Semitrailer Patents (Class 280/423.1)
  • Patent number: 11975773
    Abstract: A sensor device for a towing vehicle coupling with which a trailer vehicle is coupleable to a towing vehicle wherein the towing vehicle coupling has a coupling element for releasably coupling a coupling mating element, which elements are secured to the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle, and when coupled rotate relative to each another about at least one joint rotational axis, forming a joint, wherein the sensor device has a follower which: is mounted on a bearing body such that it can rotate relative to the coupling element about a follower rotational axis; can be rotatably carried about the follower rotational axis by the rotation of the coupling mating element about the at least one joint rotational axis in order to sense a rotation of the coupling mating element relative to the coupling element about the at least one joint rotational axis, and wherein the sensor device has at least one sensor for sensing a respective rotational position of the follower relative to the bearing body in relation to the f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: WESTFALIA-Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Peitz, Kevin Stieben
  • Patent number: 11873195
    Abstract: Systems and methods of generating landing solutions for containers onto landing surfaces using multiple measurement points generated by a measuring device or multiple measuring devices are described. In particular, methods of analyzing the plurality of measurement and from the analysis of the data, determining the location and orientation, in the container handling equipment's frame of reference, of where to place a shipping container onto a landing surface present within the equipment's workspace are described. This location can then be used by the equipment's automation system to automatically place the shipping container onto the landing surface without the need for human input, or relatively little human interaction or input. The systems and methods are applicable to operating in a landside transfer zone as well as outside such zone, and as such would be applicable to install on any container handling equipment which can land containers on equipment from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: TMEIC Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Charles Kriener
  • Patent number: 11858303
    Abstract: A communication interface is provided between a towing vehicle and a trailer, which are connected by a plurality of connectors compliant with standards selected from ISO12098, ISO7638, ISO1185, ISO3731, ISO11446. Digital signals are transmissible between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle via an ISO11992-3 CAN bus. Pins on the towing vehicles are connected to pins on the towed vehicle by twisted pairs of wires adapted to carry a digital differential signal to provide higher speed data transmission between the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Staahl, Matthew Fry, Jochen Retter, Tibor Kandar
  • Patent number: 11772820
    Abstract: An aircraft assist system described herein includes an aircraft coupling counterpart attached to a strut of a landing gear of an aircraft, and an assist vehicle. The assist vehicle includes a frame, ground-engaging wheels mounted to the frame, a power source for driving one or more of the ground-engaging wheels, and a vehicle coupling counterpart for engagement with the aircraft coupling counterpart. The aircraft coupling counterpart and the vehicle coupling counterpart define a swivel connection for transferring a propulsive force from the takeoff assist vehicle to the aircraft. The aircraft coupling counterpart is disengageable from the vehicle coupling counterpart by upward movement of the aircraft coupling counterpart relative to the vehicle coupling counterpart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Daniel Alecu
  • Patent number: 11668234
    Abstract: A high density mobile power unit may include an elongated unibody frame having a frame cavity, a front end, a rear end, an elongated roof panel, a front panel, a rear panel, an elongated floor assembly having an upper side and a lower side, an elongated first side panel, and an elongated second side panel. A frame cavity bounded by the roof panel, front panel, rear panel, the upper side of the floor assembly, first side panel, and second side panel. A plurality of wheel and tire assemblies may be coupled to the unibody frame and may support the unibody frame above a ground surface. A radiator may be coupled to the upper side of the floor assembly and positioned within the frame cavity at the front end. At least one generator may be positioned within the frame cavity at the rear end. An engine may be positioned within the frame cavity between the at least one generator and the radiator. An under carriage structural lattice arrangement may be coupled to the lower side of the floor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Enerset Electric Ltd.
    Inventors: Frank J. Reyna, Gilbeys E. Ahlong
  • Patent number: 11285929
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a vehicle makes a determination, during a second ignition-on cycle of the vehicle, that a trailer brake output circuit of the vehicle was operated during a first ignition-on cycle of the vehicle preceding the second ignition-on cycle. In response to making the determination, the vehicle presents a query, via a user interface of the vehicle, whether to operate the trailer brake output circuit according to a previously-used trailer profile according to which the trailer brake output circuit was operated during the first ignition-on cycle preceding the second ignition-on cycle. The vehicle receives a reply, associated with the query, via the user interface and, in response to receiving the reply, operates the trailer brake output circuit based on the reply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Pierfelice, Frankie Reed, Chris Conrad, Coh Yoshizaki
  • Patent number: 11186322
    Abstract: A quarter panel is configured for use with a vehicle having a forward end, a wheel, and a vertical surface located forward of the wheel. The quarter fender assembly includes a quarter fender in the form of an arcuate panel. The quarter panel is sized and configured to be mounted to the vehicle between the wheel and the vertical surface. The quarter panel assembly further includes a flexible flap mounted to an upper portion of the quarter fender. The flap has an at least partially arcuate forward surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Smith
  • Patent number: 11090993
    Abstract: A plug for insertion into a through hole of a king pin coupler plate of a trailer includes a body defining an axial direction and having an outer surface defining a perimeter with a distance around the perimeter. A plurality of pliable ears extend from the outer surface. The ears are each individually aligned in the axial direction. The ears each have a width that is less than ten percent of the distance around the perimeter of the outer surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Strick Trailers, LLC
    Inventor: Caleb Averill
  • Patent number: 10994775
    Abstract: According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a system and method for synchronizing and controlling at least one dolly may be provided. The system may include at least one dolly, a power unit, and a control device, all communicatively coupled via at least one network. Dolly coordinates and steer points for a load may be recorded. Adjustments to the dolly may be made based on desired changes to the orientation of the steer points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventors: Mark Allen Buckingham, Jamin Ray Buckingham
  • Patent number: 10960942
    Abstract: A trailer neck reinforcement structure includes a first beam reinforcement structure that includes: (i) a first beam inner insert connected to an inner side of the first beam; and, (ii) and a first beam outer insert connected to an outer side of the first beam. A second beam reinforcement structure includes: (i) a second beam inner insert connected to an inner side of the second beam; and, (ii) and a second beam outer insert connected to an outer side of the second beam. Internal cross members extend between the first beam inner insert and the second beam inner insert. A first group of external cross members are located between the first beam outer insert and the left side rail, and a second group of external cross members are located between the second beam outer insert and the right side rail. Each external cross member comprises an inner segment connected to an outer segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: East Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Howard D. Booher, Derek Davies
  • Patent number: 10919579
    Abstract: A cargo vehicle is disclosed having a composite floor assembly with at least one embedded hardpoint connector. The embedded connector may be used to securely couple other vehicle components to the composite floor assembly, such as a coupler assembly with a king pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Travis S. McCloud, Ronnal P. Reichard, Andrzej Wylezinski
  • Patent number: 10829103
    Abstract: An agricultural machine for conducting an agricultural working process includes a combustion engine (2), electrical consumers (3-8), a chargeable electrical battery (9) for electrically supplying the consumers (3-8) and a monitor module (10) for monitoring the charging level of the battery (9). It is proposed that some of the electrical consumers (3-8) of the agricultural machine (1) are peripheral consumers (3-8) for providing functions in a parking state of the agricultural machine (1), in which the combustion engine (2) is shut off, that a power management module (11) is provided, which in the parking state of the agricultural machine (1) monitors the charging level of the battery (9) via the monitor module (11) and deactivates at least one peripheral consumer (3-8), when the charging level falls below a threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: CLAAS E-Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Benjamin Heyne, Volker Brill, Christian Laing, Nermine Khairallah
  • Patent number: 10759240
    Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch is adapted to affix to a vehicle having a vehicle-mounted ball that protrudes from a towing vehicle surface. The hitch has a frame with a sleeve portion that is fixed, and a rocker assembly is telescopingly received inside the sleeve portion. The rocker assembly is selectively affixed to the frame with a pin that extends through the receiver and sleeve portion. A ball cage affixes to the vehicle-mounted ball using pins that extend through vertical walls in the cage. The ball cage can be received by the frame in a close orientation that locates the vehicle-mounted ball closer to the rocker assembly and a far orientation that locates the ball farther away. The cage includes a threaded fastener that extends outwardly. The frame has an elongate aperture that receives the threaded fastener to secure the ball cage with a nut into a cage pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Pulliam Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall A. Pulliam, James M. Karasch
  • Patent number: 10569606
    Abstract: A plug for insertion into a through hole of a king pin coupler plate of a trailer includes a body defining an axial direction and having an outer surface defining a perimeter with a distance around the perimeter. A plurality of pliable ears extend from the outer surface. The ears are each individually aligned in the axial direction. The ears each have a width that is less than ten percent of the distance around the perimeter of the outer surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Strick Trailers, LLC
    Inventor: Caleb Averill
  • Patent number: 10479257
    Abstract: A trailer has a main frame with a neck portion on its forward end. A pivot fifth wheel is rotatably affixed to the forward end of the neck portion. The pivot fifth wheel releasably attaches to the fifth wheel of a towing vehicle. An axle frame is rotatably affixed to the rearward end of the main frame, and rotates with respect to the main frame. The pivot fifth wheel and the axle frame are configured to pivot and move the main frame upwardly a vertical distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: King Kutter II, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Phillip Fraley, John W. Davis, III
  • Patent number: 10442370
    Abstract: A truck box or rear compartment includes a deck. The deck includes a floor that defines a cargo area having a length and width. The deck also includes a pair of opposed inner sidewalls that extend along the length of the cargo area comprising a first inner sidewall portion that extends upwardly away from the floor to a top portion and a second inner sidewall portion that extends downwardly from the top portion to a lower end, the lower end comprising a pocket channel. A pickup truck box deck rail assembly includes a deck rail configured for disposition on a top portion of an outer sidewall of a pickup truck box, the deck rail comprising a plurality of deck rail openings. The assembly also includes a corresponding plurality of opening covers configured to selectively and releasably cover and uncover the deck rail openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paxton S. Williams, Scott L. Frederick
  • Patent number: 10300970
    Abstract: A self-propelled trailer is provided and includes a frame, a pair of rear drive wheels, a steerable wheel, a drive system, a platform, and a lifting device. The pair of rear drive wheels are positioned under the frame along one end thereof, while the steerable wheel is positioned under the frame along an opposite end thereof with respect to the pair of rear drive wheels. The drive system includes a power system connected to the pair of rear drive wheels and a control system connected to the steerable wheel. The platform is positioned above the frame, while the lifting device is positioned between the steerable wheels and the pair of rear wheels. The platform includes a crane extending upward from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: New Heights LLC
    Inventor: Aaron Jay Beiler
  • Patent number: 10282965
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for using synthetic jet technology as an air delivery device for sensing applications. In particular, a synthetic jet device is used to deliver a controlled airflow or other fluidic flow to a sensor measurement area. Such a sensing system can be used to detect accurate concentration of target features present in the ambient surroundings, such as gases, particles, solutions, mixtures, and any other environmental features that can be sensed from a controlled airflow. An example application is air quality monitoring by using one or more synthetic jet devices to deliver a known or otherwise controlled airflow to a sensing area, thereby allowing for detection of harmful or otherwise unacceptable concentrations of particulate matter, gases, or air pollutants. In some embodiments, a synthetic jet device is operatively coupled with a sensor via a flow channel in a common housing, so as to provide a controlled flow sensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jessica Gullbrand, Melissa A. Cowan, Chytra Pawashe, Feras Eid
  • Patent number: 10202153
    Abstract: A trailer neck reinforcement structure includes a first beam reinforcement structure that includes: (i) a first beam inner insert connected to an inner side of the first beam; and, (ii) and a first beam outer insert connected to an outer side of the first beam. A second beam reinforcement structure includes: (i) a second beam inner insert connected to an inner side of the second beam; and, (ii) and a second beam outer insert connected to an outer side of the second beam. Internal cross members extend between the first beam inner insert and the second beam inner insert. A first group of external cross members are located between the first beam outer insert and the left side rail, and a second group of external cross members are located between the second beam outer insert and the right side rail. Each external cross member comprises an inner segment connected to an outer segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: EAST MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Howard D. Booher, Derek Davies
  • Patent number: 10196098
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a work implement and a cab positioned forward of the work implement. The cab defines a cab interior that includes a vehicle operator portion, an implement operator portion defined rearward of the vehicle operator portion, and an implement operator seat positioned in the implement operator portion that is configured to face rearward toward the work implement. In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a work implement; a cab positioned forward of the work implement; a vehicle operator seat mounted within the cab that faces a front of the vehicle; an implement operator seat mounted within the cab rearward of the vehicle driver seat and that faces a rear of the vehicle; and one or more controls mounted proximate the implement operator seat that are configured for operating the work implement. A system for operating a work implement also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Iron Container, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy E. Hendricks, Philip L. Hendricks
  • Patent number: 10183702
    Abstract: A sidewall assembly for a trailer including: a plurality of composite sandwich panels; and at least one composite side post coupled to the plurality of composite sandwich panels, each of the at least one composite side post including an outer post and an inner logistics post coupled to the outer post, wherein the outer post is formed with flexible metallic material and the inner logistics post is formed with hard metallic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: HYUNDAI TRANSLEAD
    Inventors: Leszek Jaworski, Alvaro Frausto, Humberto Benitez
  • Patent number: 10065467
    Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch adapted for receiving a hitch ball. The fifth wheel hitch has a frame that is mountable to a towing vehicle surface. The frame has an outer sleeve that is fixed with respect to the frame and a receiver is telescopingly received inside the outer sleeve. The receiver is moveable longitudinally with respect to the outer sleeve. The receiver has an upper end, a lower end, and a support wall within the receiver that is located between the upper and lower ends. The receiver is selectively lockable with respect to the outer sleeve. The selective locking is done with a combination of a pin driven through aligned holes in the outer sleeve and receiver and threaded fasteners drive through the outer that impinge on the receiver to prevent rattling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventors: Randall A Pulliam, William A Aske, Kurt E. McKesson, James M. Karasch
  • Patent number: 10046811
    Abstract: A box body for a commercial vehicle, which has a surface element having a panel, includes a core layer, a dimensionally stable structural layer and an intermediate layer, one side thereof being adjacent to the core layer and an opposite side being adjacent to the structural layer. An integrally joined connection is produced between the structural layer and the side of the intermediate layer and between the core layer and the side of the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the structural layer and consists of a material having a density that is higher than the density of the core layer. The side of the intermediate layer adjacent to the core layer has an affinity to the foamed plastic of the core layer and the side of the intermediate layer adjacent to the structural layer has an affinity to the structural layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Schmitz Cargobull AG
    Inventors: Michael Schlumm, Reinhard Beelmann, Peter Schmitz
  • Patent number: 10029750
    Abstract: A stabilizing structure for increasing structural stability of a trailer is provided. The stabilizing structure includes one or more stabilizing units having tension cables and coupling mounts connecting the tension cables to a bottom frame of the trailer. The tension cables are arranged such that a first tension cable overlaps a second tension cable. The tension cables may have threaded ends that are connected to the coupling mounts. A support plate may be provided wherein the support plate is positioned at an intersection of the two tension cables such that a first tension cable is below the support plate and a second tension cable is above the support plate. A single support plate may connect tension cables of adjacent stabilizing units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas H. Fry
  • Patent number: 9988113
    Abstract: A heavy-load modular vehicle having at least one axle, one steering, and coupling device not only can be coupled with at least one further heavy-load module and/or further transport apparatuses, but optionally also can be pulled out, particularly also telescoped. It has a central longitudinal support having at least one open face side, in which a pull-out support is guided. The metal cover sheet of the loading surface can take on the function of the upper belt of the central longitudinal support and leads to a self-supporting construction. A box-shaped lower belt counteracts twisting or torsions of the vehicle frame in the case of a trough-shaped design. A universal coupling head, particularly a bolt/tab coupling, makes it possible to couple on heavy-load modules having a different width, different tires and/or a different height, without an additional adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: J.G.B.D. Consult Sprl
    Inventor: Hans-Joerg Habernegg
  • Patent number: 9937958
    Abstract: A chassis for a vehicular trailer, comprising a generally flat wheel engaging segment, said wheel engaging rotatably attached to a pair of collinearly disposed wheels; a hitch engaging segment connected to a trailer hitch and a linking segment, said linking segment disposed between and connecting the wheel engaging segment and the hitch engaging segment and comprising a change in height adapted to cause the hitch engaging segment to be offset from the wheel engaging segment relative to a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: William Gibson
  • Patent number: 9937542
    Abstract: The roll tilter supports a palleted roll of sheet or thin plate material and re-positions the roll for mounting to an unrolling fixture. The roll tilter received the roll resting on a pallet in a vertical centerline position and rotates the palleted roll from the vertical position to a position with the roll centerline in a horizontal position to facilitate mounting the roll on an unrolling fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Calvin Francis English
  • Patent number: 9902217
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for managing tire pressure for a trailer. A controller may be configured to manage communications between a vehicle and a trailer. A tire pressure management system module to be mounted on the trailer may be operatively connected to the controller by a tow connector. The tire pressure management system module may be configured to receive tire pressure information from at least one sensor operatively associated with at least one tire of the trailer, and transmit messages to the controller based on the tire pressure information, wherein the controller triggers a notification when at least one of the messages indicates a tire pressure that fails to meet a criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dilip B. Patel, Christopher Henderson, Eric L. Reed, Dante K. Crockett, Greg Swadling, James Edwin Blatchford, Stavros Dionyssopoulos, Nimish H. Patel
  • Patent number: 9896264
    Abstract: [Problem] Provided is a freight rack that improves rigidity for supporting freight and also allows pillars and a freight mounting frame to be folded or erected on a base member without use of a machine such as a forklift. [Solution] On a base member (10), two sets of portal supports (30), (40), in which right and left pillars (31), (41) and a horizontal member (32), (42) are coupled to each other, stand with an interval in a front and rear direction, where the horizontal member is vertically shiftable along the pillars and fixed to the pillars at a selected height. A freight mounting frame (20) is supported by the horizontal member (42) of one portal support (40) so as to be rotatable in a vertical plane, and is also placed on the horizontal member (32) of the other portal support (30) so as to be movable in the front and rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: ROKKO ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mamoru Omuta, Yukio Hanashiro
  • Patent number: 9889784
    Abstract: A hauling device configured to retain debris in a main bucket having a frame and adapted to be towed by a motorized vehicle is further configured to enable hoisting and dumping the frame of the main bucket via a lifting mechanism. An auxiliary bucket is provided that has a frame detachably affixed and clear of the main bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Lyles, Laura Hudson-Lyles
  • Patent number: 9694860
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for trailer attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: RKB Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Randy K. Ballard
  • Patent number: 9688318
    Abstract: An auxiliary axle or lift axle is pivotally mounted to the frame of a vehicle for selectively providing additional flotation for the vehicle. A pair of frame brackets are secured to the frame members of the vehicle and have horizontally disposed mounting plates adjacent to the lower ends thereof. A bracket member extends downwardly from one end of the mounting plate and has a pair of spaced-apart slots formed therein. A bracket member also extends downwardly from the other end of the frame bracket and has a pair of spaced-apart first and second slots formed therein. The hanger brackets are adjustably secured to the bracket members to permit the axle assembly to be mounted on frame members having varying distances therebetween and having varying frame thicknesses. The novel method of securing the hanger brackets to the frame brackets is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: LINK MFG., LTD.
    Inventors: Michael S. Wetter, Joel D. Van Den Brink
  • Patent number: 9616946
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for trailer attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: RKB Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Randy K. Ballard
  • Patent number: 9555841
    Abstract: Disclosed are improved lightweight rear fairings that automatically retract when the rear doors of the trailer are opened. The fairings preferably each include rearwardly extending arms that stretch back from the hinged trailer doors to sheet rollers. The sheet rollers apply tension to fairing sheets that are secured to both the rollers and the sides of the trailer. The arms are able to rotate relative to the rear doors of the trailer, however rotation limiters restrict the amount that each of the arms may rotate towards the hinge of their respective door. Rotation of the arms away from the door hinges is not limited such that the arms may be rotated away from the hinges until they are flush with their respective doors. The fairing sheets are secured to the sides of the trailer at positions that are substantially forward of the rear doors such that even when the rear doors have been fully opened the rollers are still located rearward of the forward attachment points of the fairing sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Vanguard National Trailer Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Roush
  • Patent number: 9533721
    Abstract: A platform trailer includes a neck reinforcement structure located in the neck region. The neck reinforcement structure includes a first beam reinforcement structure located adjacent an inner side of the first beam that is oriented toward the second beam, and a second beam reinforcement structure located adjacent an inner side of the second beam that is oriented toward the first beam. A plurality of internal cross members extend between and interconnect the first and second beam reinforcement structures. A fifth wheel plate is fixedly secured to and that extends between both the first and second beams. A kingpin is connected to the fifth wheel plate and is adapted to be engaged by an associated tractor fifth wheel. The neck reinforcement structure allows for use of aluminum alloy beams with a reduced height in the neck region of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: EAST MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Howard D. Booher, Russell D. Pittman, Derek Davies
  • Patent number: 9522707
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport vehicle having variable width and track width, a chassis (14) and at least one steering axle (16, 18, 20, 22), wherein the chassis (14) comprises two chassis parts (28) each carrying a row of bogies (60) arranged one after the other and are adjustable transverse to a vertical longitudinal medium plane (26) of the transport vehicle. According to the invention only a single longitudinally adjustable transverse track rod (72) is arranged between the two rows of bogies (60) connecting two bogies (60) of the one or the other steering axle (16, 18, 20, 22) and which length is adjustable according to a degree of enlargement or reduction of the width and track width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SCHEUERLE FAHRZEUGFABRIK GMBH
    Inventor: Florian Kern
  • Patent number: 9499200
    Abstract: A system for backing a vehicle and a trailer is provided herein. A sensing system is configured to detect objects located in an operating environment of the vehicle and trailer. A backup assist system is configured to communicate with the sensing system and automatically control a braking system of the vehicle to slow or stop the vehicle during a backing maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley G. Hochrein, Nathaniel Abram Rolfes, Donald Jacob Mattern, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Patent number: 9493187
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a trailer backup assist system includes a sensor that senses a measured hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer. The system also provides an input module that receives a desired curvature of the trailer. A controller of the system includes a curvature regulator determining a desired hitch angle based on the desired curvature and a steering angle of the vehicle. In addition, the controller of the system includes a hitch angle regulator generating a steering angle command based on the desired hitch angle and the measured hitch angle. In this embodiment, the controller is configured to operate the trailer backup assist system irrespective of the attached trailer having a conventional tongue or a gooseneck tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Pilutti, Roger Arnold Trombley, Michael Hafner, Matthew Y. Rupp, Douglas Scott Rhode, Darrel Alan Recker
  • Patent number: 9487245
    Abstract: A frame configuration (I; II; III) for a vehicle (1) includes a forward part (10; 210) and a rear part (30; 130, 160; 230), the forward and rear parts are united by a first connection part (50; 150; 250) arranged between the forward and rear parts (10; 210, 30; 130, 160; 230) including a forward interface (G1) for connection with the forward part and a rear interface (G2) for connection with the rear part. Also a vehicle with the frame configuration is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignees: SCANIA CV AB, SSAB AB
    Inventors: Michael Sjöberg, Håkan Larsson, Anders Isaksson
  • Patent number: 9446801
    Abstract: A trailer assembly suitable for carrying a container of proppant has a frame with a first side rail and a second side rail extending in generally parallel relation to each other and a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted below the frame. The frame has a plurality of cross members extending between the side rails. First and second outriggers extend across the side rails so as to each have one end extending outwardly of one of the side rails and an opposite end extending outwardly of the other side rail. The first and second outriggers are suitable for receiving the container of proppant thereon. The frame has a first section positioned above the wheels and a second section positioned at a level lower than a level of the first section. The proppant container is placed on the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: OREN TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua Oren
  • Patent number: 9415648
    Abstract: An after-market hitch assembly is provided for securing to a cross member of a truck which is specifically adapted for securing a hitch assembly thereto prior to installation of the truck bed. The after-market hitch assembly adapted for securing to the hitch frame after installation of the truck bed without having to remove the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: B & W CUSTOM TRUCK BEDS, INC.
    Inventors: Travis M. McCall, Nelson Borror, Brent Luedke
  • Patent number: 9333820
    Abstract: An expandable trailer vehicle is provided. The trailer vehicle comprises a wheeled vehicle frame that is adapted to be towed by a towing vehicle. The vehicle frame supports an expandable trailer structure having a front and rear wall, a floor, and a roof. The trailer structure includes expandable sections from the sides thereof, whereby a pair of L-shaped expandable side sections pivots outward from the sides of the trailer structure and form the floor and outer walls when deployed. Pivoting sidewalls pivot forward and rearward from the sides of the trailer structure to form the front and rear walls of the expanded section, closing out the L-shaped side sections when in a deployed state. A pair of side section roof surfaces extends from the roof of the trailer vehicle to close off the upper surface of the L-shaped side sections when in a deployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventors: Nizam Anabtawi, Jamal Shaban
  • Patent number: 8936277
    Abstract: A platform trailer includes a neck reinforcement structure located in the neck region. The neck reinforcement structure includes a first beam reinforcement structure located adjacent an inner side of the first beam that is oriented toward the second beam, and a second beam reinforcement structure located adjacent an inner side of the second beam that is oriented toward the first beam. A plurality of internal cross members extend between and interconnect the first and second beam reinforcement structures. A fifth wheel plate is fixedly secured to and that extends between both the first and second beams. A kingpin is connected to the fifth wheel plate and is adapted to be engaged by an associated tractor fifth wheel. The neck reinforcement structure allows for use of aluminum alloy beams with a reduced height in the neck region of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: East Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Howard D. Booher, Russell D. Pittman, Derek Davies
  • Publication number: 20140375019
    Abstract: A trailer including a frame supporting a trailer bed and having rotatable wheels and a tongue for pivotal attachment to a land vehicle hitch. The trailer flame includes left and right side structural members and crossbeam members attached between the side members. A front end member is attached between terminal ends of the left and right side members. Both the side members and front end member are U-shaped each having a lower leg and an upper leg extending from a base section. A tab is integrally formed with and extends from the base section of the side members or front end member and overlaps and is attached to the other one of the side member or front end member base sections. The side member upper leg is attached to the front end member upper leg and the side member lower leg is attached to the front member lower leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Steven P. Bermes
  • Publication number: 20140353450
    Abstract: A combination skid for supporting a plurality of skid-supported loads comprises a base having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of docking stations, each to receive a skid-supported load along a loading directional axis. The loading directional axis of the plurality of docking stations is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base. In a system aspect, a system for supporting one or more loads is provided. The system comprises a base having a longitudinal axis, at least one skid for supporting the one or more loads and at least one docking station to receive the at least one skid along a loading directional axis. The each of the loading directional axis is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Gordon HART
  • Patent number: 8851501
    Abstract: The latch assembly of a fifth wheel hitch plate comprises a latch member movable between lock and unlocked positions, a plunger member movable between engaged and unengaged positions, an actuator movable between coupled and uncoupled positions, a locking member movable between first and second positions, and a biasing member that biases the locking member from the disengaged position to the engaged position, wherein the latch member abuts the locking member as the latch member is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position, thereby moving the locking member from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin D. Keatley
  • Publication number: 20140265242
    Abstract: A mobile massage and spa unit includes a body, a lighting system and a massage table. The body includes a front, rear, and side walls and a divider extending between the side walls to divide the body into a front section and a rear section. A perimeter of the rear section is defined at least partially by a surface of the divider, a surface of the rear wall, and surfaces of the side walls. Such surfaces are coated with a reflective material. The lighting system includes one or more controllable RGB fixture mounted within the rear section and configured to emit a selected color light. The emitted light is reflected via the coated surfaces to illuminate the rear section with the selected color light. The massage table is disposed within the rear section and centered between the side walls thereof. A working area is defined completely around the massage table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Mark S. Hernandez, Silverio Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8833788
    Abstract: A trailer system or trailer includes a trailer body having one or more wheel axle assemblies underlying the trailer body at a rear portion. In the trailer system embodiment, included is a detachable trailer neck that has at least one swivel wheel assembly located at a rear portion of the neck. The swivel wheel assemblies can be lifted or lowered using hydraulic or air cylinders. The neck or tongue has a transversely oriented pivot joint with an adjustable tongue weight assembly using springs and an air or hydraulically operated cylinder to adjust tongue weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Scott Chaddock
  • Patent number: 8740241
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Publication number: 20140062061
    Abstract: A robot and trailer system is disclosed. The robot can have a hitch that can attach to the trailer. The hitch can he remotely controlled to release and detach the trailer from the robot. The front panel of the trailer can be rounded, for example to enable dragging over obstacles with a reduced risk of snagging or catching on the obstacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: RoboteX Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. GETTINGS, Xiaoyang SHEN, Edward John SILER, III