Locking mechanism for movable subframe of tractor-trailers
US5833253A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2017 |
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 an improved retractable pin mechanism for locking the movable subframe in a selected position relative to the tractor-trailer body. A manually operated handle is used to pneumatically actuate the pin mechanism, or in the event that the mechanism is unable to be pneumatically actuated, to manually actuate the pin mechanism. Conversion between the pneumatic and manual actuation modes is accomplished without modification to the retractable pin mechanism. More specifically, a handle assembly, which in the pneumatic mode operates generally independent of the other parts of the pin mechanism, is manually moved from a starting position in which the pins are in an extended locked position, to a first position to engage a button valve thereby opening the valve to supply air to an air chamber, which in turn causes pneumatic actuation and retraction of the pin mechanism. Alternatively, the handle assembly can be moved directly from the starting position to a second position, bypassing the first position and the pneumatic mode, whereby the handle assembly operates integrally with the other parts of the pin mech…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.