Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure, in general, relates to field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a load/payload carrying vehicles. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a system for offloading the payload from a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Load carrying vehicles such as tipper trucks or dump trucks used for transporting a loose load, for example, soil, rocks, gravel, garbage and the like from one location to another have a load carrying body for carrying the load. Generally, the tipper trucks include an actuator such as a hydraulic or a pneumatic cylinder which is employed to lift an end of the load carrying body, such that the load carrying body is tilted to unload the load. However, with increased requirement of load carrying capacity, the vehicle length and the length of the load carrying body is increased. The increased length of the load carrying body results in unstable condition of the vehicle upon tilting of the load carrying body, which may lead to accidents. Additionally, tilting of the load carrying body may not be possible in surroundings having low over-head clearance or areas having obstructions.

In order to overcome the problems associated with tilting, the tipper trucks or dump trucks have been incorporated with an ejector. The ejector is provided for pushing the load from the load carrying body rather than dumping the load by tilting the load carrying body. Typically, ejectors used in the tipper truck applications are often guided for controlled movement within the load carrying body by trackways. In addition to guiding the ejector, the trackways also serves to maintain the ejector from undesirable movement within the load carrying body, for example, lifting. Typically, the trackways includes a track and a slider adapted to slide on the track. However, the trackways upon the load being introduced into the load carrying body is exposed to the material carried in the load carrying body which tends to block and wear the trackways prematurely. Additionally, during manufacturing of the load carrying body and during operation of the tipper truck, the load carrying body may be subjected to external forces, which lead to dimensional variations or deformation of the load carrying body. For example, upon increase in the width of the load carrying body may lead to formation of gaps in the trackways or upon decrease in the width of the load carrying body leads to excessive friction within the trackways, which results in obstruction to the displacement of the ejector in the load carrying body. This obstruction results in early life failure and down time of the tipper truck.

Present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the known arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a system as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for offloading payload from a body of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes at least one guide rail which is disposed on at least one wall of the body and along an axis A-A along a length of the body. An ejector is movably disposed in the body adjacent to the at least one wall, where the ejector is structured to displace between a first position and a second position within the body. Further, the system includes at least one roller mechanism which is coupled to each side of the ejector. The at least one roller mechanism includes at least one first self-guiding roller that is adapted to movably contact a first portion of the at least one guide rail about an axis B-B. Additionally, the at least one roller mechanism includes at least one second self-guiding roller which is adapted to movably contact a second portion of the at least one guide rail about an axis C-C. The at least one first self-guiding roller and the at least one second self-guiding roller rotatably displaces on the first portion and the second portion of the at least one guide rail to relatively displace the ejector between the first position and the second position for offloading payload from the body of the vehicle. The configuration of the system facilitates stable unloading of the payload from the vehicle and also reduces risk of premature failure of the moving parts in the body of the vehicle due low amount of force required to displace the ejector.
In an embodiment, the ejector is defined with a profile complementing a profile of the body which aids in effectively offloading the payload from the body irrespective of the shape of the body.
In an embodiment, the at least one guide rail is defined with a cylindrical profile. The cylindrical profile of the at least one guide rail aids in preventing any payload material from being deposited and getting stuck on the at least one guide rail.
In an embodiment, the at least one roller mechanism includes at least one third self-guiding roller which is adapted to movably contact a third portion of the at least one guide rail along a central horizontal axis D-D.
In an embodiment, the at least one roller mechanism is coupled to each side of the ejector through a bracket. The bracket includes a first surface which is adapted to accommodate the at least one third self-guiding roller, a second surface adapted to accommodate the at least one first self-guiding roller and a third surface adapted to accommodate the at least one second-guiding roller.
In an embodiment, at least one of the at least one first self-guiding roller, the at least one second self-guiding roller and the at least one third self-guiding roller includes a swivel arrangement. The swivel arrangement includes a connection member which is connectable to the bracket and a bearing accommodated within the connection member. The bearing is coupled to at least one of the at least one first self-guiding roller, the at least one second self-guiding roller and the at least one third self-guiding roller. The bearing is adapted to align the corresponding at least one first self-guiding roller, the at least one second self-guiding roller and the at least one third self-guiding roller with the at least one guide rail.
In an embodiment, at least one of the at least one first self-guiding roller, the at least one second self-guiding roller and the at least one third self-guiding roller is connectable to the bracket through a plurality of resilient members. The plurality of resilient members are adapted to provide a biasing force to corresponding at least one first self-guiding roller, the at least one second self-guiding roller and the at least one third self-guiding roller for movably contacting the corresponding first, second and third portion of the at least one guide rail.
In an embodiment, the system includes at least one actuator that is operably connectable to the ejector and configured to displace the ejector between the first position and the second position, relative to displacement of the at least one first self-guiding roller, the at least one second self-guiding roller and the at least one third self-guiding roller along the at least one guide rail.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1a illustrates a side view of a load carrying boy of a vehicle having a system for offloading payload, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1b illustrates a perspective view of a load carrying boy of a vehicle having a system for offloading payload, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2a illustrates a front view of at least one roller mechanism of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2b illustrates a side view of the at least one roller mechanism of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 illustrates a front view of a self-guiding roller of the at least one roller mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the mechanism and system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other systems, mechanisms, devices, assemblies and methods for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device or mechanism proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1-3.

Figs. 1a and 1b are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure which illustrates a system (100) for offloading payload from a body (1) of a vehicle. In an embodiment, the body (1) may be a load carrying body of the vehicle configured to receive and carry payload. The system (100) may further include an ejector (5) movably disposed in the body (1) of the vehicle. As an example, the vehicle [not shown in Figs] may be including but not limited to a load carrying vehicle such as but not limited to a tipper truck, a dump truck, a container truck, a pick-up truck, a locomotive and the like having the load carrying body capable of receiving and accommodating the payload. In an embodiment, the body (1) may be defined with a closed profile or an open profile having at least one wall (1a). Additionally, the body (1) may be defined with a profile including but not limited to a C-shaped profile, a U-shaped profile, a cylindrical profile, and any other profile suitable for accommodating the payload. In an embodiment, the at least one wall (1a) may be including but not limited to a floor portion, at least two side walls extending from the floor portion,. In an embodiment, the ejector (5) may be defined with a profile which may complement the profile of the body (1) which may aid in dispensing the payload completely from the body (1) irrespective of the shape or profile of the body (1). As an example, the ejector (5) may be a movable wall or a gate which may be movably positioned in the body (1) to push or dispense the payload out of the body (1). Further, the ejector (5) member may be structured to displace between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP). In an illustrated embodiment, the first position (FP) of the ejector (5) may be proximal to the front portion of the vehicle or a cabin of the vehicle and the second position (SP) may be proximal to a rear portion of the vehicle away from the first position (FP). The ejector (5) member may be adapted to displace from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) to unload the payload from the body (1) of the vehicle.

Referring to Fig. 1a, the system (100) may include at least one guide rail (2) which may be disposed on at least one wall (1a) of the body (1). The at least one guide rail (2) may extend along an axis A-A throughout a length of the body (1). In an illustrated embodiment, the body (1) may include two guide rails (2) fixed to each of the at least one wall (1a) on either sides, where the at least one wall (1a) are oriented adjacently in a spaced apart configuration. In addition, the two guide rails (2) may be located at any height between the floor portion of the body (1) and a top edge of the at least one wall (1a) based on requirement. However, the number of guide rails (2) on each of the at least one wall (1a) of the body (1) should not be considered as a limitation as the body (1) may include less more than one guide rail (2) on each of the at least one wall (1a) of the body (1). In an embodiment, the at least one guide rail (2) may be defined with a cylindrical profile which may prevent any load material from being deposited on the at least one guide rail(2). This geometrical configuration of the at least one guide rail (2) will prevent any foreign particles fromgetting stuck on the at least one guide rail (2). In an embodiment, the profile of the at least one guide rail (2) should not be considered as a limitation as the at least one guide rail (2) may include any other profile including but not limited to a circular cross-sectional profile, a rectangular cross-sectional profile, a square cross-sectional profile, a triangular cross-section profile and the like. The at least one guide rail (2) may be formed as an integral structure of the body (1) or may be fixed to the body (1) by suitable fixing means. Furthermore, the at least one guide rail (2) may be defined with a first portion about an axis B-B of the at least one guide rail (2), a second portion about an axis C-C of the at least one guide rail (2) and a third portion about a central horizontal axis D-D of the at least one guide rail (2). In an embodiment, the first portion may be a portion of a circumferential surface of the at least one guide rail which may be defined about the axis B-B. Further, the second portion may be a portion of the circumferential surface of the at least one guide rail which may be defined about the axis C-C. Furthermore, the third portion may be a portion of the circumferential surface of the at least one guide rail which may be defined about the axis D-D. The axis B-B may be located at an offset to the central horizontal axis D-D at a circumferential edge of the at least one guide rail (2). Further, the axis C-C may be located at an offset to the central horizontal axis D-D opposite to the axis B-B at the circumferential edge of the at least one guide rail (2).

Further, the system (100) may include at least one roller mechanism (10) which is illustrated in Figs. 2a and 2b. The at least one roller mechanism (10) may be coupled to each side of the ejector (5) and adjacent to the at least one wall (1a) of the body (1). The at least one roller mechanism (10) may include at least one first self-guiding roller (6) which may be adapted to movably contact the first portion of the at least one guide rail (2) about the axis B-B. Further, the at least one roller mechanism (10) may include at least one second self-guiding roller (7) which may be adapted to movably contact the second portion of the at least one guide rail (2) about the axis C-C. The at least one first self-guiding roller (6) and the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) may rotatably displace on the first portion and the second portion of the at least one guide rail (2), respectively, to displace the ejector (5) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP) for offloading the payload from the body (1) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the at least one roller mechanism (10) may include at least one third self-guiding roller (8) that may be adapted to movably contact and displace over the third portion of the at least one guide rail (2) along a central horizontal axis D-D. The at least one third self-guiding roller (8) along with the at least one first-guiding roller and the at least one second-guiding roller may be adapted to rotatably displace the ejector (5) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP) for offloading the payload from the body (1) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) may be disposed at each side of the ejector (5), which may aid in facilitating contact between any one of the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) on each side with the at least one guide rail (2) when there is lateral deviation of the at least one guide rail (2) along the length of the body (1).

Referring again to Figs. 2a and 2b, the at least one roller mechanism (10) may be coupled to each side of the ejector (5) through a bracket (15). The bracket (15) may include a first surface (9) which may be coupled to the ejector (5) and may be adapted to accommodate the at least one third self-guiding roller (8). Further, the bracket (15) may include a second surface (13) which may extend from one end of the first surface (9) and may be adapted to accommodate the at least one first self-guiding roller (6). Furthermore, the bracket (15) may include a third surface (14) which may extend from another end of the first surface (9) which may be opposite to the one end and may be adapted to accommodate the at least one second-guide roller. In an embodiment, the second surface (13) and the third surface (14) of the bracket (15) may extend perpendicular to the first surface (9) such that the at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) may contact the first portion, the second portion and the third portion of the at least one guide rail (2), respectively. In an embodiment, the bracket (15) may be connected to the ejector (5) by connecting means including but not limited to thermal bonding, fastening, and the like.

Referring now to Fig. 3, at least one of the at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) may include a swivel arrangement (11) which may aid in connecting the said rollers with the bracket (15) or the ejector (5). The swivel arrangement (11) may include a connection member (11a) which may be connectable to the bracket (15) or the ejector (5) and a bearing (11b) which may be accommodated within the connection member (11a). The bearing (11b) which may be accommodated within the connection member (11a) may be coupled to at least one of the at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8). The bearing (11b) may be adapted to align the corresponding at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) with the at least one guide rail (2). The configuration of the swivel arrangement (11) enables the said self-guiding rollers to be aligned with the at least one guide rail (2) even when the at least one guide rail (2) includes lateral deformation along the axis A-A over the length of the body (1), thereby providing smooth rotational displacement over the at least one guide rail (2) irrespective of any deformation of the body (1). In an illustrated embodiment, the at least one first self-guiding roller (6) includes the swivel arrangement (11), however, this should not be considered as a limitation as the swivel arrangement (11) may be provided with any of the at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8).

Referring back to Figs. 2a and 2b, the at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) may be connectable to the bracket (15) or the ejector (5) through a plurality of resilient members (12). The plurality of resilient members (12) may be adapted to provide a biasing force to the corresponding at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) for movably contacting the corresponding first portion, the second portion and the third portion of the at least one guide rail (2). The biasing force exerted by the plurality of resilient members (12) may aid in maintaining contact between the corresponding at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) with the at least one guide rail (2). The contact may be maintained even when there may be vertical deformation of the at least one guide rail (2) along the axis A-A, thereby providing smooth rotational displacement over the at least one guide rail (2) irrespective of any deformation of the body (1). In an illustrated embodiment, the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) is connected to the bracket (15) through the plurality of resilient members (12), however, this should not be considered as a limitation as the plurality of resilient members (12) may be provided between any of the at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8), and the bracket (15). In an embodiment, the plurality of resilient members (12) may be including but not limited to a spring, a bush, an air bag and any other device capable of biasing the self-guiding roller towards the at least one guide rail (2).

In an embodiment, the at least one roller mechanism (10) may include a cover (16) [as seen in Fig. 2a] which may be adapted to cover (16) at least one of the at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) when connected to the bracket (15) or the ejector (5). The cover (16) may aid in protecting the said self-guiding rollers from physical damage which may be caused due to the payload material or any other unwanted material.

In an embodiment, the system (100) may include a deflector [not shown in Figs] which may be fixed to a circumferential edge of the ejector (5). The deflector may be configured to deflect the payload material when the ejector (5) may displace from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) and prevent ingress of the payload material into the at least one roller mechanism (10) and for the payload to fall behind the ejector (5) when the payload is being ejected.

It should be noted that in an illustrated embodiment, the system (100) may include four roller mechanisms (10) where two roller mechanisms (10) are positioned on each side of the ejector (5) to contact the at least one guide rail (2). However, this should not be construed as a limitation as the system (100) may include more than or less than two roller mechanism (10) positioned on each side of the ejector (5). Additionally, in an illustrated embodiment, the at least one roller mechanism (10) includes two first self-guiding rollers (6), two second-self guiding rollers and one third self-guiding roller (8). However, this should not be construed as a limitation as the at least one roller mechanism (10) may include any number of the first self-guiding rollers (6), the second self-guiding rollers (7) and the third self-guiding rollers (8).

In an embodiment, the system (100) may include a frame [not shown in Figs] which may be defined with a profile that may complement a rear surface of the ejector (5). The frame may be connected to the rear surface of the ejector (5) and may be configured to receive and support the at least one roller mechanism (10) to displace the ejector (5) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP).

In an embodiment, the at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) may include a self-lubricated bearing which may aid in rotation of the said self-guiding rollers. Additionally, the self-lubricated bearing may aid in maintaining smooth rotation of the said self-guiding rollers even upon ingress of payload material into the at least one roller mechanism (10).

Referring back to Fig. 1a, the system (100) may include at least one actuator (3), which may be operably connectable to the ejector (5). The at least one actuator (3) may be configured to displace the ejector (5) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP), relative to displacement of the at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) along the guide rail (2). In an embodiment, the at least one actuator (3) may be including but not limited to a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator and an electric actuator. In other words, the at least one actuator (3) may be operated by at least one of a hydraulic means, a pneumatic means and an electronic means. In an embodiment, the at least one actuator (3) may be defined with a telescopic profile. The at least one actuator (3) may be configured to linearly extend to displace the ejector (5) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP). Further, the at least one actuator (3) may be configured to compress and displace the ejector (5) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP). Additionally, the system (100) may include a support member (4) which may be disposed adjacent to the ejector (5) and proximal to the front portion of the vehicle. The support member (4) may be adapted to support the at least one actuator (3). In an embodiment, the support member (4) may be adapted to support the at least one actuator (3) such that the at least one actuator (3) may extend at an angle between the support member (4) and the ejector (5), which aids in minimizing space between the support member (4) and the ejector (5), thereby increasing the payload capacity, in other words, facilitates a compact mounting arrangement to maximize the load span utilization. Additionally, the angle of the at least one actuator (3) may aid in exerting a required force at a predefined location of the ejector (5) to apply maximum load on the ejector (5) with minimum stresses.

In an embodiment, the at least one actuator (3) may be a multi stage double acting hydraulic cylinder configured to control the displacement of the ejector (5) with the support of a hydraulic circuit.

Additionally, the body (1) may include a tailgate (17) which may be coupled to the body (1) at the rear portion of the vehicle or the second position (SP). The tailgate may include a lifting mechanism which may be adapted to lift or open the tailgate to offload the payload from the body (1). The lifting mechanism may be operated by at least one of the hydraulic means, the pneumatic means and the electronic means. In an embodiment, the lifting mechanism of the tailgate (17) may be connected to the at least one actuator (3) or may be operated by the driving means which may be configured to operate the at least one actuator (3). For example, the at least one actuator and the lifting mechanism may be operated by a hydraulic fluid, where auxiliary hydraulic cylinders may be provided proximal to the second position (SP) which may aid in lifting the tailgate (17) during offloading the payload from the body (1). In an embodiment, a circuit programming may be done in such a way that the auxiliary hydraulic cylinders may be adapted to open the tailgate (17) before the movement of ejector (5). This configuration of provides the flexibility of gradual unloading while the vehicle is in motion.

In an embodiment, the body (1), the system (100) and the tailgate (17) may be powered by a prime mover of the vehicle, for example, an engine of the vehicle.

In an operational embodiment, upon actuation of the at least one actuator (3) to extend linearly, the at least one actuator (3) may apply force on the ejector (5). The force on the ejector (5) may result in displacement of the ejector (5) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) due to rotation of the at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) of the at least one roller mechanism (10) on the at least one guide rail (2). The displacement of the ejector (5) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) dispenses the payload stored in the body (1), thereby offloading the payload. Upon the ejector (5) reaching the second position (SP), the at least one actuator (3) may be actuated to linearly compress thereby, exerting a retracting force on the ejector (5) to displace the ejector (5) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP).

It should be noted that in an exemplary embodiment, as seen in the Figs. 1a-3 the construction, profile, arrangement, layout, connections and method should not be construed as a limitation as the system (100) may include any other type of construction, profile, arrangement, layout, connection and may work with other method or any other combinations for offloading payload from a body (1) of a vehicle.

In an embodiment, the mechanism is simple in construction which results in low-cost manufacturing and easy maintenance. In an embodiment, the system (100) may be retrofitted to conventional vehicles carrying payload.

In an embodiment, the system (100) facilitates easy offloading of the vehicle even over a gradient and uneven surfaces without compromising the stability of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the at least one roller mechanism (10) aids in smooth displacement of the ejector (5) thereby preventing unwanted wear and excessive loading of the at least one actuator (3). Further, the forces of cocking and lifting required to tilt the body (1) is eliminated which decreases the force required to offload the payload. This leads to increased life of the system (100) and reduces down time of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the system (100) facilitates offloading of the payload which tends to stick to the body (1). Further, the system (100) aids in accurate off-loading of the payload in a required location. Additionally, the system (100) aids in offloading the payload where over-head clearance is limited and tipping or tilting of the body (1) is not feasible.

In an embodiment, the system (100) aids in efficiently offloading the payload without additional force by the at least one actuator (3) when the body (1) may be subjected to dimensional variations or deformation.

It should be imperative that the construction and configuration of the system and any other elements or components described in the above detailed description should not be considered as a limitation with respect to the figures. Rather, variation to such structural configuration of the elements or components should be considered within the scope of the detailed description.

Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 System
1 Body
1a Wall
2 Guide rail
3 Actuator
4 Support member
5 Ejector
6 First self-guiding roller
7 Second self-guiding roller
8 Third self-guiding roller
9 First surface
10 Roller mechanism
11 Swivel arrangement
11a Connection member
11b Bearing
12 Resilient member
13 Second surface
14 Third surface
15 Bracket
16 Cover
17 Tailgate
FP First position
SP Second position
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A system (100) for offloading payload from a body (1) of a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
at least one guide rail (2) disposed on at least one wall (1a) of the body (1) along an axis A-A;
an ejector (5) movably disposed in the body (1) adjacent to the at least one wall (1a), wherein the ejector (5) is structured to displace between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP) within the body (1);
at least one roller mechanism (10) coupled to each side of the ejector (5), the at least one roller mechanism (10), comprising:
at least one first self-guiding roller (6) adapted to movably contact a first portion of the at least one guide rail (2) about an axis B-B; and
at least one second self-guiding roller (7) adapted to movably contact a second portion of the at least one guide rail (2) about an axis C-C;
wherein the at least one first self-guiding roller (6) and the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) rotatably displaces on the first portion and the second portion of the at least one guide rail (2) to relatively displace the ejector (5) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP) for offloading payload from the body (1) of the vehicle.

2. the system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ejector (5) is defined with a profile complementing a profile of the body (1).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one guide rail (2) is defined with a cylindrical profile.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one roller mechanism (10) comprises at least one third self-guiding roller (8) adapted to movably contact a third portion of the at least one guide rail (2) along a central horizontal axis D-D.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one roller mechanism (10) is coupled to each side of the ejector (5) through a bracket (15), the bracket (15) comprising:
a first surface (9) adapted to accommodate the at least one third self-guiding roller (8);
a second surface (13) adapted to accommodate the at least one first self-guiding roller (6); and
a third surface (14) adapted to accommodate the at least one second-guiding roller.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) comprises a swivel arrangement (11).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the swivel arrangement (11) includes a connection member (11a) connectable to the bracket (15) and a bearing (11b) accommodated within the connection member (11a), the bearing (11b) is coupled to at least one of the at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bearing (11b) is adapted to align the corresponding at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) with the at least one guide rail (2).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one of the at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) is connectable to the bracket (15) through a plurality of resilient members (12).

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plurality of resilient members (12) are adapted to provide a biasing force to corresponding at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) for movably contacting the corresponding first portion, the second portion and the third portion of the at least one guide rail (2).

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least one actuator (3) operably connectable to the ejector (5) and configured to displace the ejector (5) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP), relative to displacement of the at least one first self-guiding roller (6), the at least one second self-guiding roller (7) and the at least one third self-guiding roller (8) along the at least one guide rail (2).