Patent · US Expired

Movable subframe for tractor-trailers

US5720489A · kind A · utility

41Cited by
7References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 17, 1995
Grant dateFeb 24, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 17, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62D33/08
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A movable subframe or slider for a tractor-trailer includes a pair of elongated spaced-apart parallel main members and at least one generally K-shaped cross member structure which extends between and is attached to the main members. Specifically, the K-shaped cross member structure includes a base member which extends perpendicularly between and is attached to the main members, and further includes a pair of inclined members, each of which extends angularly between and is attached to a respective one of the main members and the base member. Each of the main members is adapted to be slidably mounted on a respective one of a pair of depending parallel rails of a trailer, and a retractable pin mechanism enables selective positioning of the slider along the rails for variable load distribution of cargo contained in the trailer. A hanger depends from each of the main members adjacent to the ends of the base member for supporting an axle/suspension system. Components of the axle/suspension system also are mounted directly on and adjacent to the inclined members. The K-shaped cross member structure enables the slider to be relatively lightweight yet have improved capability for withstandi…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.