Vehicle frame having air tank cross member
US7503586B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 2007 |
| Grant date | Mar 17, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2206/602
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tank for containing compressed air for supplying the air to one or more pneumatically-operated components, devices, or systems of a heavy-duty vehicle such as a tractor-trailer or straight truck, also serves as part of the structure of the frame or subframe of the vehicle. The frame or subframe includes a pair of spaced-apart, parallel, elongated and longitudinally extending main members. One or more of the tanks also serve as interconnecting cross members of the frame or subframe structure. Each tank/cross member generally extends between and is perpendicular to the main members and is secured to the main members and/or suspension hangers and/or the air springs to form a rigid, integrated frame or subframe structure having reduced weight, yet which is capable of reacting the loads imparted to the structure by the axle/suspension system during operation of the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.