US3768672A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Replaceable truck body and method for using same
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1972-02-24
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Granted: 1973-10-30
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Expires: 1992-02-24
Abstract
Abstract The standard body of a truck is replaced by an elongated one having a greater load carrying capacity. An auxiliary frame assembly is connected in tamdem to the truck''s main frame assembly prior to such replacement.
Inventors
- 👤 F Grooss
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 15:48
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60P; B60P3/00; B60P3/42
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
A vehicle disposed on a longitudinal axis thereof comprising a chassis having a longitudinally disposed main frame assembly and a first pair of ground engaging roadwheels attached to said main frame assembly, an auxiliary frame assembly detachably secured to a rearward end of said main frame assembly and longitudinally aligned therewith to form an extension thereof, a second pair of ground engaging roadwheels attached to said auxiliary frame assembly, said main frame assembly comprising a pair of longitudinally disposed and laterally spaced first members and said auxiliary frame assembly comprising a pair of laterally spaced second members joined to said first members by pin connections and laterally spaced third members positioned outboard of and closely adjacent to said second members, pivot means transversely disposed relative to said longitudinal axis and pivotally mounting said third members on said second members, and shock absorbing means operatively connecting each of said third members to a respective one of said second roadwheels.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
158 words
A vehicle disposed on a longitudinal axis thereof comprising a chassis having a longitudinally disposed main frame assembly and a first pair of ground engaging roadwheels attached to said main frame assembly, an auxiliary frame assembly detachably secured to a rearward end of said main frame assembly and longitudinally aligned therewith to form an extension thereof, a second pair of ground engaging roadwheels attached to said auxiliary frame assembly, said main frame assembly comprising a pair of longitudinally disposed and laterally spaced first members and said auxiliary frame assembly comprising a pair of laterally spaced second members joined to said first members by pin connections and laterally spaced third members positioned outboard of and closely adjacent to said second members, pivot means transversely disposed relative to said longitudinal axis and pivotally mounting said third members on said second members, and shock absorbing means operatively connecting each of said third members to a respective one of said second roadwheels.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention of claim 1 further comprising a third pair of ground engaging roadwheels attached to said main frame and positioned between said first and second pairs of roadwheels.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention of claim 1 further comprising an elongated body attached to said main and auxiliary frames.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention of claim 3 further comprising ejector means normally positioned at a forward end of said body for longitudinal movement toward an open, rearward end thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention of claim 4 further comprising gate means normally closing the rearward end of said body and adapted to open upon actuation of said ejector means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention of claim 5 further comprising control means for selectively actuating said ejector means and said gate means simultaneously.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention of claim 2 further comprising first transmission means for driving said third pair of roadwheels and second transmission means for driving said second pair of roadwheels.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said body is supported on laterally spaced beams secured thereto, said beams extending longitudinally the full length of said first and second members and secured on said second members.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said second members are substantially shorter longitudinally than said first members.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said pivot means comprises a tubular member secured to and extending through said second members and having said third members pivotally mounted thereon.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
50 words
The invention of claim 1 further comprising a third pair of ground engaging roadwheels attached to said main frame assembly and positioned between said first and second pairs of roadwheels and additional shock absorbing means operatively connecting each of said third members to a respective one of said third roadwheels.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for constructing a vehicle having an elongated truck body comprising the steps of removing a truck body from a truck having a chassis comprising a main frame assembly and two pairs of roadwheels attached to said main frame assembly, attaching an auxiliary frame assembly, having a second pair of roadwheels attached thereto, to a rearward end of said main frame assembly and in longitudinal alignment therewith attaching an elongated truck body to said main and auxiliary frame assemblies and pivotally mounting laterally spaced members on said auxiliary frame assembly and attaching a shock absorbing means between said members and each of said roadwheels.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for constructing a vehicle having an elongated truck body comprising the steps of removing a truck body from a truck having a chassis comprising a main frame assembly and two pairs of roadwheels attached to said main frame assembly, attaching an auxiliary frame assembly, having a second pair of roadwheels attached thereto, to a rearward end of said main frame assembly and in longitudinal alignment therewith attaching an elongated truck body to said main and auxiliary frame assemblies and pivotally mounting laterally spaced members on said auxiliary frame assembly and attaching a shock absorbing means between said members and each of said roadwheels.
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) | 1976-10-29 | 1977-04-30 | 1977-10-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-29 | 1981-04-30 | 1981-10-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-29 | 1985-04-30 | 1985-10-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |