Loading by Tailboard Elevation
Page 49
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By Means of Claytonrite Elevator Tailboard, • Goods May Be Raised and Lowered by Engine Power Between Plat form and Ground Levels
WHEN it is required to transport Vlr heavy goods from one floor to another, in a factory or other building, the general practice is to employ a lift. It would, therefore, seem logical to apply the idea to the lifting and lowering of goods from a loading platform or the ground to the floor of a lorry or van, and vice versa. • A method of doing so, which, like many other clever ideas, might have been thought obvious, but which, we believe, nevertheless, to be quite novel, is to employ the tailboard as a lift, arranging a suitable mechanism for causing it to ascend or descend, by the power of the engine, while held in a horizonal position and supporting the weight Of articles or goods upon it.
Such a scheme is the subject of a patent, the British Empire (excluding Canada) rights for which have been acquired by Messrs. Howard Clayton: Wright, King's Lane, Bishopton, Stratford-on-Avon. We understand, that the device is being extensively, used in the United States, a number of vehicle manufacturers actually standardizing it, and there seems reason to surmise. that British makers will not be slow to follow suit.
Supported, When in the horiZontal position, by chains in the usual way; and conventionally hinged, the Claytonrite tailboard is mounted in two sturdy guides fixed to the rear of the lorry sides. The guides are extended 'downwards as far as is required.
For raising and lowering, a, tackle iS employed which comprises cables running, from the tailboard, vertically Upwards to high-mounted pulleys, then downwards and forwards to a pair of winches, conveniently situated for connection with a drive from the power take:off. .
Control is by a simple lever, mounted On the side of the lorry near the back, where• the operator can manipulate it while .the movement of the tailboard is under his observation_ Claims made for the device include ease of regulation, smooth, silent and quick action, and rigidity, so that the board is not distorted or caused to sag by uneven distribution of the load. Moreover, it does not necessarily require to be built into the body, during its construction, but can be installed without material difficulty on almost any suitable vehicle by any practical bodybuilder. . During the time the vehicle is running the tailboard is used in the usual manner.