US3796457A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Trailer construction
Assignee: Merritt Equipment Co
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Filing: 1972-04-12
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Granted: 1974-03-12
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Expires: 1992-04-12
Abstract
Abstract A trailer which although of extremely light weight is rugged in construction for hauling a maximum load with relation to the weight of the trailer. The trailer employs front and rear frame sub-assemblies formed of lightweight frame components. The front and rear frame sub-assemblies are spaced longitudinally from each other and are interconnected by longitudinal rails. Vertical and longitudinal reinforcement is accomplished by sheet metal side walls and upright channel-shaped posts. Each of the front and rear frame sub-assemblies has vertically elongated, side gusset plates secured integrally thereto as well as to the longitudinal rails, the sheet metal side walls, and some of the upright posts. The vehicle has decking secured to frame members for supporting the load, such decking being secured in place to add reinforcement to the trailer.
Inventors
- 👤 R Hinchliff
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 09:48
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D33/00; B62D33/04; B60; B60P; B60P3/00; B60P3/04; B62D53/00; B62D53/04; B62D53/06; B62D53/061; B62D53/08; B62D53/0842
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
202 words
A trailer structure having forward and rearward ends, said trailer comprising a horizontal frame sub-assembly at each end in longitudinally spaced relation, each frame sub-assembly having longitudinal and cross frame Members forming individual rigid units, longitudinal frame members at the sides of the trailer, said longitudinal frame members being disposed below said end sub-assemblies and forming a basket portion of the trailer, deck means supported on said sub-assemblies and on said side frame members, a vertical gusset plate on each side of said front end sub-assembly adjacent to the rear thereof and a gusset plate on each side of said rear end sub-assembly adjacent to the front thereof, said gusset plates being secured to their respective sub-assemblies and to said longitudinal frame members, side walls secured to said frame sub-assemblies and to said longitudinal frame members, upright reinforcing channel-shaped frame members disposed in parallel spaced relation through the length of said trailer secured to the side walls as well as to the end subassemblies and to the longitudinal frame members, said side walls comprising sheet metal of sufficient gauge to produce with said upright frame members a vertical rigidity between the end frame sub-assemblies sufficient to bear the load between said ends.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
202 words
A trailer structure having forward and rearward ends, said trailer comprising a horizontal frame sub-assembly at each end in longitudinally spaced relation, each frame sub-assembly having longitudinal and cross frame Members forming individual rigid units, longitudinal frame members at the sides of the trailer, said longitudinal frame members being disposed below said end sub-assemblies and forming a basket portion of the trailer, deck means supported on said sub-assemblies and on said side frame members, a vertical gusset plate on each side of said front end sub-assembly adjacent to the rear thereof and a gusset plate on each side of said rear end sub-assembly adjacent to the front thereof, said gusset plates being secured to their respective sub-assemblies and to said longitudinal frame members, side walls secured to said frame sub-assemblies and to said longitudinal frame members, upright reinforcing channel-shaped frame members disposed in parallel spaced relation through the length of said trailer secured to the side walls as well as to the end subassemblies and to the longitudinal frame members, said side walls comprising sheet metal of sufficient gauge to produce with said upright frame members a vertical rigidity between the end frame sub-assemblies sufficient to bear the load between said ends.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
84 words
The trailer structure of claim 1 wherein each of said end frame sub-assemblies comprises longitudinal frame members and lateral frame members interconnected between said longitudinal frame members, the connection between said longitudinal frame members and said lateral frame members comprising cross gusset plates secured to the end of said lateral frame members and secured flatwise against said longitudinal frame members, said gusset plates being of greater dimension than the cross section dimension of said lateral frame members to provide an enlarged area of connection.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
The trailer structure of claim 1 wherein said side walls are formed of multiple panels in side by side relation with vertical edge portions overlapped, said upright frame members being secured to said side walls at the overlapping portions of said edge portions for establishing a rigid load bearing connection between the wall panels.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The trailer structure of claim 1 wherein said gusset plates at said forward sub-assembly extends upwardly beyond said sub-assembly and downwardly below said sub-assembly to provide an enlarged area for reinforcing securement to said side walls.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The trailer structure of claim 4 wherein each of said gusset plates at said forward sub-assembly has a front opening longitudinal slot for receiving a rearward portion of said forward sub-assembly for securement thereto.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The trailer structure of claim 1 wherein said rear sub-assembly has a ramp leading down to said basket portion of the trailer for loading cattle from said basket portion to said rear sub-assembly.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-03-11 | 1977-09-10 | 1978-03-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-11 | 1981-09-10 | 1982-03-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-11 | 1985-09-10 | 1986-03-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |