Apparatus and method for applying an underlayment layer to trucking cargo

An apparatus and method for applying an underlayment layer to trucking cargo are provided. The underlayment layer may be formed into a roll with a rod disposed therethrough. The roll may be supported by a frame. The roll can be configured to move vertically with respect to the ground. A trailer carrying trucking cargo can be stationed beneath the frame. The underlayment layer may unwound and dispensed from the roll. In order to drape the trucking cargo with the underlayment layer, the roll may be moved horizontally over the frame in addition to or alternatively to having the trucking cargo driven horizontally with respect to the roll.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1is a side view of an apparatus for applying an underlayment layer to trucking cargo, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of the roll of the underlayment layer of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3is the side view of a vertical driving mechanism of the apparatus ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4is a top view of a portion of the apparatus of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1, illustrating a horizontal driving mechanism.

FIG. 5is a perspective view of the roll of underlayment layer with a driving motor and a cutting mechanism added to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 6,FIG. 8andFIG. 9are side views of the apparatus ofFIG. 1illustrating various steps involved in the method of applying an underlayment layer to the trucking cargo.

FIG. 7is a top view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1illustrating a step involved in the method of applying an underlayment layer to the trucking cargo.

FIG. 10is a side view of an apparatus for applying an underlayment layer to a trucking cargo, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11is a side view of an apparatus for applying an underlayment layer to a trucking cargo, in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12is a side view of the apparatus for applying an underlayment layer that also includes tarp application, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Each embodiment of the present invention provides for an apparatus10and method for applying an underlayment layer12to a trucking cargo22. This can be done without requiring a person climb on the trailer20carrying the trucking cargo22or on top of the trucking cargo22to apply the underlayment layer12thereto. Such an arrangement may thus increase user safety related to the application of an underlayment layer12to trucking cargo22. The underlayment layer12acts as an additional barrier and hence protects the trucking cargo22from natural elements. A tarp or other protective member may alternatively be added on top of the underlayment layer12to further protect the trucking cargo22during transport. The underlayment layer12may be made of a suitable material, for example plastic or the like, for providing the necessary protection to the trucking cargo22. The term trucking cargo22used through out the description refers to any load which is being transported by a heavy vehicle. Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the drawings.

Prior to being applied to the trucking cargo22, the underlayment layer12can be formed into a continuous roll14by being folded towards its center, once or a number of times. The underlayment layer12, without limitation, is 20 feet wide. It may be folded 4 times towards its center to make it 5 feet wide. However, it is to be understood that the underlayment layer12can be of a different size and folded any number of times as contemplated within the scope of the invention. The apparatus10comprises the roll14of the underlayment layer12thus formed and a rod24. The rod24is disposed through the roll14of underlayment layer12. According to one exemplary embodiment, as seen inFIG. 1, the roll14of the underlayment layer12may be supported by a frame16.

In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, the roll14may be five feet wide and the rod24may be sixteen feet wide. Any number of rolls may be placed on the rod24. For example, two rolls14of dissimilar width can be placed onto the rod24so that the apparatus10can dispense underlayment layers12of different widths. The rolls14can be moved from side to side on the rod24as desired for proper alignment. In another arrangement, three rolls14can be used. The rolls14can be perforated or unperforated so that added functionality may be realized. Additional arrangments are possible in which one or more rods24can be used. Here, for example, three rods24can be present so that one rod24hangs from another.

Frame16may be a free standing structure positioned on the ground38. The free standing structure16, without limitation, may comprise of a plurality of vertical support members90attached to a top rectangular frame92. The free standing structure16may optionally be provided with wheels or other rotating elements, below the vertical support members90to make it portable.

FIG. 2illustrates a perspective view of the roll14of the underlayment layer12loaded on rod24. The roll14may be suspended from the top rectangular frame92by a pair of straps64and66, or a pair of cables or the like. A pair of drums60and62may be located on opposite ends of the rod24. The drums60and62can be supported by the pair of straps64and66. The straps64and66may be flexible in nature. The roll14can be configured to be moved vertically with respect to the ground38such that the roll14of the underlayment layer12can move closer to and farther from the ground38. The vertical bidirectional movement of the roll14in the vertical direction32is achieved by the use of a vertical driving mechanism28.

Referring toFIG. 3, which illustrates a side view of the vertical driving mechanism28, the strap64extends around a first directional roller68, drum60and a second directional roller70. A take-up roller72can be used to wrap the strap64around thereon. The take-up roller72can be rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise by the use of a vertical driving motor44(illustrated inFIG. 4). As the take-up roller72is rotated, strap64winds around take-up roller72and hence the drum60is elevated. Rotating the take-up roller72in the opposite direction causes the strap64to unwind therefrom and thus lowering of the drum60. In a similar manner, drum62can be raised and lowered as the take-up roller72rotates.

Referring toFIG. 4, the strap66, which extends around the directional rollers74and76, winds around the take-up roller72as it is rotated by the vertical driving motor44. Thus, as the take-up roller72is rotated by the vertical driving motor44, the drums60and62are raised or lowered. This causes the roll14to be moved vertically with respect to the free standing structure16so that the roll14moves closer to and farther from the ground38.

Although described as being capable of being moved in the vertical direction32, it is to be understood that other exemplary embodiments are possible in which the roll14does not move in the vertical direction32. For example, the roll14may be located a particular height from the ground, and the leading edge48can be grasped so as to dispense the underlayment layer12from roll14.

When the frame16is a free standing structure, the roll14can be configured to move horizontally with respect to the free standing structure16. As illustrated inFIG. 4, a horizontal driving mechanism30may be employed to achieve the horizontal movement of roll14. Racks78may be present on the top rectangular frame92of the free standing structure16. The racks78may be fixedly or removably attached upon the top rectangular frame92by means of bolts or other fastening elements. The racks78extend along the length of the top rectangular frame92. The horizontal driving mechanism30has a pair of pinions80which compliment the racks78and are capable of meshing therewith. The pinions80can be driven by horizontal driving motors46. The pinions80may be fixedly or removably attached to a pair of platforms86and88by means of bolts or other fastening elements. The platforms86and88support the take-up roller72thereon. As the pinions80are driven by the horizontal driving motors46, the pinions80move along the lengths of the racks78. The movement of the pinions80causes the platforms86and88to move horizontally along the racks78in the horizontal direction34. Hence, the take-up roller72and the roll14, along with the directional rollers68,70,74and76may move horizontally along racks78.

FIG. 5illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which rod24is driven by means of a motor26. This rotation results in the winding and unwinding of the underlayment layer12depending upon the direction of rotation of the rod24. Thus, simultaneous operation of the motor26and the horizontal driving motor46are possible to result in dispensing of the underlayment layer12roll14while roll14moves horizontally along the racks78. After a desired length of the underlayment layer12is dispensed from the roll14, the underlayment layer12may be cut at a desired position by means of a cutting mechanism42. The cutting mechanism42may be an automatic cutting mechanism in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. The cutting mechanism42may employ any suitable means capable of cutting the underlayment layer12. In other arrangements, a cutting mechanism42need not be present. For example, a utility knife or the like could be used in order to cut the underlayment layer12. However, it is to be understood that in alternate embodiments the underlayment layer12may have perforations56defined at predetermined lengths to facilitate easy tearing or cutting of the underlayment layer12without the need of a cutting mechanism42.

Referring back toFIG. 1, a trailer20loaded with a trucking cargo22is driven by a cab18and positioned beneath the free standing structure16. The rod24carrying the roll14of underlayment layer12is supported by the free standing structure16. The trailer20is stationed on the ground38such that the roll14is positioned proximate to the front52of the trailer20. As the vertical driving mechanism28(FIG. 2andFIG. 3) is energized, the roll14is lowered to allow an operator to reach the roll14. As illustrated inFIG. 6andFIG. 7, the roll14is lowered to a level which allows the operator to be able to pull a leading edge48of the underlayment layer12and secure it to the trailer20. The leading edge48can be secured at a position proximate to a front52of the trailer20. The operator may be personnel or any automated mechanism configured to secure the leading edge48proximate to the front52of the trailer20.

The leading edge48may be secured to the trailer20by various means. For example, the underlayment layer12can be tied at the sides of the trailer20. Additionally or alternatively, adhesives may be used to effect such an attachment. The underlayment layer12can be wide enough to accommodate the entire width96of the trucking cargo22. As soon as the operator pulls the leading edge48of the underlayment layer12, the rod24is rotated by the motor26(seen inFIG. 5), causing the underlayment layer12to be dispensed from the roll14.

After the leading edge48of the underlayment layer12is secured to the trailer20, the horizontal driving mechanism30is activated. Activation of the horizontal driving mechanism results in the movement of roll14in a horizontal plane parallel to the ground38along the length of the free standing structure16(as illustrated inFIG. 4). The roll14moves along racks78from a position proximate to the front52towards the back54of trailer20. Also, the roll14is raised to a sufficient height to ensure that the horizontal movement of the roll14is not hindered by the trucking cargo22.

While the roll14moves in a horizontal plane, the underlayment layer12is unfolded from the roll14so that the trucking cargo22positioned underneath may be draped with the underlayment layer12. Referring toFIG. 8, the dispensed length of the underlayment layer12is sufficient to drape the entire length40of the trucking cargo22. However, it is to be understood that other arrangements are possible in which the underlayment layer12is not positioned over the entire length40of trucking cargo22. Thereafter, the underlayment layer12is cut at a desired position, by the use of the cutting mechanism42illustrated inFIG. 5.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, after the underlayment layer12is detached from the roll14, the trailing edge50of the underlayment layer12is secured to the back54of the trailer20. The trailing edge50of the underlayment layer12may either be tied at the back54of the trailer20or secured using tape or other conventional adhesives capable of holding the underlayment layer12in place. The trucking cargo22may be fully covered by the underlayment layer12.

The motors26,44and46may be gear motors of 1½ HP. Motors of various types and powers may be used in other embodiments depending upon the weight and requirement of the underlayment layer12. The vertical driving mechanism28and the horizontal driving mechanism30may be operated by an electric drive system, a hydraulic drive system, a pneumatic drive system or any other type of drive system.

A second embodiment of the apparatus is explained hereinafter. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment described hereinabove except that the present embodiment facilitates applying the underlayment layer12to the trucking cargo22when the horizontal drive mechanism30is not present or is inoperative. The present embodiment utilizes the horizontal movement of the trailer20with respect to the free standing structure16to completely cover the trucking cargo22. This eliminates the need for the horizontal movement of the rod24and the horizontal driving mechanism30used in the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the vertical driving mechanism28ensures the smooth lifting or lowering of the roll14closer to and farther from the ground38. The trailer20may be parked directly below the free standing structure16. In this regard, the roll14is positioned proximate to the front52of the trailer20. The roll14may be lowered to allow the operator to pull the leading edge48of the underlayment layer12. The proximity of the roll14to the front52of the trailer20enables the operator to conveniently secure the leading edge48of the underlayment layer12thereto. Thereafter, the roll14can be raised above the height of the trucking cargo22.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, the trailer20is then driven forward in the horizontal direction34. The roll14is raised to a sufficient height which allows the trucking cargo22to be driven beneath the free standing structure16, without hitting the roll14. As the trailer20moves forward in the horizontal direction34, the leading edge48of the underlayment layer12is pulled and the underlayment layer12is further dispensed from the roll14over the trucking cargo22. The trucking cargo22driven beneath the free standing structure16is draped by the dispensed underlayment layer12. The underlayment layer12is wide enough to accommodate the width96of the trucking cargo22. The speed of the trailer20, and hence of the trucking cargo22, should be controlled to ensure uniform and smooth draping of the trucking cargo22. It may be contemplated that in certain situations alternative methods of covering the trucking cargo22could be used. For example, in accordance with one alternative embodiment, the horizontal movement of the trucking cargo22may be utilized in conjunction with the horizontal movement of the roll14used in the first embodiment.

A third embodiment of the apparatus10is illustrated inFIG. 11. In this exemplary embodiment, the roll14of underlayment layer12is supported by the frame16. Frame16may be attached to a ceiling36. The trucking cargo22to be covered is parked directly beneath frame16. The rod24carrying the roll14is then rotated to unwind the underlayment layer12from the roll14. A sufficient length of the underlayment layer12is unfolded and dispensed from the roll14, such that the operator is able to reach the leading edge48of the underlayment layer12. As the roll14mounted on the frame16is situated more proximate to the front52of the trailer20, the operator conveniently secures the leading edge48of underlayment layer12thereto.

As in the second embodiment, the trucking cargo22is driven horizontally relative to the frame16in the horizontal direction34depicted inFIG. 11. As the trailer20moves forward in the horizontal direction34, the leading edge48of the underlayment layer12is pulled and the underlayment layer12is further dispensed from the roll14over the trucking cargo22. The trucking cargo22being driven beneath the frame16is draped by the dispensed underlayment layer12which is wide enough to accommodate the width96of the trucking cargo22. The speed of the trailer20and hence of the trucking cargo22should be controlled to ensure uniform and smooth draping of the trucking cargo22.

The roll14may be motorized so that it can rotate in order to dispense the underlayment layer12. Alternatively, the roll14need not arranged so that it is automatically driven. Instead, the roll14can rotate freely on rod24or another mechanism due to forces being applied to the underlayment layer12. In this regard, the underlayment layer12can be pulled from the roll14without automatically rotating the roll14. Other embodiments are possible in which the underlayment layer12is dispensed from the roll14through both a combination of pulling of underlayment layer12and a rotation of the roll14.

FIG. 12illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment of the apparatus10. Here, a roll14is positioned at the front portion of the frame16and extends in the longitudinal direction from the vertical support member90so that the vehicle first encounters the roll14before the trucking cargo22is positioned between the vertical support members90. The underlayment layer12can be attached to the trailer20and/or trucking cargo22and the trailer20can be moved from left to right inFIG. 12so that the underlayment layer12is rolled from the rod24and applied to the trucking cargo22in the longitudinal direction from the front to the back of the trucking cargo22.

The roll14may be arranged so that it can move vertically with respect to the ground but not horizontally with respect to the ground. This arrangement allows the leading edge48of the underlayment layer12to be placed into proper position for attachment. The roll14may spin freely on the rod24so that the underlayment layer12can be pulled therefrom without having to be motor driven.

The arrangement inFIG. 12also includes a tarp application member100that is supported by the frame16. The tarp application member100can be used to apply a tarp102to the trucking cargo22after the underlayment layer12is applied to the trucking cargo22. In this regard, the tarp application member100has a tarp support frame104that may engage the vertical support members90and be moveable therewith. An independent motor may be used to move the tarp support frame104vertically, or a motor used in connection with the roll14may be employed. The tarp application member100includes a number of straps106that are stretched between the tarp support frame104in order to support the tarp102which is generally unfolded. The trucking cargo22can be located under the tarp102, and the tarp support frame104can be lowered so that the tarp102is placed on top of the trucking cargo22. The straps106may be removed and the tarp102can be secured to the trucking cargo22. Alternatively, the straps106may be used to effect attachment of the tarp102to the trucking cargo22. The vehicle and trucking cargo22may thus move through the frame16until the underlayment layer12is properly applied, and the vehicle and trucking cargo22may be reversed back into the frame16so that the tarp102can be applied.

The underlayment layer12may be made our of a variety of materials in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. For example, the underlayment layer12may be made out of plastic in accordance with certain embodiments. The underlayment layer12can be placed on the trucking cargo22in order to provide protection during transport. The underlayment layer12may be paced on the trucking cargo22in order to function as a mosisture resistance layer. The underlayment layer12may made of a flexible material and may be waterproof in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. A tarp, such as a canvas tarp, can be placed on top of the underlayment layer12to further protect the trucking cargo22. In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, a tarp is not placed on top of the underlayment layer.

The underlayment layer12may be applied to the trucking cargo22in the longitudinal direction so as to cover the trucking cargo22. As used herein, including in the claims, the term “longitudinal direction” refers to the direction from the front of the vehicle to the back of the vehicle or from the back of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle. The longitudinal direction may thus be from the front of the trailer52to the back of the trailer54. The longitudinal direction of the trucking cargo22is likewise the same in that it may also extend from the front of the trailer52to the back of the trailer54, or from the back of the trailer54to the front of the trailer52. The term, “transverse direction” refers to the direction from the side of the vehicle/trucking cargo22to the opposite side of the vehicle/trucking cargo22. For example, the transverse direction may be from the left side of the trucking cargo22or trailer20to the right side of the trucking cargo22or trailer20.

Various modifications to the above mentioned embodiments are possible. For example, with respect to the first embodiment, it may be inconvenient to start applying the underlayment layer12by securing the leading edge48proximate to the front52of the trailer20. The leading edge48can instead be secured at the back54of the trailer20. In order to apply the underlayment layer12over the entire trucking cargo22, the roll14may then be moved towards the front52of the trailer20, over the free standing structure16. Similarly, in the second and third embodiments, the leading edge48may be secured proximate to the back54of the trailer20and the trucking cargo22may then be moved backwards in the horizontal direction34. While the embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is to be understood that the claimed invention is not to be limited in scope to the aforementioned and described embodiments.