Mechanism for fixing the height of the trailer floor at a plurality of levels by fixing the angular position of a pivoting suspension component

US6619673B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLC · US

Inventors

• James Eckelberry · Canton, US
• John Ma · Rochester, US
• Frank Maly · Cary, US
• Joseph Melekian · Rochester Hills, US
• Steven R. Miller · Clarkston, US
• Nancy Saxon · Oakland Charter Township, US
• Rajesh J. Somnay · Troy, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 16, 2001
• Grant date: Sep 16, 2003
• Expiry date: May 10, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60G2800/2042
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A mechanism is disclosed for controlling the vertical position of the transport trailer floor of a heavy trailer bearing vehicle having a pivoting air spring suspension system such that the transport trailer floor maintains a fixed position level to an adjacent dock platform when parked for loading or unloading. The mechanism comprises various embodiments of a locking system that disables the pivotal movement of selected pivoting suspension elements in any one of a plurality of possible fixed positions such that the transport trailer floor, when parked, resists downwardly imposed forces and maintains a fixed elevation equal to the elevation of an adjacent loading dock platform.