Lightweight reinforced tractor-trailer slider

US7207593B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC · US

Inventors

• Nancy Saxon · Oakland Charter Township, US
• Braden Bromley · Royal Oak, US
• Steven R. Miller · Clarkston, US
• James Eckelberry · Canton, US
• Craig Holt · Waterford Township, US
• Steven Saieg · Rochester Hills, US
• Shaun Muston · Berlin Township, US
• Jos Timmermans · Ortonville, US
• John Brink · Lake Orion, US
• Martin J. Watterson · Lebanon, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 22, 2004
• Grant date: Apr 24, 2007
• Expiry date: May 31, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D21/11
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A tractor-trailer slider includes spaced apart longitudinal side rails having control arm supports extending downwardly from the side rails for supporting the slider. Portions of the longitudinal side rails and the control arms supports are integrated using one or more common plates. Lightening holes and edge of the slider are flanged to reinforce the walls. Coining and ribbing are also used for additional reinforcement. Lateral cross-members extend between the longitudinal side rails. The lateral cross-members have tabs on opposing ends that are received in an interlocking relationship with complementary elongated slots in the longitudinal side rails. Air spring supports arranged at forward and rearward portions of the slider are secured to the longitudinal side rails, the control arm supports, and the lateral cross-members to provide a structurally rigid frame. The air spring supports provide spaced apart air spring mounting pads.