CA2348000A1 - Flat tire emergency truck - Google Patents
Flat tire emergency truck Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2348000A1 CA2348000A1 CA 2348000 CA2348000A CA2348000A1 CA 2348000 A1 CA2348000 A1 CA 2348000A1 CA 2348000 CA2348000 CA 2348000 CA 2348000 A CA2348000 A CA 2348000A CA 2348000 A1 CA2348000 A1 CA 2348000A1
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- Prior art keywords
- cradle
- secured
- section
- wheel
- flat tire
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F7/00—Lifting frames, e.g. for lifting vehicles; Platform lifts
- B66F7/24—Lifting frames, e.g. for lifting vehicles; Platform lifts for raising or lowering vehicles by their own power
- B66F7/246—Wheel supporting trolleys
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Tires In General (AREA)
Abstract
A flat tire emergency truck is comprised of a steel cradle provided with a pair of rear wheels supported on a rear axle and a central swiveling front wheel. The cradle has a bottom wall and opposed spaced parallel side walls to receive a vehicle wheel therein. A pivotal rear ramp is secured to the rear axle and has a first inclined ramp section to permit the vehicle wheel to enter the cradle. The rear ramp also has a second ramp section which is actuable by the load of the vehicle wheel to cause the first plate section to pivot upward to an arresting position. A toggle assembly is secured under the first inclined ramp section and cooperates with the cradle bottom support wall to wedge the rear wheels above a ground support surface when the first inclined ramp section is placed at the loading position. An automatically actuable front gate is secured to the cradle in a forward portion thereof behind the front wheel and is automatically actuable when a vehicle wheel enters the cradle whereby the vehicle wheel is arrested between the front gate and the second plate section which has been automatically positioned to its arresting position.
Description
FLAT TIRE EMERGENCY TRUCK
TECHNICAL FIELD
~0001~ The present invention relates to a flat tire emergency truck on which a flat tire wheel of a vehicle is positioned and supported whereby the vehicle can be driven to a tire repair destination.
BACKGROUND ART
X00027 Flat tire emergency trucks, generally of the type disclosed in this application, are well known in the art. As examples thereof, reference is made to U.S. Patents Nos. 4,465,421, 4,913,459 and 4,726,727. These patents show examples of different constructions of such trucks. It can be observed that some of these are not provided with fully automatic safety loading and arresting mechanisms and some require manual attachment between the truck and the wheels.
Further, some wheel arresting mechanisms are not secure and may disconnect during use. Some of these trucks are also not compact in structure and are a nuisance when stored in the trunk of a vehicle. Furthermore, some of these trucks may be subjected to displacement when a flat tire vehicle wheel is being driven therein and it could prove hazardous to the user. Still further, because the vehicle wheel has a portion of the vehicle load in the cradle of the truck, it is important to have a cradle which is sturdy and which is provided with arresting mechanisms capable of withstanding these loads, particularly if the emergency truck is often utilized.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
~0003~ It is therefore a feature of the present invention to provide a flat tire emergency truck which substantially overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art and which is safe and easy to use and which is storable in a compact space.
TECHNICAL FIELD
~0001~ The present invention relates to a flat tire emergency truck on which a flat tire wheel of a vehicle is positioned and supported whereby the vehicle can be driven to a tire repair destination.
BACKGROUND ART
X00027 Flat tire emergency trucks, generally of the type disclosed in this application, are well known in the art. As examples thereof, reference is made to U.S. Patents Nos. 4,465,421, 4,913,459 and 4,726,727. These patents show examples of different constructions of such trucks. It can be observed that some of these are not provided with fully automatic safety loading and arresting mechanisms and some require manual attachment between the truck and the wheels.
Further, some wheel arresting mechanisms are not secure and may disconnect during use. Some of these trucks are also not compact in structure and are a nuisance when stored in the trunk of a vehicle. Furthermore, some of these trucks may be subjected to displacement when a flat tire vehicle wheel is being driven therein and it could prove hazardous to the user. Still further, because the vehicle wheel has a portion of the vehicle load in the cradle of the truck, it is important to have a cradle which is sturdy and which is provided with arresting mechanisms capable of withstanding these loads, particularly if the emergency truck is often utilized.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
~0003~ It is therefore a feature of the present invention to provide a flat tire emergency truck which substantially overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art and which is safe and easy to use and which is storable in a compact space.
According to the above feature and others, and from a broad aspect, the present invention provides a flat tire emergency truck which comprises a steel cradle having a bottom wheel support wall, side walks and an open rear end.
A rear axle is secured across the ride walls adjacent the open rear end and elevated from the bottom support wall. A
rear wheel is secured at opposed ends of the rear axle outside the side walls. A front wheel is secured to a front frame section of the cradle substantially central thereof..
The front and rear wheels support the cradle elevated from a ground surface. A front gate is secured to the cradle above the bottom support wall rearwardly of the front wheel for arresting forward movement of a vehicle wheel positioned in the cradle. A pivotal rear ramp is pivotally secured to the rear axle between the side walls. Th.e rear ramp has a first inclined ramp section pivotally displaceable from a loading position, to permit a vehicle wheel to enter the cradle, to an arresting position, to retain a vehicle wheel in the cradle. The rear ramp has a second plate section which is secured to the first plate section a:ncl projects inwardly in the cradle and upwards of the rear axle. The second plate section causes the first plate section to pivot upwardly when a load from a vehicle wheel is driven thereon whereby the second plate section is retained in the arresting position by the load. A toggle assembly is secured under the first inclined ramp section anal cooperates with the cradle bottom support wall to wedge the rear wheels above a ground support surface when the firs-v inclined ramp section is placed at the loading position and the load is positioned thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
~0005~ A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
A rear axle is secured across the ride walls adjacent the open rear end and elevated from the bottom support wall. A
rear wheel is secured at opposed ends of the rear axle outside the side walls. A front wheel is secured to a front frame section of the cradle substantially central thereof..
The front and rear wheels support the cradle elevated from a ground surface. A front gate is secured to the cradle above the bottom support wall rearwardly of the front wheel for arresting forward movement of a vehicle wheel positioned in the cradle. A pivotal rear ramp is pivotally secured to the rear axle between the side walls. Th.e rear ramp has a first inclined ramp section pivotally displaceable from a loading position, to permit a vehicle wheel to enter the cradle, to an arresting position, to retain a vehicle wheel in the cradle. The rear ramp has a second plate section which is secured to the first plate section a:ncl projects inwardly in the cradle and upwards of the rear axle. The second plate section causes the first plate section to pivot upwardly when a load from a vehicle wheel is driven thereon whereby the second plate section is retained in the arresting position by the load. A toggle assembly is secured under the first inclined ramp section anal cooperates with the cradle bottom support wall to wedge the rear wheels above a ground support surface when the firs-v inclined ramp section is placed at the loading position and the load is positioned thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
~0005~ A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the flat tire emergency truck of the present invention;
(0007 FIG. 2 is a top view of :Figure l;
(0008 FIG. 3 is a side view of Figure 1;
(00o9~ FIG. 4 is a front view o:E Figure l;
(ooolo~ FIG. 5 is a rear view of Figure l showing the pivotal r rea ramp at an arresting elevated position;
(o0011~ FIG. 6 is a bottom view of Figure 1;
(00012 FIG. 7 is a fragmented section view showing the construction operation and of the pivotal rear ramp;
(00013 FIG. 8 is a fragmented section view showing the construction the front gate with the stopper bar disposed of elevated a eel arresting position; and at wh (000147 FIG. 9 is a fragmented section view similar to Figure 8 but showing the stopper bar at its storage position.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(00o15~ Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1 to 6, there is shown generally at the flat tire emergency truck of the present invention.
The truck has a reinforced steel cradle 11 defined by a bottom wheel support wall 12, side walls 13 and an open rear end 14. A steel shaft rear axle 15 is secured across the side walls 13 adjacent the open rear end 14 and is elevated slightly from the bottom support wall l2, as thereinshown.
A rear wheel 16 is secured at opposed ends of the rear axle and disposed outside the side walls 13. A front wheel 17, as better seen in Figure 4, is secured to a swiveling yoke 18 secured under an elevated front frame section 19 of the cradle 11. The swiveling yoke 18 provides approximately 45 degrees of swiveling motion to the front wheel 17. The wheels are made from steel and have been tested to support a load up to 97,500 lbs.
(0007 FIG. 2 is a top view of :Figure l;
(0008 FIG. 3 is a side view of Figure 1;
(00o9~ FIG. 4 is a front view o:E Figure l;
(ooolo~ FIG. 5 is a rear view of Figure l showing the pivotal r rea ramp at an arresting elevated position;
(o0011~ FIG. 6 is a bottom view of Figure 1;
(00012 FIG. 7 is a fragmented section view showing the construction operation and of the pivotal rear ramp;
(00013 FIG. 8 is a fragmented section view showing the construction the front gate with the stopper bar disposed of elevated a eel arresting position; and at wh (000147 FIG. 9 is a fragmented section view similar to Figure 8 but showing the stopper bar at its storage position.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(00o15~ Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1 to 6, there is shown generally at the flat tire emergency truck of the present invention.
The truck has a reinforced steel cradle 11 defined by a bottom wheel support wall 12, side walls 13 and an open rear end 14. A steel shaft rear axle 15 is secured across the side walls 13 adjacent the open rear end 14 and is elevated slightly from the bottom support wall l2, as thereinshown.
A rear wheel 16 is secured at opposed ends of the rear axle and disposed outside the side walls 13. A front wheel 17, as better seen in Figure 4, is secured to a swiveling yoke 18 secured under an elevated front frame section 19 of the cradle 11. The swiveling yoke 18 provides approximately 45 degrees of swiveling motion to the front wheel 17. The wheels are made from steel and have been tested to support a load up to 97,500 lbs.
(00016 The front and rear wheels support the cradle bottom wall 1l elevated from a ground surface 20 as can also be seen from Figure 4.
(oool~~ A front gate 21 is secured to the cradle 11 above the bottom wheel support wall 12 and projects above the top edges 13' of the side walls 13. Ig is disposed in a forward section of the cradle and aligned behind the front wheel 17 whereby to arrest forward movement of a vehicle wheel 22 as shown in phantom lines in Figure 3 when positioned in the cradle.
(000187 The flat tire emergency truck 10 is also provided with a pivotal rear ramp 23 pivotally secured to the rear axle l5 between the side walls 13. The rear ramp 23 has a first inclined ramp section 24 pivotally displaceable from a loading position 25, as shown in Figure 7, to an arresting position 26, as shown in Figure 1, when a vehicle wheel 22 enters and becomes captive in the cradle.
This pivotal action of the first inclined ramp section is provided by a second plate section 27 which is secured or integrally formed with the first plate section and projects inwardly and upwards of the rear axle as better illustrated in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the second plate section 27 will hinge inwardly downward between the cradle side walls 13 to rest on the cradle bottom wall l2 as a vehicle wheel 22 enters the cradle. The second plate section 27 and simultaneously causes the first inclined ramp section 24 to move upwardly in the direction of arrow 28 with the second plate section 27 moving downwardly in the direction of arrow 29. Accordingly, the first plate section is retained in its arresting position 26 by the vehicle wheel load against the second plate section 27.
(00019 With reference now specifically to Figure 7, there is shown a goggle assembly 30 aecured under the first inclined ramp section 24 and co-operating with the cradle bottom support wall 12 whereby to wedge the rear wheels 16 above a ground support surface 20 when the first inclined ramp section 24 is placed at its loading position 25 and the vehicle flat tire wheel load is positioned thereon.
(000207 This toggle assembly 30 comprises at least one toggle plate, herein two spaced apart toggle plates 31, hingedly connected under the inclined ramp section 24 by a hinge pin 32. The toggle plates 31 each have a straight rear edge 33 extending parallel to the axle 15 and to a rear channel 34 formed integral with the cradle bottom support wall 12 at a rear end thereof. The toggle plates 31 are dimensioned to form wedge supports for the first inclined ramp section 24 when disposed at the loading position 25, as illustrated in Figure 7, whereby a load from a vehicle wheel when applied to the first inclined ramp section will actuate the wedge to raise the rear wheels 16 of the cradle above the ground surface 20 as illustrated in Figure 7.
X00021) The rear channel 34 is hereinshown as being integrally formed with the bottom support wall l2 and spaced behind the rear axle 15. The channe:L 34 is also vertically aligned with the hinge pin 32 of the toggle plates 3l when the first inclined ramp section 24 is at its loading position 25 whereby the straight near edge 33 of these plates will be received within the channel. This channel also extends entirely along the width of the bottom support wall 12 and defines an elevated front stop wall 35 and an upwardly inclined rear wall 36 with the rear channel or trough 34 being formed therebetween to receive this straight rear edge 33 of the toggle plates in support engagement therein. These formations also reinforce the bottom wall adjacent the rear axle.
~00022~ As can be seen from Figures 7 and 1, the first inclined ramp section 27 is provided with ground engagement means in the form of serrations 37 disposed for engagement with a ground surface 20. These serrations 37 when lying on the ground surface 20 are spaced from the central longitudinal axis 38 of the rear axle 15 a distance which is greater than the rear wheel radius. As can be seen more clearly from Figures 5 and 6, the ground engagement means or serrations 37 are constituted by two or more spaced vertical steel plates 39 secured under the first inclined ramp section 25 by welding or other means. These plates are substantially triangular in shape and their bottom straight edges are formed with the serrations 37. The outer end edge portion 40 of the first inclined ramp section 24 can also be formed with a serrated edge 37', as chown in Figure 1. The top surface of the first inclined section 24 is also provided with ribs 24' for enhanced gripping by a vehicle tire displaced thereover.
~00023~ With specific reference now to Figures 1, 2, 8 and 9, there will be described the construction of the front gate 21. The front gate 21 is a pivotally actuable front gate assembly which is enabled by the load of a vehicle wheel when entering the cradle. It comprises a stopper bar 41 secured to a top end of a pair of pivoting support arms 42, which are pivotally secured at a lower end 43 to a pivot pin 44 secured to a respective one of the side walls 13.
The stopper bar 41 is retained spaced a predetermined distance above a top edge 13' of: the side walls and rearwardly of the front wheel 17. The stopper bar 41 is projected above the side wall top edges 13' when in a wheel arresting position, as illustrated in Figure 8. An actuator mechanism 45 cooperates with a cam edge 46 of an engageable tongue 47 formed at the lower end of the pivoting support arms 42 whereby to displace the stopper bar 41 from a storage position, as shown at 48 in Figure 9, wherein it is collapsed in the cradle between the side walls 13, to the said arresting position as shown in F_i.gure 8.
~00024~ The actuator mechanism 45 is formed by a pivoting frame comprised of a pair of side arms 49, as better shown in Figure 2, and which are pivotally connected by pivot connections 49 to a respective one of the side walls 13. A transverse actuator arm 50, and this can also be a wide plate, is secured between the side arms 49 and extends in close proximity to the second plate section 27 whereby to be engaged by a vehicle wheel when entering the cradle. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the side arms 49 have an actuating finger 51 formed~~integral therewith or welded in a front end thereof and projects upwardly and its free end 51' is disposed for frictional engagement with the cam edge 46 of the engagable tongue 47 of an associated one of the pivoting arms 42. The transverse actuator arm 50 when lifted above the bottom support wall,. as shown in Figure 9, before driving a flat tire wheel in the cradle, to cause the stopper bar 41 to move to the stor<~ge position. This is achieved by the finger portions 51 moving in the direction of arrow 52 fractionally engaging the cam edge 46 and causing the stopper bar 41 to move inwardly in the direction of arrow 53 to its storage position as shown in Figure 9.
When a vehicle wheel enters the cradle, it applies a load on the transverse actuating arm 50 causing the pivoting arms 49 of the pivoting frame to move against the bottom wall in the direction of arrow 54 as shown in Figure 9. This in turn causes the finger portions 51 to move in the direction of arrow 55 thereby fractionally engaging the cam edge 46 causing the side arms 42 to move our of the cradle in the direction of arrow 56 and to assume its arresting position as shown in Figure 8.
~00025~ It is pointed out that the flat tire emergency truck of the present invention provides many advantages to the public. The truck as described herein can handle tire sizes up to a width of 270 mm and a length of 555 mm which is an improvement of approximately 25 percent over the prior art cradles. Also, the load on the front wheel of the truck is decreased as compared to the prior art trucks due to the structure of the truck 10. The use of the truck is also simplified to avoid misuse by the consumer and the structure of the cradle and the ramps and front gate are of very strong and sturdy construction. Also, when backing up the vehicle out of the cradle; there is positive engagement of _ g _ the back ramp with the ground surface and the rear wheels are wedged out of contact with the ground surface to prevent the truck from being shot out from under the wheel causing injury and/or damage. By increasing the capacity to handle tires in the range of 195-70 R14 or equivalent; the flat tire emergency truck can be used with heavier and larger vehicles such. as utility vehicles. The back ramp is an integrated part of the truck and is constructed from a sturdy steel plate as well as the front gate being constructed from rigid steel components, therefore providing a sturdy cradling of the deflated tire and wheel to prevent accidental disengagement.
~00026~ It is within the ambit o?. the present invention to cover any obvious modifications of the preferred embodiment described herein, provided such modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.
(oool~~ A front gate 21 is secured to the cradle 11 above the bottom wheel support wall 12 and projects above the top edges 13' of the side walls 13. Ig is disposed in a forward section of the cradle and aligned behind the front wheel 17 whereby to arrest forward movement of a vehicle wheel 22 as shown in phantom lines in Figure 3 when positioned in the cradle.
(000187 The flat tire emergency truck 10 is also provided with a pivotal rear ramp 23 pivotally secured to the rear axle l5 between the side walls 13. The rear ramp 23 has a first inclined ramp section 24 pivotally displaceable from a loading position 25, as shown in Figure 7, to an arresting position 26, as shown in Figure 1, when a vehicle wheel 22 enters and becomes captive in the cradle.
This pivotal action of the first inclined ramp section is provided by a second plate section 27 which is secured or integrally formed with the first plate section and projects inwardly and upwards of the rear axle as better illustrated in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the second plate section 27 will hinge inwardly downward between the cradle side walls 13 to rest on the cradle bottom wall l2 as a vehicle wheel 22 enters the cradle. The second plate section 27 and simultaneously causes the first inclined ramp section 24 to move upwardly in the direction of arrow 28 with the second plate section 27 moving downwardly in the direction of arrow 29. Accordingly, the first plate section is retained in its arresting position 26 by the vehicle wheel load against the second plate section 27.
(00019 With reference now specifically to Figure 7, there is shown a goggle assembly 30 aecured under the first inclined ramp section 24 and co-operating with the cradle bottom support wall 12 whereby to wedge the rear wheels 16 above a ground support surface 20 when the first inclined ramp section 24 is placed at its loading position 25 and the vehicle flat tire wheel load is positioned thereon.
(000207 This toggle assembly 30 comprises at least one toggle plate, herein two spaced apart toggle plates 31, hingedly connected under the inclined ramp section 24 by a hinge pin 32. The toggle plates 31 each have a straight rear edge 33 extending parallel to the axle 15 and to a rear channel 34 formed integral with the cradle bottom support wall 12 at a rear end thereof. The toggle plates 31 are dimensioned to form wedge supports for the first inclined ramp section 24 when disposed at the loading position 25, as illustrated in Figure 7, whereby a load from a vehicle wheel when applied to the first inclined ramp section will actuate the wedge to raise the rear wheels 16 of the cradle above the ground surface 20 as illustrated in Figure 7.
X00021) The rear channel 34 is hereinshown as being integrally formed with the bottom support wall l2 and spaced behind the rear axle 15. The channe:L 34 is also vertically aligned with the hinge pin 32 of the toggle plates 3l when the first inclined ramp section 24 is at its loading position 25 whereby the straight near edge 33 of these plates will be received within the channel. This channel also extends entirely along the width of the bottom support wall 12 and defines an elevated front stop wall 35 and an upwardly inclined rear wall 36 with the rear channel or trough 34 being formed therebetween to receive this straight rear edge 33 of the toggle plates in support engagement therein. These formations also reinforce the bottom wall adjacent the rear axle.
~00022~ As can be seen from Figures 7 and 1, the first inclined ramp section 27 is provided with ground engagement means in the form of serrations 37 disposed for engagement with a ground surface 20. These serrations 37 when lying on the ground surface 20 are spaced from the central longitudinal axis 38 of the rear axle 15 a distance which is greater than the rear wheel radius. As can be seen more clearly from Figures 5 and 6, the ground engagement means or serrations 37 are constituted by two or more spaced vertical steel plates 39 secured under the first inclined ramp section 25 by welding or other means. These plates are substantially triangular in shape and their bottom straight edges are formed with the serrations 37. The outer end edge portion 40 of the first inclined ramp section 24 can also be formed with a serrated edge 37', as chown in Figure 1. The top surface of the first inclined section 24 is also provided with ribs 24' for enhanced gripping by a vehicle tire displaced thereover.
~00023~ With specific reference now to Figures 1, 2, 8 and 9, there will be described the construction of the front gate 21. The front gate 21 is a pivotally actuable front gate assembly which is enabled by the load of a vehicle wheel when entering the cradle. It comprises a stopper bar 41 secured to a top end of a pair of pivoting support arms 42, which are pivotally secured at a lower end 43 to a pivot pin 44 secured to a respective one of the side walls 13.
The stopper bar 41 is retained spaced a predetermined distance above a top edge 13' of: the side walls and rearwardly of the front wheel 17. The stopper bar 41 is projected above the side wall top edges 13' when in a wheel arresting position, as illustrated in Figure 8. An actuator mechanism 45 cooperates with a cam edge 46 of an engageable tongue 47 formed at the lower end of the pivoting support arms 42 whereby to displace the stopper bar 41 from a storage position, as shown at 48 in Figure 9, wherein it is collapsed in the cradle between the side walls 13, to the said arresting position as shown in F_i.gure 8.
~00024~ The actuator mechanism 45 is formed by a pivoting frame comprised of a pair of side arms 49, as better shown in Figure 2, and which are pivotally connected by pivot connections 49 to a respective one of the side walls 13. A transverse actuator arm 50, and this can also be a wide plate, is secured between the side arms 49 and extends in close proximity to the second plate section 27 whereby to be engaged by a vehicle wheel when entering the cradle. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the side arms 49 have an actuating finger 51 formed~~integral therewith or welded in a front end thereof and projects upwardly and its free end 51' is disposed for frictional engagement with the cam edge 46 of the engagable tongue 47 of an associated one of the pivoting arms 42. The transverse actuator arm 50 when lifted above the bottom support wall,. as shown in Figure 9, before driving a flat tire wheel in the cradle, to cause the stopper bar 41 to move to the stor<~ge position. This is achieved by the finger portions 51 moving in the direction of arrow 52 fractionally engaging the cam edge 46 and causing the stopper bar 41 to move inwardly in the direction of arrow 53 to its storage position as shown in Figure 9.
When a vehicle wheel enters the cradle, it applies a load on the transverse actuating arm 50 causing the pivoting arms 49 of the pivoting frame to move against the bottom wall in the direction of arrow 54 as shown in Figure 9. This in turn causes the finger portions 51 to move in the direction of arrow 55 thereby fractionally engaging the cam edge 46 causing the side arms 42 to move our of the cradle in the direction of arrow 56 and to assume its arresting position as shown in Figure 8.
~00025~ It is pointed out that the flat tire emergency truck of the present invention provides many advantages to the public. The truck as described herein can handle tire sizes up to a width of 270 mm and a length of 555 mm which is an improvement of approximately 25 percent over the prior art cradles. Also, the load on the front wheel of the truck is decreased as compared to the prior art trucks due to the structure of the truck 10. The use of the truck is also simplified to avoid misuse by the consumer and the structure of the cradle and the ramps and front gate are of very strong and sturdy construction. Also, when backing up the vehicle out of the cradle; there is positive engagement of _ g _ the back ramp with the ground surface and the rear wheels are wedged out of contact with the ground surface to prevent the truck from being shot out from under the wheel causing injury and/or damage. By increasing the capacity to handle tires in the range of 195-70 R14 or equivalent; the flat tire emergency truck can be used with heavier and larger vehicles such. as utility vehicles. The back ramp is an integrated part of the truck and is constructed from a sturdy steel plate as well as the front gate being constructed from rigid steel components, therefore providing a sturdy cradling of the deflated tire and wheel to prevent accidental disengagement.
~00026~ It is within the ambit o?. the present invention to cover any obvious modifications of the preferred embodiment described herein, provided such modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (10)
1. A flat tire emergency truck comprising a steel cradle having a bottom wheel support wall, side walls and an open rear end; a rear axle secured across said side walls adjacent said open rear end and elevated from said bottom support wall, a rear wheel secured at opposed ends of said rear axle outside said side walls, a front wheel secured to a front frame section of said cradle substantially central thereof, said front and rear wheels supporting said cradle elevated from a ground surface, a front gate secured to said cradle above said bottom support wall rearwardly of said front wheel for arresting forward movement of a vehicle wheel positioned in said cradle, a pivotal rear ramp pivotally secured to said rear axle between said side walls;
said rear ramp having a first inclined ramp section pivotally displaceable from a loading position to permit a vehicle wheel to enter said cradle, to an arresting position to retain a vehicle wheel in said cradle; said rear ramp having a second plate section secured to said first plate section and projecting inwardly in said cradle and upwards of said rear axle, said second plate section causing said first plate section to pivot upwardly when a load from a vehicle wheel is driven thereon whereby said first plate section is retained in said arresting position by said load, and a toggle assembly secured under said first inclined ramp section and cooperating with said cradle bottom support wall to wedge said rear wheels above a ground support surface when said first inclined ramp section is placed at said loading position and a vehicle wheel load is positioned thereon.
said rear ramp having a first inclined ramp section pivotally displaceable from a loading position to permit a vehicle wheel to enter said cradle, to an arresting position to retain a vehicle wheel in said cradle; said rear ramp having a second plate section secured to said first plate section and projecting inwardly in said cradle and upwards of said rear axle, said second plate section causing said first plate section to pivot upwardly when a load from a vehicle wheel is driven thereon whereby said first plate section is retained in said arresting position by said load, and a toggle assembly secured under said first inclined ramp section and cooperating with said cradle bottom support wall to wedge said rear wheels above a ground support surface when said first inclined ramp section is placed at said loading position and a vehicle wheel load is positioned thereon.
2. A flat tire emergency truck as claimed in claim 1 wherein said toggle assembly comprises at least one toggle plate hingedly connected under said first inclined ramp section and spaced behind said rear axle, said toggle plate having a straight lower edge extending parallel to said axle and to a rear channel section of said cradle bottom support wall, said toggle plate being dimensioned to form a wedge support for said first inclined ramp section when disposed at said loading position whereby a load from a vehicle wheel when applied to said first inclined ramp section will actuate said wedge to raise said rear wheel above a ground surface thereby immobilizing said cradle during loading of a flat tire wheel into said cradle.
3. A flat tire emergency truck as claimed in claim 2 wherein said rear channel section is integrally formed with said bottom support wall and spaced behind said rear axle and vertically aligned with a hinge pin of said toggle plate when said first inclined ramp section is at said loading position.
4. A flat tire emergency truck as claimed in claim 3 wherein said rear channel section extends entirely along the width of said bottom support wall and defines an elevated front stop wall, an upwardly inclined rear wall and trough therebetween for receiving said straight lower edge of said toggle plate in support engagement therewith.
5. A flat tire emergency truck as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first inclined ramp section is provided with ground engagement means secured thereunder and forming a straight ground engagement surface, said straight ground engagement surface when lying on a ground surface being spaced from a central longitudinal axis of said rear axle a distance greater than the radius of said rear wheels.
6. A flat tire emergency truck as claimed in claim wherein said ground engagement means is constituted by two or more spaced vertical steel plates secured under said first inclined ramp section, said straight ground engagement surface being formed by a straight serrated lower edge of said vertical steel plates.
7. A flat tire emergency truck as claimed in claim 1 wherein said front gate is a pivotally actuatable front gate which is enabled by a load from a vehicle wheel when entering said cradle.
8. A flat tire emergency truck as claimed in claim 7 wherein said actuatable front gate comprises a stopper bar secured to a top end of a pair of pivoting support arms pivotally secured at a lower end to a pivot pin secured to each said side walls and spaced below a top edge of said side walls and rearwardly of said front wheel, said stopper bar projecting a predetermined distance above said side wall top edges when in a wheel arresting position, and an actuator mechanism cooperating with a cam edge of an engageable tongue formed at said lower end of said pivoting support arms to displace said stopper bar from a storage position collapsed in said cradle between said side walls to said arresting position.
9. A flat tire emergency truck as claimed in claim 8 wherein said actuator mechanism is a pivoting frame having a pair of side arms pivotally connected to a respective one of said side walls, a transverse actuator arm secured between said side arms and extending in close proximity to said second plate section whereby to be engaged by a vehicle wheel when entering said cradle, said side arms having an actuating fringe projecting upwardly for frictional engagement with said cam edge of said engageable tongue of an associated one of said pivoting support arms, said transverse actuator arm when lifted above said bottom support wall causing said stopper bar to move to said storage position, said transverse actuator arm when depressed against said bottom support wall causing said stopper bar to move to said wheel arresting position.
10. A flat tire emergency truck as claimed in claim 1 wherein said front wheel is secured to a swiveling yoke secured under an elevated front frame section of said cradle, said swiveling yoke providing approximately 45 degrees of swiveling motion to said front wheel.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2348000 CA2348000A1 (en) | 2001-05-17 | 2001-05-17 | Flat tire emergency truck |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2348000 CA2348000A1 (en) | 2001-05-17 | 2001-05-17 | Flat tire emergency truck |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2348000A1 true CA2348000A1 (en) | 2002-11-17 |
Family
ID=4169062
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2348000 Abandoned CA2348000A1 (en) | 2001-05-17 | 2001-05-17 | Flat tire emergency truck |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2348000A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107521471A (en) * | 2017-03-13 | 2017-12-29 | 张娜娜 | Car moves sweep |
| CN107933525A (en) * | 2017-03-13 | 2018-04-20 | 张娜娜 | Potable car moves sweep |
| CN108045357A (en) * | 2018-01-11 | 2018-05-18 | 宁波新山河电子科技有限公司 | One kind grabs the ground preferable automobile flat tire self-aid auxiliary device of effect |
| CN108675215A (en) * | 2018-05-25 | 2018-10-19 | 合肥航机械科技股份有限公司 | A kind of tire braking system on vehicle maintenance shearing type lifter |
| US20210031735A1 (en) * | 2018-06-14 | 2021-02-04 | Ningbo Wiswness Intelligent Techonlogy Co., Ltd. | Foldable bearing vehicle |
-
2001
- 2001-05-17 CA CA 2348000 patent/CA2348000A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107521471A (en) * | 2017-03-13 | 2017-12-29 | 张娜娜 | Car moves sweep |
| CN107933525A (en) * | 2017-03-13 | 2018-04-20 | 张娜娜 | Potable car moves sweep |
| CN108045357A (en) * | 2018-01-11 | 2018-05-18 | 宁波新山河电子科技有限公司 | One kind grabs the ground preferable automobile flat tire self-aid auxiliary device of effect |
| CN108045357B (en) * | 2018-01-11 | 2024-04-16 | 宁波威迪思智能科技有限公司 | Better car of grabbing ground effect is blown out and is saved oneself auxiliary device |
| CN108675215A (en) * | 2018-05-25 | 2018-10-19 | 合肥航机械科技股份有限公司 | A kind of tire braking system on vehicle maintenance shearing type lifter |
| CN108675215B (en) * | 2018-05-25 | 2020-01-07 | 合肥一航机械科技股份有限公司 | Tire locking device for shear type lifter for vehicle maintenance |
| US20210031735A1 (en) * | 2018-06-14 | 2021-02-04 | Ningbo Wiswness Intelligent Techonlogy Co., Ltd. | Foldable bearing vehicle |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |