US4421333A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Assembly for mounting a vehicle spray suppression device
Assignee: Monsanto Co
•
Filing: 1983-06-15
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Granted: 1983-12-20
•
Expires: 2003-06-15
Abstract
Abstract Structure for mounting a spray-suppression side skirt adjacent a vehicle wheel which forcibly holds the skirt against displacement in operative position perpendicular to the roadway during movement of the vehicle, yet will accommodate guided movement of the skirt to a clearance position to permit access to the vehicle wheel or to accommodate the wheel striking the skirt during turning of the wheels.
Inventors
- 👤 James R. Van Dyke
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 06:44
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D25/00; B62D25/08; B62D25/16; B62D25/18; B62D25/182; B62D25/186
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
A spray-suppression apparatus for a tractor-trailer adapted to be mounted on a forward portion of a trailer adjacent the upper outside surface of at least one rear tire of tractor comprising: a side skirt having a height greater than the distance between the bottom edge of the trailer and the top of said tire; and at least one hinge assembly for mounting said side skirt to said trailer in a position generally parallel to the side of said trailer whereby said side skirt occludes vertical space between said trailer and the top of said tire; said hinge assembly having a horizontal pivotal axis substantially parallel to a side of the trailer said hinge assembly having a spring-loaded cam urging the skirt toward a generally vertical orientation while allowing the skirt to pivot about said axis, wherein the lower edge of the skirt can pivot outwardly and upwardly toward a raised position when contacted by said tire of the trailer, said hinge assembly also having a detent for holding said skirt in a raised position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
174 words
A spray-suppression apparatus for a tractor-trailer adapted to be mounted on a forward portion of a trailer adjacent the upper outside surface of at least one rear tire of tractor comprising: a side skirt having a height greater than the distance between the bottom edge of the trailer and the top of said tire; and at least one hinge assembly for mounting said side skirt to said trailer in a position generally parallel to the side of said trailer whereby said side skirt occludes vertical space between said trailer and the top of said tire; said hinge assembly having a horizontal pivotal axis substantially parallel to a side of the trailer said hinge assembly having a spring-loaded cam urging the skirt toward a generally vertical orientation while allowing the skirt to pivot about said axis, wherein the lower edge of the skirt can pivot outwardly and upwardly toward a raised position when contacted by said tire of the trailer, said hinge assembly also having a detent for holding said skirt in a raised position.
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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) | 1986-12-19 | 1987-06-20 | 1987-12-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-12-19 | 1991-06-20 | 1991-12-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-12-19 | 1995-06-20 | 1995-12-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |