Locking pins for movable subframe of tractor-trailers
US5642896A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D53/068
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A movable subframe for tractor-trailers, commonly referred to as a slider, includes a retractable pin mechanism having improved locking pins for locking the movable subframe in a selected position relative to the tractor-trailer body. The improved pin includes a tapered or truncated conical-shaped portion which nests in a tapered enclosure when the pins are in the fully extended or locked position. When one or more of the pins of the retractable pin mechanism become jammed in the locked position due to slight misalignment between the respective slider and trailer body openings through which each pin extends when in the locked position, a generally uniformly distributed contact surface pressure exists between the truncated conical-shaped portion of the pin and the tapered enclosure. Other parts of the pin are subjected to relatively intense contact point pressures. Such pressures in turn cause shear forces which resist retraction of the jammed pins. However, a vehicle operator attempting to free the pins need only to slightly retract the pin mechanism and clearance is created between the tapered portion of each jammed pin and the tapered enclosure, much like pulling two tapered cups…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.