US20140110654A1 - Yoke assembly for use in a collapsible handrail assembly and a handrail assembly incorporating the same - Google Patents
Yoke assembly for use in a collapsible handrail assembly and a handrail assembly incorporating the same Download PDFInfo
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- US20140110654A1 US20140110654A1 US14/142,128 US201314142128A US2014110654A1 US 20140110654 A1 US20140110654 A1 US 20140110654A1 US 201314142128 A US201314142128 A US 201314142128A US 2014110654 A1 US2014110654 A1 US 2014110654A1
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- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 34
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims description 18
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- NJPPVKZQTLUDBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N novaluron Chemical compound C1=C(Cl)C(OC(F)(F)C(OC(F)(F)F)F)=CC=C1NC(=O)NC(=O)C1=C(F)C=CC=C1F NJPPVKZQTLUDBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 18
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 14
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001174 ascending effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004941 influx Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R3/00—Arrangements of steps or ladders facilitating access to or on the vehicle, e.g. running-boards
- B60R3/005—Catwalks, running boards for vehicle tops, access means for vehicle tops; Handrails therefor
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
Abstract
A handrail assembly for a tank trailer and a yoke assembly forming a part thereof. Handrail assembly provides a safety device for an operator walking along a top wall of the tank trailer. The handrail assembly includes a top rail, a plurality of vertical members, a safety wire and, in most instances, a bottom rail. Each yoke assembly secures one of the top and bottom ends of the vertical members to either of the top and bottom rails or to a mounting bracket on the tank. Each yoke assembly includes a base member engaged partially in a bore of the vertical member, and a cradle member engaged with an exterior all of the top or bottom rails or mounting bracket. Base and cradle members are secured together by a pivot pin. Fluid-actuated cylinders extending between the vertical members and the tank move the handrail assembly between collapsed and expanded positions.
Description
- This application is a Division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/295,694, filed Nov. 14, 2011, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Technical Field
- This invention relates generally to trailers. More particularly, this invention relates to tank trailers. Specifically, this invention is directed to a tank trailer having an air actuated handrail assembly which aids in preventing operators from falling off the top wall of the tank trailer during filling and emptying operations and to a yoke assembly incorporated in the same.
- 2. Background Information
- Tank trailers are used in industry to transport a wide variety of products. Each trailer includes a large tank that has a plurality of fill ports on a top wall. When the tank is to be filled or to be emptied, the operator has to climb onto the top wall and walk along the same to open one or more of the fill ports. Some of the tank trailers that are currently in operation have relatively flat top walls but frequently these walls are fairly narrow for the operator to wall along. Additionally, if the operator has to open more than one fill port or a particular fill port, it is necessary for him or her to step over the fill ports. Since these ports are raised relative to the top wall, they present a tripping hazard for the operator. Since the top walls can be situated several feet off the road surface, there is a substantial risk for the operator to fall off the tank and seriously injure himself or herself. Yet other tank trailers have curved top walls and the curvature thereof makes it even more likely that the operator will fall.
- There is therefore a need in the art for an improved tank trailer that reduces the possibility of an operator falling off the top wall of the same.
- The device of the present invention comprises a tank trailer having an air actuated handrail assembly provided thereon for safety of the operator as they walk along the top wall of the tank. The handrail assembly includes a top rail, a plurality of vertical members, a safety wire and, in most instances, a bottom rail. A plurality of yoke assemblies form part of the handrail assembly. Each yoke assembly secures one of the top and bottom ends of the vertical members to either of the top and bottom rails or to a mounting bracket on the tank. Each yoke assembly includes a base member engaged partially in a bore of the vertical member, and a cradle member engaged with an exterior wall of the top or bottom rails or mounting bracket. Base and cradle members are secured together by a pivot pin. Fluid-actuated cylinders extending between the vertical members and the tank move the handrail assembly between collapsed and expanded positions.
- A first aspect of the invention is directed to a handrail assembly for a tank trailer, where the tank has a top wall extending longitudinally between a front end and a rear end of the trailer, and at least one fill port is disposed on the top wall. The handrail assembly comprises a top rail; a vertical member having a first end and a second end; a first yoke assembly which pivotally secures the first end of the vertical member to the top rail; a second yoke assembly secured to the second end of the vertical member and adapted to pivotally secure the vertical member to the tank; and a fluid cylinder having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the cylinder is pivotally engaged with the vertical member and the second end of the cylinder is adapted to pivotally engage the tank, and wherein said cylinder is operable to move the handrail assembly between a collapsed position and an expanded position, and when the handrail assembly is in the collapsed position the top rail is adapted to be disposed proximate the top wall of the tank, and when in the expanded position the top rail is adapted to be disposed a spaced distance vertically from the top wall of the tank.
- A second aspect of the invention comprises in combination a tank trailer including a tank having a top wall extending longitudinally between a front end and a rear end thereof; at least one fill port disposed on the top wall of the tank and having access into an interior chamber within the tank; a plurality of stairs provided at the rear end of the tank, said stairs ascending from a bottom of the tank to the top wall thereof; and a stair handrail disposed along at least one side of the stairs. A handrail assembly is disposed on the top wall of the tank; and the handrail assembly comprises a top rail; a plurality of vertical members, each vertical member having a first end and a second end; a plurality of first yoke assemblies, each first yoke assembly pivotally securing the first end of one of the plurality of vertical members to the top rail; a plurality of second yoke assemblies, each second yoke assembly pivotally securing the second end of one of the plurality of vertical members to a region of the tank adjacent the top wall thereof; and at least three fluid cylinders, each fluid cylinder having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the cylinder is pivotally engaged with the vertical member and the second end of the cylinder is pivotally engaged with a portion of the tank, and wherein said cylinder is operable to move the handrail assembly between a collapsed position and an expanded position, and when the handrail assembly is in the collapsed position the top rail is disposed proximate the top wall of the tank, and when in the expanded position the top rail is disposed a spaced distance vertically from the top wall of the tank.
- A third aspect of the invention is directed to a yoke assembly for securing a vertical rail to a horizontal rail in a collapsible handrail assembly. The yoke assembly comprises a base member having a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall extending therebetween, said base member having a longitudinal axis extending between said first and second ends, a first aperture defined in the peripheral wall and substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the base member; and wherein said base member is adapted to be at least partially received within a bore of the vertical rail; a cradle member having a first end, a second end and sidewall extending therebetween; said cradle member further having a longitudinal axis that extends between the first and second ends thereof; and wherein the second end of the cradle member is adapted to engage an exterior region of a sidewall of the horizontal rail; a hole defined in the cradle member and being disposed substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis thereof, said cradle member being selectively engageable with the base member such that the hole and the first aperture are aligned; and a pivot pin extending through the aligned first aperture and hole; said pivot pin securing the base and cradle members together and permitting them to pivot relative to each other about an axis disposed at right angles to the longitudinal axes of the base and cradle members.
- A fourth aspect of the invention is directed to a collapsible handrail assembly for use on a top region of a tank trailer. The handrail assembly comprises a first horizontal rail having a first end, a second end and a first exterior wall thereinbetween, said first horizontal rail having a first longitudinal axis that extends between the first and second ends thereof; a second horizontal rail having a first end, a second end and a second exterior wall thereinbetween, said second horizontal rail having a second longitudinal axis that extends between the first and second ends thereof; a vertical rail having a first end, a second end and a sidewall extending therebetween, said vertical rail having a third longitudinal axis that extends between the first and second ends thereof, and wherein a longitudinal bore is defined in the vertical rail; a first yoke assembly engaged with the first end of the vertical rail and a portion of the first exterior wall of the first horizontal rail such that the vertical rail is able to pivot relative to the first horizontal rail about a first axis disposed at right angles to the third longitudinal axis; and a second yoke assembly engaged with the second end of the vertical rail and a portion of the second exterior wall of the second horizontal rail such that the vertical rail is able to pivot relative to the second horizontal rail and about a second axis disposed at right angles to the third longitudinal axis.
- A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated of the best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
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FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a tank trailer incorporating a first embodiment of an air actuated handrail assembly in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the handrail assembly shown in the expanded position on a top wall of the tank trailer; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of a section of the tank trailer and handrail assembly, when the handrail assembly is in the expanded position; -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a second yoke assembly shown in a first highlighted region ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional rear view of the second yoke assembly taken through line 5-5 ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of a first yoke assembly shown in a second highlighted region ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional rear view of the first yoke assembly taken through line 7-7 ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a rear view of the handrail assembly taken through line 8-8 ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 9 is a top view of the first end of the cylinder and the mounting bracket taken through line 9-9 ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 10 is a rear view of the fill port and support assembly taken through line 10-10 ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 11 is a side view of the section of the tank trailer and hand assembly ofFIG. 3 shown in a partially collapsed position; -
FIG. 12 is a side view of the section of tank trailer and hand assembly ofFIG. 3 shown in a fully collapsed position; -
FIG. 13 is a rear view of the fill port and support assembly taken through line 13-13 ofFIG. 12 and showing the top rail disposed in the support member of the support assembly; -
FIG. 14 is a side view of the tank trailer showing the handrail assembly in the fully collapsed position; -
FIG. 15 is a rear cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a handrail assembly in accordance with the present invention showing an alternative second yoke assembly; -
FIG. 15A is an enlargement of the highlighted region ofFIG. 15 ; -
FIG. 16 is a rear view a portion of the top wall of the tank trailer showing a fill port and an alternative support assembly; -
FIG. 17 is a rear cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a handrail assembly in accordance with the present invention shown on a different type of tank trailer top wall and showing yet another alternative second yoke assembly and an alternative manner of mounting one end of the cylinder; and -
FIG. 18 is a rear cross-sectional view of the different type of tank trailer top wall showing an alternative support assembly for supporting the top rail when the handrail is in the collapsed position. - Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1-18 , there is shown abulk transport vehicle 10 comprising atractor 12 and atank trailer 14 in accordance with the present invention.Tank trailer 14 includes abase 16, atank 18, and a plurality ofwheels 20 mounted tobase 16.Tank 18 has arear end 18 a and afront end 18 b and a curvedtop wall 24 extending between them.Tank 18 further includes a longitudinal axis that extends betweenrear end 18 a andfront end 18 b. A plurality offill ports 22 is provided ontop wall 24 oftank 18 to provide access to a chamber (not shown) in the interior oftank 18. Fillports 22 are longitudinally aligned and are spaced at intervals from each other alongtop wall 24. A plurality ofstairs 26 is provided onrear end 18 a oftank 18 and astair handrail 28 is providedadjacent stairs 26. Although not illustrated herein,stair handrail 28 preferably includes first and second handrail sections that are disposed on either side ofstairs 26. It will be understood, however, thatstair handrail 28 may comprise only a single handrail section that is disposed along one side ofstairs 26. When it is necessary for theoperator 31 to open fillports 22, he or she climbs upstairs 26 and ontotop wall 24 oftank 18.Operator 31 will walk alongtop wall 24 from adjacentrear end 18 a oftank 18 towardfront end 18 b thereof, stepping over each of thefill ports 22 as necessary. - In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, a first embodiment of a
collapsible handrail assembly 30 in accordance with the present invention is provided ontank 18.Handrail assembly 30 is provided so thatoperator 31 is able to walk along thetop wall 24 in relative safety.Handrail assembly 30 is movable between an expanded position (FIG. 1 ) where it may be used byoperator 31 to move safely alongtop wall 24 oftank 18, and a collapsed position (FIG. 14 ). When in the collapsed position,handrail assembly 30 is in disposed in close proximity totop wall 24 and is no longer available for use byoperator 31. Preferably, when in the collapsed position,top rail 32 is disposed a distance “H” (FIG. 13 ) beneath the top surface offill ports 22.Handrail assembly 30 is intended to be in the collapsed position whenvehicle 10 is moving. - In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention,
handrail assembly 30 preferably comprises atop rail 32 and a plurality ofvertical members 38 that extend betweentop rail 32 andtop wall 24 oftank 18. Still further, handrail assembly preferably also includes one ormore safety wires 40 that are secured between adjacentvertical members 38 and are disposed betweentop rail 32 andtop wall 24.Handrail assembly 30 also includes at least onefluid cylinder 80 disposed between one of thevertical members 38 andtop wall 24.Fluid cylinder 80 is actuated to movehandrail assembly 30 between the expanded and collapsed positions.Cylinder 80 may be a pneumatic or gas cylinder, or it may be a hydraulic cylinder. Preferably, there are three or more gas cylinders provided to movehandrail assembly 30 between the expanded and collapsed positions.Handrail assembly 30 preferably also includes bottom rails 34, 36 and thevertical members 38 extend betweentop rail 32 andbottom rails cylinder 80 extends between one of bottom rails 34, 36 and one ofvertical members 38.Handrail assembly 30 further comprises a plurality ofsupport assemblies 96 which supporttop rail 32 whenhandrail assembly 30 is in the collapsed position, as will be further described herein. - In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention,
top rail 32 comprises a linear, elongate firsttop section 32 a that extends from proximaterear end 18 a of tank to proximatefront end 18 b of tank.Top rail 32 has a longitudinal axis “Y” that is disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis oftank 18.Tank 18 further includes a first sidewall 18 c of tank and an opposed second sidewall (not numbered). The first sidewall 18 c and second sidewall extend downwardly from opposite sides oftop wall 24. Firsttop section 32 a is disposed so that is it adjacent first sidewall 18 c of tank.Top rail 32 may further comprise a linear, elongate secondtop section 32 b that extends from proximaterear end 18 a oftank 18 to proximatefront end 18 b thereof. Secondtop section 32 b is spaced a distance laterally from firsttop section 32 a and is disposed substantially parallel thereto and proximate the second sidewall oftank 18. Secondtop section 32 b also has a longitudinal axis (not shown) that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis “Y” of firsttop section 32 b. - Preferably,
top rail 32 further comprises aconnector section 32 c that extends between a first end of firsttop section 32 a and a first end of secondtop section 32 b.Connector section 32 c is disposed substantially parallel to a lateral axis “X” disposed substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis “Y” of firsttop section 32 a and proximatefront end 18 b oftank 18. Acorner section 32 d is provided to joinconnector section 32 c with each first end of the first and secondtop sections Corner sections 32 preferably are rounded so as to guide air flow aroundhandrail assembly 30 whenvehicle 10 is moving, thereby making handrail assembly more aerodynamic. -
Top rail 32 further comprises afirst end section 32 e which extends outwardly and downwardly from a second end of firsttop section 32 a and asecond end section 32 f which extends outwardly and downwardly from a second end of secondtop section 32 b. Again, thecorners 32 g where first andsecond end sections top sections handrail assembly 30 more aerodynamic. Therounded corners 32 g also reduce the possibility thatoperator 31 will injure themselves on that section ofhandrail assembly 30 as they climb upstairs 26. First and secondtop sections connector section 32 c preferably are all disposed in the same plane. First andsecond end sections top sections top sections second end sections top sections stair handrail 28 whenhandrail assembly 30 is in the expanded position (FIGS. 1 & 2 ). Thus,operator 31 always has a portion of one or the other of thetop rail 32 orstair handrail 28 to grasp when moving upwardly onstairs 26 or ontop wall 24. Whenhandrail assembly 30 is in the collapsed position, then first andsecond end sections stair handrail 28 as shown inFIG. 14 . - Each of the first and second
top sections connector section 32 c, and first andsecond end sections interior bore 32 h (FIG. 7 ) therein. It will be understood that other cross-sectional shapes may be utilized instead without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will further be understood that all of these members may, alternatively, be solid instead of hollow. - In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention,
handrail assembly 30 preferably also includes a linear, elongatefirst bottom rail 34 that extends from proximaterear end 18 a oftank 18 to proximatefront end 18 b thereof and proximate one side oftop wall 24. Firstbottom rail 34 is disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis “Y” of firsttop section 32 a. Firstbottom rail 34 may be aligned with firsttop section 32 a or may be offset laterally relative thereto.Handrail assembly 30 preferably further includes asecond bottom rail 36 that extends from proximaterear end 18 a oftank 18 to proximatefront end 18 b thereof and proximate the other side oftop wall 24.Second bottom rail 36 is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis “Y” of firsttop section 32 a and is laterally spaced fromfirst bottom rail 34.Second bottom rail 36 may be aligned with secondtop section 32 b or may be laterally offset relative thereto. Although not illustrated herein, it will be understood that the bottom rail may further include a connector section that extends between the first end of firstbottom rail 34 and the first end of secondbottom rail 36 and which is generally aligned withconnector section 32 c. Obviously, in this instance, the bottom rail would be a generally U-shaped member that is substantially aligned with the U-shapedtop rail 32. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 & 4 , each of first and second bottom rails 34, 36 is preferably secured to a plurality ofmounts 35. Eachmount 35 comprises a block of metal or other material that is welded or otherwise secured totop wall 24 or to an upper end of one of the side walls oftank 18. First and second bottom rails 34, 36 are welded or otherwise secured to eachmount 35. Front andrear ends 37 of both first and second bottom rails 34, 36 preferably angle downwardly toward the exterior surface oftank 18 and are welded or otherwise secured thereto. Preferably, bottom rails 34, 36 are elongate, hollow, tubular members that are generally circular in cross-sectional shape and define a bore 41 (FIG. 5 ) therein. It will be understood, however, that other cross-sectional shape bottom rails may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention and the bottom rails may be solid instead of hollow. - In accordance with another specific feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of
vertical members 38 is pivotally secured betweentop rail 32 and one of bottom rails 34, 36. Eachvertical member 38 is an elongate, hollow tube which has afirst end 38 a and asecond end 38 b and defines abore 39 therein. A plurality of first andsecond yoke assemblies vertical members 38 totop rail 32 and first and second bottom rails 34, 36. Eachfirst yoke assembly 46 is provided to securefirst end 38 a of eachvertical member 38 totop rail 32. Eachsecond yoke assembly 48 is provided to securesecond end 38 b of eachvertical member 38 to one of first and second bottom rails 34, 36. It will be understood, however, thatsecond yoke assembly 48 may be secured to a mounting block that is welded totank 18 instead of being secured to one of bottom rails 34, 36. - Referring to
FIGS. 4-7 , first and second yoke assemblies, 46, 48 are shown in greater detail. First andsecond yoke assemblies First yoke assembly 46 comprises abase member 50 and acradle member 56.Base member 50 has afirst end 61, asecond end peripheral wall 63 extending therebetween.Base member 50 also has a longitudinal axis “Y” extending between first and second ends 61, 50 c, and 50 d.Base member 50 specifically includes afirst region 50 a having a first diameter “D1” which is complementary to that ofbore 39 ofvertical member 38.First region 50 a is received inbore 39 and may be retained therein by friction or may be welded or otherwise secured to the interior surface offirst end 38 a ofvertical member 38.Base member 50 further comprises an annularsecond region 50 b that is continuous withfirst region 50 a and has a second diameter “D2” which is greater than that ofbore 39 and therefore cannot be received therein. A portion ofsecond region 50 b abuts theuppermost edge 38 c ofvertical member 38.Base member 50 further includes at least one, and preferably twoarms arm second region 50 b and is disposed generally parallel to each other and to longitudinal axis “V”.Arm 50 c is spaced laterally away fromarm 50 d such that agap 52 is defined therebetween. Afirst aperture 54 a is defined infirst arm 50 c and asecond aperture 54 b is defined insecond arm 50 d. Each of the first andsecond apertures -
Cradle member 56 has afirst end 67, asecond end 69 andsidewall 73 extending therebetween.Cradle member 56 further has a longitudinal axis that is also represented by the reference character “Y” inFIG. 7 . The longitudinal axis “Y” extends between first and second ends 67, 69 ofcradle member 56.Cradle member 56 is a generally Y-shaped member when viewed in cross-section (such as inFIG. 7 ) and includes astem 56 a and a rest 56 b.Rest 56 b includes aface 57 which is complementary to a portion of the exterior wall oftop rail 32 and is designed to be fixedly secured thereto such as by welding on any other suitable securement method. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, face 57 is curved in a manner that is complementary to the curved exterior wall of top rail. 32. If, however,top rail 32 is of a different cross-sectional shape, then rest 56 b will include a face that is complementary to that different cross-sectional shape. -
Stem 56 a is complementary configured to be received intogap 52 ofbase member 50. Ahole 58 is defined throughstem 56 a and is oriented substantially at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y” and therefore parallel to axis “X” inbase member 50.Hole 58 is selectively alignable withapertures base member 50. Apin 60 is receivable through the alignedapertures hole 58.Pin 60 is therefore aligned along horizontal axis “X” andbase member 50 andcradle member 56 are rotatable about axis “X” and relative to each other. - In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, a locking mechanism is provided to secure
pin 60 in the alignedapertures hole 58 and to prevent the pin's withdrawal from the same. One suitable form of this locking mechanism is thecotter pin 62 which is inserted through a slot (not numbered) inpin 60. -
First yoke assembly 46 securestop rail 32 tovertical member 38 in a manner that enablesvertical member 38 to pivot aboutpin 60 relative totop rail 32.Vertical member 38 therefore pivots about axis “X” and substantially at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y”. - Referring to
FIG. 5 ,second yoke assembly 48 is shown in greater detail.Second yoke assembly 48 is substantially identical tofirst yoke assembly 46 and functions in the same manner.Second yoke assembly 48 comprises abase member 64 and acradle member 70.Base member 64 includes afirst region 64 a having a diameter complementary to bore 39 ofvertical member 38.Base member 64 further comprises an annularsecond region 64 b that is of a diameter greater than that ofbore 39. Thus,first region 64 a is received inbore 39 atsecond end 38 ofvertical member 38 andsecond region 64 b abuts thelowermost edge 38 d ofvertical member 38. First andsecond arms second region 64 b and in the opposite direction tofirst region 64 a.First arm 64 c is spaced laterally away fromsecond arm 64 d such that agap 66 is defined therebetween.Arms base member 64 andvertical member 38. A pair of alignedapertures arms -
Cradle member 70 ofsecond yoke assembly 48 is generally Y-shaped in cross-sectional shape and is welded or otherwise secured to a portion of the exterior walls of one or the other ofbottom rails cradle member 70 includes astem 70 a and a rest 70 b.Rest 70 b includes aface 71 that is complementary to a portion of the exterior wall ofbottom rail 34 and is welded or otherwise secured thereto. In particular, face 71 is curved and complementary to a curved portion of the exterior wall ofbottom rail 34 but other complementary shaped faces and bottom rails are considered to be in the scope of the present invention.Stem 70 a is complementary configured to be received intogap 66 ofbase member 64 and to be disposed substantially parallel to longitudinal axis “Y” whensecond yoke assembly 48 securesvertical member 38 tobottom rail 34. Ahole 72 is defined throughstem 70 a and, when aligned with first andsecond apertures base member 64,hole 72 is disposed parallel to axis “X” and at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y”. Alignedhole 72 andapertures pin 74 therethrough and acotter pin 76 or other connector is engageable withpin 74 to lock the same against withdrawal from the aligned apertures andhole Second yoke assembly 48 securesbottom end 38 b ofvertical member 38 tobottom rail pin 74 relative tobottom rail 34. Additionally,pin 74 enablesbase member 64 andcradle member 70 ofsecond yoke assembly 48 to pivot about axis “X” relative to each other. - It will be understood that since
vertical members 38 extend downwardly fromtop rail 32 on both sides of top wall, and first andsecond yoke assemblies vertical members 38, whenhandrail assembly 30 is actuated, the pivotal motion of all of the yoke assemblies occurs substantially simultaneously and in unison. Additionally, as will be evident from the drawings, the pivotal motion ofvertical member 38 relative totop rail 32 is in an opposite direction to the pivotal motion ofvertical member 38 relative tobottom rail handrail assembly 30 is moved from the collapsed position to the expanded position. Although not illustrated herein, eachyoke assembly - In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention,
handrail assembly 30 includes afirst length 40 a and asecond length 40 b ofsafety wire 40 a (FIG. 2 ).First length 40 a is disposed between firsttop section 32 a oftop rail 32 andbottom rail 34 and thesecond length 40 b is disposed between secondtop section 32 b oftop rail 32 andbottom rail 36. Firsttop section 32 a,first length 40 a andbottom rail 34 preferably are generally aligned with each other in a vertical plane. Similarly, secondtop section 32 b,second length 40 b andbottom rail 36 preferably are generally aligned with each other in a vertical plane.First length 40 a is engaged at a first end with aneyelet 78 which extends outwardly at right angles from a side wall of a firstvertical member 38A (FIGS. 2&9 ).Eyelet 78 includes a threadedshaft 78 a (FIG. 9 ) and acircular head 78 b which defines anaperture 78 c therein through whichsafety wire 40 a is inserted and then crimped or otherwise secured back onto itself.Shaft 78 a is threaded through a hole (not shown) in the wall ofvertical member 38 and intobore 39 thereof. Anut 79 locks eyelet 78 in place. First endvertical member 38A and all thevertical members 38 connected tobottom rail 34 are generally aligned in the same vertical plane as firsttop section 32 a,first length 40 a andbottom wall 34.First length 40 a ofsafety wire 40 passes througheyelets 78 that extend outwardly from side walls of intermediatevertical members first length 40 a is secured to aneyelet 78 on a second endvertical member 38B.Second length 40 b ofsafety wire 40 is similarly connected to thevertical members 38 which are secured viasecond brackets 48 tobottom rail 36. Whenhandrail assembly 30 is in both of the expanded and the collapsed positions, first andsecond lengths safety wires 40 are held relatively taut between first and secondvertical members safety wire 40 may be disposed betweentop rail 32 andbottom rails - As indicated previously and in accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, at least one, and preferably four, air-actuated
cylinders 80 are provided andcollapse handrail assembly 30. Preferably, twocylinders 80 are disposed proximaterear end 18 a oftank 18 and twocylinders 80 are provided proximatefront end 18 b oftank 18. Additionally, each of the twocylinders 80 near either of therear end 18 a orfront end 18 b oftank 18 are disposed on opposite sides oftank 18 from each other. This ensures thathandrail assembly 30 is moved smoothly and evenly between the expanded and collapsed positions. Eachcylinder 80 has afirst end 80 a and asecond end 80 b. A first mountingbracket 82 securesfirst end 80 a ofcylinder 80 to one ofvertical members 38. Asecond mounting bracket 84 securessecond end 80 b ofcylinder 80 totop wall 24 oftank 18.FIGS. 2 and 9 show how first mountingbracket 82 is secured to first end ofcylinder 80 in greater detail. First end 80 a ofcylinder 80 includes a housing having first and second arms that are 81 a, 81 b that are substantially parallel to each other and separated by agap 81 c. Although not specifically shown inFIG. 9 , each of first andsecond arms - First mounting
bracket 82 has afirst region 82 a that is welded or otherwise secured to a length of an exterior portion of the wall ofvertical member 38. Asecond region 82 b extends laterally outwardly fromfirst region 82 a as is best seen inFIGS. 8 and 9 . Preferably,second region 82 b is disposed at right angles tofirst region 82 a. Athird region 82 c extends outwardly fromsecond region 82 b and preferably at right angles thereto.Third region 82 c is generally parallel tofirst region 82 a and extends in the same direction outwardly fromsecond region 82 b. At least a portion ofthird region 82 c is sized to be received ingap 81 c offirst end 80 a ofcylinder 80.Third region 82 c defines anaperture 83 that extends at right angles to the length ofthird region 82 c and is alignable with the aligned holes infirst end 80 a ofcylinder 80. Apin 85 extends through these alignedaperture 83 and holes and acotter pin 86 is inserted through a channel inpin 85 to prevent disengagement offirst end 80 a and first mountingbracket 82. First mountingbracket 82 further includes abrace 82 d which extends between first, second andthird regions - Second mounting
bracket 84 may be of any shape that is suitable to securesecond end 80 b ofcylinder 80 totank 18. Second mountingbracket 84 defines a hole therein (not shown) that is alignable with a hole insecond end 80 b ofcylinder 80 and apin 80 c is inserted through these aligned holes to securecylinder 80 and second mountingbracket 84 together. - In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, a
fluid supply 88 is operationally connected tocylinders 80 viahoses 90. Acontroller 92 and switch 94 are operationally connected tofluid supply 88 to activate and deactivate the same. Ifcylinders 80 are pneumatic or air-actuated thenfluid supply 88 is an air supply. If, on the other hand,cylinders 80 are hydraulic, then thefluid supply 88 is a reservoir of oil and some other suitable fluid. - In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, a plurality of
support assemblies 96 extend upwardly and outwardly fromtop wall 24 oftank 18.Support assemblies 96 are spaced a distance longitudinally away from each other along the length oftop wall 24. Eachsupport assembly 96 comprises apedestal 98 and asupport member 100. A first end ofpedestal 98 may be directly welded totop wall 24 oftank 18 or, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 13 , the first end thereof may be welded or otherwise secured tobottom rail Support member 100 includes aface 100 a that is complementary configured to receive a portion of the exterior wall oftop rail 32 therein. Preferably, therefore, face 100 a is curved and is complementary to the curved exterior wall oftop rail 32. More specifically, face 100 a of eachsupport assembly 96 is substantially semi-circular in shape and the curved portion is configured and positioned to receive a portion oftop rail 32 therein and to support the same whenhandrail assembly 30 is moved into the collapsed position. -
Handrail assembly 30 is used in the following manner. When thevehicle 10 is to travel over the roads,handrail assembly 30 is in the collapsed position (FIG. 14 ). In this position, preferably, the top surfaces offill ports 22 extend for at least a short distance abovetop rail 32.Top rail 32 is received insupport member 100 ofsupport assemblies 96 and is thereby supported a distance vertically above bottom rails 34, 36.Vertical members 38 angle between top andbottom rails stair handrail 38. Additionally,cylinders 80 are in the condition wherepiston rod 87 is substantially retained within thehousing 89 of eachcylinder 80. This is illustrated inFIG. 12 . - The operator engages
controller 92 andswitch 94 and this activatesfluid supply 88. Fluid is pumped fromfluid supply 88 throughhoses 90 and intocylinders 80. The influx of air forces thepiston rods 87 outwardly from thehousings 89 thereof in the opposite direction to arrow “A” inFIG. 11 . This overall lengthening of thevarious cylinders 80 occurs substantially simultaneously. As thepiston rods 87 move outwardly from thehousings 89, thevertical members 38 to whichcylinders 80 are attached are caused to pivot aboutpins 74 ofsecond yoke assemblies 48 and thosevertical members 38 rotate upwardly in the opposite direction to arrow “B” (FIG. 11 ). The motion also causes rotation ofvertical members 38 about pivot pins 60 infirst yoke assemblies 46. The rotation ofvertical members 38 causestop rail 32 to be raised vertically in the opposite direction to arrow “C” inFIG. 11 , thus increasing the distance betweentop rail 32 andbottom rails top rail 32 also results in all of the othervertical members 38 connected thereto and which are not also connected to acylinder 80 to be rotated into a substantially vertically position. Whenvertical members 38 are in a substantially vertical orientation and are disposed substantially at right angles to one or both oftop rail 32 andbottom rails handrail assembly 30 is in the fully expanded position and is available for use byoperator 31. It will be understood thatvertical members 38 may be positioned at an angle other than right angles to one or both of top and bottom rails whenhandrail assembly 30 is in the fully expanded position without departing from the scope of the invention. Whenhandrail assembly 30 is fully expanded first andsecond end sections operator 31 is able to walk upstairs 26 holding on tostair handrail 28 to steady themselves, and will be able to transition readily and safely to first andsecond end sections stairs 26 totop wall 24. Once ontop wall 24,operator 31 is able to walk between first andsecond members top rail 32 to reach the desiredfill port 22.Top rail 32 andsafety wires 40 ensure thatoperator 31 will be less likely to fall offtop wall 24 oftank 18. - Once
operator 31 has finished withfill ports 22, they walk alongtop wall 24 torear end 18 a oftank 18 and, using first andsecond end sections top wall 24 and ontostairs 26. Once theoperator 31 is back on the ground, they will engageswitch 94 to movehandrail assembly 30 from the expanded position to the collapsed position. Engagingswitch 94causes controller 92 to deactivatefluid supply 88. Air is drawn out ofhoses 90 and back intosupply 88 and this air movement also causes a pressure drop incylinders 80 thereby causingpiston rods 87 to be drawn back intohousings 89 in the direction of arrow “A” (FIG. 11 ). As eachpiston rod 87 moves back into the associatedhousing 89, the end first end 80 a thereof pivots aboutpivot pin bracket 82. The motion causes thevertical member 38 associated therewith to pivot downwardly in the direction of arrow “B” (FIG. 11 ) toward bottom rails 34, 36 and about pivot pins 74, 60 in first andsecond yoke assemblies Top rail 32 moves vertically downwardly in the direction of arrow “C” toward bottom rails 34, 36 until a portion of first andsecond members support members 100 ofsupport assemblies 96 as shown inFIG. 13 . - It should be noted that when
handrail assembly 30 is moved from the expanded position to the collapsed position the movement in the direction of arrow “D” (FIG. 14 ) is both downwardly towardtop wall 24 oftank 18 and rearwardly towardrear end 18 a oftank 18. Similarly, whenhandrail assembly 30 is moved from the collapsed position to the expanded position, the motion is in the opposite direction to arrow “D” and is both upwardly away fromtop wall 24 of tank and forwardly towardfront end 18 b oftank 18. - It will be understood that in some instances, bottom rails 34/36 may be completely omitted and
lower mounting assemblies 48 may be welded directly tomounts 35 which are welded to thetop wall 24 or side walls oftank 18. In this instance,vertical members 38 will extend between lower mountingassemblies 48 totop rail 32 instead of between top andbottom rails -
FIG. 15 shows a second embodiment of a handrail assembly in accordance with the present invention, generally indicated at 130. Substantially theentire assembly 130 is identical tohandrail assembly 30 with the exception of the configuration of the bottom rails 134, 136 and thesecond yoke assemblies 148. In this instance,bottom rails tank 18. Eachsecond yoke assembly 148 is comprised of abase member 64 and acradle member 170.Base member 64 is substantially identical to thebase member 64 ofsecond yoke assembly 48.Cradle member 170 differs fromcradle member 70 in that it is generally F-shaped and comprises astem 170 a, aleg 170 b and anextension 170 c.Stem 170 a andleg 170 b extend outwardly from extension and generally at right angles thereto.Stem 170 a andleg 170 b are substantially parallel to each other and are spaced a distance apart such that a gap (unnumbered) is defined therebetween. The gap is sized to receive one ofarms base member 64 therein. Although not shown inFIG. 15 , it should be understood that each ofstem 170 a andleg 170 b define an aperture therein that is disposed generally parallel toextension 170 c. The apertures instem 170 a andleg 170 b are aligned with each other and are alignable with theapertures FIG. 5 ) ofbase member 64.Pin 74 is receivable through these aligned apertures inbase member 64 andcradle member 170 to secure the components together.Cotter pin 76 is received through a hole inpin 74 to lock the same in engagement withbase member 64 andcradle member 170.Extension 170 c is welded or otherwise secured to an exteriorvertical side wall bottom rails top sections top rail 32 to be offset relative to therespective bottom rail cylinders 80 are mounted totank 18 andvertical members 38 in such a location that they are disposed exteriorly ofvertical members 38 instead of interiorly relative thereto as shown inFIG. 8 . This arrangement is used to widen the horizontal distance “W” between first and secondtop sections operator 31 to move therebetween. -
FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of asupport assembly 196 used when bottom rails 134, 136 are provided ontank 18 and the first and secondtop sections top rail 32 are offset relative thereto. In this instance,support assemblies 196 comprise a generally Y-shapedpedestal 198 having arecess 200 in an upper end thereof.Pedestal 198 is substantially wider thanpedestal 98 ofsupport assembly 96. Asidewall 198 a ofpedestal 198 is welded or otherwise secured toexterior sidewall bottom rail bottom end 198 b, being welded or otherwise secured to thetop end bottom rail Recess 200 is complementary shaped to a portion of the exterior surface oftop rail 32. Specifically,recess 200 is curved to a sufficient degree that a pair offingers top sections top rail 32 when it is received therein. - Referring to
FIGS. 17 & 18 , there is shown yet another embodiment of a handrail assembly in accordance with the present invention and generally indicated at 230.Handrail assembly 230 is substantially identical tohandrail assembly 130 with the exception of how some of the second yoke assemblies 248 and some of thecylinders 80 are secured to the tank.Handrail assembly 230 is used in vehicles where thetank 218 is differently configured totank 18.Tank 218 has curved sidewalls as doestank 18, but thetop wall 224 differs fromtop wall 24 in that includes a pair ofvertical walls flat section 226. Acatwalk 304 preferably extends laterally outwardly fromwall 225 b and runs along substantially along the entire length oftank 218. Bracing 302 is provided at least at intervals beneathcatwalk 304 to strengthen same.Cylinders 80 are mounted exteriorly ofvertical members 38. Second yoke assemblies 248 are substantially identical tosecond yoke assemblies 148.Handrail assembly 230 includes atop rail 232 having a firsttop section 232 a, a secondtop section 232 b and aconnector section 232 c. A plurality ofvertical members 38 are secured to firsttop section 232 a. Thesecond yoke assemblies 248 a secured to thesevertical members 38 are secured by theirextensions 270 directly tovertical wall 225 a. A second plurality ofvertical members 38 are secured to secondtop section 232 b. Thesecond yoke assemblies 248 b secured to thesevertical members 38 are not secured tovertical wall 225 b. Instead, a plurality ofbrackets 330 are provided at intervals along the length oftank 218, andsecond yoke assemblies 248 b are secured to thesebrackets 330. Each ofsecond yoke assemblies second yoke assembly 148 and comprises abase member 64 and acradle member 270.Cradle member 270 of eachsecond yoke assembly 248 a is welded or otherwise secured tovertical wall 225 a.Cradle member 270 of eachsecond yoke assembly 248 b is secured to one ofbrackets 330.Bracket 330 includes afirst leg 336 that is welded or otherwise secured to a curved region of the exterior wall oftank 218.Bracket 330 further includes asecond leg 332 that extends vertically outwardly from one end offirst leg 336, and athird leg 334 that extends outwardly from a top end ofsecond leg 332 and at an obtuse angle relative thereto.Third leg 334 is oriented so that it is substantially parallel to and spaced apart fromvertical wall 225 b. Abottom rail 236 is welded or otherwise secured to a top end of thethird legs 334 or thebrackets 330 that are spaced at intervals alongtop wall 224. Theextension 270 c of eachsecond yoke assembly 248 b is welded or otherwise secured to athird leg 334 of one of thesebrackets 330. Secondtop section 232 b is offset relative tobottom rail 236 and is disposed exteriorly thereof. - An additional mounting
bracket 310 is provided for mounting thesecond end 80 b of thecylinder 80 which is disposed proximatevertical member 38 disposedadjacent catwalk 304. Mountingbracket 310 includes afirst leg 312 which is secured at a first end toflat wall 226 oftop wall 224 and tocatwalk 304 and extends outwardly for a distance beyond the outermost edge of thecatwalk 304.Bracket 310 further includes asecond leg 314 disposed at right angles relative to first leg and extending downwardly from a second end of thefirst leg 312. Athird leg 316 extends downwardly and inwardly fromsecond leg 314 and at an obtuse angle thereto.Third leg 316 extends inwardly toward the curved side wall oftank 218.Bracket 310 further includes afourth leg 318 disposed substantially at right angles tothird leg 316.Fourth leg 318 is welded or otherwise secured to the curved side wall oftank 218. Abrace 320 extends between first, second andthird legs bracket 310 to provide adequate strength thereto to supportcylinder 80 thereon.Second end 80 b ofcylinder 80 b is engaged withbrace 320 and one or more of first, second andthird legs -
FIG. 18 illustratessupport assemblies top sections top rail 232 whenhandrail assembly 230 is in the collapsed position.Support assembly 296 is substantially identical to supportassembly 196.Support assembly 340 is secured tobottom rail 236 and includes apedestal 342 having a first shapedsurface 346 and a second shapedsurface 348 defined therein. The shape ofsurface 346 is complementary to a portion of the exterior surface of secondtop section 232 b. The shape ofsurface 348 is complementary to a portion of the exterior surface ofbottom rail 236.Pedestal 342 is welded or otherwise secured tobottom rail 236 so that secondtop section 232 b is disposed offset tobottom rail 236. Specifically, secondtop section 232 b is disposed further outwardly fromfill port 222 than isbottom rail 236. As such,support assembly 340 is inclined at an obtuse angle relative tothird leg 334 ofbracket 330.Support assembly 340 includes first and second fingers 346 a, 346 b that extend upwardly for a distance and at least partially surround secondtop section 232 b when seated therein whenhandrail assembly 230 is in the collapsed position. A plurality of support assemblies are provided at intervals along the length oftank 218 to support the first and secondtop sections - In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
- Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Claims (22)
1. A yoke assembly for securing a vertical rail to a horizontal rail in a collapsible handrail assembly, said yoke assembly comprising:
a base member having a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall extending therebetween, said base member having a longitudinal axis extending between said first and second ends,
a first aperture defined in the peripheral wall and substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the base member; and wherein said base member is adapted to be at least partially received within a bore of the vertical rail;
a cradle member having a first end, a second end and sidewall extending therebetween; said cradle member further having a longitudinal axis that extends between the first and second ends thereof; and wherein the second end of the cradle member is adapted to engage an exterior region of a sidewall of the horizontal rail;
a hole defined in the cradle member and being disposed substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis thereof, said cradle member being selectively engageable with the base member such that the hole and the first aperture are aligned; and
a pivot pin extending through the aligned first aperture and hole; said pivot pin securing the base and cradle members together and permitting them to pivot relative to each other about an axis disposed at right angles to the longitudinal axes of the base and cradle members.
2. The yoke assembly as defined in claim 1 , further comprising:
a locking member selectively engageable with the pivot pin once inserted through the aligned first aperture and hole to prevent withdrawal of the pivot pin therefrom.
3. The yoke assembly as defined in claim 1 , wherein the base member further comprises:
a first region having a first diameter and being adapted to be received within the bore of the vertical rail; and
a second region continuous with the first region and having a second diameter greater than the first diameter of the first region, and wherein said second diameter is adapted to be greater than a diameter of the bore in the vertical rail.
4. The yoke assembly as defined in claim 3 , wherein the base member further comprises:
a third region continuous with the second region and extending longitudinally outwardly therefrom, said third region being of a width that is smaller than the second diameter, and wherein the first aperture is defined in the third region.
5. The yoke assembly as defined in claim 4 , wherein the third region comprises:
a first arm extending longitudinally outwardly from the second region of the base member;
a second arm extending longitudinally outwardly from the second region of the base member; and
a gap defined between the first arm and the second arm; and wherein the width of the third region is measured from an exterior longitudinal surface of the first arm to an exterior longitudinal surface of the second arm.
6. The yoke assembly as defined in claim 5 , wherein
a first section of the first aperture is defined in the first arm and is disposed substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the base member; and
a second section of the first aperture is defined in the second arm and is disposed substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the base member and aligned with the first section of the first aperture;
7. The yoke assembly as defined in claim 1 , wherein the cradle member comprises:
a stem that is selectively engageable with the base member; and wherein the hole is defined in the stem; and
a rest that extends outwardly from the stem and is adapted to engage the horizontal rail.
8. The yoke assembly as defined in claim 7 , wherein the rest includes a face that is complementary in shape to the exterior region of the sidewall of the horizontal rail.
9. The yoke assembly as defined in claim 8 , wherein the longitudinal axis of the base member is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cradle member.
10. The yoke assembly as defined in claim 8 , wherein the longitudinal axis of the base member is substantially parallel to and offset from the longitudinal axis of the cradle member.
11. A collapsible handrail assembly for use on a top region of a tank trailer, said handrail assembly comprising:
a first horizontal rail having a first end, a second end and a first exterior wall therein between, said first horizontal rail having a first longitudinal axis that extends between the first and second ends thereof;
a second horizontal rail having a first end, a second end and a second exterior wall thereinbetween, said second horizontal rail having a second longitudinal axis that extends between the first and second ends thereof;
a vertical rail having a first end, a second end and a sidewall extending therebetween, said vertical rail having a third longitudinal axis that extends between the first and second ends thereof, and wherein a longitudinal bore is defined in the vertical rail;
a first yoke assembly engaged with the first end of the vertical rail and a portion of the first exterior wall of the first horizontal rail such that the vertical rail is able to pivot relative to the first horizontal rail about a first axis disposed at right angles to the third longitudinal axis; and
a second yoke assembly engaged with the second end of the vertical rail and a portion of the second exterior wall of the second horizontal rail such that the vertical rail is able to pivot relative to the second horizontal rail and about a second axis disposed at right angles to the third longitudinal axis.
12. The handrail assembly as defined in claim 11 , wherein each of the first and second yoke assemblies comprises:
a base member at least partially receivable in the bore of the vertical rail, said base member including a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall extending therebetween, said base member having a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends thereof,
a first aperture defined in the peripheral wall and substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the base member;
a cradle member having a first end, a second end and sidewall extending therebetween; said cradle member further having a longitudinal axis that extends between the first and second ends thereof; and wherein the second end of the cradle member is configured to engage a region of one of the first and second exterior sidewalls of the first and second horizontal rails;
a hole defined in the cradle member and disposed substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis thereof, said cradle member being selectively engageable with the base member such that the hole and the first aperture are aligned; and
a pivot pin extending through the aligned first aperture and hole, said pivot pin securing the base and cradle members together and permitting them to pivot relative to each other about an axis disposed at right angles to the longitudinal axes of the base and cradle members.
13. The handrail assembly as defined in claim 12 , further comprising:
a locking member engageable with the pivot pin once inserted through the aligned first aperture and hole to prevent withdrawal of the pivot pin therefrom.
14. The handrail assembly as defined in claim 12 , wherein the base member further comprises:
a first region having a first diameter that is complementary to the bore of the vertical rail, and wherein the first region is received within the bore;
a second region having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter, wherein the second region abuts one of a top edge at the first end of the vertical rail and a bottom edge at the second end of the vertical rail, and extends laterally outwardly for a distance beyond the sidewall of the vertical rail.
15. The handrail assembly as defined in claim 14 , wherein the base member further comprises:
a first arm extending outwardly from the second region, said first arm being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base member and to the third longitudinal axis of the vertical rail; and wherein the first aperture is defined in the first arm.
16. The handrail assembly as defined in claim 15 , said cradle member comprising:
a stem having a first end and a second end and having a longitudinal axis extending therebetween; and wherein the hole is defined in the stem and is oriented substantially at right angles to the stem's longitudinal axis; and
a rest extending outwardly from the stem, said rest defining a face that is complementary to a portion of one of the first and second exterior walls of the first and second horizontal rails.
17. The handrail assembly as defined in claim 16 , wherein the base member further comprises:
a second arm extending outwardly from the second region of the base member, said second arm being generally parallel to the first arm;
a gap defined between the first and second arms;
a second aperture defined in the second arm and extending substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the base member, and wherein the second aperture is aligned with the first aperture; and wherein the stem of the cradle member is received in the gap between the first and second arms, such that the hole in the stem member is aligned with the first and second apertures and the pivot pin is received through the aligned hole and first and second apertures.
18. The handrail assembly as defined in claim 17 , wherein the cradle member further comprises:
a leg extending outwardly from the rest and substantially parallel to the stem;
a slot defined between the stem and the leg, and wherein one of the first and second arms of the base member is received within the slot;
a second hole defined in the leg, said second hole being oriented substantially at right angles to the stem's longitudinal axis and is aligned with the hole in the stem, and wherein the pivot pin extends through the aligned hole, second hole, and first and second apertures.
19. The handrail assembly as defined in claim 18 , wherein the face of the cradle member is fixedly secured to the portion of the one of the first and second exterior walls of one of the first and second horizontal rails.
20. The handrail assembly as defined in claim 11 , wherein the first and second horizontal rails are disposed substantially parallel to each other and a longitudinal axis of each of the first and second yoke assemblies is disposed substantially parallel to the first and second longitudinal axes of the first and second horizontal rails, and wherein the pivotal motion of the vertical rail enabled by the first and second yoke assemblies occurs about axes that are disposed at right angles to the longitudinal axes of the first and second yoke assemblies.
21. The handrail assembly as defined in claim 20 , wherein the first and second horizontal rails are substantially aligned with each other and with the vertical rail in the same vertical plane.
22. The handrail assembly as defined in claim 20 , wherein the first and second horizontal rails are offset a horizontal distance relative to each other, and wherein at least one of the first and second yoke assemblies includes an extension piece that is of a length sufficient to make up the horizontal distance between the first and second horizontal rails.
Priority Applications (1)
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US14/142,128 US20140110654A1 (en) | 2011-11-14 | 2013-12-27 | Yoke assembly for use in a collapsible handrail assembly and a handrail assembly incorporating the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US13/295,694 US8632099B2 (en) | 2011-11-14 | 2011-11-14 | Tank trailer having an air actuated handrail assembly |
US14/142,128 US20140110654A1 (en) | 2011-11-14 | 2013-12-27 | Yoke assembly for use in a collapsible handrail assembly and a handrail assembly incorporating the same |
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US13/295,694 Division US8632099B2 (en) | 2011-11-14 | 2011-11-14 | Tank trailer having an air actuated handrail assembly |
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US14/142,128 Abandoned US20140110654A1 (en) | 2011-11-14 | 2013-12-27 | Yoke assembly for use in a collapsible handrail assembly and a handrail assembly incorporating the same |
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US13/295,694 Active 2032-02-28 US8632099B2 (en) | 2011-11-14 | 2011-11-14 | Tank trailer having an air actuated handrail assembly |
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US20040258460A1 (en) * | 2003-06-20 | 2004-12-23 | Taylor Steve B. | Coupler |
US7334956B2 (en) * | 2003-06-20 | 2008-02-26 | Taylor Steve B | Coupler |
US20060090686A1 (en) * | 2004-11-01 | 2006-05-04 | Thompson David M | Bimini top hook |
US7162968B2 (en) * | 2004-11-01 | 2007-01-16 | Thompson David M | Bimini top hook |
US20110110705A1 (en) * | 2007-08-20 | 2011-05-12 | Aircelle | Coupling device intended to connect first and second elements which are hinged with respect to one another |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20130119651A1 (en) | 2013-05-16 |
US8632099B2 (en) | 2014-01-21 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MAC TRAILER MANUFACTURING, INC., OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CONNY, MICHAEL A.;KIBLER, SCOTT A.;REEL/FRAME:031971/0722 Effective date: 20140114 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |