US3711112A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Helper axle assembly for vehicles
Assignee: Tag-Along Corp
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Filing: 1970-08-13
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Granted: 1973-01-16
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Expires: 1990-08-13
Abstract
Abstract A helper axle is attached to a vehicle rearwardly of the rear axle thereof and serves to level the vehicle when loaded to maintain proper front wheel castor. When the vehicle is empty, the helper axle can be raised upwardly into an inoperative position.
Inventors
- 👤 G Puckett
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 02:38
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D61/00; B62D61/12; B62D61/125
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
An assembly for a vehicle for carrying a portion of the weight normally carried by a vehicle axle comprising: an elongated bar secured paraLlel to said vehicle axle; a helper axle spaced from and parallel to said axle of said vehicle; wheels carried by said helper axle at the ends thereof and being rotatable about a horizontal axis; spaced apart connecting rods, each having one end pivotally secured to said bar and the other end secured to said helper axle; a V-bracing member intermediate said connecting rods connected at one end to said bar and at the other end to said helper axle, said V-bracing member adapted to torsionally strengthen said helper axle assembly; and spring means inserted between said helper axle and said vehicle adapted to transfer a portion of the weight of said vehicle to said helper axle and to said wheels.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
An assembly for a vehicle for carrying a portion of the weight normally carried by a vehicle axle comprising: an elongated bar secured paraLlel to said vehicle axle; a helper axle spaced from and parallel to said axle of said vehicle; wheels carried by said helper axle at the ends thereof and being rotatable about a horizontal axis; spaced apart connecting rods, each having one end pivotally secured to said bar and the other end secured to said helper axle; a V-bracing member intermediate said connecting rods connected at one end to said bar and at the other end to said helper axle, said V-bracing member adapted to torsionally strengthen said helper axle assembly; and spring means inserted between said helper axle and said vehicle adapted to transfer a portion of the weight of said vehicle to said helper axle and to said wheels.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said spring means are spaced apart helical springs, and including inverted cups secured to said vehicle for receiving the upper portions of said springs.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
110 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 including: at least one pair of paralleled spaced apart fork members extending downwardly from said vehicle, said fork members having at the lower end thereof apertures in alignment; and wherein said inverted cups contain in the walls thereof registered apertures which receive a bolt member against which the upper end of said springs bare when said helper axle is in operative position, said bolt being removable whereby said helper axle can be raised upwardly into an inoperative position wherein said helper axle is straddled by said forks and is held therein by insertion of a bolt member into said fork members through said apertures.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the length of said connecting rod and said V-bracing member can be adjusted to vary the spacing between said vehicle axle and said helper axle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
101 words
An assembly for a vehicle for carrying a portion of the weight of said vehicle load comprising: a helper axle spaced from and parallel to an axle of said vehicle; wheels carried by said helper axle at the ends thereof normally engaging the ground; means of pivotally attaching said helper axle to vehicle; spring means between said helper axle and said vehicle adapted to transfer a portion of the weight of said vehicle to said helper axle and to said wheels; and means of releasably retaining said helper axle in an inoperable position wherein said wheels are raised above the ground.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
101 words
An assembly for a vehicle for carrying a portion of the weight of said vehicle load comprising: a helper axle spaced from and parallel to an axle of said vehicle; wheels carried by said helper axle at the ends thereof normally engaging the ground; means of pivotally attaching said helper axle to vehicle; spring means between said helper axle and said vehicle adapted to transfer a portion of the weight of said vehicle to said helper axle and to said wheels; and means of releasably retaining said helper axle in an inoperable position wherein said wheels are raised above the ground.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-16 | 1976-07-17 | 1977-01-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-16 | 1980-07-17 | 1981-01-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-16 | 1984-07-17 | 1985-01-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |