- a base resting on a support surface, and
- a platform actuator secured to the bearing member and the base to selectively rotate the bearing member and vehicle relative to the base to unload the cargo upon disengagement of the door from the frame.
An apparatus for transporting and unloading cargo, the apparatus comprising:
- a vehicle having a longitudinal direction corresponding to a direction of travel thereof, with a vertical direction and lateral direction, all substantially mutually orthogonal;
- the vehicle comprising a frame supporting loads in at least the vertical direction and having an upper member, lower member spaced therefrom, and a floor supported by the lower member;
- the vehicle further comprising a door pivotally suspended proximate the upper member and selectively engage able proximate the lower member to restrain cargo against removal in a lateral direction;
- the vehicle further comprising a latching system to selectively engage the lower member with the door to increase the strength and stiffness thereof sufficiently to support the cargo, when engaged, and leaving the lower member and floor insufficiently strong and stiff to support the cargo when not engaged;
- and
- a platform comprising a bearing member to support the vehicle thereon, a base supported by a support surface, and an actuator secured to the bearing member and a base to selectively rotate the bearing member and vehicle about a longitudinal axis relative to the base to unload the cargo laterally when the door is open.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.