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 VEHICLE TIPPER SYSTEM

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
[0001] The present application claims priority from Indian provisional patent application no. 202221025998, filed on May 04, 2022. The entire contents of the aforementioned application are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to field of automobiles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle tipper system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Typically, a garbage or trash collection vehicle includes a tipper for garbage disposal therein and for the transportation of municipal solid waste from one location to another. Conventionally, the tippers are made up of steel material and hence are quite heavy, thereby reducing the payload carrying capacities. Furthermore, being made up of steel, these tippers are much susceptible to problem of corrosion and frequent maintenance.
[0004] Another problem with the existing tipper involves the mounting of a frame sub-structures directly to the floor of these tippers through welding. Thus, over a period of time, there is the possibility of weld failure due to rusting on the steel floor. As a result, any damage to the tipper body, requires a high cost replacement of the tipper along with the frame sub-structure.
[0005] Present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the known arts

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Main object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle tipper system.
[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tipper structure of multi-piece modular construction forming a bin structure being made up of a polymer material.
[0008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tipper structure with plurality of integrally formed flanges configured to detachably secure the tipper structure to a sub-frame member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Before the present a vehicle tipper system is described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to a particular a vehicle tipper system as there may be multiple possible embodiments, which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular implementations, versions, or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a vehicle tipper system. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0010] In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a tipper system includes a tipper structure and a mounting mechanism. The tipper structure includes a plurality of integrally formed flanges. In an embodiment, the plurality of integrally formed flanges are configured to detachably secure the tipper structure to a sub-frame member for mounting thereto to a vehicle chassis.
[0011] In an embodiment, the mounting mechanism includes a plurality of brackets, a plurality of longitudinal members and cross-members. The plurality of longitudinal members and cross members comprises a plurality of common attachment points such that the longitudinal members and cross-members are spaced from each other by a predetermined distance. The plurality of brackets includes a mounting slots for receiving fastening members. Further, each of the plurality of the brackets are detachably secured to the common attachment points.
[0012] In an embodiment, the tipper structure through the plurality of integrally formed flanges and the mounting mechanism is secured to the frame sub-structure. Further the frame sub-structure is fixedly attached to the vehicle chassis to mount the tipper structure on the vehicle.
[0013] In an embodiment, the tipper structure is a multi-piece modular construction forming a bin structure being made up of a polymer material such as DCPD (Dicyclopentadiene). This imparts a light-weight configuration to the tipper structure. Furthermore, the disclosed mounting mechanism facilitate a rigid mounting of the tipper structure to the vehicle chassis with an enhanced stiffness.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0014] Accordingly, the present invention discloses a tipper structure (100a) configured from at least one part of a predefined material. Plurality of in-built mounting flanges configured on the joining edges of said at least one part of the tipper structure (100a). A mounting mechanism (102) configured to mount the tipper structure (100a). A frame sub-structure (101) configured to secure the tipper structure (100a) to the vehicle chassis through the mounting mechanism (102).
[0015] At least one part is constituted from a predefined polymer material to form the tipper structure (100a). At least one part is constituted from a pair of left and right transverse sub-members (200L, 200R), a pair of horizontal sub-members (202a, 202b) and a pair of top and bottom members (203a, 203b) to form a tipper structure (100a). The 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 (100a). The mounting mechanism (102) is configured from slotted brackets (300), plurality of longitudinal members (302) and cross members (301) for mounting the tipper structure (100a) on the frame sub-structure (101). The tipper structure (100a) is configured with a curved inner profile (201) for smooth outflow of garbage and prevents garbage from sticking on the inner side of structure. The plurality of longitudinal members (302) and cross members (301) are configured with a plurality of common attachment points (303) to maintain a uniform predetermined distance between the longitudinal members (302) and cross-members (301) for uniform load distribution and to prevent any deflection of the tipper structure (100a). The mounting mechanism (102) is configured with small brackets (300) having slotted arrangement to mount the tipper structure (100a) on the frame sub-structure (101). The fastening means are configured from nuts and bolts, rivets, stapling etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present subject matter, an example of construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures; however, the present subject matter is not limited to the specific vehicle tipper system disclosed in the document and the figures.
[0017] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subject matter.
[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle tipper system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 2 illustrates a tipper structure of the vehicle tipper system of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged portion of a mounting mechanism of the tipper system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 3a illustrates a mounting mechanism for the tipper system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] 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 open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive 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. Although any vehicle tipper system and, similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, vehicle tipper system is now described.
[0023] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described but is to be accorded the widest scope consist in this regard, in a generic sense.
[0024] Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle tipper system (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the tipper system (100) includes a tipper structure (100a) and a mounting mechanism (102). The tipper structure (100a) is secured to a frame sub-structure (101) through a plurality of integrally formed flanges (not shown) in at least a portion thereof and the mounting mechanism (102). Thus, through the frame sub-structure (101) the tipper structure (100a) is secured to a vehicle chassis. In an embodiment, the tipper structure (100a) is made up a light weight polymer material.
[0025] Figure 2 shows a tipper structure (100a) of the vehicle tipper system (100) of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the tipper structure (100) comprises of a pair of left and right transverse sub-members (200L), (200R), a pair of horizontal sub-members (202a), (202b) and a pair of top and bottom members (203a), (203b). The tipper structure (100a) is made up of a multi-piece modular construction in polymer material having in-built flanges for joining through bolting arrangement along with the mounting mechanism (102) to mount the polymer design garbage tipper structure (100a) on the frame sub-structure (101) through slotted brackets (300) and a plurality of longitudinal members (302) and cross-members (301). The plurality of longitudinal members (302) and cross members (301) comprises a plurality of common attachment points (303) such that the longitudinal members and cross-members (301) (shown in Figure 3a), are spaced from each other by a predetermined distance for uniform load distribution, and split partition design for variety of garbage type.
[0026] Advantageously, the disclosed vehicle tipper system (100) facilitates a mounting of a light weight tipper structure to vehicle and in addition also results in increasing the capacity for carrying the payload by the vehicle. Furthermore, the proposed mounting mechanism (102) including the longitudinal and cross members (301), (302) are uniformly placed to prevent any deflection of the body. With this sub-structure, small brackets (300) have been assembled with slotted arrangement to join the garbage box bin with the sub-structure to ensure uniform load distribution to the sub-frame structure.
[0027] Additionally, the disclosed tipper structure (100) made up of only modular multi-pieces can be easily replaceable in case of any damage. The in-built flange ribs are configured in a plurality of parts for the bolting arrangement which further improves the complete rigidity of the system. In an embodiment, the curved inner profile (201) of the tipper structure ensures no garbage sticking and smooth outflow. The frame sub-structure with long and cross tubes (301), (302) are positioned at locations to ensure uniform load distribution and prevent any deflection of the tipper structure (100a). In an embodiment, the slotted brackets (300) have been designed with the sub-structure for the mounting of the garbage body through bolting arrangement. The disclosed vehicle tipper system and the mounting mechanism ensures easily replaceable polymer body without having to change the complete system.
[0028] Figure 3 shows an enlarged portion of a mounting mechanism (102) of the tipper system (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] Figure 3a illustrates a mounting mechanism for the tipper system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The tipper structure (100a) is made up of a multi-piece modular construction in polymer material having in-built flanges for joining through bolting arrangement along with the mounting mechanism (102) to mount the polymer design Garbage tipper structure (100a) on the frame sub-structure (102) through slotted brackets (300) and a plurality of longitudinal members (302) and cross-members (301). The frame sub-structure (102) is designed to accommodate the garbage box tipper in such a way that it prevents any deflection of the polymer bin. The body is constructed of multi-pieces which are joined together to form a single unit with the help of bolting arrangement. This garbage box tipper will be mounted on the sub-structure with the help of bolts in the slotted brackets provided on the cross tubes of the sub-structure. This arrangement will allow the body to be easily replaceable in case of any damage without having to change the complete system. The issues of corrosion and frequent maintenance is substantially reduced, thereby improving the customer quality of life.
[0030] Further, the invention can be used, but not limited to, in the following applications.
[0031] The present invention discloses a tipper structure (100a) configured from at least one part of a predefined material. Plurality of in-built mounting flanges configured on the joining edges of said at least one part of the tipper structure (100a). A mounting mechanism (102) configured to mount the tipper structure (100a). A frame sub-structure (101) configured to secure the tipper structure (100a) to the vehicle chassis through the mounting mechanism (102).
[0032] At least one part is constituted from a predefined polymer material to form the tipper structure (100a). At least one part is constituted from a pair of left and right transverse sub-members (200L, 200R), a pair of horizontal sub-members (202a, 202b) and a pair of top and bottom members (203a, 203b) to form a tipper structure (100a). The 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 (100a). The mounting mechanism (102) is configured from slotted brackets (300), plurality of longitudinal members (302) and cross members (301) for mounting the tipper structure (100a) on the frame sub-structure (101). The tipper structure (100a) is configured with a curved inner profile (201) for smooth outflow of garbage and prevents garbage from sticking on the inner side of structure. The plurality of longitudinal members (302) and cross members (301) are configured with a plurality of common attachment points (303) to maintain a uniform predetermined distance between the longitudinal members (302) and cross-members (301) for uniform load distribution and to prevent any deflection of the tipper structure (100a). The mounting mechanism (102) is configured with small brackets (300) having slotted arrangement to mount the tipper structure (100a) on the frame sub-structure (101). The fastening means are configured from nuts and bolts, rivets, stapling etc.
[0033] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include the following:
[0034] Some embodiments of the present subject matter provide a vehicle tipper system.
[0035] Some embodiments of the present subject matter provide a tipper structure of multi-piece modular construction forming a bin structure being made up of a polymer material.
[0036] Some embodiments of the present subject matter provide a tipper structure with plurality of integrally formed flanges configured to detachably secure the tipper structure to a sub-frame member
[0037] Although implementations for a vehicle tipper system have been described in language specific to structural features and/or system, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of implementations.
[0038] Figures 1-3a are now described using the reference numbers stated in the below table.
Reference Numeral Description
100 Tipper system
100a Tipper structure
101 Frame sub-structure
102 Mounting mechanism
200L, 200R A pair of left and right sub-members
201 Inner curved profile
202a, 202b A pair of transverse members
203a, 203b A pair of horizontal members
300 A plurality of brackets
301 Cross-members
302 Longitudinal members
303 A plurality of common attachment points

,CLAIMS:
1. A vehicle tipper system (100) comprising:
a tipper structure (100a) configured from at least one part of a predefined material;
plurality of in-built mounting flanges configured on the joining edges of said at least one part of the tipper structure (100a);
a mounting mechanism (102) configured to mount the tipper structure (100a); and
a frame sub-structure (101) configured to secure the tipper structure (100a) to the vehicle chassis through the mounting mechanism (102).

2. The vehicle tipper system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said atleast one part is constituted from a predefined polymer material to form the tipper structure (100a).

3. The vehicle tipper system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said atleast one part is constituted from a pair of left and right transverse sub-members (200L, 200R), a pair of horizontal sub-members (202a, 202b) and a pair of top and bottom members (203a, 203b) to form a tipper structure (100a).

4. The vehicle tipper system as claimed in claim 1, wherein 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 (100a).

5. The vehicle tipper system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said mounting mechanism (102) is configured from slotted brackets (300), plurality of longitudinal members (302) and cross members (301) for mounting the tipper structure (100a) on the frame sub-structure (101).

6. The vehicle tipper system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said tipper structure (100a) is configured with a curved inner profile (201) for smooth outflow of garbage and prevents garbage from sticking on the inner side of structure.

7. The vehicle tipper system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said plurality of longitudinal members (302) and cross members (301) are configured with a plurality of common attachment points (303) to maintain a uniform predetermined distance between the longitudinal members (302) and cross-members (301) for uniform load distribution and to prevent any deflection of the tipper structure (100a).

8. The vehicle tipper system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said mounting mechanism (102) is configured with small brackets (300) having slotted arrangement to mount the tipper structure (100a) on the frame sub-structure (101).

9. The vehicle tipper system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening means are configured from nuts and bolts, rivets, stapling etc.

10. The vehicle tipper system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said predefined polymer material is configured from Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD).