Patents by Inventor Francis S. Smidler
Francis S. Smidler has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20120169086Abstract: A side skirt and side underride cable system configured to be coupled to a trailer includes a side skirt wall configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend below a side wall of the trailer at least partially along a length of the trailer, and a plurality of cables configured to be coupled to the trailer and configured to extend at least partially along a length of the one side of the trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2012Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventors: Richard J. Giromini, Leonard William Baker, Rodney P. Ehrlich, Francis S. Smidler
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Patent number: 8162384Abstract: A side underride cable system configured to be coupled to a trailer includes a front mounting bracket assembly configured to be coupled to the trailer, a rear mounting bracket assembly configured to be coupled to the trailer at a location spaced-apart from the front mounting racket assembly, and a plurality of cables configured to extend at least partially along a length of each side of the trailer between the front mounting bracket assembly and the rear mounting bracket assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.Inventors: Richard J. Giromini, Leonard William Baker, Rodney P. Ehrlich, Francis S. Smidler
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Patent number: 7862103Abstract: A wall or roof of a trailer are formed from a first panel and a second panel which are joined together by a cap and a strip which interengage. The cap includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The base wall abuts the outer surfaces of the panels. The strip includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The strip and cap are separate members. The base wall of the strip abuts the inner surfaces of the panels. The interlock of the strip and the interlock of the cap mate together to form a joint. The interlocks extend between the panels. The panels may be composite panels or may be from a single sheet or multiple sheets of metal. An adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the cap and the outer surfaces, and an adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the strip and the inner surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.Inventors: Kevin Riley, Francis S. Smidler, Victor Vargas, Robert L. Hancock, Leonard Baker
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Publication number: 20100264691Abstract: A side underride cable system configured to be coupled to a trailer includes a front mounting bracket assembly configured to be coupled to the trailer, a rear mounting bracket assembly configured to be coupled to the trailer at a location spaced-apart from the front mounting racket assembly, and a plurality of cables configured to extend at least partially along a length of each side of the trailer between the front mounting bracket assembly and the rear mounting bracket assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Richard J. Giromini, Leonard William Baker, Rodney P. Ehrlich, Francis S. Smidler
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Publication number: 20100089917Abstract: A foldable mobile storage container includes a floor assembly, first and second sidewall assemblies, a rear frame assembly, a front end assembly, and a roof assembly. The first and second sidewall assemblies, the rear end assembly, and the front end assembly are each pivotally coupled to the floor assembly to allow the mobile storage container to be moved between a use configuration for storing items therein and a stowed configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Danny L. Gilbert, Francis S. Smidler, Michael L. Thoma, Robert L. Hancock, Jeremy M. Schrader
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Publication number: 20090146454Abstract: A wall or roof of a trailer are formed from a first panel and a second panel which are joined together by a cap and a strip which interengage. The cap includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The base wall abuts the outer surfaces of the panels. The strip includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The strip and cap are separate members. The base wall of the strip abuts the inner surfaces of the panels. The interlock of the strip and the interlock of the cap mate together to form a joint. The interlocks extend between the panels. The panels may be composite panels or may be from a single sheet or multiple sheets of metal. An adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the cap and the outer surfaces, and an adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the strip and the inner surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2009Publication date: June 11, 2009Inventors: KEVIN RILEY, FRANCIS S. SMIDLER, VICTOR VARGAS, ROBERT L. HANCOCK, LEONARD BAKER
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Patent number: 7527309Abstract: An integrated rear impact guard and pintle hook assembly is provided which can be releasably secured to the rear underside of a trailer by a plurality of fastening members. The assembly is secured to roadside and curbside slide rails and rear bumper brackets of the trailer under the rear door frame sill. No welding is required for securement of the assembly to the trailer. The assembly includes a rear impact guard which is formed of the rear bumper brackets and a bumper which is attached to the rear bumper brackets at their lower ends. The assembly further includes a main channel which is connected at its opposite ends to the rear bumper brackets, a mount which is connected to the main channel at a center thereof, and a mount plate which is releasably secured to the main channel. A pintle hook may be secured to the mount and mount plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.Inventor: Francis S. Smidler
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Patent number: 7500713Abstract: A wall or roof of a trailer are formed from a first panel and a second panel which are joined together by a cap and a strip which interengage. The cap includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The base wall abuts the outer surfaces of the panels. The strip includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The strip and cap are separate members. The base wall of the strip abuts the inner surfaces of the panels. The interlock of the strip and the interlock of the cap mate together to form a joint. At least one of the interlocks extend between the panels. The panels may be composite panels or may be from a single sheet or multiple sheets of metal. An adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the cap and the outer surfaces, and an adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the strip and the inner surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2007Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.Inventors: Kevin Riley, Francis S. Smidler, Victor Vargas, Robert L. Hancock, Leonard Baker
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Publication number: 20080073921Abstract: An integrated rear impact guard and pintle hook assembly is provided which can be releasably secured to the rear underside of a trailer by a plurality of fastening members. The assembly is secured to roadside and curbside slide rails and rear bumper brackets of the trailer under the rear door frame sill. No welding is required for securement of the assembly to the trailer. The assembly includes a rear impact guard which is formed of the rear bumper brackets and a bumper which is attached to the rear bumper brackets at their lower ends. The assembly further includes a main channel which is connected at its opposite ends to the rear bumper brackets, a mount which is connected to the main channel at a center thereof, and a mount plate which is releasably secured to the main channel. A pintle hook may be secured to the mount and mount plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2007Publication date: March 27, 2008Inventor: Francis S. Smidler
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Publication number: 20070206386Abstract: A roof structure for a trailer includes a roof sheet, a roof bow attached to the roof sheet, and a member attached to one of said roof sheet and said roof bow. The member has a plurality of LED lights attached thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2007Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventors: Rodney P. Ehrlich, Francis S. Smidler
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Publication number: 20070200393Abstract: A wall or roof of a trailer are formed from a first panel and a second panel which are joined together by a cap and a strip which interengage. The cap includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The base wall abuts the outer surfaces of the panels. The strip includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The strip and cap are separate members. The base wall of the strip abuts the inner surfaces of the panels. The interlock of the strip and the interlock of the cap mate together to form a joint. At least one of the interlocks extend between the panels. The panels may be composite panels or may be from a single sheet or multiple sheets of metal. An adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the cap and the outer surfaces, and an adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the strip and the inner surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Kevin Riley, Francis S. Smidler, Victor Vargas, Robert L. Hancock, Leonard Baker
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Patent number: 7114762Abstract: A sidewall for a semi-trailer is provided. The sidewall includes composite side panels, a baserail and a splicing member. The panels are formed of inner and outer skins and a core member therebetween. An upper portion of the panels is secured to a top rail of the semi-trailer. A lower portion of the baserail is secured to a bottom rail of the semi-trailer. The upper portion of the baserail and the lower portion of the panels overlap such that an outer surface of the baserail is positioned against the inner skin of the panels. The upper portion of the baserail and the lower portion of the panels are secured together by the splicing member which is positioned against the outer skin of the panels, and the outer surface of the baserail. The splicing member also supports the panels at the bottom end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.Inventor: Francis S. Smidler
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Publication number: 20040232728Abstract: A sidewall for a semi-trailer is provided. The sidewall includes composite side panels, a baserail and a splicing member. The panels are formed of inner and outer skins and a core member therebetween. An upper portion of the panels is secured to a top rail of the semi-trailer. A lower portion of the baserail is secured to a bottom rail of the semi-trailer. The upper portion of the baserail and the lower portion of the panels overlap such that an outer surface of the baserail is positioned against the inner skin of the panels. The upper portion of the baserail and the lower portion of the panels are secured together by the splicing member which is positioned against the outer skin of the panels, and the outer surface of the baserail. The splicing member also supports the panels at the bottom end thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventor: Francis S. Smidler
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Patent number: 6587044Abstract: A brake lamp illumination system for a trailer senses when the speed of the wheels decreases. If the system detects such a deceleration, the system senses whether power has been supplied to illuminate brake lamps provided on the vehicle. If no power is detected in the circuit which supplies power to the brake lamps, power is directed to the circuit to illuminate the brake lamps.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Wabash Technology CorporationInventors: Rodney P. Ehrlich, Francis S. Smidler
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Publication number: 20020047778Abstract: A brake lamp illumination system for a trailer senses when the speed of the wheels decreases. If the system detects such a deceleration, the system senses whether power has been supplied to illuminate brake lamps provided on the vehicle. If no power is detected in the circuit which supplies power to the brake lamps, power is directed to the circuit to illuminate the brake lamps.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Inventors: Rodney P. Ehrlich, Francis S. Smidler
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Patent number: 5832836Abstract: A novel railcar includes a floor, upstanding side walls which are connected to the floor and a top. A no slack coupler is provided for coupling adjacent railcars together to form an articulated train. The railcar includes a landing gear having a flanged wheel beneath a forward portion thereof and a bi-directional bogie mounted beneath a rearward portion thereof. The landing gear and bogie can be used to support and move the railcar on railroad tracks. Structure is provided for attaching a dolly adaptor to a rear end of the railcar and for connecting a tractor to a front end of the railcar. The railcar can be easily detached from the remainder of the articulated train, moved off of the tracks and transported around a rail yard by the tractor and the dolly adaptor so that the railcar can be loaded at a dock. Thereafter, the railcar can be easily reattached into the train on the track.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1997Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Wabash National CorporationInventors: Donald J. Ehrlich, Rodney P Ehrlich, Francis S. Smidler, DeWayne B. Williams
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Patent number: 5752798Abstract: A trailer for hauling cargo, such as general freight, cars, small trucks and the like, has a deck element therein. The deck element is capable of being raised or lowered by a lifting assembly to a variety of positions within the trailer and can be secured to side walls of the trailer by cammed bracket members. A guide assembly is provided to prevent forward and rearward movement of the deck element during transportation of the trailer. The trailer can be tilted backwards until a back end of the trailer contacts the ground so that cargo can be easily loaded into the trailer. Cargo can be loaded onto the deck element and underneath the deck element on the floor of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1995Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: Wabash National CorporationInventor: Francis S. Smidler
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Patent number: 5730578Abstract: A trailer for hauling cargo, such as general freight, automobiles, small trucks and the like, has a deck element therein. The deck element is capable of being raised or lowered by a lifting assembly to a variety of positions within the trailer and can be secured to side walls of the trailer by cammed bracket members. A guide assembly is provided to prevent forward and rearward movement of the deck element during transportation of the trailer. The trailer can be tilted backwards until a back end of the trailer contacts the ground so that cargo can be easily loaded into the trailer. Cargo can be loaded onto the deck element and underneath the deck element on the floor of the trailer. The lifting assembly is substantially horizontally arranged along the top of the trailer so that when automobiles are loaded onto the deck element and the deck element is raised, the lifting assembly does not interfere with the space occupied by the automobiles.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1995Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Wabash National CorporationInventor: Francis S. Smidler
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Patent number: 5685228Abstract: A railcar which forms part of an articulated train includes a novel deck system and a novel, low-level, low-profile, no slack coupler. The railcar is formed from a floor, upstanding side walls which are connected to the floor and a top to form an enclosure. The deck system includes an upper deck and a lower deck which are connected together and are counterbalanced against each other. The decks are movable to a first position wherein the decks abut against each other so that cargo, such as automobiles, general freight and the like, can be loaded onto the upper deck and onto the floor. The decks are movable to a second position wherein the decks are spaced apart from each other so that cargo can be loaded onto the upper deck, the lower deck and the floor. In several embodiments of the novel deck system, the decks can be moved relative to the floor when the decks are in the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1995Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: Wabash National CorporationInventors: Donald J. Ehrlich, Rodney P. Ehrlich, Francis S. Smidler, DeWayne B. Williams
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Patent number: D573874Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.Inventors: Michael L. Thoma, Danny Lee Gilbert, Francis S. Smidler