Utility Vehicle Tie Rail

Abstract

A tie rail 100 for a utility vehicle having a tray with at least a first wall 3. The first wall 3 is adapted to extend substantially in a first plane 4 (see FIG. 1A). The first wall 3 of a typical utility vehicle 1 may have a first outer edge 5 defining an internal recess 6. The tie rail 100 includes a first member 110 that is substantially rigid and strong, elongate and continuous. When mounted on the first wall 3, the first member 110 is spaced from and extends substantially parallel to the first plane 4 and the first outer edge 5. The tie rail 100 also has at least two anchor sections 120 extending transversely to a longitudinal axis 112 (see FIG. 2C) of the first member 110. The anchor sections 120 are generally adapted to be vertically aligned in installation and include at least two spaced anchor points 122. Each anchor section 120 and each pair of anchor points 122 are each adapted to align with one of the vehicle structural substrates 7. The anchor sections 120 are preferably formed as a continuous unitary piece with the first member 110. The anchor sections 120 each include an outer anchor point 126 at or near the outer end 124. The outer anchor point 126 is spaced from both the first member 110 and an internal anchor point 114 located on or in the first member 110.

Claims

1. A tie rail for a utility vehicle having a tray with at least a first wall, the first wall: i. being adapted to extend substantially in a first plane; ii. having a first outer edge defining an internal recess; and ii. having at least two vehicle structural substrates adapted to extend substantially transversely to the first outer edge,the tie rail comprising: A. a substantially rigid and strong elongate and continuous first member on which items may be tied, the first member being spaced from and extending substantially parallel to the first plane and the first outer edge; B. at least two anchor sections extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the first member, the anchor sections: i. each being adapted to align with a vehicle structural substrate; ii. are formed as a continuous unitary piece with the first member; iii. have an outer end remote from the first member that is adapted to be received by the internal recess; iv. include an outer anchor point at or near the outer end, the outer anchor point being spaced from both: the first member; and an internal anchor point located on or in the first member; and C. an end member that is broader in shape, compared to the anchor sections, along the first plane and accommodates one or more end anchor points.

2. The tie rail as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member is a rod or bar.

3. The tie rail as claimed in claim 1, further including a brace aligned parallel to the first member and adapted to strengthen the first rail by defocussing and distributing loads applied to the first member.

4. The tie rail as claimed in claim 1, further including a second member vertically spaced from, aligned parallel to the first member and extending linearly so that a longitudinal axis of the second member intersects each outer anchor point of each anchor section.

5. The tie rail as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first and second members are integrally formed and the material from which they are formed is continuous with the end member.

6. The tie rail as claimed in claim 5, wherein the end member is a front end member that is sufficiently broad to accommodate at least two end anchor points that are spaced from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

7. The tie rail as claimed in claim 6, wherein the front-end member is adapted to be fastened to the first wall by the end anchor points in the form of at least 2 anchor points that are spaced by a distance d in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

8. The tie rail as claimed in claim 7, wherein the front-end member is substantially broader in the direction d than each of the anchor sections and is shaped to conform to a front portion of the first wall between a front most pillar and a front end of the vehicle.

9. The tie rail as claimed in claim 6, further including a rear end member adapted to be attached at or near to a rear end of the vehicle and essentially identical in shape to each of the anchor sections, being intermediary anchor sections located between the front and rear end members.

10. The tie rail as claimed in claim 9, wherein the front-end member has a lower extension that depends below the longitudinal axis.

11. The tie rail as claimed in claim 9, wherein the intermediary anchor sections each comprise: a base through which there is centrally located a lower anchor point; an upwardly extending arm; and a narrow head in which there is centrally located an upper anchor point.

12. The tie rail as claimed in claim 11, wherein the intermediary anchor sections comprise continuous material between the base, through the upright arm and the head.

13. The tie rail as claimed in claim 11, wherein the head corresponds to the outer end and has a narrower width w than the width W of the upright arm.

14. The tie rail as claimed in claim 1, further including a plurality of spacers, each one corresponding to a lower anchor point, the spacers being interposed between the first member and the structural substrate or the first wall.

15. The tie rail as claimed in claim 14, wherein each spacer provides a gap between the first member and the structural substrate or the first wall for attaching hooks, straps or ropes.

16. The tie rail as claimed in claim 14, wherein each spacer is adapted to space the base from the structural substrate or the first wall, such that the anchor sections lie in an anchor section plane that is substantially parallel to the first wall plane.

17. The tie rail as claimed in claim 1, further including a continuous, elongate element in the form of a reinforcing brace extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and a plane in which the anchor sections lie.

18. The tie rail as claimed in claim 17, wherein the brace includes a plurality of equally spaced spacer elements that provide a bulbous body surrounding corresponding spacer element apertures to strengthen the brace at locations of multiple apertures.

19. The tie rail as claimed in claim 18, wherein each aperture is adapted to be in coaxial registration with a corresponding lower anchor point and a bore of an anchor plug.

20. The tie rail as claimed in claim 18, wherein the brace includes an elongate element bridging the spacer elements and extending between a rear end member and a front most anchor section.

21. The tie rail as claimed in claim 20, wherein the brace is a unitarily formed element made from a unitary piece of material that is strong and resists flexing, compression and extension along a spacer longitudinal axis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

[0068] FIG. 1A is a isometric view of a tie rail according to a first embodiment shown mounted to an internal side of a tray side wall of a utility vehicle;

[0069] FIG. 1B is a front view of the tie rail according to the first embodiment;

[0070] FIG. 1C is a sectional view A-A from FIG. 1B;

[0071] FIG. 1D is an expanded view of portion F from FIG. 1C;

[0072] FIG. 2A is an isometric front view of a tie rail according to a second embodiment;

[0073] FIG. 2B is another isometric front view of a tie rail according to the second embodiment;

[0074] FIG. 2C is a top plan view of the tie rail shown in FIG. 2A;

[0075] FIG. 2D is a front elevatory view of the tie rail shown in FIG. 2A;

[0076] FIG. 3A is an isometric front view of a tie rail according to a third embodiment;

[0077] FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the tie rail shown in FIG. 3A;

[0078] FIG. 3C is a front elevatory view of the tie rail shown in FIG. 3A;

[0079] FIG. 4A is an isometric front view of a tie rail according to a fourth embodiment;

[0080] FIG. 4B is a top plan view of the tie rail shown in FIG. 4A;

[0081] FIG. 4C is a front elevatory view of the tie rail shown in FIG. 4A;

[0082] FIG. 5A is an isometric front view of a tie rail according to a fifth embodiment;

[0083] FIG. 5B is a top plan view of the tie rail shown in FIG. 5A;

[0084] FIG. 5C is a front elevatory view of the tie rail shown in FIG. 5A;

[0085] FIG. 6A is an isometric front view of a tie rail according to a sixth embodiment;

[0086] FIG. 6B is a top plan view of the tie rail shown in FIG. 6A; and

[0087] FIG. 6C is a front elevatory view of the tie rail shown in FIG. 6B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention, except as may be recited in the claims accompanying this specification.

[0089] Referring to the drawings, there is shown a tie rail 100 for a utility vehicle having a tray with at least a first wall 3. The first wall 3 is adapted to extend substantially in a first plane 4 (see FIG. 1C). The first wall 3 of a typical utility vehicle 1 may have a first outer edge 5 defining an internal recess 6. The first wall 3 may have at least two vehicle structural substrates 7 adapted to extend substantially transversely relative to the alignment of the first outer edge 5. Each vehicle structural substrate 7 may be in the form of a reinforced column, a buttress, a bulwark, a structural pillar or a first wall reinforcing stud. Alternatively, if the vehicle does not have discrete pillars or studs or the like, the first wall 3 may be made of a strong frame or exoskeleton, or comprise sheet metal or another strong sheet material, that is sufficiently strong structurally to mount or otherwise support the tie rail 100.

[0090] The tie rail 100 includes the first member 110 on which items, such as ropes, hooks and straps may be tied or otherwise attached. The first member 110 is substantially rigid and strong, elongate and continuous. The first member 110 may be in the form of a bar, beam or rod, as shown in FIGS. 1A - 4C. Alternatively, the first member 110 may be in the form of a rigid ribbon, strap or plate, that is cut out, stamped, cast or moulded into an elongate member. The first member 110 may form part of a plate, as shown in FIGS. 5A - 6C. When mounted on the first wall 3, the first member 110 is spaced from and extends substantially parallel to the first plane 4 and the first outer edge 5. The tie rail 100 also has at least two anchor sections 120 extending transversely to a longitudinal axis 112 (see FIGS. 2A-2D) of the first member 110.

[0091] The anchor sections 120 are preferably located at the ends of the first member 110. The anchor sections 120 are still more preferably located intermediate the length of the first member 110. The anchor sections 120 include at least two spaced anchor points 122 that are generally adapted to be vertically aligned in installation. Each anchor section 120 and each pair of anchor points 122 are each adapted to align with one of the vehicle structural substrates 7. Where the first wall 3 does not include discrete pillars or studs, the vehicle structural substrate 7 may be an arbitrary section of the first wall 3. For example, the first wall 3 may be comprised of a frame with no upright studs, or of sheet metal of sufficient strength and rigidity, such that any section of the first wall 3 is adequate to serve as the vehicle structural substrate 7.

[0092] The anchor sections 120 are preferably formed as a continuous unitary piece with the first member 110. The anchor sections 120 have an outer end 124 remote from the first member 110 that is adapted to be received by the internal recess 6. If the first wall 3 does not include a first recess, then the outer end 124 may be located near or adjacent an upper section of the first wall 3. The anchor sections 120 include an outer anchor point 126 at or near the outer end 124. The outer anchor point 126 is spaced from both the first member 110 and an internal anchor point 114 located on or in the first member 110.

[0093] The tie rail 100 further includes an end member 130 that is broad in shape, compared to the width of one of the anchor sections 120 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 112. The end member 130 is broad in shape in directions aligned with and transverse to the longitudinal axis 112 of the first member 110 along the first plane 4. The end member 130 is sufficiently broad to accommodate one or more, and preferably at least two, end anchor points 132. The at least two end anchor points 132 are preferably spaced from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis 112 of the first member 110.

[0094] Referring particularly to FIGS. 2A-2D, there is shown a tie rail 100a with minor variations between the tie rail 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1D and the tie rail 100a of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2D. In describing the tie rails 100,100a, the first wall 3 comprises a standard side wall of a utility vehicle (not shown) and has a front end 12 adapted to fit near or to abut a headboard of the utility tray (not shown) and a rear end 14 adapted to cooperate with a tail gate (not shown). The first wall 3 includes metal panelling 8, a wheel arch 9 toward the front end 12, and a plurality of vehicle structural substrates in the form of substantially upright pillars 7.

[0095] The tie rail 100 comprises a unitarily and integrally formed piece including the first member in the form of the linearly extending bar 110, that extends between the end member 130 which is in the form of a front-end member 130, and a rear end member 131, respectively located near the front and rear ends 12, 14, and a plurality of upwardly extending anchor sections in the form of upright arms 147 of the anchor sections 120.

[0096] The front-end member 130 is fastened to the first wall 3 by at least 2 anchor points 133a,b spaced by a distance d in the direction of the longitudinal axis 112. The front-end member 130 is substantially broader in the direction d than each of the anchor sections 120. The front-end member 130 is shaped to conform to a front portion of the first wall 3 between a front most pillar 7a and the front end 12.

[0097] As it will be noted in respect of subsequent embodiments third-sixth, the front-end member n30 (i.e. reference numbers 330, 430, 530 and/or 630) is variably shaped to conform to the specific front portion 13 to which the front-end member n30 is to be attached. Similarly, the rear end member n31 (i.e. reference numbers 331, 431, 531 and/or 631) varies according to a rear portion 15 to which it is to be attached and its shape is adapted to correspondingly conform to the rear portion 15.

[0098] In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the rear end member 131 is essentially identical in shape to each of the intermediary anchor sections 120, whereas, in the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the front-end member 130a has a lower extension 134 that depends below the longitudinal axis 112. The front-end member 130a of the second embodiment also varies slightly, relative to the front-end member 130 of the first embodiment to provide options for first and second anchor points 134a, b spaced by a distance di. The spacing of anchor points 122, 132 are advantageously spaced as far apart as possible for each member 130, 130a, 131, 131a in both vertical and horizontal dimensions to optimise stability and rigidity of the structure of the tie rail 100.

[0099] The anchor sections 120 each comprise a base 140 through which there is centrally located a lower anchor point 135, the upwardly extending arm 147 and a narrow head 142 in which there is centrally located an upper anchor point 136. The anchor section 120 comprises continuous material between the base 140, through the arm 147 and the head 142. The head 142 corresponds to the outer end 124. The head 142 has a narrower width w than the width W of the arm 147. Each of the corner transitions between the base 140, the arm 147 and the head 142 are radiused to strengthen the joins and connections, and to minimise the risk of fatigue cracks or snag hazards.

[0100] As shown in FIGS. 1C-2D the base 140 includes an anchor fastener 137a extending outwardly and substantially horizontally through a washer 137c, through the base 140 at the lower anchor point 135, through a spacer 150, through a structural substrate 7 or the first wall 3 and into threaded hole 138 at 162 of the separate brace 160. The outer end 124 or head 142 includes the upper anchor point 136 which is positioned to be in registration with a corresponding fastener hole 18 formed in a downwardly depending flange 19 that together with the structural substrate 7 or first wall 3 and the first outer edge 5, defines the recess 6, to receive the upper anchor fastener 137a in the form of a threaded bolt, washers 137b and nut 139 combination, so that the outer end 124 and nut 139 sit behind the flange 19 in the recess 6.

[0101] The tie rail 100 may be provided with a plurality of spacers 150, each one corresponding to a lower anchor point 135. The spacers 150 are interposed between the first member 120 and the structural substrate 7 or the first wall 3. Each spacer 150 provides a gap between the first member 110 and the structural substrate 7 or first wall 3 for attaching hooks, straps or ropes etc. The spacers 150 are adapted to space the base 140 from the structural substrate 7 or first wall 3, such that the anchor sections 120 lie in a plane 116 that is substantially parallel to the first wall plane 4.

[0102] The spacers 150 are adapted to space the base 140 from the inner skin 17, such that the anchor sections 120 lie in a plane 116 that is substantially parallel to the first wall plane 4.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, the second embodiment, tie rail 100a, includes a continuous, elongate element advantageously serving as a reinforcing brace 160 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 112 and the anchor section planes 116. The brace 160 includes a plurality of equally spaced spacer elements 162 that provide a bulbous body surrounding corresponding spacer element apertures 164 to strengthen the brace 160 at the locations of the multiple apertures 164. Each aperture 164 is adapted to be in coaxial registration with a corresponding lower anchor point 135 and the bore of anchor plug 138. The brace 160 includes an elongate element 166 bridging the spacer elements 162 and extending between the rear end member 131 and the front most anchor section 141. The brace 160 is a unitarily formed element made from a unitary piece of material that is strong and resists flexing, compression and extension along a spacer longitudinal axis 168.

[0104] Referring to the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, similar features with respect to the first and second embodiments will be referred to using similar reference numbers. However, it is noted that, with reference to the plan view shown in FIG. 3B, the front and rear end members 330, 331 are separately formed relative to the first member 310 and the rear end member 331 comprises a broad plate similar to the front-end member 330. In this connection, the front and rear end members 330, 331 are optional, whereby the first member 310, anchor sections 320 and brace 360 are sufficient to constitute the tie rail 300 of the third embodiment without the additional front and rear end members 330, 331. However, the front and rear end members 330, 331 are advantageous to strengthen and reinforce the respective ends 317, 318 of the first member 310 where the first member 310 may be subjected to the greatest undistributed focussed flexing loads, these central anchor sections 320 and lower anchor points 335 being adapted, by their centralised positioning, to be somewhat protected from flexing loads that can be distributed either side of the anchor sections 320. Therefore, whilst the front-end rear sections 330, 331 are preferred where space on the first wall 3 permits, they may be optional and the third embodiment has utility without them.

[0105] With reference to the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the front and rear end members 430, 431 are formed as an integrally formed piece with the first member 410 and the rear end member 431 is substantially broader than the width W of the anchor sections 420. The brace 460 extends only between the front most 441 and rear most 442 anchor sections, whereas the first member 410 extends fore and aft beyond the front and rear locations of the front and rear anchor sections 441, 442 to the front and rear end members 430, 431.

[0106] At least one of the anchor sections, in this case the penultimate front anchor section 443, may have be an example where the upper anchor point 436 and its corresponding head 444 are offset relative to a general longitudinal axis 445 of the anchor section 420, for example where the vehicle structural substrate 7 for the location of the upper anchor point 436 is not linearly or vertically aligned relative to the lower anchor point 435.

[0107] Referring now to the fifth and sixth embodiments shown in FIGS. 5A-6C, a tie rail 500, 600 is formed from a plate 570, 670, is ideally a metal plate such as stainless steel or Aluminium having an elongate rectangular shape. The anchor sections 520, 620 are defined between circular or trapezoidal cut outs 572, 672, although other geometric shapes, such as ellipses, triangles, rectangles and other polygonal shapes will be suitable. Preferably the cut outs 572, 672 are shaped as circles or tilted rectangles. In these embodiments, the anchor sections 520, 620 do not necessarily have continuous vertical structures uninterrupted by cut outs 572, 672. Instead, the collective bridges 574, 674 laterally defined between cut outs 572, 672 collectively provide the rigid structure for the tie rail 500, 600 between the lower and upper anchor points 635, 636, optionally vertically offset from the anchor points 435, 436.

[0108] The upper anchor points 536, 636 are connected by a continuous elongate second member 580, 680 that is vertically spaced and parallel to the first member 510, 610 and is continuous with the front and rear end members 530, 630, 531, 631. The overall tie rail 500, 600 structure comprising the components 510, 610, 574, 674, 580, 680, 530, 630, 531, 631 provides an extremely strong and rigid tie rail 500, 600 structure with excellent load distribution and defocusing of load around the first member 510, 610.

[0109] Furthermore, the tie rail 500, 600 includes a reinforcing brace 560, 660 similar to the brace n60 of the first to fourth embodiments, and extending between the rear end member 531, 631 and the front most anchor section 541, 641.

[0110] Any discrepancies in the reference numbering may be resolved by reference to a reference table or, secondarily, to the context in which the reference numeral is used.

[0111] Throughout the specification and claims the word “comprise” and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word “comprise” and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

[0112] In this specification, “truss” means a structural lattice including at least two spaced beams extending parallel or extending at an acute angle relative to each other, the beams spanned by at least two struts, the lattice being a fixed structure in which the beams are rigidly fixed relative to each other. The beams are preferably rigid and capable of only minimal flexing.

[0113] In the present specification, terms such as “apparatus”, “means”, “device” and “member” may refer to singular or plural items and are terms intended to refer to a set of properties, functions or characteristics performed by one or more items or components having one or more parts. It is envisaged that where an “apparatus”, “means”, “device” or “member” or similar term is described as being a unitary object, then a functionally equivalent object having multiple components is considered to fall within the scope of the term, and similarly, where an “apparatus”, “assembly”, “means”, “device” or “member” is described as having multiple components, a functionally equivalent but unitary object is also considered to fall within the scope of the term, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. In the present specification, the phrase “and/or” refers to severally or any combination of the features. For example, the phrase “feature 1, feature 2 and/or feature 3” includes within its scope any one of the following combinations: Feature 1 or feature 2 or feature 3; feature 1 and feature 2 or feature 3; feature 1 or feature 2 and feature 3; feature 1 and feature 3 or feature 2; feature 1 and feature 2 and feature 3.

[0114] The meaning of descriptive, precise or absolute terms such as “flexed”, “normal”, “parallel”, “horizontal”, “vertical” or “fully” includes the preceding qualifier “substantially or almost”, unless the context or contrary is expressly indicated.

[0115] Qualifying relative terms, such as “relatively”, “sufficiently”, “near”, “almost” or “substantially”, may be taken to indicate a variation in an absolute value of between 0° and 10° or between 0% and 10%, relative to the absolute value. For example, “near horizontal” may be taken to mean any orientation between 0° and 10° relative to the horizontal.

[0116] Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, which will usually be apparent from the context, but in any case the lower most component is the first member or a tail flange of the outer end.

[0117] In the present specification, the term “integral” means formed of one body in a single process. In particular, the term “integrally formed” means formed of the one body without post-forming attachment of separately formed component parts. That is, “integrally formed” and the similar term “unitarily formed” mean formed in a single forming process and do not include post-forming attachment of component parts by means of fastener or other component fixing substances or methods.

[0118] The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.

[0119] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The features and components of each of the embodiments of the invention described in the detailed description and/or depicted in the accompanying drawings may be interchangeable as required, with regard to functional equivalency and compatibility. A feature or component described with reference to one but not all embodiments, if functionally and dimensionally compatible as an addition with another embodiment herein described, or substitutable with a corresponding feature or component of that other embodiment in relation to which it has not been expressly described, should be read as a potential addition or substitution to that other embodiment and as being within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, in considering a feature or component that is described in relation a particular embodiment but may be omitted from the embodiment without losing the functionality characterising the invention and without departing from the scope of the invention, unless the context and expressions used in describing the embodiment imputes that the feature or component is essential to the invention as broadly described, the omittable feature or component may be read as not being included in the embodiment.