US4369983A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Trailer with mass restraint
Assignee: Bridgestone Research LLC
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Filing: 1980-10-27
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Granted: 1983-01-25
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Expires: 2000-10-27
Abstract
Abstract In a trailer having two steerable wheels, there is provided a device which, in response to the lateral acceleration of a turn, applies a steering force to the wheels such that the tires generate a side force toward the center of the turn which is equal and opposite to that of the trailer resulting from the acceleration. As a consequence, no net force is exerted on the tow vehicle by the trailer, preserving its handling characteristics. The application is either through a mass on the trailer, or through use of the mass of the trailer itself.
Inventors
- 👤 Leonard T. Charek
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 05:55
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D13/00; B62D9/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
In a trailer, the improvement comprising a transverse axle, wheels mounted on members pivoted at each end of said axle about an inclined axis; a connecting rod connecting said members to turn said wheels in unison, and a mass, the lateral acceleration of which applies a first steering moment about said inclined axis to balance a second opposed moment applied about said axis by the ground reactive force on said wheels.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
In a trailer, the improvement comprising a transverse axle, wheels mounted on members pivoted at each end of said axle about an inclined axis; a connecting rod connecting said members to turn said wheels in unison, and a mass, the lateral acceleration of which applies a first steering moment about said inclined axis to balance a second opposed moment applied about said axis by the ground reactive force on said wheels.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A trailer as in claim 1, wherein said mass acts on said connecting rod.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A trailer as in claim 1, wherein said mass acts on said connecting rod through an arm pivoted on said axle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
64 words
A trailer comprising a mass supported by a wheel steerable about a pivot, first means facilitating motion of said mass with respect to said pivot, and second means associated with said mass to apply a first steering moment about said pivot upon lateral acceleration of said mass to balance a second moment applied by the ground reactive force on said wheel about said pivot.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
64 words
A trailer comprising a mass supported by a wheel steerable about a pivot, first means facilitating motion of said mass with respect to said pivot, and second means associated with said mass to apply a first steering moment about said pivot upon lateral acceleration of said mass to balance a second moment applied by the ground reactive force on said wheel about said pivot.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A trailer as in claim 4, wherein said first means comprises suspension means allowing lateral motion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A trailer as in claim 4 or 5, wherein said second means comprises linkage means between said mass and a king-pin rotatable about said pivot.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A trailer as in claim 4 or 5, wherein said second means comprises a steering rod connected to the said mass.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A trailer as in claim 4, wherein the length of the moment arm through which the said mass acts is substantially equal to that through which the ground reactive force on said wheel acts.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
79 words
In a trailer, the improvement comprising a transverse axle, wheels mounted on members pivoted at each end of said axle about an inclined axis; a connecting rod connecting said members to turn said wheels in unison, and means to apply a first steering moment about said inclined axis and balancing a second opposed moment applied about said axis by the ground reactive force on said wheels, said means comprising a mass having lateral acceleration during cornering of said trailer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
79 words
In a trailer, the improvement comprising a transverse axle, wheels mounted on members pivoted at each end of said axle about an inclined axis; a connecting rod connecting said members to turn said wheels in unison, and means to apply a first steering moment about said inclined axis and balancing a second opposed moment applied about said axis by the ground reactive force on said wheels, said means comprising a mass having lateral acceleration during cornering of said trailer.
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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) | 1986-01-24 | 1986-07-26 | 1987-01-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-01-24 | 1990-07-26 | 1991-01-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-01-24 | 1994-07-26 | 1995-01-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |