GB2601348A

GB2601348A - Arrangement for leveling a vehicle, frame rail and method for mounting a leveling jack bracket on a frame rail

Info

Publication number: GB2601348A
Application number: GB2018684.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Venkataravanaiah Pradeep; Riddlespurger Dwight; Vajrala Thulasiram; Deshatty Krishna
Original assignee: Daimler AG
Current assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
Priority date: 2020-11-27
Filing date: 2020-11-27
Publication date: 2022-06-01
Also published as: GB202018684D0

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for levelling a vehicle, the arrangement (1) comprising a levelling jack (2) for levelling the vehicle, and a levelling jack bracket (3) for mounting the levelling jack (2) on a frame rail (4). The levelling jack bracket (3) comprises two first mounting parts (5) for mounting the levelling jack bracket (3) with fastening elements (6) on the frame rail (4) of the vehicle, wherein the two first mounting parts (5) are arranged along a first plane (7). The levelling jack bracket (3) further comprises a second mounting part (8) for mounting the levelling jack (2) on the levelling jack bracket (3) with fastening elements (10), wherein the second mounting part (8) is arranged along a second plane (9). The first plane (7) and the second plane (9) create an in-board space of the levelling jack bracket (3), and the levelling jack (2) is mounted within the in-board space of the levelling jack bracket (3).

Description

ARRANGEMENT FOR LEVELING A VEHICLE, FRAME RAIL AND METHOD FOR

MOUNTING A LEVELING JACK BRACKET ON A FRAME RAIL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to an arrangement for leveling a vehicle.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] For bracing or leveling vehicles, leveling jack brackets are known from the state of art. For example, US 2009/0 576 633 A describes an improved jack assembly for use with the trailer tongue of a towed vehicle. The jack assembly including telescoping height adjustment of the assembly, a pivot assembly for pivoting between a vertical and horizontal stowed position, and a clip for maintaining a handle assembly in a stowed position when not in use. The pivot assembly further includes an attachment bracket that may be rotated to accommodate at least two different sizes of trailer tongues.

[0003] Further, US 7 611 160 B1 describes a retractable single motion lever jack. A lever actuated jack may be mounted to a trailer. An inner jack tube slidably engages the outer jack tube. A lever is attached to the upper end of the inner jack tube, or to an inner support bracket that communicates with an upper portion of the inner jack tube. The lever is pivoted, applying a downward force to the inner jack tube, which pushes the tongue of the trailer up to elevate the tongue of the trailer as required.

[0004] US 4 623 125 A describes a jack support for rotatably supporting a jack between the support position and a stored position. The jack support has two brackets with one bracket welded to an outer housing of the jack and a second bracket mounted onto the tongue portion of a trailer. The second bracket attached to the trailer has two lugs that extend therefrom. The first bracket welded to the jack has a slot and a notch there through which interconnect with the two lugs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement for leveling a vehicle and a corresponding frame rail with an arrangement, which provides a more space-efficient, and multi-purpose arrangement compared to the state of the art. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for mounting a leveling jack bracket on a frame rail.

[0006] This object is solved by an arrangement for leveling a vehicle, a frame rail with an arrangement, and a method for mounting a leveling jack bracket on a frame rail. Advantageous configurations with convenient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0007] The arrangement for leveling a vehicle comprises a leveling jack for leveling the vehicle and a leveling jack bracket to mount the leveling jack to the frame rail of the vehicle. The leveling jack bracket comprises two first mounting parts for mounting the leveling jack bracket with fastening elements on the frame rail of the vehicle. The first two mounting parts are arranged along a first plane. The leveling jack bracket further comprises a second mounting part for mounting the leveling jack on the leveling jack bracket with fastening elements. The second mounting part is arranged along a second plane.

[0008] In an embodiment of the invention, the first plane and the second plane create an in-board space of the leveling jack bracket. In other words, the frame rail of the vehicle and the second mounting part of the leveling jack bracket create an in-board space. The leveling jack is mounted within the in-board space of the leveling jack bracket.

[0009] The first and the second mounting parts may be non-detachable from each other. In other words, the first and the second mounting parts may not be releasable without being destroyed. Therefore, the first and the second mounting parts may be connected to each other by welding. Alternatively, it is possible that the first and the second mounting parts are jointly formed from a single slug, for example, by a forming process.

[0010] Both first mounting parts are arranged on the same first plane. The second mounting part is arranged on a second plane.

[0011] The two first mounting parts can comprise holes for mounting the leveling jack bracket on the frame rail with fastening elements. In addition, the second mounting part can comprise holes for mounting the leveling jack through fastening elements to the second mounting part of the leveling jack bracket.

[0012] The leveling jack can be arranged in between the three mounting parts. In other words, when the leveling jack bracket is mounted on the frame rail, the leveling jack is mounted in an in-board position inside the leveling jack bracket. Therefore, the frame rail and the leveling jack bracket create an in-board space in which the leveling jack is mounted within.

[0013] The leveling jack bracket of the present invention provides the advantage of being able to mount the leveling jack in an in-board position which allows the overall arrangement to be more space efficient.

[0014] Due to the more space efficient arrangement, a further device may be mounted to the leveling jack bracket. Particularly, in an embodiment, the second mounting part further mounts the further device. The further device is mounted on an opposite side of the second mounting part than the leveling jack. Therefore, the leveling jack bracket may have a multi-purpose use. On the leveling jack bracket, the leveling jack and a further device can optionally be mounted.

[0015] In an embodiment, the side of the second mounting part where the leveling jack is mounted is considered an in-board side. The opposite side of the second mounting part where the further device is optionally mounted is considered an out-board side.

[0016] In an embodiment, the two first mounting parts are parallel to the second mounting part.

[0017] In another embodiment, the cross section of the second mounting part is formed in a U-shape and at each end of the U-shaped cross section one of the first mounting parts is arranged.

[0018] This produces the advantage that the U-shape of the leveling jack bracket and the frame rail can create an in-board space that surrounds the leveling jack. Another advantage of this configuration is the leveling jack bracket may cover the leveling jack from dust or damage.

[0019] In an embodiment, the further device is a fuel tank, air tank, urea tank, battery box, storage box and/or a toolbox. The further device can alternatively be any device utilized by the vehicle or a user of the vehicle.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is a frame rail with the arrangement for leveling a vehicle.

[0021] A third aspect of the present invention is a method for mounting a leveling jack bracket on a frame rail comprising the following steps: mounting a leveling jack to the leveling jack bracket and mounting the leveling jack bracket on a frame rail, wherein the leveling jack bracket and the frame rail create an in-board space in which the leveling jack is mounted within.

[0022] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the accompanying drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The drawings show in: [0024] Fig. 1 an arrangement for leveling a vehicle comprising a leveling jack and a leveling jack bracket in a schematic top view; and [0025] Fig. 2 an arrangement for leveling a vehicle in a schematic perspective view.

[0026] In the figures same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0028] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0029] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by "comprises" or "comprise' does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0030] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows in a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure an arrangement 1 for leveling a vehicle. The arrangement 1 comprises a leveling jack 2 mounted on a leveling jack bracket 3. The leveling jack bracket 3 is mounted on a frame rail 4 of a vehicle, which may particularly be a recreational vehicle. In an embodiment, the leveling jack 2 may be configured to be mounted on an in-board side of the jack bracket 3.

[0032] In an embodiment, the leveling jack bracket 3 comprises two first mounting parts 5 that may be mounted to the frame rail 4 by fastening elements 6. The fastening elements 6 may be elements configured to transfer a force. The fastening elements 6 transfer the force from the leveling jack bracket 3 to the frame rail 4. In an embodiment, the first mounting parts 5 are arranged along a first plane 7. In Fig. 1 the first plane 7 is shown in a cross-sectional view as a line, which extends along the frame rail 4.

[0033] The leveling jack bracket 3 also comprises a second mounting part 8, which is connected with both first mounting parts 5. In an embodiment, the second mounting part 8 is arranged between the two first mounting parts 5. The second mounting part 8 is arranged along a second plane 9, which is spaced apart from the first plane 7. The first plane 7 and the second plane 9 are configured to extend in parallel.

[0034] In an embodiment, the first mounting parts 5 and the second mounting part 8 may be non-detachable from each other. In other words, the first mounting parts 5 and the second mounting part 8 may not be releasable without being destroyed. Therefore, the first mounting parts 5 and the second mounting part 8 may be connected to each other by welding. Alternatively, it is possible that the first mounting parts 5 and the second mounting part 8 are jointly manufactured from a single slug, for example, by a forming process.

[0035] The two first mounting parts 5 and the one second mounting part 8 are arranged in such a way that in a cross-sectional view (i.e. the view of Fig.1) they form a U-shape. In an embodiment, at either free end of the U-shape, one of the two first mounting parts 5 is arranged. In an embodiment, the U-shape created by the first two mounting parts 5 and the second mounting part 8 of the leveling jack bracket 3, and the frame rail 4 create an in-board space. The leveling jack 2 may be mounted on the leveling jack bracket 3 within the in-board space.

[0036] In another embodiment, the second mounting part 8 may be mounted to the leveling jack 2 through fastening elements 10. Particularly, the leveling jack 2 may comprise a first end 12 that may be mounted on the second mounting part 8 through the fastening elements 10. In a further embodiment, a further device 11 may also be mounted to the second mounting part 8. In one example, the further device 11 may be mounted to the second mounting part 8 through the fastening elements 10. Therefore, on a first side (i.e. in-board side) of the second mounting part 8, the leveling jack 2 is mounted, and on a second side (i.e. out-board side) of the mounting part 8, a further device 11 is mounted. The further device 11 and the leveling jack 2 may be coupled by the second mounting part 8 through the fastening elements 10. In an alternative example, the further device 11 is mounted to the second mounting part 8 through separate means than the fastening elements 10.

[0037] In an embodiment, the leveling jack 2 is mounted to the second mounting part 8 along the second plane 9 and sits within the in-board space. It should be appreciated that through mounting the leveling jack 2 within the in-board space of the leveling jack bracket 3, the further device 11 is enabled to be coupled to the exterior of the leveling jack bracket 3, particularly to the out-board side of the second mounting part 8. Therefore, on the side of the second mounting part 8 opposite of the leveling jack 2, the further device 11 can be mounted.

[0038] In an embodiment, fastening elements 6 and fastening elements 10 may for example be screws, nuts and bolts, pins and/or any functionally equivalent fastening means. In an embodiment, fastening elements 6 and fastening elements 10 do not need to be the same type of fastener. In another embodiment, the further device 11 may be mounted on the leveling jack bracket 3 by hooks and/or other mechanical connection elements.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the further device 11 may be a plurality of devices utilized by the vehicle or by a user of the vehicle, which may particularly be a recreational vehicle. For example, the further device 11 may be a urea tank, fuel tank, air tank, battery box, storage box, a toolbox, electronic components, lighting devices, routings, plumbing lines, electric power cable reel mounting, genset mounting, barbeque mounting and/or a liquefied petroleum gas tank mounting.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows the arrangement 1 for leveling a vehicle in a schematic perspective view. The arrangement 1 comprises the leveling jack 2. In an embodiment, the leveling jack 2 is configured to be mounted in-board of the jack bracket 3.

[0041] As described above, the leveling jack 2 can be mounted to the leveling jack bracket 3. Particularly, a first end 12 of the leveling jack 2 may be aligned with the second mounting part 8 and may accommodate the fastening elements 10. For mounting the leveling jack 2 on the jack bracket 3, the jack bracket 3 may comprise at least one hole 13 that particularly extends through the second mounting part 8. The at least one hole 13 may be used for accommodating the fastening elements 10 for mounting the leveling jack 2 and/or the further device 11 to the jack bracket 3.

[0042] In another embodiment, the first mounting parts 5 of the leveling jack bracket 3 may also comprise at least one hole 14 for mounting the leveling jack bracket 3 to the frame rail 4. Particularly, the at least one hole 14 extends through the first mounting parts 5 and may accommodate the fastening elements 6. Therefore, the frame rail 4 is coupled to the leveling jack 2 through the leveling jack bracket 3.

[0043] Therefore, the leveling jack 2 can transfer a force to support a frame rail 4 to the leveling jack bracket 3. Therefore, the leveling jack 2 can be mounted on the leveling jack bracket 3 by a fastening element 10. Particularly, the leveling jack 2 can be mounted on the second mounting part 8 of the leveling jack bracket 3. Additionally, a further device 11 may be mounted on the second mounting part 8 of the leveling jack bracket 3.

Reference Signs 1 arrangement 2 leveling jack 3 leveling jack bracket 4 frame rail first mounting parts 6 fastening elements 7 first plane 8 second mounting part 9 second plane further fastening elements 11 device 12 first end 13 hole 14 hole

Claims

CLAIMS1. An arrangement (1) for leveling a vehicle, the arrangement (1) comprising - a leveling jack (2) for leveling the vehicle, and - a leveling jack bracket (3) for mounting the leveling jack (2) on a frame rail (4), the leveling jack bracket (3) comprising: - two first mounting parts (5) for mounting the leveling jack bracket (3) with fastening elements (6) on the frame rail (4) of the vehicle, wherein the two first mounting parts (5) are arranged along a first plane (7), and a second mounting part (8) for mounting the leveling jack (2) on the leveling jack bracket (3) with fastening elements (10), wherein the second mounting part (8) is arranged along a second plane (9) characterized in that - the first plane (7) and the second plane (9) create an in-board space of the leveling jack bracket (3), and the leveling jack (2) is mounted within the in-board space of the leveling jack bracket (3).
2. The arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the second mounting part (8) further mounts a further device (11), wherein the further device (11) is mounted on an opposite side of the mounting part (8) than the leveling jack (2).
3. The arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the further device (11) is one of a urea tank, fuel tank, air tank, battery box, storage box, a toolbox, electronic components, lighting devices, routings, plumbing lines, electric power cable reel mounting, genset mounting, barbeque mounting, or a liquefied petroleum gas tank mounting.
4. The arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cross-section of the second mounting part (8) is formed in a U-shape and at each end of the U-shaped cross-section one of the first mounting parts (5) is arranged.
5. A frame rail (4) of a vehicle with an arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. A method for mounting a leveling jack bracket (3) on a frame rail (4) comprising the following steps: - mounting a leveling jack (2) on the leveling jack bracket (3), and - mounting the leveling jack bracket (3) on a frame rail (4) characterized in that - the leveling jack bracket (3) and the frame rail (4) create an in-board space in which the leveling jack (2) is mounted within.