FORM – 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
ARTICULATED COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ASSEMBLY FOR
TRANSPORTING LIGHTWEIGHT BULKY CARGO
Applicant(s):
VE COMMERCIAL VEHICLES LTD
102, INDUSTRIAL AREA 1, PITHAMPUR- 454775, DIST. DHAR, MP, INDIA
Inventors:
a) Harsh Tiwari
b) Shubhanshi Patel
c) Ankit Desai
d) Yogendra Singh
e) Vishal Morya
f) Arijit Singha
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner
in which it is to be performed.
2
ARTICULATED COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ASSEMBLY FOR
TRANSPORTING LIGHTWEIGHT BULKY CARGO
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of commercial transport5
vehicles, and more particularly to an articulated commercial vehicle assembly for
transporting lightweight bulky cargo within a regulated gross vehicle weight category.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed10
to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a
problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of
the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in
the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different
approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the15
claimed technology.
[0003] Under existing Indian automotive regulations, rigid commercial trucks are
subject to an overall vehicle length limitation of approximately 12 meters, which
typically accommodates a cargo body length of about 34 feet. The dimensional
restriction significantly limits the ability to transport large yet lightweight goods such20
as household appliances, packaged food products, and other bulky consumer items.
Although the gross vehicle weight (GVW) classification for such trucks permits
carriage of heavier loads, the constrained cargo volume of conventional rigid truck
configurations prevents full utilization of available payload capacity. As a result, fleet
operators are often unable to efficiently transport low-density cargo that occupies25
substantial space but does not approach the permissible weight limits.
3
[0004] Additionally, the current commercial vehicle landscape presents a structural gap
between vehicle categories. Following the 18.5-ton GVW segment, available
configurations typically transition to higher GVW rigid trucks or articulated tractor–
trailer combinations starting from substantially higher tonnage classes. While
articulated tractor units in heavier categories are capable of hauling trailers5
accommodating containers of approximately forty feet in length, no comparable
articulated solution is commonly available within the lower GVW segment for
operators seeking increased cargo volume without migrating to heavier vehicle classes.
[0005] According to the patent application number “US8327966B2” titled “Articulated
dump truck”, discloses article dump truck has a front tractor unit connected to an10
associated rear trailer unit with a tipping container by an articulated coupling. The
articulated coupling is operable to allow the front tractor unit and rear trailer unit to
pivot about a vertical pivot axis, rams being provided to turn the front tractor unit and
rear trailer unit about the pivot to steer the dump truck. The articulated coupling also
allows the front tractor unit and rear trailer unit to rotate relative to each other about a15
longitudinal axis of the dump truck. In addition, the front tractor unit has a front chassis
mounted on a pair of wheels by an independent suspension system.
[0006] According to another patent application number “WO2005030563A2” titled
“articulated dump truck”, discloses an articulated dump truck (1) has a front tractor unit
(2) connected to an associated rear trailer unit (3) with a tipping container (12) by an20
articulated coupling (4). The articulated coupling (4) is operable to allow the front
tractor unit (2) and rear trailer unit (3) to pivot about a vertical pivot axis (22), rams
(20) being provided to turn the front tractor unit (2) and rear trailer unit (3) about the
pivot (22) to steer the dump truck (1). The articulated coupling (4) also allows the front
tractor unit (2) and rear trailer unit (3) to rotate relative to each other about a25
longitudinal axis of the dump truck (1). In addition, the front tractor unit (2) has a front
chassis (6) mounted on a pair of wheels (5) by an independent suspension system.
4
[0007] The cited prior art references are primarily directed to off-road earthmoving
vehicles employing articulated couplings to connect a tractor unit to a trailer unit
carrying tipping containers for bulk material transport, and therefore do not address the
requirements of on-road cargo transportation within regulated gross vehicle weight and
dimensional constraints. The prior art focus on steering articulation through hydraulic5
rams, independent suspension arrangements, and structural configurations suited for
dump-body operation rather than for accommodating standardized cargo containers or
optimizing cargo volume for lightweight, high-volume freight. Furthermore, the
articulated configurations described therein do not consider wheelbase optimization for
compliance with prescribed overall length limitations, nor do they provide a trailer10
architecture such as a single-axle dual-tire arrangement capable of supporting a forty-
foot loading length within a sub-30-ton GVW category. Furthermore, the cited prior art
fails to address the need for an articulated commercial vehicle platform designed for
regulatory road transport applications, improved volumetric payload utilization, and
compatibility with conventional fleet operation and maintenance requirements as15
achieved by the present invention.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An objective of the invention is to provide an articulated commercial vehicle
assembly for transporting lightweight bulky cargo within a regulated gross vehicle
weight category.20
[0009] Furthermore, the objective of the invention is to provide the method of
transporting lightweight bulky cargo using an articulated commercial vehicle assembly.
[0010] An objective of the invention is to provide the articulated commercial vehicle
assembly configured to transport lightweight, high-volume cargo within regulated gross
vehicle weight limits while improving volumetric payload utilization compared to25
conventional rigid truck configuration.
5
[0011] Furthermore, the objective of invention is to provide the articulated vehicle
platform capable of accommodating a trailer having an approximate loading length of
forty feet while maintaining overall vehicle length within prescribed regulatory limits.
[0012] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to provide the tractor unit
having an optimized wheelbase that enables coupling with a long-length trailer without5
compromising vehicle manoeuvrability or compliance with dimensional constraints.
[0013] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a trailer
configuration comprising a single axle fitted with dual tires capable of supporting
distributed lightweight cargo within a payload range suitable for sub-30-ton GVW
operation.10
SUMMARY
[0014] The present invention relates to an articulated commercial vehicle assembly for
transporting lightweight bulky cargo within a regulated gross vehicle weight category.
[0015] According to an aspect, an articulated commercial vehicle assembly for
transporting lightweight bulky cargo within a regulated gross vehicle weight category.15
Further, the assembly comprising a tractor unit comprising a driver cabin, engine,
transmission, braking and suspension systems, and an articulated coupling provided at
a rear portion thereof. Further, a trailer unit detachably coupled to the tractor unit
through the articulated coupling. Further, the tractor unit has a shortened wheelbase
selected to permit towing of a trailer having an approximate loading length of 40 feet.20
Further, the trailer unit comprises a single axle fitted with dual tires and configured to
accommodate a forty-foot cargo container. Further, the assembly is configured to
operate within a gross vehicle weight range of about 18.5 tons to about 30 tons. Further,
an overall length of the articulated commercial vehicle assembly is maintained below
approximately 18.75 meters.25
[0016] According to an another aspect, a method of transporting lightweight bulky
cargo using an articulated commercial vehicle assembly. Further, the method
6
comprising providing a tractor unit having a driver cabin, drivetrain components
including engine, transmission, braking and suspension systems, and an articulated
coupling at a rear portion thereof. Further, coupling a trailer unit to the tractor unit
through the articulated coupling, the trailer unit comprising a single axle fitted with
dual tires and having an approximate loading length of forty feet. Further, selecting a5
tractor unit having a shortened wheelbase configured to tow the trailer unit while
maintaining regulatory dimensional limits. Further, loading cargo into or onto a forty-
foot container positioned on the trailer unit. Further, operating the articulated
commercial vehicle assembly within a gross vehicle weight range of about 18.5 tons to
about 30 tons and an overall length below approximately 18.75 meters to transport the10
cargo.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawings illustrate the embodiment of the system. Any
person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element
boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one15
example of the boundaries. It may be that in some examples one element may be
designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one
element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element
may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Furthermore,
elements may not be drawn to scale. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive descriptions are20
described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures are
not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an articulated commercial vehicle
assembly for transporting lightweight bulky cargo, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.25
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of method of transporting lightweight bulky cargo
using an articulated commercial vehicle assembly, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
7
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be
discussed in detail. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,”
and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in
that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive5
listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It
must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms
“a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise.
[0021] Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described10
herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure,
the preferred, systems and methods are now described. Embodiments of the present
disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures,
and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments of the claims may,15
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited
to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting
examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.
[0022] The present invention discloses an articulated commercial vehicle assembly for
transporting lightweight bulky cargo within a regulated gross vehicle weight category20
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an articulated commercial vehicle
assembly (100) for transporting lightweight bulky cargo, according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0024] In some embodiments, the articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100)
comprises a tractor unit (102) comprising a driver cabin (104), engine, transmission,25
braking and suspension systems, and an articulated coupling (106), a trailer unit (108)
detachably coupled to the tractor unit (102).
8
[0025] In some embodiments, the articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100) for
transporting lightweight bulky cargo within a regulated gross vehicle weight category
basically means a truck system made of two connected parts a tractor unit (102) (front
truck) and a trailer (rear cargo carrier) that are joined by a pivoting connection. The
connection allows bending or articulation, the vehicle may carry a longer cargo space5
compared to a single rigid truck while still being able to turn and operate on roads
normally.
[0026] In some embodiments, the tractor unit (102) comprising the driver cabin (104),
engine, transmission, braking and suspension systems, and an articulated coupling
(106) provided at a rear portion thereof refers to the front power-driven portion of an10
articulated vehicle that is responsible for pulling the trailer unit (108). The driver cabin
(104) provides the operating space and controls for the driver, while the engine
generates power that is transmitted through the transmission system to drive the wheels.
Further, the driver cabin (104) has dimensions equivalent to standard cabins used in
rigid trucks within the same gross vehicle weight category. The braking system enables15
controlled deceleration and stopping, and the suspension system maintains stability,
ride comfort, and load distribution during operation. At the rear of the tractor unit (102),
the articulated coupling (106) mechanism is installed, which allows the tractor to
connect to a trailer and pivot relative to it during turning or manoeuvring. Further, the
engine, transmission, braking and suspension systems comprise standard commercial20
truck components compatible with existing fleet servicing infrastructure.
[0027] In some embodiments, the trailer unit (108) detachably coupled to the tractor
unit (102) through the articulated coupling (106). The trailer unit (108) is configured to
carry a payload capacity in the range of about 8 tons to about 16 tons. The trailer unit
(108) detachably coupled to the tractor unit (102) through the articulated coupling (106)25
refers to the rear cargo-carrying portion of the vehicle that is connected to the tractor
by a mechanical joint allowing both attachment and separation as required. The
articulated coupling (106) provides the pivoting connection that enables relative
9
angular movement between the tractor and trailer during steering, cornering, and
manoeuvring to improve mobility compared to a rigid vehicle structure. Because the
coupling (106) is detachable, the trailer may be connected or disconnected for loading,
unloading, maintenance, or operational flexibility, allowing the tractor unit (102) to tow
different trailers as needed.5
[0028] Furthermore, the articulated coupling (106) comprises a fifth-wheel coupling
(106) mechanism enabling releasable connection between the tractor unit (102) and the
trailer unit (108) refers to a specific type of mechanical interface commonly used in
articulated trucks to join the front tractor and rear trailer. The fifth-wheel mechanism
comprises a plate-like coupling mounted on the tractor unit (102) that engages with a10
mating kingpin structure on the trailer unit (108) to form a secure load-bearing
connection capable of transmitting vertical loads and towing forces. At the same time,
this mechanism allows rotational movement about a vertical axis so that the tractor and
trailer may pivot during steering or manoeuvring.
[0029] In some embodiments, the tractor unit (102) has a shortened wheelbase selected15
to permit towing of the trailer unit (108) having an approximate loading length of 40
feet means that the distance between the front and rear axles of the tractor unit (102) is
intentionally designed to be relatively shorter than conventional long-haul tractor
configurations. The reduced wheelbase allows the overall length of the combined
tractor–trailer vehicle to remain within prescribed regulatory limits even when pulling20
a long trailer capable of accommodating a forty-foot cargo container. The shortened
wheelbase of the tractor unit (102) is smaller than wheelbases used in articulated
tractors configured for gross vehicle weights exceeding 30 tons. By optimizing the
dimension, the tractor unit (102) maintains manoeuvrability and compliance with road
regulations while enabling the use of a longer loading platform to improve cargo25
volume capacity without requiring structural changes to the driver cabin (104) or
exceeding legal dimensional constraints.
10
[0030] In some embodiments, the trailer unit (108) comprises a single axle fitted with
dual tires and configured to accommodate a forty-foot cargo container. The trailer unit
(108) comprises structural members distributed along the forty-foot loading length to
support lightweight distributed cargo using the single-axle configuration. The design of
trailer unit (108) in which the load-bearing structure is supported by one axle assembly5
(100) positioned beneath the trailer unit (108), with each side of the axle carrying two
tires mounted together. The dual-tire arrangement improves load distribution, stability,
and traction while supporting the structural requirements of a long loading platform.
The trailer frame and mounting provisions are constructed to receive and secure a cargo
container of approximately forty feet in length, enabling transportation of large-volume10
goods. By using a single-axle configuration combined with dual tires, the trailer unit
(108) balances structural support and weight efficiency, allowing the vehicle to remain
within regulated weight limits while providing extended cargo capacity.
[0031] In some embodiments, the assembly (100) is configured to operate within a
gross vehicle weight range of about 18.5 tons to about 30 tons means that the articulated15
vehicle system, including the tractor unit (102), trailer unit (108), fuel, driver, and
cargo, is designed so that its total allowable operating weight falls within this specified
range. The assembly (100) is configured for scalability to increased gross vehicle
weight operation up to about 30 tons without modification of the articulated
architecture. The configuration involves selecting structural components, axle20
capacities, suspension characteristics, and load distribution such that the vehicle may
safely and legally function under applicable regulatory classifications corresponding to
this weight band. Operating within this range allows the assembly (100) to utilize
available payload capacity for transporting goods while remaining compliant with road-
use regulations, avoiding overloading, and ensuring safe handling, braking, and25
durability during transport operations.
[0032] In some embodiments, an overall length of the articulated commercial vehicle
assembly (100) is maintained below approximately 18.75 meters indicates that the
11
combined length of the tractor unit (102) and the coupled trailer unit (108) is designed
and controlled so as not to exceed a prescribed dimensional limit. The overall length
measurement includes the foremost point of the tractor unit (102) to the rearmost point
of the trailer unit (108) when connected for operation. By maintaining the vehicle within
the threshold, the assembly (100) may ensure compliance with applicable roadway and5
transport regulations governing articulated vehicle dimensions, while still allowing
accommodation of a long cargo platform.
[0033] Further, the articulation between the tractor unit (102) and the trailer unit (108)
enables carriage of a forty-foot container within the gross vehicle weight category while
maintaining regulatory length compliance means that the pivoting connection joining10
the tractor and trailer allows the vehicle to accommodate a long cargo container without
exceeding prescribed dimensional or weight limits. Because the tractor and trailer may
move relative to each other at the articulated joint, the overall vehicle may incorporate
an extended loading platform while preserving manoeuvrability and road compliance.
The arrangement allows the transport of the forty-foot container within the specified15
gross vehicle weight classification by efficiently distributing load and optimizing
vehicle geometry to achieve increased cargo volume capacity without breaching
regulatory length restrictions applicable to commercial transport vehicles.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of method (200) of transporting lightweight bulky
cargo using an articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100), according to an20
embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] At step 202, the tractor unit (102) is provided having the driver cabin (104),
drivetrain components including engine, transmission, braking and suspension systems,
and the articulated coupling (106) at the rear portion thereof. The driver cabin (104)
provides the operating space and controls for the driver, while the engine generates25
power that is transmitted through the transmission system to drive the wheels. Further,
the driver cabin (104) has dimensions equivalent to standard cabins used in rigid trucks
within the same gross vehicle weight category. The braking system enables controlled
12
deceleration and stopping, and the suspension system maintains stability, ride comfort,
and load distribution during operation. At the rear of the tractor unit (102), the
articulated coupling (106) mechanism is installed, which allows the tractor to connect
to a trailer and pivot relative to it during turning or manoeuvring. Further, the engine,
transmission, braking and suspension systems comprise standard commercial truck5
components compatible with existing fleet servicing infrastructure.
[0036] At step 204, the trailer unit (108) is coupled to the tractor unit (102) through the
articulated coupling (106), the trailer unit (108) comprising a single axle fitted with
dual tires and having an approximate loading length of forty feet. The trailer unit (108)
is configured to carry a payload capacity in the range of about 8 tons to about 16 tons.10
The trailer unit (108) detachably coupled to the tractor unit (102) through the articulated
coupling (106) refers to the rear cargo-carrying portion of the vehicle that is connected
to the tractor by a mechanical joint allowing both attachment and separation as required.
The articulated coupling (106) provides the pivoting connection that enables relative
angular movement between the tractor and trailer during steering, cornering, and15
manoeuvring to improve mobility compared to a rigid vehicle structure. Because the
coupling (106) is detachable, the trailer may be connected or disconnected for loading,
unloading, maintenance, or operational flexibility, allowing the tractor unit (102) to tow
different trailers as needed.
[0037] At step 206, the tractor unit (102) is selected having the shortened wheelbase20
configured to tow the trailer unit (108) while maintaining regulatory dimensional limits.
The reduced wheelbase allows the overall length of the combined tractor–trailer vehicle
to remain within prescribed regulatory limits even when pulling a long trailer capable
of accommodating a forty-foot cargo container. The shortened wheelbase of the tractor
unit (102) is smaller than wheelbases used in articulated tractors configured for gross25
vehicle weights exceeding 30 tons. By optimizing the dimension, the tractor unit (102)
maintains manoeuvrability and compliance with road regulations while enabling the
13
use of a longer loading platform to improve cargo volume capacity without requiring
structural changes to the driver cabin (104) or exceeding legal dimensional constraints.
[0038] At step 208, the cargo is loaded into or onto a forty-foot container positioned on
the trailer unit (108). The goods are placed either inside or secured upon a standardized
cargo container having an approximate length of forty feet, which is mounted or5
supported by the trailer structure. The trailer unit (108) provides the necessary structural
support and securing arrangements to hold the container in place during transport,
ensuring stability and load safety.
[0039] At step 210, the articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100) is operated
within a gross vehicle weight range of about 18.5 tons to about 30 tons and an overall10
length below approximately 18.75 meters to transport the cargo. The articulated
commercial vehicle assembly (100) is operated within the gross vehicle weight range
of about 18.5 tons to about 30 tons and an overall length below approximately 18.75
meters to transport the cargo means that the vehicle is used in a manner that ensure its
total combined weight including the tractor unit (102), trailer unit (108), fuel, driver,15
and loaded cargo remains within the specified permissible weight limits, while its
physical length from the front of the tractor to the rear of the trailer stays within the
defined dimensional boundary. Operating within these constraints requires appropriate
loading, weight distribution, and vehicle configuration so that regulatory compliance,
safe handling, and roadworthiness are maintained. This enables the vehicle to transport20
goods efficiently without exceeding legal restrictions governing vehicle size and weight
classifications.
[0040] The present invention provides several advantages by enabling transportation of
lightweight, high-volume cargo through an articulated vehicle configuration optimized
within regulated dimensional and weight limits. By accommodating a forty-foot25
container, the system significantly increases available cargo volume compared to
conventional rigid trucks, allowing a greater quantity of bulky goods to be transported
in each trip. The balanced integration of trailer length, axle configuration, and gross
14
vehicle weight management improves payload efficiency by utilizing allowable
capacity without exceeding regulatory constraints. This increased volumetric utilization
contributes to reduced trip frequency and operational costs, thereby enhancing
profitability and fleet deployment flexibility. Additionally, the design bridges the
operational gap between lower and higher gross vehicle weight vehicle categories,5
offering a practical intermediate solution while maintaining standard cabin dimensions
to preserve driver comfort and ergonomics. Compliance with prescribed length and
weight regulations ensures uninterrupted road operation, and the modular configuration
further provides scalability for future capacity upgrades without substantial structural
modification, collectively delivering improved logistical efficiency and operational10
adaptability.
[0041] It has thus been seen that the articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100) for
transporting lightweight bulky cargo within a regulated gross vehicle weight category
as described. The articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100) for transporting
lightweight bulky cargo within a regulated gross vehicle weight category in any case15
could undergo numerous modifications and variants, all of which are covered by the
same innovative concept; moreover, all of the details can be replaced by technically
equivalent elements. In practice, the components used, as well as the numbers, shapes,
and sizes of the components can be whatever according to the technical requirements.
The scope of protection of the invention is therefore defined by the attached claims.20

Claims

1. An articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100) for transporting lightweight
bulky cargo within a regulated gross vehicle weight category, the assembly
(100) comprising:5
a tractor unit (102) comprising a driver cabin (104), engine,
transmission, braking and suspension systems, and an articulated coupling
(106) provided at a rear portion thereof; and
a trailer unit (108) detachably coupled to the tractor unit (102) through
the articulated coupling (106),10
wherein the tractor unit (102) has a shortened wheelbase selected to
permit towing of a trailer having an approximate loading length of 40 feet,
wherein the trailer unit (108) comprises a single axle fitted with dual
tires and configured to accommodate a forty-foot cargo container,
wherein the assembly (100) is configured to operate within a gross15
vehicle weight range of about 18.5 tons to about 30 tons, and
an overall length of the articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100)
is maintained below approximately 18.75 meters.
2. The articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the trailer unit (108) is configured to carry a payload capacity in the20
range of about 8 tons to about 16 tons.
3. The articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the articulated coupling (106) comprises a fifth-wheel coupling (106)
mechanism enabling releasable connection between the tractor unit (102) and
the trailer unit (108).
4. The articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the driver cabin (104) has dimensions equivalent to standard cabins
used in rigid trucks within the same gross vehicle weight category.5
5. The articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the engine, transmission, braking and suspension systems comprise
standard commercial truck components compatible with existing fleet servicing
infrastructure.
6. The articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1,10
wherein the shortened wheelbase of the tractor unit (102) is smaller than
wheelbases used in articulated tractors configured for gross vehicle weights
exceeding 30 tons.
7. The articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the trailer unit (108) comprises structural members distributed along15
the forty-foot loading length to support lightweight distributed cargo using the
single-axle configuration.
8. The articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein articulation between the tractor unit (102) and the trailer unit (108)
enables carriage of a forty-foot container within the gross vehicle weight20
category while maintaining regulatory length compliance.
9. The articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the assembly (100) is configured for scalability to increased gross
vehicle weight operation up to about 30 tons without modification of the
articulated architecture.25
10. A method (200) of transporting lightweight bulky cargo using an articulated
commercial vehicle assembly (100), the method (200) comprising:
providing a tractor unit (102) having a driver cabin (104), drivetrain
components including engine, transmission, braking and suspension systems,
and an articulated coupling (106) at a rear portion thereof;5
coupling (106) a trailer unit (108) to the tractor unit (102) through the
articulated coupling (106), the trailer unit (108) comprising a single axle fitted
with dual tires and having an approximate loading length of forty feet;
selecting a tractor unit (102) having a shortened wheelbase configured
to tow the trailer unit (108) while maintaining regulatory dimensional limits;10
loading cargo into or onto a forty-foot container positioned on the trailer
unit (108); and
operating the articulated commercial vehicle assembly (100) within a
gross vehicle weight range of about 18.5 tons to about 30 tons and an overall
length below approximately 18.75 meters to transport the cargo.15