DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
A TIPPER SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES

Applicant:
Tata Motors Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Having address:
Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street,
Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400001,
Maharashtra, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is
to be performed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
[001] The present application claims priority from Indian provisional patent application no. 202221026017, filed on May 04, 2022. The entire contents of the aforementioned application are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] Present disclosure, in general, relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a tipper system for a hopper-type vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[003] Typically, tipper structures for hopper type vehicles are constructed of steel panels which are joined together through welding. With this construction, there are a lot of problems which are being faced by the vehicle users. On account of steel material, the tipper weights are quite high due to which the loading capacity reduces. Over time, there is the corrosion issue which deteriorates the material of a hopper bin of the vehicle. As a result, the overall rigidity of the tipper structure is reduced. With reduced rigidity, the tippers are operated for un-tip condition, thus resulting in vibration and misalignment with the chassis. Due to the occurrence of misalignment, the tipper structures are not properly guided to sit on the sub- frame structure, and this creates further noise and vibration during motion/transportation. Furthermore, as the existing tipper structure are joined to chassis through welding, thus any damage to the tipper structure results in high cost replacement of complete tipper system for a hopper type vehicle.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[004] Main object of the present disclosure is to provide a tipper system for vehicles to have atleast one piece for easy replacement of parts for the tipper structure.
[005] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tipper system for vehicles to reduce the risk of corrosion on the tipper structure.
[006] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tipper system for vehicles to use polymer material to make the tipper structure.
[007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tipper system for vehicles to reduce the weight of the tipper structure.
[008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tipper system for vehicles to increase the strength and rigidity of the tipper structure due to corrugations.
[009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tipper system for vehicles to provide a flexible bin configuration to ensure smooth outflow of material.
[010] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tipper system for vehicles to increase the stiffness of the tipper structure due to corrugations.
[011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tipper system for vehicles to ensure the alignment of the tipper structure during lowering operation.
[012] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tipper system for vehicles to restrict lateral movement of the tipper structure during lowering operation.
[013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tipper system for vehicles to guide the tipper structure.
[014] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tipper system for vehicles to ensure connectivity of the tipper structure with the mounting mechanism.
[015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tipper system for vehicles to enhance payload carrying capacity of the tipper structure.
[016] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tipper system for vehicles which is simple, cost effective and easy to implement.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[017] One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a system as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the device and a 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.

[018] In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a tipper system for vehicles comprising a tipper structure is configured from atleast one part of a predefined material. Plurality of in-built mounting flanges are configured on the joining edges of said atleast one part of the tipper structure. A mounting mechanism is provided to mount the tipper structure. A frame sub-structure is provided for mounting the said mounting mechanism to secure the tipper structure to a chassis. Plurality of integrated brackets is included for guiding the mounting mechanism to ensure alignment of the tipper structure. Atleast one hat section is provided for mounting on the tipper structure.

[019] 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.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[020] The present subject matter discloses, a tipper system for vehicles comprising a tipper structure is configured from atleast one part of a predefined material. Plurality of in-built mounting flanges are configured on the joining edges of said atleast one part of the tipper structure. A mounting mechanism is provided to mount the tipper structure. A frame sub-structure is provided for mounting the said mounting mechanism to secure the tipper structure to a chassis. Plurality of integrated brackets is included for guiding the mounting mechanism to ensure alignment of the tipper structure. Atleast one hat section is provided for mounting on the tipper structure.
[021] In an embodiment, the said atleast one part is constituted from one or more parts of a predefined material to form the tipper structure.
[022] In an embodiment, the tipper structure is configured with plurality of corrugations on the surfaces of the tipper structure to provide stiffness.
[023] In an embodiment, the said plurality of in-built mounting flanges are configured for joining the edges of said one or more parts with fastening means to form the tipper structure.
[024] In an embodiment, the fastening means are configured from nuts and bolts, rivets, stapling and etc.
[025] In an embodiment, the plurality of integrated brackets are configured with an inclined guiding surface at its opening ends.
[026] In an embodiment, the height of said atleast one hat section is adapted to vary based on its end use.
[027] In an embodiment, the said atleast one hat section is a longitudinal member configured to support the tipper structure longitudinally.
[028] In an embodiment, the said atleast one hat section is configured to be bolted, riveted to the tipper structure.
[029] In an embodiment, the predefined material of the tipper structure is configured to be polymer material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[030] 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:
[031] Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle with a tipper structure disposed thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[032] Figure 2 illustrates atleast one piece of the tipper structure disposed thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[033] Figure. 3 shows a mounting mechanism for a tipper type structure on a vehicle chassis, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[034] Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged view of at least a portion of the mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[035] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the tipper-structure illustrating a plurality of mounting flanges, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[036] Figure 6 shows a longitudinal mounting member of the mounting mechanism for the tipper structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[037] Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of the longitudinal mounting member of the mounting mechanism for the tipper structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[038] 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 system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[039] 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 devices, systems, assemblies and mechanisms 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, to its device or system, 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.
[040] 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 device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[041] 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 Figures. 1-7.It is to be noted that the disclosed vehicle tipper system may be employed in vehicles including but not limited to a utility vehicle, commercial vehicles, and an electric vehicle and a hybrid vehicle. For a sake of clarity, a vehicle is not shown.
[042] Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrates a vehicle with a tipper system (100) disposed thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The tipper system (100) comprising a tipper structure (101), plurality of in-built mounting flanges (400), a mounting mechanism (102), a frame sub-structure (104), plurality of integrated brackets (200), atleast one hat section (500). The tipper structure (101) is configured from atleast one part of a predefined material. Atleast one part is constituted from one or more parts (108) of a predefined polymer material to form the tipper structure (101). The tipper structure (101) also includes a flexible bin configuration to ensure smooth outflow of material. Plurality of in-built mounting flanges (400) is provided on the joining edges of said atleast one part (108) of the tipper structure (101). The tipper structure (101) is secured to the frame sub-structure (104) through the mounting mechanism (102). Further, the tipper structure (101) is attached to chassis through the frame-sub-structure (104). Plurality of integrated brackets (200) is provided for guiding the mounting mechanism (102) to ensure alignment of the tipper structure (101). Atleast one hat section (500) is provided for mounting on the tipper structure (101).
[043] Figure. 3 shows a mounting mechanism (102) for a tipper structure (101) on a vehicle chassis, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the tipper structure (101) includes plurality of the mounting flanges (400) (shown in Figure 5) formed in at least a bottom surface thereof. The tipper structure (101) is mounted to a frame sub-structure (100) through a mounting mechanism (102). Further, the frame sub-structure (100) is configured to secure the tipper structure (101) to the vehicle chassis. In an illustrated embodiment, the tipper structure (101) is made up of predefined material such as polymer material and includes at least a three pieces or parts construction. Thus, facilitating easy replacement of parts. The tipper structure (101) also includes a flexible bin configuration to ensure smooth outflow of material. With plurality of corrugations and in-built flanges (400), the disclosed tipper structure (101) has been provided with enhanced the stiffness. The mounting mechanism (102) includes plurality of integrated bracket (200) with an inclined guiding surface for ensuring the alignment of the bin of the tipper structure (101) during lowering operation.
[044] Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged view of at least a portion of the mounting mechanism (102), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an illustrated embodiment, the polymer tipper structure (101) is constructed at least of 3 pieces/ parts which have in-built corrugations (106) and flange ribs (400) for the bolting arrangement. Further, a plurality of corrugations (106) is provided on the surfaces of the tipper bin structure (101) as stiffeners. This facilitates in integration of the tipper structure (101) with the frame sub-structure (104) and further to the vehicle chassis. The said plurality of in-built mounting flanges (400) are provided for joining the edges of said one or more parts (108) with fastening means (110) to form the tipper structure (101). The fastening means (110) comprises nuts and bolts, rivets, stapling and etc. The tipper structure (101) with the bin formed therein is supported by the frame sub-structure (104) having hat section (500) which can be bolted, riveted to the bin. Thus, during un-tip condition, when the bin is lowered, the possibility of lateral movement and misalignment on the frame is eliminated through the provision of the disclosed mounting mechanism (102) including the plurality of integrated brackets (200) with an inclined guiding surface has been designed so as to restrict any lateral motion and guide the tipper structure to align on the frame sub-structure.
[045] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the tipper structure (101) illustrating a plurality of in-built mounting flanges (400), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[046] Figure 6 and Figure 7 shows a longitudinal mounting member (501) of the mounting mechanism (102) for the tipper structure (101), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The tipper structure (101) with the bin formed therein is supported by the frame sub-structure (104) having atleast one hat section (500) formed in a longitudinal member (501) of the mounting mechanism (102). The atleast one hat-section (500) can be bolted, riveted to the bin of the tipper structure (101). The atleast one hat sections (500) with variable flange heights is configured to ensure connectivity with the bin. The height of the of the altleast one hat section (500) is adapted to vary based on its end use. Atleast one hat section (500) is a longitudinal member (501) supports the tipper structure (101) longitudinally.
[047] Advantageously, the disclosed tipper structure and mounting mechanism thereof facilitates in an enhanced payload carrying capacity and a lightweight polymer hopper bin with increased capacity. Since, the polymer material is resistant to corrosion, the polymer tipper structure, as disclosed, makes making it suitable for garbage transportation application. The disclosed tipper structure forming the hopper bin comprises of only of 3 pieces which are joined through bolting arrangement, hence very easy to replace only the damaged part. Furthermore, as disclosed, the mounting mechanism including an integrated bracket with inclined guiding surface ensures restriction of lateral movement of the hopper bin during un- tip condition. This guides the bin to sit properly on the frame sub-structure. Additionally, the hopper bin being configured with a flex tub profile ensures no sticking of garbage and smooth outflow of the payload material. Furthermore, the hat section structures of the longitudinal member of the mounting mechanism being provided under the bin ensures uniform load distribution.
[048] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features.
[049] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide a tipper system for vehicles to have atleast one piece for easy replacement of parts for the tipper structure.
[050] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide a tipper system for vehicles to reduce the risk of corrosion on the tipper structure
[051] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide a tipper system for vehicles to use polymer material to make the tipper structure
[052] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide a tipper system for vehicles to reduce the weight of the tipper structure
[053] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide a tipper system for vehicles to increase the strength and rigidity of the tipper structure due to corrugations.
[054] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide a tipper system for vehicles to provide a flexible bin configuration to ensure smooth outflow of material.
[055] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide a tipper system for vehicles to increase the stiffness of the tipper structure due to corrugations.
[056] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide a tipper system for vehicles to ensure the alignment of the tipper structure during lowering operation.
[057] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide a tipper system for vehicles to restrict lateral movement of the tipper structure during lowering operation.
[058] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide a tipper system for vehicles to guide the tipper structure.
[059] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide a tipper system for vehicles to ensure connectivity of the tipper structure with the mounting mechanism.
[060] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide a tipper system for vehicles to enhance payload carrying capacity of the tipper structure.
[061] Some embodiments of the subject matter enable to provide a tipper system for vehicles which is simple, cost effective and easy to implement.

Equivalents:

[062] 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.
[063] 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.”
[064] 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.
[065] 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 and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
,CLAIMS:

1. A tipper system (100) for vehicles comprising
a tipper structure (101) configured from atleast one part of a predefined material;
plurality of in-built mounting flanges (400) configured on the joining edges of said atleast one part of the tipper structure (101);
a mounting mechanism (102) configured to mount the tipper structure (101);
a frame sub-structure (104) configured for mounting the said mounting mechanism (102) to secure the tipper structure (101) to a chassis;
plurality of integrated brackets (200) configured for guiding the mounting mechanism (102) to ensure alignment of the tipper structure (101); and
atleast one hat section (500) configured for mounting on the tipper structure (101).

2. The tipper system (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said atleast one part is constituted from one or more parts (108) of a predefined material to form the tipper structure (101).

3. The tipper system (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tipper structure (101) is configured with plurality of corrugations (106) on the surfaces of the tipper structure (101) to provide stiffness.

4. The tipper system (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said plurality of in-built mounting flanges (400) are configured for joining the edges of said one or more parts (108) with fastening means (110) to form the tipper structure (101).

5. The tipper system (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening means (110) are configured from nuts and bolts, rivets, stapling and etc.

6. The tipper system (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of integrated brackets (200) are configured with an inclined guiding surface at its opening ends.

7. The tipper system (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the height of said atleast one hat section (500) is adapted to vary based on its end use.

8. The tipper system (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said atleast one hat section (500) is a longitudinal member (501) configured to support the tipper structure (101) longitudinally.

9. The tipper system (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said atleast one hat section (500) is configured to be bolted, riveted to the tipper structure (101).

10. The tipper system (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined material of the tipper structure (101) is configured to be polymer material.