[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2003051670A2 - Pare-chocs de securite reglable - Google Patents

Pare-chocs de securite reglable Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003051670A2
WO2003051670A2 PCT/US2002/036511 US0236511W WO03051670A2 WO 2003051670 A2 WO2003051670 A2 WO 2003051670A2 US 0236511 W US0236511 W US 0236511W WO 03051670 A2 WO03051670 A2 WO 03051670A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
assembly
bumper
pivoting
vertical
coupled
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2002/036511
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2003051670A3 (fr
Inventor
Kimble E. Ledford
John A. Gaddis
Alexander F. Warchol
Mack D. Stephens
Original Assignee
Transfreight Technology, Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Transfreight Technology, Llc filed Critical Transfreight Technology, Llc
Priority to AU2002350183A priority Critical patent/AU2002350183A1/en
Priority to CA2466942A priority patent/CA2466942C/fr
Publication of WO2003051670A2 publication Critical patent/WO2003051670A2/fr
Publication of WO2003051670A3 publication Critical patent/WO2003051670A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R19/00—Wheel guards; Radiator guards, e.g. grilles; Obstruction removers; Fittings damping bouncing force in collisions
    • B60R19/56—Fittings damping bouncing force in truck collisions, e.g. bumpers; Arrangements on high-riding vehicles, e.g. lorries, for preventing vehicles or objects from running thereunder
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R19/00—Wheel guards; Radiator guards, e.g. grilles; Obstruction removers; Fittings damping bouncing force in collisions
    • B60R19/02—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects
    • B60R19/24—Arrangements for mounting bumpers on vehicles
    • B60R19/26—Arrangements for mounting bumpers on vehicles comprising yieldable mounting means
    • B60R19/32—Fluid shock absorbers, e.g. with coaxial coil springs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R19/00—Wheel guards; Radiator guards, e.g. grilles; Obstruction removers; Fittings damping bouncing force in collisions
    • B60R19/02—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects
    • B60R19/48—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects combined with, or convertible into, other devices or objects, e.g. bumpers combined with road brushes, bumpers convertible into beds
    • B60R19/483—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects combined with, or convertible into, other devices or objects, e.g. bumpers combined with road brushes, bumpers convertible into beds with obstacle sensors of electric or electronic type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R2021/0002—Type of accident
    • B60R2021/0011—Rear collision or recoiling bounce after frontal collision

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the trucking industry and, more particularly to bumper systems for trucks and trailers.
  • the Department of Transportation provides regulations for controlling the safety of the trucking industry.
  • One of the areas regulated by the DOT is the configuration and use of bumpers on tractor-trailers and trucks.
  • One of the key factors driving the regulations concerning bumpers is the protection of automobile drivers.
  • the operating environment for trucks and tractor-trailers can easily result in the occurrence of damage to a bumper. This damage can often times result in the bumper falling outside of the DOT regulations.
  • To ensure conformance with DOT regulations it is necessary to inspect the bumpers of truck and tractor trailers, and periodically repair or replace the same. This process can be expensive and time consuming.
  • there is a need in the art for a technique to reduce the expense associated with maintaining conformance with DOT regulations pertaining to truck and tractor-trailer bumpers.
  • bumpers are attached to trucks and tractor-trailers by being welded to the frame of the vehicle or trailer.
  • costly labor is necessary to cut the bumper free and weld a new or repaired bumper in its place.
  • a bumper system that can be more easily replaced and at a reduced cost.
  • the present invention is a fully adjustable bumper system that absorbs impact to avoid damage to the bumper. More superficially, the present invention can be described as a bumper system that includes a bumper assembly mounted to a vertically pivoting assembly through horizontally and vertically adjustable assemblies. A stop assembly is attached to the vertically pivoting assembly and allows the bumper assembly to pivot away from an applied force and then causes the bumper assembly to return to its position with the force is removed.
  • the bumper system of the present invention can be bolted, welded or otherwise fixedly attached to either the frame or rails of a trailer or truck for ease of installation.
  • Fig. 1 is a front and side view of the vertical pivoting assembly.
  • Fig. 2 is a two side view of the stop assembly.
  • Fig. 3 is a side view bumper assembly
  • Fig. 4 is a side view of the horizontal adjustment assembly.
  • Fig. 5 is a side view of the vertical adjustment assembly.
  • Fig. 6 is a side view of the bumper system of the present invention in the extended, or at rest position.
  • Fig. 7 is a side view of the bumper system of the present invention in the retracted or engaged position.
  • Fig. 8 is a front view of one embodiment of the assembled bumper system.
  • Fig. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the assembled bumper system.
  • Fig. 10 is a side view of the front stop assembly of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 11 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the stop assembly of the present invention.
  • Fig. 12 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the bumper assembly of the present invention.
  • Fig. 13 is a side view of the vertical adjustment assembly.
  • Fig. 14 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the bumper system of the present invention in the extended, or at rest position.
  • Fig. 15 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the bumper system of the present invention in the retracted or engaged position.
  • Fig. 16 is a front view of another embodiment of the assembled bumper system.
  • Fig. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the assembled bumper system.
  • Figs. 8 and 9 five sub-assemblies are utilized. These sub-assemblies can best be seen in conjunction with Figs. 8 and 9 and include a bumper 21, a horizontal adjustment arm (16. 17 and 18), a vertical adjustment arm (15 and 16), a vertical pivoting assembly (5, 6 and 14 of Figs 1 and 2) and a stop assembly (12 and 13). Note that in this embodiment, two vertical adjustment, horizontal adjustment, vertical pivoting and stop assemblies are shown in conjunction with a common bumper. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention could also be implemented using only one such assemblies or more than two and that the present description is just an illustrative description on one embodiment.
  • Fig. 1 is a front and side view of the vertical pivoting assembly 100.
  • the vertical pivoting assembly 100 includes a vertical adjustment receiver tube 1 that is fixedly attached to a pivoting bracket 2.
  • the pivoting bracket 2 contains a bushing 3 to allow for free rotation.
  • a strike plate 4 is also fixedly attached to the adjustment receiver tube 1.
  • the strike plate is needed for the extended or non-compressed position as shown in Fig. 6.
  • Opposite the strike plate 4 is a lower shock bracket 5.
  • the lower shock bracket 5 is welded to the receiver tube 1.
  • the shock bracket 5 is attached to a shock absorber 6 through some fastening means such as a pin, bolt, cog-pin or the like.
  • An end cap 23 is fixedly attached to the top of the vertical adjustment receiver tube 1.
  • the vertical pivoting assembly 100 is attached to a vehicle, such as a trailer, by being fixedly attached to the slide rails 7.
  • a bolt 101 is used to fixedly attach the vertical pivoting assembly 100 to the slide rails 7 through a spacer plate 8.
  • Fig. 2 is a two-side view of the stop assembly 110.
  • the stop assembly 110 includes stops for the extended or non-compressed position and a retracted or compressed position of the vertical pivoting assembly 100.
  • the stop assembly for the extended position includes a front plate 9 and a phenolic plate 10.
  • the front plate 9 is fixedly attached to the housing 11 of the stop assembly 110 and, the trailer bumper (not shown).
  • the phenolic plate 10 acts as a buffer between the vertical front plate 9 and the strike plate 4.
  • the stop assembly 110 also includes a stop block 12 and a strengthening plate 13. Both of these elements are fixedly attached to the housing 11 of the stop assembly 110.
  • the stop block 12 may be fixedly attached to the housing 11 at an angle that permits the vertical pivoting assembly 100 to rotate the bumper 21 under the trailer to the retracted position.
  • An upper shock bracket 14 is fixedly attached to the housing 11. Similar to the- lower bracket 5, the upper bracket 14 is attached to the shock absorber 6 via a pin.
  • the shock absorber 6 can take on a variety of configurations and the present invention is not limited to any particular configuration.
  • the entire stop assembly 110 is fixedly attached to the trailer slide rails or other portion of the frame of a truck or trailer.
  • Fig. 3 is a side view bumper assembly.
  • the bumper assembly 120 includes the bumper 21 and one or more adjustment plates 20. Each adjustment plate 20 is fixedly attached to the bumper 21.
  • An end cap 22 is fixedly attached to each end of the bumper 21. Across the top of the bumper 21, safety grid or threads, as well as a rubber coating, can be placed; however, these details are not illustrated in the figures.
  • Fig. 4 is a side view of the horizontal adjustment assembly 130.
  • the horizontal adjustment assembly 130 includes one or more bumper receiver plates 19, a horizontal adjustment arm 15 associated with each bumper receiver plate 19 and an end cap 17.
  • the horizontal adjustment arm 15 is fixedly attached at one end to the planer surface of the bumper receiver plate 19.
  • the end cap 17 is fixedly attached to the other end of the horizontal adjustment arm 15.
  • Along one plane of the horizontal adjustment arm 15 is a series of holes, penetrating through the horizontal adjustment arm 15, and spaced along the side of the horizontal adjustment arm.
  • the adjustment plates 20 of the bumper assembly 120 attach to the bumper receiver plates 19. In the preferred embodiment, the adjustment plates 20 are attached to the bumper receiver plates 19 through the use of eight bolts.
  • either the bumper receiver plates 19 or the adjustment plates 20, and maybe both, have slots in order to allow for adjustments of the spacing of the trailer or chassis slide rails.
  • Fig. 5 is a side view of the vertical adjustment assembly 140.
  • the vertical adjustment assembly includes one or more horizontal receiver tubes 16 fixedly attached to a vertical adjustment arm 15.
  • the vertical adjustment arm 15 slideably engages and fits within the vertical adjustment receiver tube 1.
  • Both the vertical adjustment arm 15 and the vertical receiver tube 1 include a series of holes penetrating through the elements and when they are slideably engaged, one or more pair of holes (one on each element) can be aligned.
  • the vertical adjustment arm is held in a position within the vertical adjustment receiver tube 1 preferably by the use of one or more pins or bolts that are slid through the aligned holes.
  • the horizontal adjustment arm 18 slideably engages and fits within the horizontal receiver tube 16 and is held in place by one or more pins or bolts passing through aligned holes penetrating both the horizontal receiver tube 16 and the horizontal adjustment arm 18. It should be apparent that the use of multiple holes at various spacing configurations in the vertical adjustment arm 15, vertical receiver tube 1 horizontal adjustment arm 18 and horizontal receiver tube allow the assemblies to be adjusted vertically and horizontally, thereby accommodating various trailer and truck sizes and styles.
  • Fig. 6 is a side view of the bumper system 200 of the present invention in the extended, or at rest position.
  • the vertical pivoting assembly 100 is in a substantially perpendicular position to a ground plane (not shown) and the strike plate 4 is resting against phenolic plate 10.
  • the shock absorber 6 is in a non-compressed position.
  • Fig. 7 is a side view of the bumper system 200 of the present invention in the retracted position. In this position, the vertical pivoting assembly 100 is rotated until a surface of the vertical receiver tube 1 comes to rest against the stop block 12. The shock absorber 6 is in a compressed position.
  • Figs. 10 to 17 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention.
  • an alternate stop assembly 115 is illustrated.
  • the stop assembly 115 includes stops for the extended or non-compressed position and a retracted or compressed position of the vertical pivoting assembly 100.
  • the stop assembly for the extended position includes a front stop block 64 that engages the strike plate 4 of the vertically pivoting assembly 100.
  • the front stop block 64 is fixedly attached to front stop assembly 60 that is attached to the frame or chassis of the vehicle using a bolt 102.
  • the stop assembly 110 also includes a backstop block 62 and an attachment block 66. Both of these elements are fixedly attached to the housing 68 of the stop assembly 115.
  • the backstop block 12 may be fixedly attached to the housing 68 at an angle that permits the vertical pivoting assembly 100 to rotate the bumper assembly 150 under the trailer to the retracted position.
  • An upper shock bracket 14 is fixedly attached to the housing 68. Similar to the lower bracket 5, the upper bracket 14 is attached to the shock absorber 6 via a pin.
  • the bumper assembly 150 of this embodiment includes the horizontal adjustment arm 18, however, a bumper 70, includes multiple mounting holes so that the horizontal adjustment arms 18 can be mounted to various positions of the bumper 70.
  • This aspect of this embodiment allows the bumper to be more universally adaptable to a variety of trucks types and styles.
  • the present invention provides an improvement for currently available bumpers for trucks and trailers.
  • the improved bumper assembly of the present invention can be installed in new trucks and/or trailers shipped from the manufacturer.
  • existing trucks and trailers can be retrofitted to include the bumper system of the present invention.
  • the shock-absorbing capability of the bumper system Upon receiving impact, the bumper pivots away from the force (eg. in the case of a rear bumper, the bumper pivots toward the front of the vehicle). Thus, unlike current bumper systems ⁇ impact to the bumper will not necessarily result in a permanent deformation of the bumper system.
  • the shock absorber absorbs the impact as the bumper pivots under the impact force.
  • the bumper system can allow for up to 20 degrees for the bumper assembly to pivot.
  • the shock resistance of the stop assembly can be adjusted to different levels according to the environment and specific requirements for the operator. For instance, different resistances can be utilized depending on the size of the truck or trailer and the weight of the loads.
  • the shock absorbers can also include a spring, mounted in parallel to the shock absorber or mounted otherwise, to ensure tension is applied to the bumper assembly throughout the rotation range.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is the adjustability of the bumper system.
  • the bumper system of the present invention can be adjusted horizontally (depth)- and vertically (height).
  • Another advantace of the present invention is that installation and removal of the bumper system is greatly improved. Rather than being welded on at the factory, the bumper system of the present invention can be mounted to a truck or trailer through a series of bolts. Thus, a damaged bumper assembly can be removed and replaced without requiring cutting or welding.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a contact warning capability mounted to the bumper.
  • a sensor 80 (shown in Fig. 6) can be included in the bumper system to determine when the strike plate 4 and the phenolic plate 10 are not in contact. This condition indicates that a force is being exerted against the bumper assembly.
  • a notification can then be provided to the driver either through a wireless transmission to a receiver, or by turning on an indicator light or audible warning signal.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that as the bumper system moves between the extended and retracted positions, the height of the bumper does not fall out of DOT height regulations. In the present invention, because the front of the bumper assembly extends in front of the pivotal point of the vertical pivoting assembly 100, as movement from the extended position to the retracted position occurs, the bumper actually moves closer to the ground.
  • the present invention provides a bumper system that is novel and useful.
  • the shock-absorbing bumper will help prevent costly damage to itself, and the trailer or truck it is mounted to, during routine dockings.
  • the contact warning system notifies the driver when the vehicle has made contact with another object.
  • the bumper system of the present invention can be easily installed in new or used equipment and can easily be replaced if damaged.
  • the bumper system of the present invention is fully adjustable for desired horizontal and vertical positions and meets current DOT regulations through the entire range of motion.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vibration Dampers (AREA)
  • Vehicle Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair, Refitting, And Outriggers (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
  • Refuge Islands, Traffic Blockers, Or Guard Fence (AREA)
  • Force Measurement Appropriate To Specific Purposes (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de pare-chocs entièrement réglable qui absorbe les chocs afin d'éviter l'endommagement du pare-chocs. Ce système de pare-chocs comprend un ensemble pare-chocs monté sur un ensemble à pivotement vertical à l'aide d'ensembles à réglage horizontal et vertical. Un ensemble butée fixé à l'ensemble à pivotement vertical permet à l'ensemble pare-chocs d'effectuer un pivotement qui l'écarte de la force qui lui est appliquée et de revenir à sa position initiale lorsque cette force disparaît. En vue de faciliter son installation, ce système pare-chocs peut être boulonné, soudé ou fermement fixé soit au châssis soit aux rails d'une remorque ou d'un camion.
PCT/US2002/036511 2001-11-13 2002-11-12 Pare-chocs de securite reglable WO2003051670A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002350183A AU2002350183A1 (en) 2001-11-13 2002-11-12 Adjustable safety bumper
CA2466942A CA2466942C (fr) 2001-11-13 2002-11-12 Pare-chocs de securite reglable

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US34949901P 2001-11-13 2001-11-13
US60/349,499 2001-11-13
US38394202P 2002-05-30 2002-05-30
US60/383,942 2002-05-30

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003051670A2 true WO2003051670A2 (fr) 2003-06-26
WO2003051670A3 WO2003051670A3 (fr) 2004-04-29

Family

ID=26996217

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2002/036511 WO2003051670A2 (fr) 2001-11-13 2002-11-12 Pare-chocs de securite reglable

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2002350183A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2466942C (fr)
WO (1) WO2003051670A2 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1935724A1 (fr) * 2006-12-19 2008-06-25 Iveco S.p.A. Dispositif de protection contre l'encastrement avant de type étendu pour véhicule industriel ou commercial

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9771040B2 (en) 2015-08-18 2017-09-26 Sti Holdings, Inc. Trailer with rear impact guard
US10369949B2 (en) 2017-02-27 2019-08-06 Sti Holdings, Inc. Rear impact guard

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1478849A (en) * 1973-08-14 1977-07-06 Road Research Ltd Shock absorbing apparatus
US4105237A (en) * 1976-01-02 1978-08-08 Viall Sr Charles S Vehicle safety braking system
US4247138A (en) * 1979-04-06 1981-01-27 Quinton Hazell Limited Shock absorbing apparatus for vehicles
GB2095630B (en) * 1981-03-31 1984-08-15 Lostock Hall Fabrications Ltd Vehicle underride protective device
GB2107909B (en) * 1981-09-10 1985-09-18 Hope Tech Dev Ltd Bumper assembly
GB2122551B (en) * 1982-06-28 1985-11-20 Hope Tech Dev Ltd Vechicle bumper assembly
US4541661A (en) * 1983-02-28 1985-09-17 Park Poultry, Inc. Truck bumper and step device
US5673953A (en) * 1996-09-13 1997-10-07 Spease; Donald R. Breakaway ICC bumper
GB9706164D0 (en) * 1997-03-25 1997-05-14 Hope Tech Dev Ltd Bumper assembly

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1935724A1 (fr) * 2006-12-19 2008-06-25 Iveco S.p.A. Dispositif de protection contre l'encastrement avant de type étendu pour véhicule industriel ou commercial
AU2007242969B2 (en) * 2006-12-19 2012-11-01 Iveco S.P.A. Front underrun protection device of extended type for industrial or commercial vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2002350183A1 (en) 2003-06-30
WO2003051670A3 (fr) 2004-04-29
AU2002350183A8 (en) 2003-06-30
CA2466942C (fr) 2011-01-25
CA2466942A1 (fr) 2003-06-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6764116B2 (en) Adjustable safety bumper
US6974166B2 (en) Adjustable safety bumper
US6109675A (en) Hinged member for a rear impact guard
US4541661A (en) Truck bumper and step device
US6089629A (en) Underrun guard for road vehicles
US6116667A (en) Trailer underride crash guard
US6176529B1 (en) Torsional under-ride guard
CA1180363A (fr) Pare-chocs amortisseur rigide pour vehicule automobile
CA2866194C (fr) Protection de dessous de caisse de semi-remorque
US20090134558A1 (en) Vehicle loading dock fender assembly
US5915708A (en) Mud flap mount
US6672008B1 (en) Gate release mechanism having a pivotable arm to facilitate maintenance
CA2466942C (fr) Pare-chocs de securite reglable
US4076295A (en) Pedestrian contact guard
US5618074A (en) Bracket support
GB2095630A (en) Vehicle underride protective device
CN221255323U (zh) 一种新型高速公路防撞护栏
CN222080652U (zh) 一种运输车倒车防撞预警装置
CN222390315U (zh) 一种桥梁工程用安全防护装置
CN218986551U (zh) 一种汽车保险杠缓冲安装支架
CN220977790U (zh) 一种可报警的限高组件
GB2107909A (en) Bumper assembly
TWI893641B (zh) 車輛輔助警示裝置
US4005891A (en) Bumper impact divertor
US5570918A (en) Universal bumper system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ OM PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG UZ VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2466942

Country of ref document: CA

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Country of ref document: JP