US3858173A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sensor of vehicle load or overload
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-06-01
•
Granted: 1974-12-31
•
Expires: 1993-06-01
Abstract
Abstract A sensor of vehicle load or overload actuates an indicia, indicative of the tractor or truck bed, behind a prime mover, arriving at, or being under, a state of predetermined load or overload. This state of load or overload is indicated by circuit closure between two contacts, the contact carries of the respective contacts being so mounted, with relation to the load supporting area of vehicle, as trailer or truck bed, and supporting frame therebelow, that, as such area and frame are urged downwardly, responsive to load placed thereon, the contact carriers are adapted to respond to such descent of load supporting area and frame, in such manner as to permit contact closure.
Inventors
- 👤 W Ryan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 12:21
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01G; G01G19/00; G01G19/08; G01G19/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
205 words
A load or overload sensor for a frame supported, load supporting area, said frame being yieldably supported, as by leaf spring means above vehicle axle means, said sensor including a frame carried, first contact carrier, horizontally, longitudinally adjustable with relation to said frame and carrying compression spring means at maximum extension disposing an insulative first contact positioning means that disposes said first contact for closure with a second contact of said sensor responsive to downward movement of load supporting area and frame corresponding with a predetermined elevation, said second contact being carried by a second contact carrier including a connection means with the rear end of a tension spring connected thereto, the forward end of said tension spring being yieldably connected to said frame, a frame suspended pulley and a second contact connected cable means passing over said pulley and affixed to vehicle axle journal means, insulative conductor means carrying circuit from said first contact to indicia means, actuated upon contact closure, to render load indication, said first contact positioning means being horizontally slidable with relation to said first contact carrier and said compression spring being yieldably urged in contraction responsive to further increase in load after circuit closure between said first and second contacts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
205 words
A load or overload sensor for a frame supported, load supporting area, said frame being yieldably supported, as by leaf spring means above vehicle axle means, said sensor including a frame carried, first contact carrier, horizontally, longitudinally adjustable with relation to said frame and carrying compression spring means at maximum extension disposing an insulative first contact positioning means that disposes said first contact for closure with a second contact of said sensor responsive to downward movement of load supporting area and frame corresponding with a predetermined elevation, said second contact being carried by a second contact carrier including a connection means with the rear end of a tension spring connected thereto, the forward end of said tension spring being yieldably connected to said frame, a frame suspended pulley and a second contact connected cable means passing over said pulley and affixed to vehicle axle journal means, insulative conductor means carrying circuit from said first contact to indicia means, actuated upon contact closure, to render load indication, said first contact positioning means being horizontally slidable with relation to said first contact carrier and said compression spring being yieldably urged in contraction responsive to further increase in load after circuit closure between said first and second contacts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 1, in which the vehicle axle journal means to which said cable means is affixed, comprises a truck differential through which passes a vehicle axle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 1, in which said cable means is insulatively connected to said second contact.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 1, in which said cable means is adapted for adjustment in length, whereby to calibrate said sensor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 1, in which said second contact carrier includes a metallic collar into which said second contact is threadable, whereby to calibrate said sensor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 1 in which said first contact carrier includes tubular means surrounding said first contact and threadable through a frame included member, whereby to calibrate said sensor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 1, in which said second contact carrier includes insulative means interposed between said second contact and said tension spring, and in which ground circuit is completed from said second contact through said cable means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 1, in which said indicia means comprises a light.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 1, in which said sensor circuit is empowered by a prime mover vehicle battery.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 1, in which said first contact carrier comprises an externally threaded tubular, insulative portion that provides said longitudinal, horizontally adjustable calibration.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 1, which additionally includes additional indicia means actuated after circuit closure upon compression spring compressions to render overload indication.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2769967A
Cited
US2779013A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-12-30 | 1978-07-01 | 1978-12-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-30 | 1982-07-01 | 1982-12-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-30 | 1986-07-01 | 1986-12-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |