Patent Application
20060062660
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention deals with the field of various constructions used with roll-off trailers and roll-off truck bodies to facilitate loading and unloading of containers such as waste containers upon said vehicles. It is preferable that a movable frontal frame section is included which is slidable, or otherwise movable, relative to a stationary frame section to facilitate powering of loading and unloading. A tail section can be utilized that is stationary relative to the fixed frame or is movable with respect thereto. If movable, the tail section can be movable along with the movable frontal frame section by being secured thereto or formed integral therewith or the tail section can be movable independently from the movable frontal frame section. It is also preferable with such vehicles that the supporting surface can be tilted to facilitate loading and/or unloading with the inclusion of a tail extension extendable rearwardly selectively to facilitate the initial stages of loading particularly. Manually movable frame sections have been designed which are manually deployed. However, the present invention includes means for deploying and retracting of a slidable or movable frame section by the same powering means utilized for loading and unloading of the container with respect to the support surface of the roll-off vehicle.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A number of prior art devices have been utilized for various types of apparatus including uniquely designed frame constructions for facilitating the loading and unloading of containers with respect to roll back vehicles such as truck bodies and trailers. Examples of such patents include U.S. Pat. No. 1,821,327 patented Sep. 1, 1931 to W. P. Scott on an “Automobile Truck”; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,468,502 patented Apr. 26, 1949 to E. Lisota on an “Actuating Device For Sliding Vehicle Beds; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,530,350 patented Nov. 14, 1950 to E. R. Ehlert on an “Unloader For Farm Vehicles” and assigned to Tipton Mfg. Co., Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,621,814 patented Dec. 16, 1952 to E. Lisota on an “Adjustable Tilting Bed for Trucks; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,703,658 patented Mar. 8, 1955 to C. S. Bazzell on a “Vehicle Convoy or Carrier With Adjustable Ramp”; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,741,383 patented Apr. 10, 1956 to J. T. Leckert on a “Self Unloading Vehicle” and assigned to Amos E. Heath and Robert F. Minton; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,001,825 patented Sep. 26, 1961 to W. D. Rouse on a “Tandem Dumping-Platform Truck”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,049,378 patented Aug. 14, 1962 to F. E. Nelson on a “Self-Loading And Unloading Vehicle”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,074,574 patented Jan. 22, 1963 to R. Prince on a “Truck Frame And Retractable Truck Bed”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,077,278 patented Feb. 12, 1963 to H. G. Alexander on a “Truck Loading Assembly With Detachable Container”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,138,276 patented Jun. 23, 1964 to D. E. Allen et al on a “Demountable Truck Body”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,144,149 patented Aug. 11, 1964 to G. R. Dempster et al on a “Transporting Equipment For Containers” and assigned to Dempster Brothers, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,195,749 patented Jul. 20, 1965 to J. S. Dempster et al on a “Container Loading and Unloading Mechanism” and assigned to Dempster Brothers, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,214,046 patented Oct. 26, 1965 to G. R. Dempster et al on a “Container Handling Mechanism” and assigned to Dempster Brothers, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,120 patented Jan. 25, 1966 to G. R. Dempster et al on a “Container Loading And Unloading Mechanism” and assigned to Dempster Brothers, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,272,546 patented Sep. 13, 1966 to C. R. Cooley on a “Push-Pull Device For Containers” and assigned to Tri-City Industrial Service, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,302,808 patented Feb. 7, 1967 to W. A. Herpich et al on a “Container Loading And Unloading Mechanism”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,399,795 patented Sep. 3, 1968 to R. V. Clucker et al on a “Loading Apparatus For Demountable Vehicle Bodies” and assigned to Harsco Corporation; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,467,268 patented Sep. 16, 1969 to A. Corompt on an “Apparatus For Handling And Transport Of Heavy Bulky Containers” and assigned to Etablissements Bennes Marrel; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,514,000 patented May 26, 1970 to M. C. Kolling et al on “Mobile Trucking Equipment”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,572,563 patented Mar. 30, 1971 to Emerson T. Oliver on a “Truck Unloader”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,606,059 patented Sep. 20, 1971 to H. Haberle, Jr. on a “Roll-Off Trailer”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,638,817 patented Feb. 1, 1972 to Antoine Corompt on a “Container Handling And Transporting Device” and assigned to Bennes Marrel; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,648,868 patented Mar. 14, 1972 to Max M. Richler on a “Container Transporting Vehicle” and assigned to Atlas Hoist & Body Incorporated; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,491 patented Jan. 23, 1973 to Thomas P. Kreutzer on a “Dual Purpose Dump And Transport Vehicle” and assigned to L.S.T. Enterprises; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,819,075 patented Jun. 25, 1974 to Christian Derain on a “Device For Loading A Skip On To A Vehicle” and assigned to Societe Nouvelle des Bennes Saphem; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,874,537 patented Apr. 1, 1975 to Jean Kou on a “Road Vehicle Of The Platform Type”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,892,323 patented Jul. 1, 1975 to Antoine Corompt on a “Container-Handling Device For A Self-Loading Vehicle” and assigned to Bennes Marrel; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,894,644 patented Jul. 15, 1975 to Harold G. Alexander on a “Truck-Mounted Loader”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,740 patented Jan. 27, 1976 to James A. Rumell on a “Transport Vehicle With Tiltable Chassis”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,964,626 patented Jun. 22, 1976 to Jose Luis Loidi Arregui on a “Truck For Handling Containers” and assigned to Asteko S/A; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,988,035 patented Oct. 26, 1976 to Antoine Corompt on a “Locking Device, In Particular For A Handling Cranked Arm Mounted On A Vehicle” and assigned to Bennes Marrel; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,231 patented Nov. 15, 1977 to Heikki Visa et al on an “Apparatus For Moving An Exchangeable Platform Or A Container On To And Off Of A Tipping Frame Of A Lorry, Trailer, Or The Like” and assigned to Autolava Oy; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,090,623 patented May 23, 1978 to Gustave Maurice Noyon on a “System For Handling A Container” and assigned to Societe Internationale d'Investissements et de Participations par abreviation Interpar; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,092,755 patented Jun. 6, 1978 to Gary W. Hughes on a “Highly Versatile Dock Trailer”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,810 patented Aug. 29, 1978 to Eldon D. Jones on an “Apparatus For Mounting And Demounting A Vehicle Body”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,439 patented Jan. 9, 1979 to Paul I. Goranson on a “Vehicle Body Loading And Unloading Mechanism” and assigned to Carrier Corporation; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,175,904 patented Nov. 27, 1979 to Markkn Airaksinen on an “Apparatus For Mounting, Demounting, and Tipping Vehicles” and assigned to Multilift Oy; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,225,280 patented Sep. 30, 1980 to Roger Brunet et al on a “Trailer For Transporting And Launching Floating Box Caissons” and assigned to Constructions Navales et Industrielles de la Mediterranee; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,344,731 patented Aug. 17, 1982 to Heikki Visa on “Equipment For Raising An Exchange Platform Or Container To A Horizontal Position Above The Level Of The Transport Position” and assigned to Oy Partek AB; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,350,469 patented Sep. 21, 1982 to Antoine Corompt on a “Handling Device Mounted On A Vehicle To Carry Out The Handling Of Loads Such As Skips And Containers” and assigned to Bennes Marrel S. A.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,352,625 patented Oct. 5, 1982 to Jack Bolderoff on a “Container Handling Apparatus”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,409,903 patented Oct. 18, 1983 to Tore C. Wilhelmsson et al on a “Transportation Apparatus”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,453,878 patented Jun. 12, 1984 to Teuvo Paukku on a “Lock Device For Loading Equipment” and assigned to O Y Partek A B; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,455,118 patented Jun. 19, 1984 to Heino W. Scharf on an “Opposed Cylinder Cable Hoist Mechanism” and assigned to Dempster Systems Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,514,131 patented Apr. 30, 1985 to James P. Godwin, Sr. on an “Automatic Self-Locking Roll Back Carrier For A Vehicle”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,349 patented Jul. 16, 1985 to Theodore A. Lutz on a “Roll-Off Hoist”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,805 patented Apr. 8, 1986 to William A. Bertolini on an “Extendable Container Chassis For Trucks” and assigned to Titan, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,548,541 patented Oct. 22, 1985 to Antoine Corompt on a “Method And Apparatus For Unloading A Piece of Equipment Placed On A Carrying Vehicle” and assigned to Bennes Marrel; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,599,040 patented Jul. 8, 1986 to Robert Rasmussen on a “Method For Transporting Containers” and assigned to Accurate Industries, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,645,405 patented Feb. 24, 1987 to Angelo M. Cambiano on a “Roll-Off Container Handling Mechanism”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,063 patented Nov. 3, 1987 to Elbert B. Updike, Jr. et al on a “Container Loading And Unloading Apparatus”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,755,097 patented Jul. 5, 1988 to Antoine Cotompt on a “Device For The Handling And Transfer Of A Load On A Vehicle Such As A Container Or A Tray” and assigned to Bennes Marrel; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,370 patented Aug. 9, 1988 to Antoine Corompt et al on a “Tipping Device To Control The Tipping Of A Body Mounted On A Vehicle” and assigned to Bennes Marrel; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,811 patented Feb. 7, 1989 to Derk Nijenhuis on an “Apparatus For Loading And Unloading An Interchangeable Container Onto And From A Vehicle” and assigned to N.C.H. Hydraulische Systemen BV; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,735 patented Jun. 6, 1989 to Michael J. Dennehy, Jr. et al on a “Load Positioning Container Chassis” and assigned to XTRA Corporation; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,532 patented Jun. 20, 1989 to Donald E. Galbreath on a “Roll-Off Hoist For Variable Positioning Of Containers” and assigned to Galbreath Incorporated; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,619 patented Jul. 18, 1989 to Antoine Corompt on a “Device For The Handling Of A Container” and assigned to Bennes Marrel; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,464 patented Dec. 26, 1989 to F. Wayne Self on a “Movable Tipping Frame For Hoist Trucks” and assigned to Translift Systems, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,898 patented Jun. 19, 1990 to Donald E. Galbreath on a “Roll-Off Hoist For Variable Positioning Of Containers And Method For Use Thereof” and assigned to Galbreath Incorporated; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,943,203 patented Jul. 24, 1990 to John Bohata on a “Retriever Truck; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,954,039 patented Sep. 4, 1990 to William T. Johnston et al on a “Uniframe Rolloff Dumpster” and assigned to Trailstar Mfg. Corp.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,719 patented Jan. 22, 1991 to Donald E. Galbreath on a “Roll-Off Hoist For Variable Positioning Of Containers” and assigned to Galbreath Incorporated; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,791 patented Apr. 16, 1991 to T. Trafford Boughton on an “ISO Container Handling System” and assigned to T. T. Broughton & Sons Ltd.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,228 patented Jun. 25, 1991 to P. Michael Mansfield on a “Truck Trailer With Hydraulic Cargo Container Positioning Mechanism”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,416 patented Jan. 21, 1992 to Normann Bock on a “Method Of Picking Up And Depositing A Hollow Receptacle Such As A Bin, Container Or The Like By And On, Respectively, A Vehicle With Change Gear Mechanism; Change Gear Mechanism For Carrying Out The Method; And Receptacle Designed For Use In Such Method” and assigned to Edelhoff M.S.T.S. GmbH; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,875 patented Feb. 18, 1992 to Donald E. Galbreath et al on a “Roll-Off Hoist For Variable Positioning Of Containers” and assigned to Galbreath Incorporated; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,800 patented Nov. 17, 1992 to Reijo Raisio on a “Transportable Frame And Equipment Frame For Use With Load Handling System” and assigned to Multilift Oy; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,371 patented Feb. 2, 1993 to Harold W. O'Daniel on an “Extendable Rolloff Trailer”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,668 patented Apr. 20, 1993 to Lazar Marmur on an “Apparatus For Loading And Unloading Of A Container Structure Or Other Loads With Respect To A Truck Body Or Trailer” and assigned to E. Fisher, L. Marmur, F. Fisher and W. Kimble; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,466 patented May 25, 1993 to Leslie Bubik on a “Multifunction Loading And Recovery Apparatus” and assigned to Vulcan International, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,329 patented Sep. 21, 1993 to Richard J. Farrell on a “Multi-Position Flat Bed Truck”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,330 patented Sep. 21, 1993 to Lazar Marmur et al on an “Apparatus For Loading And Unloading Of Two Separate Containers Upon A Vehicular Body” and assigned to Automated Waste Equipment Co.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,160 patented Jun. 28, 1994 to Bud Smith on a “Tiltable Trailer For Loading, Unloading And Transporting Containers”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,473 patented Oct. 24, 1995 to Robert LaMora et al on a “Double Container Trailer” and assigned to Accurate Industries, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,775 patented Apr. 23, 1996 to Donald H. Kendall on a “Self Loading Cargo Vehicle” and assigned to The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,454 patented Jun. 25, 1996 to Stephen D. Alm et al on a “Transporting Apparatus and Method”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,807 patented Aug. 6, 1966 to Kent Kruzick on a “Vehicle Mounted, Variable Length Hook Hoist” and assigned to Galbreath Incorporated; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,391 patented Oct. 8, 1996 to Richard Green on a “Modular Unit Loading And Unloading Apparatus”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,211 patented Dec. 3, 1996 to William F. Mengel on a “Container Transportation System”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,393 patented Feb. 11, 1997 to Thomas J. Waldschmitt on a “Dual Capacity Hook-Lift Hoist” and assigned to Swaokiader U.S.A., Ltd.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,446 patented Aug. 26, 1997 to Edison Pernell Weatherly on a “Dump Trailer With Multi-Stage Hopper; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,453 patented Sep. 2, 1997 to Steven R. Gerstner et al on a “Truck Bed Lift System And Method”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,978 patented Oct. 21, 1997 to Gary R. Markham on an “Apparatus For A Tiltable Rolloff Trailer Having A Displacable Frame” and assigned to Modern, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,554 patented Feb. 17, 1998 to Johnny R. McElroy on a “Truck Trailer With Removable Racks” and assigned to The McElroy Company, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,350 patented Mar. 10, 1998 to Ronald E. Christenson on a “Detachable Truck Body And Handling Mechanism” and assigned to McNeilus Truck And Manufacturing Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,124 patented Aug. 18, 1998 to Jerry J. Kitten et al on a “Self-Loading Material Hauler And Distributor” and assigned to Jerry J. Kitten; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,431 patented Jul. 14, 1998 to Stephen D. Alm et al on a “Transporting Apparatus And Method” and assigned to Vulcan International, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,057 patented Sep. 15, 1998 to Derk Nijenhuis on a “Transport Vehicle For Taking Up and Taking Down Containers and the Like Onto Or From A Loading Platform Thereof” and assigned to N.C.H. Hydraulische Systemen B.V.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,824 patented Sep. 29, 1998 to Jerald G. Zanzig et al on a “Method Of Collecting Refuse” and assigned to The Heil Company; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,733 patented Oct. 20, 1998 to Kent Kruzick on a “Vehicle Mounted Hoist With Adjustable Container Supporting Roller Assemblies”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,864 patented Nov. 24, 1998 to Stephen Kenneth Reynard on a “Locking System For Container-Carrying Trailer; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,869 patented Dec. 15, 1998 to Alexander H. Slocum et al on a “Container Restraining Mechanism and Method” and assigned to AESOP, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,328 patented Feb. 16, 1999 to Donald L. Pinkston on a “Wrecker Truck With Sliding Deck”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,561 patented Jun. 22, 1999 to John William Alcorn on a “Top Cover “Trapping” System For Roll-Off Container Trucks”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,742 patented Jul. 13, 1999 to Brian O. Gearhart on an “Articulating Roll-Off Trailer” and assigned to Benlee, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,235 patented Sep. 14, 1999 to Charles E. Young et al on an “Advanced Rollback Wheel-Lift” and assigned to Jerr-Dan Corporation; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,733 patented Oct. 19, 1999 to Russell Cash on a “Hydraulic Tilt Trailer” and assigned to Cash Brothers Leasing, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,171 patented Dec. 7, 1999 to Randy Bowers on a “Vacuum Truck System”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,692 patented Apr. 25, 2000 to Thomas M. Mason et al on a “Device For Securing A Removable Container To A Hauling Vehicle”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,440 patented May 30, 2000 to Allen M. Lang et al on a “Locking Mechanism For Roll-Off Hoist” and assigned to Marathon Equipment Company; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,371 patented Jan. 2, 2001 to Jerome R. Lesmeister et al on a “Method Of Loading A Container” and assigned to Raymond Keith Foster; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,890 patented Aug. 21, 2001 to Thomas A. Pratt on a “Carrier With Articulable Bed” and assigned to Miller Industries Towing Equipment, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,332,746 patented Dec. 25, 2001 to Allen M. Lang et al on a “Locking Mechanism For Roll-Off Hoist” and assigned to Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,783 patented Jan. 8, 2002 to Charles E. Young et al on an “Advanced Rollback Wheel-Lift” and assigned to Jerr-Dan Corporation; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,787 patented Mar. 12, 2002 to Harold W. O'Daniel on a “Double Container Trailer Apparatus And Method Of Use” and assigned to G & H Manufacturing Ltd.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,734 patented May 28, 2002 to Donald R. Landoll et al on a “Trailer Having Actuatable Tail Ramp” and U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,231 patented Jun. 18, 2002 to Donald R. Landoll et al on a “Container Lockdown Device” and assigned to Landoll Corporation; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,247 patented Jun. 18, 2002 to Andre Ghiretti et al on an “Apparatus For Loading And Unloading A Container On To And Off A Vehicle” and assigned to Palfinger AG; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,292 patented Jul. 16, 2002 to Bill G. Calcote et al on a “Truck Bed Conversion”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,577 patented Aug. 13, 2002 to Jeffrey L. Chapman on a “Trailer Hitch Support Body; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,096 patented Oct. 8, 2002 to Carl R. Mentele et al on a “Tilt Bed For Loading And Transporting A Load” and assigned to Trail King Industries, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,278 patented Jan. 28, 2003 to Melanie W. Harkcom et al on an “Apparatus For Securing An Implement To A Transporter” and assigned to New Holland North America, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,015 patented Mar. 25, 2003 to Dae-Woo Lim et al on a “Container Loading And Unloading Apparatus” and assigned to Kosman Co., Ltd.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,506 patented Apr. 15, 2003 to Albert Kirk Jacob on a “Multi-Task Truck”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,104 patented May 6, 2003 to James A. Vlaanderen et al on a “Container Handling System For A Vehicle” and assigned to Stellar Industries, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,892 patented May 27, 2003 to Donald R. Landoll et al on a “Container Lockdown Device” and assigned to Landoll Corporation; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,589,005 patented Jul. 8, 2003 to Curtis Hull on a “Tilt Bed Trailer” and assigned to H & H Trailer Company, Inc.
The present invention provides a unique apparatus with a movable frame section which is slidable to aid in loading and unloading of a container upon a roll-off vehicle. A tail section can be provided which is fixed with respect to the fixed frame portion or is movable with respect thereto independently from the movable frame section. Alternatively, a slidable tail section can also be included which will be retracted as well as deployed by the same powering device. This apparatus includes a frame with a stationary frame section mounted with respect to the roll-off vehicle which defines an upper support surface for receiving of a container thereupon. This stationary frame section also preferably will include an outer tubular section and an outer tubular channel defined longitudinally therewithin. The stationary frame preferably will include a stationary front end and a stationary tail end which is located longitudinally distant from the stationary front end.
A base crossmember will be mounted on the stationary frame section and extend laterally thereacross at a position between the stationary front end and the stationary tail end thereof. A first stationary frame rail will preferably extend longitudinally at least from the stationary front end to the stationary tail end. Similarly a second stationary frame rail will also extend longitudinally at least from the stationary front end to the stationary tail end and be spatially disposed laterally from the first frame rail to facilitate defining of a shoe containment zone therebetween.
A movable frame section will be included within the overall construction of the frame which is movably engaged with respect to the stationary frame section in order to be movable relative thereto longitudinally. This movable frame section will preferably be telescopically movable and in engagement with respect to the stationary frame section in order to facilitate relative longitudinal movement of the movable frame section with respect thereto. The movable frame section will also include an inner tubular construction which is adapted to extend into and through the outer tubular channel of the outer tubular means of the stationary frame to facilitate telescoping longitudinal relative movement between the movable frame section and the stationary frame section.
The movable frame section will include a movable frontal section including a frontal crossmember extending laterally thereacross at a position spatially disposed longitudinally forwardly from the base crossmember. The movable frontal section will also preferably be extendible longitudinally outwardly from the stationary front end of the stationary frame section.
Optionally, the movable frame section of the present invention will also possibly include a movable tail section extendible outwardly from the stationary tail end of the stationary frame section oppositely oriented longitudinally from the movable frontal section. In this alternative embodiment, the movable frame section itself will preferably be movable between a tail extended position with the movable tail section extending rearwardly from the stationary frame section to facilitate loading of the container upon the upper support surface and a tail retracted position with the movable tail section retracted from the extended position. The movable frontal section of the movable frame section will preferably be adapted to extend longitudinally forwardly from the stationary front end of the stationary frame section during movement of the movable frame section between the tail extended position and the tail retracted position.
This movable tail section of the movable frame section will also preferably be adapted to extend longitudinally rearwardly from the stationary tail end of the stationary frame section during movement of the movable frame section between the tail extended position and the tail retracted position. The movable frontal section of the movable frame section and the movable tail section of the movable frame section can be configured integrally as a single integrally formed part.
A shoe member is included movably engaged with respect to the stationary frame section and also attached to the movable frame section to be movable therewith. This shoe member is movable longitudinally between a shoe starting position and a shoe final position spatially disposed longitudinally with respect to one another and defining a shoe movement path therebetween. The shoe containment zone through which the shoe movement path extends is preferably defined laterally between the first stationary frame rail and the second stationary frame rail and is preferably defined longitudinally between the base crossmember and the frontal crossmember.
The apparatus of the present invention further includes a longitudinally extensible member which preferably comprises a hydraulic cylinder which is preferably pivotally attached with respect to the base crossmember and is adapted to extend outwardly therefrom longitudinally from the main frame. This hydraulic cylinder is also attached with respect to the shoe member and is operative to urge movement thereof longitudinally with respect to the main frame in a direction away from the base crossmember to an intermediate abutment position in abutting engagement with respect to the movable frame section of said movable frame. In the configurations utilizing the extendible tail section, the movable frame section will be powered by the longitudinally extensible member to move from the tail extended position to the tail retracted position while simultaneously pulling the container onto the upper support surface.
The intermediate abutment position is preferably located within the shoe movement path between the shoe starting position and the shoe final position. The movable frame section is preferably stationary with respect to the stationary frame section during movement of the shoe member from the shoe starting position to the shoe intermediate position. With the integral movable tail configuration, the movable frame section will also move from the tail extended position to the tail retracted position during movement of the shoe member from the shoe intermediate position to the shoe final position. The shoe member and the frontal crossmember are preferably in direct abutment with respect to one another responsive to the shoe member moving to the intermediate abutment position.
A base sheave is preferably defined rotatably mounted on the base crossmember. A shoe sheave is rotatably mounted with respect to the shoe member and movable therewith along the shoe movement path between the shoe starting position and the shoe final position. A frontal sheave is rotatably mounted with respect to the frontal crossmember and is movable therewith.
A flexible line or preferably metallic cable is secured with respect to the frame and extends outwardly therefrom around the shoe sheave and then around the base sheave and then around the frontal sheave and finally is attached to the container to facilitate loading thereof on the upper support surface of the roll-off vehicle. A locking mechanism may be included mounted on the movable frontal section of the movable frame section and also a locking engagement device may be mounted on the shoe member. The locking means and the locking engagement device are adapted to interlock with respect to one another responsive to abutting engagement of the shoe member with respect to the frontal section of the movable frame section at the intermediate shoe position to selectively maintain abutting engagement of the shoe member with respect to the frontal section of the movable frame section.
Preferably a lock disengagement device is also included which is operative to disengage the lock engagement means with respect to the locking means responsive to return movement of the shoe member to the shoe starting position.
Also the present invention will preferably include a frame tilt back or tilting means which is operative to tilt the frame angled down rearwardly by lifting of the stationary front end of the stationary frame section and lifting of the movable frontal section of the movable frame section upwardly to facilitate loading of a container upon the upper support surface.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus with a movable frame section for facilitating loading and unloading of a container upon a roll-off vehicle which has minimal maintenance requirements.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus with a movable frame section for facilitating loading and unloading of a container upon a roll-off vehicle which is of minimal capital costs.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus with a movable frame section for facilitating loading and unloading of a container upon a roll-off vehicle which can optionally be configured such as to simultaneously move an extendible tail and move a container upon the container mounting surface.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus with a movable frame section for facilitating loading and unloading of a container upon a roll-off vehicle which can be configured to power movement of a container onto a container mounting surface and allow retraction of an extendible tail section by a single powering unit.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus with a movable frame section for facilitating loading and unloading of a container upon a roll-off vehicle which can be configured to allow the use of an extendible tail section and does not require any additional powering means to facilitate retracting thereof.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus with a movable frame section for facilitating loading and unloading of a container upon a roll-off vehicle which can rapidly, efficiently and repeatedly load containers upon a roll-off trailer or truck body while simultaneously urging retraction of an extendible tail section.
While the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portions herein, a preferred embodiment is set forth in the following detailed description which may be best understood when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The present embodiment discloses a unique apparatus with a movable frame section which slides with respect to a stationary frame section which greatly facilitates the loading and unloading of a container 10 upon an upper support surface 20 defined on the frame 14 of a roll-off vehicle 12 such as a roll-off truck body or trailer body. This apparatus can include optionally a tail section movable along with the movable frame section and the movable frontal section thereof.
The frame 14 preferably includes a stationary frame section 22 which is fixedly secured with respect to the vehicle 12 and defines a stationary front end 28 and a stationary tail end 30. In the preferred configuration the stationary frame section 22 will also define a first stationary frame rail 32 and a second stationary frame rail 34 spaced apart from one another laterally and defining therebetween a shoe containment zone 36 for receiving a shoe member 64 movably mounted therebetween.
The stationary frame section 22 will preferably include a base crossmember 38 with a base sheave 82 mounted rotatably thereupon. Furthermore it is preferable that the stationary frame section 22 define an outer tubular means 24 which defines a longitudinally extending outer tubular channel 26 extending therethrough to facilitate telescopically movable interconnection with respect to the movable frame section 50.
For the purposes of the present invention the longitudinal direction is shown by longitudinal direction arrow 16 and the lateral direction is defined by lateral direction arrow 18.
In this embodiment the movable frame section 50 is shown included and being capable of moving in a forwardly and rearwardly direction with respect to the stationary frame section 22. In the preferred configuration the movable frame section 50 will include an inner tubular means 52 which is of a size small enough to fit within the outer tubular channel means 26 defined in the outer tubular means 24 of the stationary frame section 22 to allow telescoping longitudinal relative movement between the stationary frame section 22 and the movable frame section 50.
The movable frame section 50 includes a movable front section 54. This movable front section 54 is movable back and forth between a rear position 46 and a front position 48. Optionally, the movable frame section 50 can also include a movable tail section 58. In those embodiments where the movable tail section 58 is included along with the movable front section 54, these two parts are formed as a single integral frame formed as a unit and defined as the movable frame section 50. Alternatively, the tail section can be independently movable from the movable front section or the tail section can be fixed to the fixed frame. A frontal crossmember 56 will be included preferably secured to the movable frontal section 54 of the movable frame section 50.
With the configuration where the movable tail section is movable with the movable frame section, then the movable frame section 50 will be slidable longitudinally with respect to the stationary frame section 22 between a tail extended position 60 extended to the full degree of movement to the right as shown in
The shoe member 64 will be slidable along a shoe movement path 72 defined between the shoe starting position 66 as defined in
The present invention further includes a longitudinally extensible member such as an hydraulic cylinder 78 which is preferably pivotally secured with respect to the base crossmember 38. In this embodiment the cylinder 78 is shown movable to the left initially in the position shown in
A shoe sheave 84 is preferably rotatably mounted upon the shoe member 64. A frontal sheave 86 is rotatably mounted on the frontal crossmember 56.
A flexible line 88 such as a metallic cable is secured to the frame 14 at a frame securement point 98. The flexible cable 88 will extend from the point of securement 98 with respect to the frame 14 around the shoe sheave 84 and then rearwardly to extend around the base sheave 82 and then forwardly to extend around the frontal sheave 86 and finally extend rearwardly to a point of attachment with respect to the container. It is necessary that the line with respect to the container be detachable such as by a hook mechanism or other similar easily detachable but firmly securable means.
The operation of the apparatus of the present invention is best understood by first considering the sequence of
The operation of the apparatus of the present invention is best shown by viewing
Loading of the container 10 with respect to the upper support surface 20 is achieved by initiating longitudinal extension of the hydraulic cylinder 78 to the left as shown in
After further movement to the left of shoe member 64 is achieved by further time of operation of the hydraulic cylinder 78 the shoe member 64 will be moved to the intermediate position shown in
As the longitudinally extendible hydraulic cylinder 78 powers movement of the shoe member 64 similar further movement to the left while in abutment with the shoe will be urged upon the movable frame section 50 and, in particular, the movable frontal section 54 thereof.
Finally the shoe member 64 will reach the shoe final position 68 extended completely to the left by further longitudinal extension of the hydraulic cylinder 78 to the left. Once the shoe member 64 reaches the shoe final position 68 the movable frame section 50 will be moved completely to the leftmost possible position as shown in
When the shoe member 64 reaches the shoe final position 68 a locking means 90 which is carried upon the shoe member 64 will engage a lock engagement means 92 mounted on the movable frame section 50. This locking engagement will maintain abutting engagement between the shoe member 64 and the movable frontal section 54 of movable frame section 50 as the hydraulic cylinder 78 initiates longitudinal retraction. After the position of
When it is necessary to release the container the longitudinally extensible member 78 will retract to the right from the position shown in
The operation and coordination of movement of the container relative to the movement of the shoe member 64 is achieved by the plurality of sheaves defined in the present invention and the flexible cable 88. Preferably flexible cable 88 will be secured to the container and will then extend around the frontal sheave 86 fixedly secured with respect to the frontal crossmember 56. Thereafter the line will extend rearwardly around the base sheave 82 rotatably mounted to the base crossmember 38 and then forwardly around the shoe sheave 84 and finally to a point of fixed securement with respect to the vehicle 12 or frame 14.
As such, with this configuration with the powering of movement by the hydraulic cylinder 78 of the shoe member 64 to the left as shown in
In the preferred configuration of the present invention the abutment between the shoe member 64 and the movable frontal section 54 of movable frame section 50 will be achieved by having direct abutment between shoe member 64 and the frontal crossmember 56. With the front crossmember 56 extending laterally across the movable frame section 50 engagement of the shoe member 64 therewith greatly facilitates operation of loading with the apparatus of the present invention.
An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in
While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown in the drawings and described above, it will be apparent, that many changes may be made in the form, arrangement and positioning of the various elements of the combination. In consideration thereof it should be understood that preferred embodiments of this invention disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
