Ribless lifting structure for truck body

Abstract

A lift structure for a truck body may include a lift plate arrangement extending in a first direction and configured to be rotatably coupled to a lift member of a truck; and a plurality of outer corner plates spaced apart from each other in a first direction and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the outer corner plates may interface with the lift plate arrangement, and a portion of each of the outer corner plates may extend from the first side of the lift structure arrangement in a second direction.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application with an application date of June 3, 2021, application number 202180039063.6, and invention name “Ribless lifting structure for truck body”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to support structures for haul trucks, and more particularly, to lift support structures for haul truck bodies and systems, arrangements, assemblies and methods thereof. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, the lifting structure of the body of a haul truck, such as a mining truck, may experience relatively high loads and stresses, for example, when the body is lifted to dump material. Such loads and stresses may be particularly high on uneven ground. In order to more evenly distribute the loads throughout the body, transverse ribs may be provided along the underbody, which are attached to the lifting structure and may also be attached to longitudinal rails provided along the underbody. However, adding transverse ribs may make the body heavier and require significant welding and / or fabrication work.

[0004] US Patent No. 9,630,544 (the '544 patent) shows the interface between a dump body and a pair of lift cylinders that are hydraulic cylinder attachments connecting the frame to the dump body. However, the '544 patent does not show the interface with the pair of longitudinal rails. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one aspect, a lifting structure is disclosed. The lifting structure may include: an elongated lifting plate arrangement extending in a first direction and configured to be rotatably coupled to a lifting member of a haul truck; a plurality of external gussets spaced apart from each other in the first direction and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the external gussets may abut against the elongated lifting plate arrangement and / or a portion of each of the external gussets may extend from a first side of the elongated lifting plate arrangement in the second direction.

[0006] In another aspect, a support system for a haul truck body is disclosed. The support system may include: a first lifting structure; and a second lifting structure spaced apart from the first lifting structure in a transverse direction of the haul truck body such that a first longitudinal support structure of the body and a second longitudinal support structure of the body are between the first lifting structure and the second lifting structure. Each of the first lifting structure and the second lifting structure may include: a lifting plate arrangement extending in a longitudinal direction of the body and configured to be rotatably coupled to a lifting member of the haul truck, and a plurality of external gussets spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction and extending in a transverse direction, the external gussets abutting the lifting plate arrangement, and a portion of each of the external gussets extending from the lifting plate to the closest one of the first longitudinal support structure and the second longitudinal support structure.

[0007] And in yet another aspect, an off-highway rear haul truck is disclosed. The off-highway rear haul truck may include: a dump body configured to be operably coupled to a frame of a haul truck, the dump body including a bottom wall having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface; a first longitudinal rail and a second longitudinal rail disposed on the lower surface of the bottom wall, the first and second longitudinal rails being spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction of the dump body, and each of the first and second longitudinal rails extending along the lower surface of the dump body in a longitudinal direction; and a first ribless lifting structure and a second ribless lifting structure disposed laterally outside the first and second longitudinal rails, respectively, each of the first and second ribless lifting structures being free of any transverse support structure extending from at least the first longitudinal rail to the second longitudinal rail. Each of the first ribless lifting structure and the second ribless lifting structure can include: a pair of lifting plates, which are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction and extend in the longitudinal direction, the pair of lifting plates being configured to be rotatably connected to the lifting member, and a plurality of external angle plates, which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction and extend in the transverse direction, the external angle plates being docked with the pair of lifting plates, and a portion of each of the external angle plates being disposed between the lifting plate and the closest one of the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail.

[0008] Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a side view of a truck according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0010] Figure 2 is a bottom view of a truck body according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged section of the underbody.

[0012] Figure 4 A lifting structure according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter is shown.

[0013] Figures 5 to 8 Shows Figure 4 A partially transparent perspective view of a lifting structure.

[0014] Fig. 9 yes Figure 4 Partially transparent side view of a lifting structure.

[0015] Fig.10 and Fig.11 yes Figure 4 A transparent perspective view of the lifting structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter relate to lift support structures for haul truck bodies and systems, arrangements, assemblies, and methods thereof.

[0017] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figure 1 , which illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a truck 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The truck 10 may be performing some type of operation associated with an industry such as mining, construction, or any other industry known in the art. For example, Figure 1 As shown, the truck 10 may be an earth moving machine, and in particular an off-highway rear haul truck 10 .

[0018] The truck 10 may have a frame 20 supported by front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16 (including respective tires). The front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16 may be connected to the frame 20 via front suspension members and rear suspension systems (not explicitly shown), respectively. The truck 10 may also include a trailer or body 30 supported by the frame 20. This trailer or body 30 may be referred to herein as a dump body 30. The body 30 may be configured as a container for receiving hauled materials.

[0019] The rear portion 35 of the vehicle body 30 may be pivotally coupled or attached to a portion (including a plurality of portions) of the rear portion of the vehicle frame 20. Thus, the vehicle body 30 may be pivotally coupled or attached to a portion (including a plurality of portions) of the rear portion of the vehicle frame 20. Figure 1The vehicle body 30 may be pivoted from the lowest or resting position shown (i.e., not raised) to a raised position (e.g., fully raised). That is, the body 30 may be pivoted at the rear portion 35 of the frame 20 to raise or lower the portion of the body 30 in front of the pivot (and thus move the portion of the body 30 in the opposite direction to the rear of the pivot). This pivoting of the body 30 to raise the front portion 36 of the body 30 may be used to dump contents from within the body 30. Likewise, the pivoting of the body 30 to lower the front portion 36 of the body 30 to the resting position may be used to receive contents in the body 30. The pivoting may be performed using a pair of lifting members 25 (which may include cylinders) operably coupled to the frame 20 and the body 30.

[0020] The truck 10 may have a cab 18 supported by a frame 20. The truck 10 may also be equipped with a steering mechanism and controls to move the truck 10 and control the raising and lowering of the vehicle body 30. The steering mechanism and controls may be located within the cab 18 of the truck 10.

[0021] The truck 10 may have a prime mover (not explicitly shown) supported by the frame 20. The prime mover may be configured to push the front wheels 14 and the rear wheels 16 in a forward or backward direction. The prime mover may be aligned lengthwise on the frame 20 along the direction of travel of the truck 10. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the prime mover may be aligned transversely. In an exemplary embodiment, the prime mover may be an internal combustion engine, for example, it may be a two-stroke or four-stroke diesel engine. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the prime mover may be any other type of internal combustion engine, such as a gasoline engine or a gas fuel-driven engine. The prime mover may be connected to the front wheels 14 and / or the rear wheels 16 via other components such as a transmission (not shown) to transmit power, thereby moving the front wheels 14 and / or the rear wheels 16 in a forward or backward direction.

[0022] Now, moving on to the other graphs, Figure 2 A bottom view of the vehicle body 30 is shown. The vehicle body 30 may have a bottom wall 31 (which may be referred to as a floor), a front wall 33, and a pair of side walls 34. The bottom wall 31 may have a lower surface 32 and an upper surface (not explicitly shown) opposite the lower surface 32.

[0023] A plurality of longitudinal support structures 40 may be provided along the lower surface 32 of the bottom wall 31, which may be referred to herein as first or second longitudinal support structures 40. According to one or more embodiments, the bottom wall 31 may have only two longitudinal support structures 40. As a non-limiting example, the longitudinal support structures 40 may be in the form of rails.

[0024] The longitudinal support structure 40, which may be coupled (eg, welded) to the lower surface 32 of the bottom wall 31, may extend or run along the lower surface 32 in the longitudinal direction. Figure 2 As shown, the longitudinal support structure 40 can extend along the entire length of the lower surface 32. In this regard, the longitudinal support structure 40 can extend as a single continuous unit, or can be a plurality of units that are coupled (e.g., welded) together. However, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to longitudinal support structures 40 that extend the entire length of the lower surface 32. That is, in some embodiments, the longitudinal support structure 40 may not extend the entire length of the lower surface 32 of the bottom wall 31.

[0025] Alternatively, the longitudinal support structures 40 may extend parallel to each other. The longitudinal support structures 40 may also be spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction of the vehicle body 30. The longitudinal support structures 40 may be fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the bottom wall 31. In terms of geometry, the longitudinal support structures 40 may be rectangular or substantially rectangular, such as shown in the figures, or alternatively may be some other geometric shape, such as a trapezoid, an I-beam, or a T-beam.

[0026] A plurality of lifting structures 50 may also be provided on the bottom wall 31. The lifting structures 50 may be provided laterally outside the longitudinal support structure 40, such as Figure 2 As shown. The lifting structure 50 may also be located closer to the front wall 33 than the rear of the vehicle body 30 and / or forward of the transverse centerline of the bottom wall 31. The lifting structure 50 may be directly or indirectly fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the bottom wall 31. As shown, the longitudinal support structure 40 may have a length greater than the length of the lifting structure 50.

[0027] The lifting structure 50 may be free of any transverse support structures (e.g., rails or rib structures) extending from at least one longitudinal support structure 40 to another longitudinal support structure 40 and / or extending from at least one longitudinal support structure 40 to the sides of the bottom wall 31. Therefore, the lifting structure 50 may be referred to as a ribless lifting structure 50. Alternatively, a portion of the bottom wall 31 adjacent to and below the lifting structure 50 may be free of or have no transverse support structures (e.g., rails or rib structures) extending from at least one longitudinal support structure 40 to another longitudinal support structure 40.

[0028] Go to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , each lifting structure 50 may include a lifting plate arrangement 502 and a plurality of external angled panels 510. As discussed in more detail below, the external angled panels 510 may interface with the lifting plate arrangement 502. The lifting plate arrangements 502 may extend parallel to each other and / or parallel to respective adjacent longitudinal support structures 40.

[0029] The lifting plate arrangement 502 can be spaced apart from the longitudinal support structure 40 in the lateral direction and extend in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the lifting plate arrangement 502 can be characterized as being elongated. The lifting plate arrangement 502, which can include a pair of lifting plates 503 spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction, can be configured to be rotatably coupled to the lifting member 25 via a connection interface 504.

[0030] One or more gussets 506 may be disposed between the lift plates 503, extending from one lift plate 503 to another lift plate 503. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the gusset 506 may only contact the lifting plate 503, and may not contact (e.g., be connected to) the reinforcing pad (doubler) 507 surrounding the hole of the connection interface 504. The middle one of the gussets 506 may be parallel to the lower surface 32 of the bottom wall 31, and the two gussets 506 on opposite sides of the middle gusset 506 may be at a positive angle toward the middle gusset 506, such as Fig. 9 As shown. Optionally, the end portions of the gussets 506 may overlap. That is, the opposite ends of the middle gusset 506 may be overlapped by the closest ends of the other two gussets 506, such as Fig. 9 As shown. Optionally, the angle plate 506 can be H-shaped. Generally, the angle plate 506 can reduce the stress or load generated at or around the hole of the connection interface 504 during actuation of the lifting member 25. The angle plate 506 can also reduce the overall stress on the periphery of the lifting plate 503, which can protect and / or improve the weld life of the lifting plate 503. And the angle plate 506 can help transfer and distribute the load between the lifting plates 503.

[0031] The external angled panels 510, which may extend in the transverse direction, may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. According to one or more embodiments, the external angled panels 510 may be in the form of a plate, extending in the transverse direction. The external angled panels 510 may also include a plurality of cutouts, for example, U-shaped cutouts. The external angled panels 510 may be in the form of a single unit or one-piece, or alternatively may be in the form of two pieces, for example, a first piece between the lifting panels 503, and a second piece between the lifting panel arrangement 502 and the longitudinal support structure 40.

[0032] Some or all of the exterior gussets 510 may be identical. For example, Figure 4 One of the exterior gussets 510 at the end of the riser arrangement 502 is shown having a different configuration than the other exterior gussets 510. Figure 4 Six external corner panels 510 are shown, but embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited thereto and may include more or less than six external corner panels 510. According to one or more embodiments, the first set of one or more external corner panels 510 (e.g., Figure 4Three are shown) may be disposed on one side of the connection interface 504, and a second set of one or more external gussets 510 (eg, Figure 4 Three are shown) may be disposed on the other side of the connection interface 504. In addition, some of the external gussets 510 may be a single unit or one-piece, and some of the external gussets 510 may be formed from multiple pieces. Figure 7 As shown, for example, the end exterior gussets 510 may be formed as a single unit or one piece, while the exterior gussets 510 between the ends may be formed from multiple pieces (eg, two aligned pieces).

[0033] At least a portion of some or all of the external angled panels 510 may be disposed between the lift plate arrangement 502 and the longitudinal support structure 40. For example, this portion of the external angled panel 510 may extend from the lift plate arrangement 502 laterally toward and to the longitudinal support structure 40. That is, the external angled panel 510 may extend from one of the lift plates 503 closest to the longitudinal support structure 40 to the longitudinal support structure 40. The side wall of the lift plate 503 closest to the longitudinal support structure 40 may be referred to as a first side, a first side wall, or a laterally inner lift plate 503 of the lift plate arrangement 502.

[0034] Another portion of the outer gussets 510 may be disposed between the lift panels 503. Optionally, no portion of some or all of the outer gussets 510 may extend from the lift panel 503 (of the pair of lift panels 503) that is farthest from the longitudinal support structure 40. The side wall of the lift panel 503 that is farthest from the longitudinal support structure 40 may be referred to as the second side, the second side wall, or the laterally outer lift panel 503 of the lift panel arrangement 502.

[0035] A bottom plate 501 that may be fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the lower surface 32 of the bottom wall 31 may be provided between each of the lifting plate arrangements 502 and the lower surface 32, and between the outer gussets 510 and the lower surface 32. Optionally, the bottom plate 501 may be considered as part of the lifting structure 50. Alternatively, the bottom plate 501 may be considered as separate from the lifting structure 50. According to one or more embodiments, the bottom plate 501 may be referred to as a "reinforcement pad."

[0036] According to one or more embodiments, some or all of the lift plate arrangement 502 and optional external angle plates 510 may be in direct contact with the base plate 501. In this regard, the lift plate arrangement 502, and in particular the lift plates 503 thereof, may be fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the base plate 501. Optionally, some or all of the external angle plates 510 may be fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the base plate 501.

[0037] Optionally, according to one or more embodiments, a support plate 511 may be disposed between portions of the lift plate arrangement 502 and the base plate 501, and between one or more external gussets 510 (such as an end gusset 510) and the base plate 501. The lift plate arrangement 502 and the one or more external gussets 510 may be fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the support plate 511, which in turn may be fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the base plate 501. The support plate 511 may be considered part of the lift structure 50. Alternatively, the support plate 511 may be considered separate from the lift structure 50. According to one or more embodiments, the support plate 511 may be referred to as a "strengthening pad." Generally, the support plate 511 may be provided to provide stiffness, thereby reducing increased loads that may be experienced relatively close to the front wall 33 of the vehicle body 30, because this end of the lift structure 50 may be relatively close to the front wall 33 of the vehicle body 30.

[0038] Go to Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the longitudinal support structure 40 may include a plurality of internal gussets 410. Although the internal gussets 410 are shown, the internal gussets 410 may be hidden by the bottom wall 41 and the side walls 44 of the longitudinal support structure 40 (or substantially hidden in the case where the external gussets 510 directly contact the internal gussets 410).

[0039] As shown, the internal gussets 410 can be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. The internal gussets 410 can be in the form of plates with one or more cutouts to provide load support, specifically, to transfer loads from the lifting structure 50 to the longitudinal support structure 40 through the external gussets 510. The internal gussets 410 can be configured to provide a desired rigid-flexible effect to minimize stress concentrations. In addition, the configuration of the internal gussets 410 can be different for some or all of the internal gussets 410. For example, a central opening can be provided for the internal gussets 410, and the internal gussets 410 have a height sufficient to accommodate the central opening and still provide the necessary support, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Fig.10 Given the height of a particular inner gusset 410, a central opening may be implemented to reduce weight and provide a suitable stiffness / flexibility balance for a particular inner gusset 410. According to one or more embodiments, some or all of the inner gussets 410 may be in the form or shape of an "H", such as Figure 6 The “H” shape can reduce stress concentration at the welded terminals of the four corners of the inner gusset 410 .

[0040] According to one or more embodiments, the inner gusset 410 may be aligned with a corresponding one of the outer gussets 510 in the lateral direction. However, the inner gusset 410 may be physically separated from the outer gusset 510. For example, the side wall 44 of the longitudinal support structure 40 may be between the inner gusset 410 and the outer gusset 510. Therefore, the inner gusset 410 may be effectively connected or coupled to the corresponding outer gusset 510 via the side wall 44. In this regard, the inner gusset 410 may be fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the side wall 44. Likewise, the outer gusset 510 may be fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the side wall 44. The inner gusset 410 may also be fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the bottom wall 41 of the longitudinal support structure 40.

[0041] As shown, the height of the outer gusset 510 at the interface with the side wall 44 can be less than the height of the inner gusset 410 at the interface with the side wall 44, although the height of the outer gusset 510 at the interface can be the portion of the outer gusset 510 having the greatest height. Although the inner gusset 410 can be physically separate from the inner gusset 410, the inner gusset 410 can be considered part of the lifting structure 50 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0042] Alternatively, an opening or cutout (e.g., a slot) may be provided in the side wall 44 so that the outer gusset 510 is in direct contact with a corresponding one of the inner gussets 410. Optionally, according to an alternative, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may form pairs of outer gussets 510 and inner gussets 410 as one-piece or monolithic, meaning that the combined outer gussets 510 / inner gussets 410 may extend through the farthest lift plate 503 and to the distal wall 44 of the longitudinal support structure 40 as one-piece. The cutout may be such that the side wall 44 does not contact the outer gusset 510. As a further option, the inner gusset 410 or the combined outer gusset 510 / inner gusset 410 may extend through the opening or cutout in the distal wall 44 to extend from the distal wall 44. Thus, the cutout / slot on the side wall 44 of the longitudinal support structure 40 and the combined outer gusset 510 / inner gusset 410 may interlock. In this regard, alternatively, another set of external gussets may be provided in alignment with the internal gussets 410 (and external clamps 510), but on the inner side of the longitudinal support structure 40. That is, in one case, the combined external gussets 510 / inner gussets 410 may extend from the distal wall 44 of the longitudinal support structure 40, and in another case, a separate external gusset may extend from the distal wall 44 of the longitudinal support structure 40 and be separated from the internal gussets 410 (or the combined external gussets 510 / inner gussets 410) by the distal wall 44 of the longitudinal support structure 40.

[0043] As noted above, the outer gusset 510 may interface with the riser arrangement 502. More specifically, as Figure 7 and Fig.10 As shown, the first end of the external gusset 510 (except for the end gussets) can abut the lifting plate 503 farthest from the longitudinal support structure 40. Optionally, the first end of the external gusset 510 can be fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the farthest lifting plate 503. As noted above, the second end of the external gusset 510 can abut and fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the side wall 44 of the longitudinal support structure 40 (or in an alternative embodiment, fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) directly to one of the internal gussets 410). Between the first and second ends, the raised portion of the external gusset 510 can be received in a cutout or slot 505 (e.g., square) of the lifting plate 503 closest to the longitudinal support structure 40. Thus, the raised portion of the external gusset 510 and the slot 505 of the lifting plate 503 can interlock. Optionally, the interface between the raised portion of the external gusset 510 and the slot 505 of the lifting plate 503 can be fixedly coupled (e.g., welded). According to one or more embodiments, the end outer gusset 510 that can be disposed on the support plate 511 can abut the end of the lifting plate 503, such as Figure 7 and Fig.10 Optionally, the end outer gusset 510 may be fixedly coupled (eg, welded) to the end of the lifting plate 503 .

[0044] Industrial Applicability

[0045] As noted above, embodiments of the present invention relate to lift support structures for hauling truck bodies and systems, arrangements, assemblies, and methods thereof.

[0046] Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can completely or at least relative to the lifting structure eliminate transverse ribs or rails that extend transversely across the truck underbody. This elimination, along with the specific lifting structure configuration relative to the longitudinal support structures on the underbody, can more evenly distribute loads and stresses by transferring loads to the longitudinal support structures.

[0047] Generally speaking, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can achieve load transfer by connecting the lifting brackets to the longitudinal support structure via a plurality of gussets. The longitudinal support structure, such as the longitudinal support structure 40, can be rectangular or substantially rectangular, such as shown in the figure, or alternatively can be some other geometric shape, such as a trapezoid, an I-beam, or a T-beam. As discussed above, the gussets can include at least an outer gusset 510 that can extend from the longitudinal support structure 40 to the lifting plate arrangement 502.

[0048] The inner gussets 410 may be disposed on the inner side of the longitudinal support structure 40 and may be laterally aligned with a corresponding one of the outer gussets 510. However, the inner gussets 410 may be physically separate from the outer gussets 510. For example, the sidewalls 44 of the longitudinal support structure 40 may be between the inner gussets 410 and the outer gussets 510. Thus, the inner gussets 410 may be effectively connected or coupled to the corresponding outer gussets 510 via the sidewalls 44 to distribute the load or stress from the lift plate arrangement 502 to the longitudinal support structure 40. In this regard, optionally, another set of outer gussets may be disposed in alignment with the inner trusses 410 (and the outer gussets 510), but on the inner side of the longitudinal support structure 40. That is, in one case, the combined external angle panel 510 / internal angle panel 410 may extend from the distal wall 44 of the longitudinal support structure 40, and in another case, the separated external angle panel may extend from the distal wall 44 of the longitudinal support structure 40 and be separated from the internal angle panel 410 (or the combined external angle panel 510 / internal angle panel 410) by the distal wall 44 of the longitudinal support structure 40.

[0049] Inner gusset 410 may be fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to sidewall 44. Likewise, outer gusset 510 may be fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to sidewall 44, or in alternative embodiments, directly fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to inner gusset 410. Although in some embodiments, inner gusset 410 may be physically separate from inner gusset 410, inner gusset 410 may be considered part of lift structure 50 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0050] As noted above, the outer gusset 510 may interface with the riser arrangement 502. For example, Figure 7 and Fig.10 As shown, the first end of the outer gusset 510 (except for the end gusset) can abut the lifting plate 503 farthest from the longitudinal support structure 40. Optionally, the first end of the outer gusset 510 can be fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the farthest lifting plate 503. As noted above, the second end of the outer gusset 510 can abut and fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the side wall 44 of the longitudinal support structure 40, or in an alternative embodiment, directly fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the inner gusset 410.

[0051] Between the first end and the second end, the raised portion of the external gusset 510 can be received in a cutout or slot 505 (e.g., square) of the lifting plate 503 closest to the longitudinal support structure 40. Thus, the raised portion of the external gusset 510 and the slot 505 of the lifting plate 503 can interlock. Optionally, the interface between the raised portion of the external gusset 510 and the slot 505 of the lifting plate 503 can be fixedly coupled (e.g., welded). According to one or more embodiments, the end external gusset 510 that can be disposed on the support plate 511 can abut the end of the lifting plate 503, such as Figure 7 and Fig.10 Optionally, the end outer gusset 510 may be fixedly coupled (eg, welded) to the end of the lifting plate 503 .

[0052] As shown, the height of the outer gusset 510 at the interface with the side wall 44 can be less than the height of the inner gusset 410 at the interface with the side wall 44, although the height of the outer gusset 510 at the interface can be the portion of the outer gusset 510 having the greatest height. Although the inner gusset 410 can be physically separate from the inner gusset 410, the inner gusset 410 can be considered part of the lifting structure 50 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0053] Alternatively, an opening or cutout (e.g., a slot) may be provided in the side wall 44 so that the outer gusset 510 is in direct contact with a corresponding one of the inner gussets 410. Optionally, according to an alternative, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may form pairs of outer gussets 510 and inner gussets 410 as one-piece or monolithic, meaning that the combined outer gussets 510 / inner gussets 410 may extend through the farthest lift plate 503 and to the distal wall 44 of the longitudinal support structure 40 as one-piece. The cutout may be such that the side wall 44 does not contact the outer gusset 510. As a further option, the inner gusset 410 or the combined outer gusset 510 / inner gusset 410 may extend through the opening or cutout in the distal wall 44 to extend from the distal wall 44. Thus, the cutout / slot on the side wall 44 of the longitudinal support structure 40 and the combined outer gusset 510 / inner gusset 410 may interlock.

[0054] Although various aspects of the present invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to the above embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be conceived by modifying the disclosed machines, components, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present invention as determined based on the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A lifting structure comprising: an elongated lift plate arrangement extending in a first direction and configured to be rotatably coupled to a lift member of a haul truck; a plurality of external gussets spaced apart from each other in the first direction and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein each of said external gussets is fixedly coupled to said elongated lifting plate arrangement, and Wherein a portion of each of the outer gussets extends from a first side of the elongated riser plate arrangement in the second direction, wherein the elongated riser plate arrangement is free of any lateral support structure extending completely through the elongated riser plate arrangement.

2. The lifting structure according to claim 1, in, The elongated riser arrangement includes a connection interface, and Wherein, a first group of multiple external angle plates are arranged on the first side of the connection interface, and a second group of multiple external angle plates are arranged on the second side of the connection interface.

3. The lifting structure of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of inner corner panels aligned with a corresponding one of the outer corner panels in the second direction.

4. The lifting structure of claim 1, further comprising an elongated support structure extending along the first direction, in, The elongated support structure has a length greater than the length of the elongated lift plate arrangement and is spaced apart from the elongated lift plate arrangement in the second direction, and Wherein a portion of each of the outer gussets is located between the elongated riser arrangement and the elongated support structure.

5. The lifting structure according to claim 1, in, the elongated lifting plate arrangement comprising a first elongated lifting plate and a second elongated lifting plate separated from the first elongated lifting plate in the second direction, wherein three separate H-shaped angle plates extend from the first elongated lifting plate to the second elongated lifting plate, and Wherein, the H-shaped angle plate only contacts the first slender lifting plate and the second slender lifting plate, and does not contact the reinforcing pads provided at the pin holes of the connection interface arranged around the slender lifting plates.

6. The lifting structure of claim 1, wherein no portion of at least some of the exterior gussets extends from a second side of the elongated lifting plate arrangement opposite the first side.

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