Novelty in Semi-trailer Design
Page 49
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One-man Operation and Good Load Distribution Characterize the New Myles ONEof the great advantages of the semi-trailer system is that the/load-carrying unit may he duplicated; one semi-trailer can be on the road, while its fellow is at a terminal point being loaded or unloaded, thus saving time on the part of the motive unit, which is, of course, the expensive item.
An ingenious design for such a machine has recently been evolved by Mr. Myles Scarf, managing director of Ramp Trailers, Ltd., Tower House, 40, Trinity Square, London, E.C.3. It is intended for use with a 30-cwt. chassis and will carry a load of 3 tons; it is known as the Myles.
On the tractor frame is carried a single turntable plate and the frame is braced by two cross-members immediately below the circumfereno, of the plate. The pull is exerted through a socket mounted upon the frame; this socket contains a large self-aligning bearing, which permits rotational and rocking movement on the part of the kingpin attached to the underside of the trailer unit ; the,., pin is mounted below the spring bracket. •
Below the forward end of the trailer is a lateral bracket carrying an inverted semi-elliptic spring, the ends of which are free and bear upon the single turntable plate on the tractor unit. The king-pin passes through the rocking bearing and is secured by a self-locking guntype bolt.
The king-pin is staciently long to allow a certain amount of up-anddown movement, which, of course, is controlled by the lateral leaf spring. This spring bears the forward part of the load, distributes it over the tractor frame and tends to stabilize the trailer.
To disconnect the two portions of the vehicle the under-carriage, or jack, is brought into action by turning a handle which projects through the frame. This operates a screwed bar, which in turn revolves a nut that is connected to the rear arm of the under-carriage. Rotation of the handle, therefore, pushes forward the under-carriage or jacking member, which is pivoted at two points to the trailer frame, the third point consisting of the longitudinal arm controlling the action of the member. When the wheel of the jack touches the ground actual lifting of the trailer commences, *until, when the jack reaches its extreme position, the king-pin is clear of the bearing socket upon the trailer and the tractor portion can be driven away.
As regards manceuvring the disconnected trailer, this is arranged by providing a ball-bearing swivel in the housing of the jockey wheel; a handle is provided which can be connected to the wheel housing to allow men to move the machine, pulling it and steering it by the handle.
The trailer has a steel frame with cross-members welded in position. The length is 16 ft and the height 3 ft. 3 ins., whilst the frame will carry a body 6 ft. wide. The wheels have 32-in. by 6-in, pneumatic tyres and have internal-expanding brakes operated from the cab or from the side of the machine,