The Fruehauf Trailer Company submitted over 2,000 patents during their near century of dominance in the global trailer industry
Click the hyperlinked photos or title for more info
Click the hyperlinked photos or title for more info
Canadian Brewers Modify Fruehauf Trailers to Achieve a Creative Solution
Trailer designed for Canada's Labatt's Brewing Company
The truck above was a delivery truck for Labatt's Brewing Company from the period of time just following prohibition. Brewery's or distilleries were unable to advertise, thus Labatt's resorted to making their delivery trucks as eye-catching as possible. This trailer and others which even had tractors that were of a then futuristic aero design performed the marketing duties of the day. A more complete overview which identifies the Fruehauf connection can be found here.
Partnering with Dow, Fruehauf implements Light-Weight Metal Walls
DOWMETAL - Shortly after World War I, Dow Chemical Company metallurgists developed an alloy called "Dowmetal". One-third lighter than aluminum, it was a refined magnesium to which was added about six percent aluminum and one-half percent manganese (a chemical used to harden magnesium). Dowmetal was widely promoted for automotive and aviation uses and was highly profitable for the company, eventually giving it a virtual monopoly on magnesium production in the US. Dow had a number of experimental Dowmetal open and enclosed car transport trailers built by Fruehauf for Detroit's White Star Lines in the early 1930s (1933), but evidence of automotive use after that time is lacking.
PARTIAL LIST OF FRUEHAUF KEY PATENTS 1919 - 1997
FRUEHAUF TRAILER COMPANY PATENTS – 1919-1946
US1313087 – Supporting Jack - Filed Feb 10, 1919 - Issued Aug 12, 1919 – inventor Ernest F. Hartwick - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This device was created as a “supporting jack” to be used to hold up the end of a trailer, when the trailer is disconnected from its tractor.
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US1351245 – Fifth Wheel - Filed Dec 24, 1919 - Issued Aug 31, 1920 - inventor Ernest F. Hartwick - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to the connecting devices between automotive tractors and two-wheeled trailers, sometimes called semitrailers, and its object is to provide a novel fifth wheel and a simple, strong, self-closing locking device whereby the trailer may be secured to the tractor.
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US1850531 – Trailer vehicle - Filed Sep 7, 1923 - Issued Mar 22, 1932 - inventor Addi Benjamin Cadman - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention was created to produce a vehicle in which the load on the trailer will be distributed more evenly over the rear wheels of the tractor and the trailer, so that heavier loads can be carried as well as better traction on the rear tractor wheels, and whereby the tractor and trailer may be coupled and uncoupled automatically with less shock than has been placed upon vehicles of this construction heretofore.
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US1568560 – Semitrailer - Filed Feb 8, 1924 - Issued Jan 5, 1926 - inventor Charles H. Land Jr. - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co. on Nov 13, 1928 as USRE17132.
When the tractor backs into the semitrailer, the latch hooks automatically to engage with the locking bar on the truck. The supporting unit then swings from its forward position to a vertical position during the travel on the truck tracks of the wheels on the front of the trailer frame.
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USRE17132 – Semitrailer - Filed Feb 8, 1924 - Issued Nov 13, 1928 - inventor Charles H. Land Jr. - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
(See above US1568560.)
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US1613728 – Trailer - Filed Mar 12, 1924 - Issued Jan 11, 1927- inventors Harvey C. Fruehauf and Charles Lawrence Schneider – assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention permits the lowering of not only the truck frame, but also the trailer frame, permitting the standardization of trailer frames. In high truck frames in a trailer of this design it has been necessary to build special trailer frames for each job. With the trailer frame dropped down below the tops of the wheels, this frame can be used in accordance with the needs of a particular job. They are ordinarily built of wood, making construction easier. This results in cost savings in trailer manufacture.
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US1540502 – Removable drawbar for vehicles - Filed Mar 27, 1924 - Issued Jun 2, 1925 - inventors Harvey C. Fruehauf and Charles Lawrence Schneider - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention is in regard to trailer construction known as the reversible trailer. It can automatically and centrally lock the swiveling trucks to the trailer frame. It can also render the locking device ineffective when it is desired to tow the trailer and to allow the steering of the front swiveling truck. This invention also provides a tongue lock which allows the trailer to be coupled or uncoupled from the tractor allowing the trailer to be towed at either end, locking the trailer so that it will not become uncoupled from the tractor during transit.
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US1681433 – Vehicle Spring Suspension - Filed Aug 14, 1925 - Issued Aug 21, 1928 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention provides a special form of spring suspension which will permit the springs to be under-slung on the axle and which will form a strong and reliable support for the gear frame, and do away with the necessity of a cross rod under the chassis frame for bracing the spring hangers.
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US1637456 – Steering Gear for Trailers - Filed Nov 4, 1925 - Issued Aug 2, 1927 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention consists of the provision of a very simple and compact steering mechanism which may be quickly and readily attached as a unit to the standard frame or chassis of a trailer without the use of any supporting bars, cross members, or other additional structure.
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US1673846 - Vehicle for transporting heavy loads - Filed Jun 23, 1926 - Issued Jun 19, 1928 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention is a vehicle that can transport a heavy load such as earth moving equipment which can damage the roadway. The trailer is designed with wheels in sufficient numbers to prevent damage to the road. The vehicle frame is designed to more adequately support and distribute the load and thus prevent road damage.
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US1611947 – Semi-trailer and support - Filed Jul 9, 1926 - Issued Dec 28, 1926 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid -assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
The current semi-trailer has a support in the form of a frame-like structure. The frame is secured to the trailer so that it can be lifted from the ground when the trailer is attached to the tractor. This lifting is accomplished automatically as the trailer locks in place. When the trailer is detached from the tractor it is held up by a support. This newly designed support prevents undue jamming and breaking of parts and damage when the trailer has been lifted.
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US1640217 – Running-gear structure for vehicles - Filed Dec 3, 1926 - Issued Aug 23, 1927 – inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention was designed for use on heavy duty vehicles that transport heavy loads over highways. It provides wheels in sufficient number to distribute the weight over the roadway so as not to damage the roadway. The wheels are arranged in pairs, each pair being mounted for pivotal movement over irregularities in the roadway without materially reducing the road surface.
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US1903136 – Radius rod and axle construction - Filed Dec 31, 1926 - Issued Mar 28, 1933 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
The invention is concerned with keeping the axles of a vehicle of the trailer type in proper alignment where springs are used between the axles and the vehicle frame, and which are adapted to flex as the vehicle moves over an irregular surface.
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US1770572 – Semitrailer support - Filed Feb 5, 1927 - Issued Jul 15, 1930 - inventors Harvey C. Fruehauf and Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to semi-trailer support which supports the forward end of the trailer when it is not connected to a tractor or truck.
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US1742413 – Pole trailer – Filed Feb. 11, 1927 – Issued Jan 7, 1930 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention has to do with a pole trailer, which is one that consists of a single pair of wheels having a frame construction and a reach for connecting it to a tractor.
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US1724364 – Side-dump vehicle - Filed Oct 15, 1927 - Issued Aug 13, 1929 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to a side dump vehicle, with special reference to a construction for holding the body upright in load supporting position and which readily permits movement of the body to either side to discharge a load.
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US1842050 – Vehicle brake - Filed Jan 18, 1928 - Issued Jan 19, 1932 -inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This is a system used when heavy loads are being carried, requiring brakes be applied to the trailer wheels as well as to the wheels of the truck. Mechanical means are provided at the point where the two vehicles are connected so that no difficulties are involved in connecting and disconnecting the vehicles, and in combination with this mechanical connection is a fluid actuating means permanently fixed to one vehicle. More powerful application of the brakes may be had than when manual operation alone is used.
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US1690247 – Heavy-duty vehicle - Filed Jun 23, 1926 - Issued Nov 6, 1928 – inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid – assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
It is recognized that roads are damaged where insufficient road contact is provided by the wheels of a vehicle. In many places, especially in cities, certain specifications must be complied with in transporting heavy loads, in order that the load be distributed over a sufficient area on the road to prevent damage to the same. A vehicle is contemplated which is of such a construction that loads in the neighborhood of 80 tons, or more, may be transported.
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US1877970 – Tandem wheel construction - Filed Mar 12, 1930 - Issued Sep 20, 1932 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
The construction of this invention is useful for various types of vehicles, such as a semi-trailer, wherein the rear of the trailer frame is supported by ground engaging wheels and the forward end rests upon a tractor.
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US1898854 – Semitrailer frame construction - Filed Mar 15, 1930 - Issued Feb 21, 1933 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention contemplates a novel mounting of the semitrailer support and operating mechanism within the frame channels, which face inwardly, and is in this regard a simplified supporting structure.
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US1877052 – Vehicle running gear - Filed Nov 3, 1930 - Issued Sep 13, 1932 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to the running gear of a vehicle, especially those that employ wheels arranged in tandem. It is adapted for use on semitrailers wherein the front end of the trailer frame is supported on a truck and the rear end has its own running gear.
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US1910181 – Vehicle brake - Filed Nov 10, 1930 - Issued May 23, 1933 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention is a power application for brakes. The power means for applying the trailer brakes may take the form of fluid pressure although other power means may be employed.
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US1892004 – Tractor trailer combination - Filed Nov 13, 1930 - Issued Dec 27, 1932 – inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
The invention is directed to the provision of a combination which embodies generally a tractor, a trailer, and what may be termed a dolly wherein the trailer may be used in combination with the tractor alone after the manner of what is known as a tractor-semi-trailer combination, or by embodying the dolly, the trailer may take the form of a full or four wheel trailer.
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US1922395 – Tractor semitrailer - Filed Jan 29, 1932 - Issued Aug 15, 1933 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention is directed to an improved arrangement at the coupling between the tractor and semitrailer by means of which certain controls may be effected on the trailer by an operator or the like on the tractor.
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US1958926 – Transportation of automobiles - Filed Feb 2, 1934 - Issued May 15, 1934 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to a method of loading three automobiles on a semitrailer for transportation.
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US2022869 – Vehicle body - Filed Mar 31, 1934 - Issued Dec 3, 1935 – inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
The main object of this invention is to form the base of a vehicle body with laterally extending rub rails which are interconnected by cross elements, to support the upwardly projecting elements of the body sides on the inner faces of the rub rail to be protected thereby, to have the pillars of a closed body construction disposed adjacent to the inner faces of the rub rails and secured thereto and braced against longitudinal movement by associated elements which are also secured to the rub rail.
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US2120509 – Locking device for semitrailers - Filed May 14, 1937 - Issued Jun 14, 1938 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
It is an object of this invention to provide a king-pin locking mechanism for a semi-trailer which is positive in action; to provide a structure of the type that is simple in construction and economical to manufacture.
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USD107699 – Design for a trailer vehicle - Filed Nov 1, 1937 - Issued Dec 28, 1937 – inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This is a new, original, and ornamental design for a Trailer Vehicle.
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USD107700 – Design for a trailer vehicle - Filed Nov 1, 1937 - Issued Dec 28, 1937 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention is a new, original, and ornamental design for a Trailer Vehicle.
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USD107701S – Design for a trailer vehicle - Filed Nov 1, 1937 - Issued Dec 28, 1937 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
Invented a new, original, and ornamental design for a Trailer Vehicle.
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US2169500A – Tank vehicle - Filed Jul 18, 1938 - Issued Aug 15, 1939 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
A primary object of the invention is to provide improved tank vehicle structures which are light in weight whereby they may carry an increased contents, as compared with prior structures.
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US2256328A - Semitrailer supporting structure - Filed May 3, 1940 - Issued Sep 16, 1941 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to supporting structures for semi-trailers and particularly to means for eliminating certain disadvantages thereof present, in conventional constructions where employed on relatively soft surfaces.
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US2232187 – Supporting leg structure for semitrailers - Filed May 27, 1940 - Issued Feb 18, 1941 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to trailer vehicles and particularly to semi-trailers, the principle object being the provision of a supporting leg structure for the forward end of semi-trailers and particularly to a safety means operated by movement thereof for controlling the connection between the fifth wheel members of the tractor and semi-trailer.
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US2274503 – Brake drum - Filed Feb 3, 1941 - Issued Feb 24, 1942 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to brake drums generally and in a more limited sense to brake drums for motor vehicles and the combination of such drums with the wheels of motor vehicles, the principle object being the provision of a brake drum construction that is simple in construction, economical to manufacture and which will run at a much lower temperature than conventional brake drums under the same conditions in service.
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US2260641 – Tractor trailer brake mechanism - Filed Feb 27, 1941 - Issued Oct 28, 1941 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to brake mechanism for a tractor-trailer combination and particularly to such combination wherein the tractor is provided with fluid operated brakes and the trailer is provided with electrically operated brakes the principle object being the provision of means whereby operation of the brakes on the tractor effects simultaneous operation of the brakes on the trailer, the intensity of the braking effect on the trailer being dependent upon the intensity of the braking effect on the tractor.
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US2311252A – Vehicle undercarriage and brake operating mechanism - Filed Jul 31, 1941 - Issued Feb 16, 1943 – inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
The present invention relates to improvements in heavy duty vehicle undercarriage constructions having brake operating mechanisms associated therewith and particularly relates to improvements in constructions such as that disclosed in US Patent to Frederick M. Reid, No. 1690247, granted November 6, 1928.
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US2318802 – Trailer vehicle - Filed Dec 5, 1941 - Issued May 11, 1943 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to trailer vehicles of the low bed heavy duty type and has for its principle object the provision of a trailer of the type described, enabling the load supporting platform thereof to be positioned below the top of the wheels without necessitating the load being completely elevated above the wheels in being applied to or removed from the vehicle and yet presenting a construction of minimum width for certain purposes.
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US2353267 – Fifth wheel construction - Filed May 14, 1943 - Issued Jul 11, 1944 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to fifth wheel constructions and to a tractor semi-trailer combination connected thereby, the principle object being the provision of a new and novel fifth wheel structure embodying material advantages over similar structures heretofore provided.
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US2384965 – Vehicle body construction - Filed Mar 13, 1944 - Issued Sep 18, 1945 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to side constructions for vehicle bodies, and particularly to an assembly of panels of predetermined form and in a predetermined manner to construct the side portions of a body. This is by way of a trailer body; the side and end walls of such body are formed by a plurality of sheet metal panels suitably secured together to provide strength, each panel containing a plurality of narrow channel sections, each projecting in the same direction from the plane of the panel or web thereof, and spaced by wide web portions.
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US2407345 – Spring suspension - Filed Jun 9, 1944 - Issued Sep 10, 1946 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
Spring suspension for trailer vehicles so constructed and arranged as to function satisfactorily under wide ranges of load imposed thereon.
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US2433158 – Vehicle body - Filed Jan 10, 1945 - Issued Dec 23, 1947 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to a vehicle body either self-propelled or of the trailer type and is of primary value in handling heavy articles.
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US2443478 – Vehicle body - Filed Mar 22, 1945 - Issued Jun 15, 1948 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to vehicles of the load carrying type and particularly to those employing a tarpaulin for protecting its load against the weather, the principle object being the provision of a body construction for a vehicle of this type having important advantages as compared to conventional types of similar body constructions.
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US2398248 – Heavy duty vehicle - Filed Jun 14, 1945 - Issued Apr 9, 1946 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates broadly to heavy duty vehicles and to a novel wheel assembly therefore. This discloses a semi-trailer, the rear portion of which is supported by two four-wheel trucks. The trucks are mounted at opposite sides of the vehicle and the four wheels of each truck are disposed in forward and rearward pairs. By mounting the wheels in this manner, a large road-contacting area is provided and the weight is distributed to minimize damage to the roadway.
Frederick Malcom Reid, replaced Ernest F. Hartwick as Fruehauf's chief engineer. Frederick M. Reid is credited with inventing the automatic semi-trailer and the drop-frame tank semi-trailer for gas and oil transport.
In a "Finance" magazine, April 27, 1951 issue Reid announced plans for the mobile U.S. Highway Post Office van (the one we have the picture of). The same article appeared in the "Blade" dated April 26, 1951.
Shipping Container
US3111341A - Automatic locking system for coupling a shipping container to a vehicle frame or the like
Filed 4-2-1962 - Published 11-19-1963
Inventors Richard T. Fujioka & John W. Harper
Assignee - Fruehauf Corp.
US4046278 - Air cargo container
Filed 9-19-1975 - Published 9-6-1977
Inventors George Chieger, Robert B. Schwartz, Tara N. Banerjea
Assignee - Fruehauf Corp.
US2963310 - Vertical container couplers
Filed 1-20-1959 - Published 12-6-1960
Inventor Andrew Abolins
Assignee - Strick Trailers, a division of Fruehauf Trailer Co.
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Fruehauf Corporation Patents
Assignee:
Fruehauf Corporation
Address:
Detroit, MI
No. of patents:
33
Patents:
Patent Number
Title Of Patent
Date Issued
D274322
Tractor trailer
June 19, 1984
D274321
Trailer
June 19, 1984
4940279
Cargo vehicle wall construction
July 10, 1990
A plate wall cargo vehicle construction is disclosed comprising a multiplicity of light weight laminated panels. Each panel comprises a resinous core material having a metal skin adhesively bonded to each planar surface thereof.
4634144
Sand shoe
January 6, 1987
Disclosed herein is a landing gear assembly having legs extending downward from the underframe of a trailer and having a sand shoe at the ground engaging end thereof. The shoe is articulately joined to the ground engaging end of the leg by a collar circumscribing the ground engaging end
4546852
Adjustable service platform apparatus for a gantry crane
October 15, 1985
An adjustable service platform apparatus for a gantry crane has an elongated base frame generally comforming in size and shape to a conventional load carrying lifting spreader, and twin service platform units secured to opposite lateral ends of the base frame. Work platforms atop the
4457550
Means for reducing vehicle drag
July 3, 1984
An edge for frontal engagement with air flow as occurs when vehicles are moving in an air environment. The edge is elongate and intended to wrap around an existing corner where two substantially planar surfaces intersect, one of the planar surfaces being a front surface and the other
4372603
Double pivot door for cargo vehicles
February 8, 1983
A double pivot or toggle action hinge action and a latching or keeping function are combined in a single entity for the purpose of hinging a door as well as serving as the mechanism to lock the door in a closed position. The combined assembly includes a shaft defining a first pivot axis
4336877
Foldable unloading machine
June 29, 1982
The disclosed unloading machine, which is foldable in height to facilitate its insertion into a ship or the like, comprises an endless train of circular buckets, with axial tension elements therebetween, a foldable vertical leg including two parallel guide tubes, the buckets being movabl
4287759
Device for sensing the tension in a load carrying line
September 8, 1981
An improved load line sensor comprised of a support frame which clamps to the load line, a sensing unit fixed to the support frame, and a pivotal load line operator attached to the support frame in a close spaced relation to the clamping end thereof. The load line which is threaded t
4264003
Foldable unloading machine having full circle swivelling action
April 28, 1981
The disclosed unloading machine is especially well adapted for unloading bulk materials from ships. The machine swivels around a full circle, to afford maximum coverage to take the bulk material. The illustrated machine comprises an endless bucket train, a vertical supporting leg includi
4232891
Door hardware with positive torque
November 11, 1980
A hollow keeper housing is secured to the header or sill of a door of a truck trailer for receiving a generally arcuate camming finger disposed at the end of a rotatable vertical lock rod. The camming finger and keeper housing are designed so that when force is applied against a latched
4172539
Aerator nozzle
October 30, 1979
An aerating or fluidizing device is located adjacent the gravity discharge opening of a hopper. The device is in the form of a flexible, resilient member fixed so that a marginal edge normally contacts and defines an interface with an associated surface. Air under pressure is fed to the
4170376
Dimpled door hardware
October 9, 1979
An over-the-road vehicle in the nature of a trailer or a van has a body provided with an open end formed by oppositely disposed side pillars, a header and a sill. A pair of doors are hinged to the pillars with channel members secured near the opposite door edges having bearings at the en
4162090
Vehicle axle suspension assembly
July 24, 1979
An axle suspension assembly for vehicles has a trailing arm which is connected to the axle by means of a locator plate that is welded to the axle housing and heat shrunk on to the arm, the plate and the clamping pad that engages the opposite side of the arm having relieved faces that ser
4157747
Brake assembly
June 12, 1979
The brake assembly in an air brake system where the brake shoes have double mounting flanges is simplified both as to ease of assembly/disassembly and as to number of conponents by anchoring each brake shoe so that, in operative position, it is fixedly pivoted on an anchor pin but may be
4151802
Bottom rail construction
May 1, 1979
The disclosure relates to a load bearing, post-free sidewall for an over-the-road trailer or the like. A bottom rail of the sidewall is attached to the floor of the trailer and secures the sidewall thereto. Each of the sidewalls comprises a pair of substantially parallel, vertically
4150840
Automatic supports
April 24, 1979
A trailer having a front undercarriage assembly including lower members or "feet" that are adapted to automatically retract when the trailer is coupled to a tractor. Direct mechanical linkages are provided throughout the retracting mechanism to insure positive operation of the apparatus.
4145080
Meat rail support system
March 20, 1979
The disclosure relates to a meat rail support system for refrigerator trailers having post-free, foam-filled walls. An outer top rail of the trailer side wall is secured to the outer skin of the side wall. An inwardly extending flange is positioned above the side wall and is either i
4089558
Roof system for vans
May 16, 1978
The disclosure relates to a support structure for a thin sheet metal roof skin for an over-the-road trailer or van. The roof skin is supported on transverse roof bows which are secured to side rails mounted on the top of side wall posts. The bows are of slightly convex form and are of V-
4085966
Door header construction
April 25, 1978
A combination door header and rain gutter for a trailer is disclosed. A generally U-shaped section having vertically oriented leg portions of different height extends across the top of a door opening of the trailer. A substantially Z-shaped closure member is secured to the upper edges of
4051286
Dual adhesive method and article
September 27, 1977
An automated process of making reinforced roof and wall sheets for trucks and trailers employs step-by-step advancement of the sheet rock and lateral infeed of the structural reinforcing members. As the reinforcing members are sequentially fed into registry with the sheet stock, two kind
4049285
Aluminum platform trailer
September 20, 1977
A platform trailer comprises a plurality of extruded aluminum floor boards, which are approximately four inches in thickness centrally of the trailer. The floor boards transversely outward of the center portion taper to a thickness of approximately 21/2 inches at the side edges of the tr
4046278
Air cargo container
September 6, 1977
A cargo container formed of extruded light metal framing members and cooperating panels is made in subassemblies composed of parts which are secured together primarily by riveting, the subassemblies also being secured to one another primarily by riveting, although certain key fasteni
4029349
Door hardware
June 14, 1977
Fastening means for a hinged door consists of a locking cam shaped like an elongated hooked finger, swingable about a vertical axis to and from overengaged relation with a keeper pin to secure and release the door. The cam is tapered to reduced vertical thickness toward its free end and
4015876
Wedge type trailer body
April 5, 1977
The disclosure relates to trailer or semi-trailer body of the wedge type having a horizontal roof and a rearwardly downwardly sloping floor providing a greater height at the rear opening than at the front. The body is of unique construction having the posts and front wall parallel to eac
3990720
Upper coupler plate assembly
November 9, 1976
The disclosure relates to the configuration and method of fabrication of the forward underbody of a semitrailer. A lower plate of the underbody has two inverted channels welded thereto. A kingpin extends downwardly through an aperture in the lower plate and is welded in position between
3989289
Door hardware
November 2, 1976
A generally arcuate camming finger is disposed at each end of a vertical lock rod which is rockable about its axis and which extends above and below the edges of a door of a cargo vehicle body such as an enclosed freight-hauling semi-trailer, or a large container for cargo. The lock rod
3984961
Composite extruded floor
October 12, 1976
The disclosure relates to a solution to the problem of distortion and deformation of the floor of a lightweight shipping container. Heretofore, relatively heavy loading of lightweight shipping containers has caused the floor thereof to deflect sufficiently to distort the side walls and e
3971688
Method of making an elongate, transversely reinforced metal sheet
July 27, 1976
An automated process of making reinforced roof and wall sheets for trucks and trailers employs step-by-step advancement of the sheet stock and lateral infeed of the structural reinforcing members. As the reinforcing members are sequentially fed into registry with the sheet stock, two kin
3962015
Method of assembling roof sheets to roof bows
June 8, 1976
In the making of vehicle bodies such as truck and trailer bodies, the roof sheets are secured to the roof bows by means of a hot melt adhesive. Premature cooling of the adhesive which otherwise does not allow sufficient time to position the roof sheet and then mate it with the roof b
3951443
Security lock
April 20, 1976
A security system for double doors which incorporates keeper blocks secured to the doors near their free edges in positions such that they overlap vertically when the doors are closed. The blocks have holes extending vertically therethrough which align when the doors are closed to form a
3933549
Laminated floor manufacturing method
January 20, 1976
A method of manufacturing foam filled laminated planks which includes continuous means for forming and feeding a longitudinally corrugated plastic reinforcing core between, and bonding it to, top and bottom cover sheet laminae consisting of roll-fed strips of resin-impregnated fabric.
3933280
Bulk cargo unloader aerator
January 20, 1976
Apparatus for aerating and assisting the discharge of pulverulent or finely divided dry cargo such as bulk Portland cement comprises a discharge hopper with a sloping bottom having a port in its sloping wall and a cylindrical aerating assembly insertable and removable through the port
US1313087 – Supporting Jack - Filed Feb 10, 1919 - Issued Aug 12, 1919 – inventor Ernest F. Hartwick - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This device was created as a “supporting jack” to be used to hold up the end of a trailer, when the trailer is disconnected from its tractor.
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US1351245 – Fifth Wheel - Filed Dec 24, 1919 - Issued Aug 31, 1920 - inventor Ernest F. Hartwick - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to the connecting devices between automotive tractors and two-wheeled trailers, sometimes called semitrailers, and its object is to provide a novel fifth wheel and a simple, strong, self-closing locking device whereby the trailer may be secured to the tractor.
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US1850531 – Trailer vehicle - Filed Sep 7, 1923 - Issued Mar 22, 1932 - inventor Addi Benjamin Cadman - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention was created to produce a vehicle in which the load on the trailer will be distributed more evenly over the rear wheels of the tractor and the trailer, so that heavier loads can be carried as well as better traction on the rear tractor wheels, and whereby the tractor and trailer may be coupled and uncoupled automatically with less shock than has been placed upon vehicles of this construction heretofore.
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US1568560 – Semitrailer - Filed Feb 8, 1924 - Issued Jan 5, 1926 - inventor Charles H. Land Jr. - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co. on Nov 13, 1928 as USRE17132.
When the tractor backs into the semitrailer, the latch hooks automatically to engage with the locking bar on the truck. The supporting unit then swings from its forward position to a vertical position during the travel on the truck tracks of the wheels on the front of the trailer frame.
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USRE17132 – Semitrailer - Filed Feb 8, 1924 - Issued Nov 13, 1928 - inventor Charles H. Land Jr. - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
(See above US1568560.)
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US1613728 – Trailer - Filed Mar 12, 1924 - Issued Jan 11, 1927- inventors Harvey C. Fruehauf and Charles Lawrence Schneider – assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention permits the lowering of not only the truck frame, but also the trailer frame, permitting the standardization of trailer frames. In high truck frames in a trailer of this design it has been necessary to build special trailer frames for each job. With the trailer frame dropped down below the tops of the wheels, this frame can be used in accordance with the needs of a particular job. They are ordinarily built of wood, making construction easier. This results in cost savings in trailer manufacture.
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US1540502 – Removable drawbar for vehicles - Filed Mar 27, 1924 - Issued Jun 2, 1925 - inventors Harvey C. Fruehauf and Charles Lawrence Schneider - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention is in regard to trailer construction known as the reversible trailer. It can automatically and centrally lock the swiveling trucks to the trailer frame. It can also render the locking device ineffective when it is desired to tow the trailer and to allow the steering of the front swiveling truck. This invention also provides a tongue lock which allows the trailer to be coupled or uncoupled from the tractor allowing the trailer to be towed at either end, locking the trailer so that it will not become uncoupled from the tractor during transit.
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US1681433 – Vehicle Spring Suspension - Filed Aug 14, 1925 - Issued Aug 21, 1928 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention provides a special form of spring suspension which will permit the springs to be under-slung on the axle and which will form a strong and reliable support for the gear frame, and do away with the necessity of a cross rod under the chassis frame for bracing the spring hangers.
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US1637456 – Steering Gear for Trailers - Filed Nov 4, 1925 - Issued Aug 2, 1927 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention consists of the provision of a very simple and compact steering mechanism which may be quickly and readily attached as a unit to the standard frame or chassis of a trailer without the use of any supporting bars, cross members, or other additional structure.
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US1673846 - Vehicle for transporting heavy loads - Filed Jun 23, 1926 - Issued Jun 19, 1928 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention is a vehicle that can transport a heavy load such as earth moving equipment which can damage the roadway. The trailer is designed with wheels in sufficient numbers to prevent damage to the road. The vehicle frame is designed to more adequately support and distribute the load and thus prevent road damage.
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US1611947 – Semi-trailer and support - Filed Jul 9, 1926 - Issued Dec 28, 1926 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid -assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
The current semi-trailer has a support in the form of a frame-like structure. The frame is secured to the trailer so that it can be lifted from the ground when the trailer is attached to the tractor. This lifting is accomplished automatically as the trailer locks in place. When the trailer is detached from the tractor it is held up by a support. This newly designed support prevents undue jamming and breaking of parts and damage when the trailer has been lifted.
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US1640217 – Running-gear structure for vehicles - Filed Dec 3, 1926 - Issued Aug 23, 1927 – inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention was designed for use on heavy duty vehicles that transport heavy loads over highways. It provides wheels in sufficient number to distribute the weight over the roadway so as not to damage the roadway. The wheels are arranged in pairs, each pair being mounted for pivotal movement over irregularities in the roadway without materially reducing the road surface.
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US1903136 – Radius rod and axle construction - Filed Dec 31, 1926 - Issued Mar 28, 1933 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
The invention is concerned with keeping the axles of a vehicle of the trailer type in proper alignment where springs are used between the axles and the vehicle frame, and which are adapted to flex as the vehicle moves over an irregular surface.
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US1770572 – Semitrailer support - Filed Feb 5, 1927 - Issued Jul 15, 1930 - inventors Harvey C. Fruehauf and Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to semi-trailer support which supports the forward end of the trailer when it is not connected to a tractor or truck.
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US1742413 – Pole trailer – Filed Feb. 11, 1927 – Issued Jan 7, 1930 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention has to do with a pole trailer, which is one that consists of a single pair of wheels having a frame construction and a reach for connecting it to a tractor.
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US1724364 – Side-dump vehicle - Filed Oct 15, 1927 - Issued Aug 13, 1929 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to a side dump vehicle, with special reference to a construction for holding the body upright in load supporting position and which readily permits movement of the body to either side to discharge a load.
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US1842050 – Vehicle brake - Filed Jan 18, 1928 - Issued Jan 19, 1932 -inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This is a system used when heavy loads are being carried, requiring brakes be applied to the trailer wheels as well as to the wheels of the truck. Mechanical means are provided at the point where the two vehicles are connected so that no difficulties are involved in connecting and disconnecting the vehicles, and in combination with this mechanical connection is a fluid actuating means permanently fixed to one vehicle. More powerful application of the brakes may be had than when manual operation alone is used.
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US1690247 – Heavy-duty vehicle - Filed Jun 23, 1926 - Issued Nov 6, 1928 – inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid – assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
It is recognized that roads are damaged where insufficient road contact is provided by the wheels of a vehicle. In many places, especially in cities, certain specifications must be complied with in transporting heavy loads, in order that the load be distributed over a sufficient area on the road to prevent damage to the same. A vehicle is contemplated which is of such a construction that loads in the neighborhood of 80 tons, or more, may be transported.
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US1877970 – Tandem wheel construction - Filed Mar 12, 1930 - Issued Sep 20, 1932 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
The construction of this invention is useful for various types of vehicles, such as a semi-trailer, wherein the rear of the trailer frame is supported by ground engaging wheels and the forward end rests upon a tractor.
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US1898854 – Semitrailer frame construction - Filed Mar 15, 1930 - Issued Feb 21, 1933 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention contemplates a novel mounting of the semitrailer support and operating mechanism within the frame channels, which face inwardly, and is in this regard a simplified supporting structure.
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US1877052 – Vehicle running gear - Filed Nov 3, 1930 - Issued Sep 13, 1932 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to the running gear of a vehicle, especially those that employ wheels arranged in tandem. It is adapted for use on semitrailers wherein the front end of the trailer frame is supported on a truck and the rear end has its own running gear.
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US1910181 – Vehicle brake - Filed Nov 10, 1930 - Issued May 23, 1933 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention is a power application for brakes. The power means for applying the trailer brakes may take the form of fluid pressure although other power means may be employed.
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US1892004 – Tractor trailer combination - Filed Nov 13, 1930 - Issued Dec 27, 1932 – inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
The invention is directed to the provision of a combination which embodies generally a tractor, a trailer, and what may be termed a dolly wherein the trailer may be used in combination with the tractor alone after the manner of what is known as a tractor-semi-trailer combination, or by embodying the dolly, the trailer may take the form of a full or four wheel trailer.
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US1922395 – Tractor semitrailer - Filed Jan 29, 1932 - Issued Aug 15, 1933 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention is directed to an improved arrangement at the coupling between the tractor and semitrailer by means of which certain controls may be effected on the trailer by an operator or the like on the tractor.
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US1958926 – Transportation of automobiles - Filed Feb 2, 1934 - Issued May 15, 1934 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to a method of loading three automobiles on a semitrailer for transportation.
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US2022869 – Vehicle body - Filed Mar 31, 1934 - Issued Dec 3, 1935 – inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
The main object of this invention is to form the base of a vehicle body with laterally extending rub rails which are interconnected by cross elements, to support the upwardly projecting elements of the body sides on the inner faces of the rub rail to be protected thereby, to have the pillars of a closed body construction disposed adjacent to the inner faces of the rub rails and secured thereto and braced against longitudinal movement by associated elements which are also secured to the rub rail.
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US2120509 – Locking device for semitrailers - Filed May 14, 1937 - Issued Jun 14, 1938 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
It is an object of this invention to provide a king-pin locking mechanism for a semi-trailer which is positive in action; to provide a structure of the type that is simple in construction and economical to manufacture.
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USD107699 – Design for a trailer vehicle - Filed Nov 1, 1937 - Issued Dec 28, 1937 – inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This is a new, original, and ornamental design for a Trailer Vehicle.
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USD107700 – Design for a trailer vehicle - Filed Nov 1, 1937 - Issued Dec 28, 1937 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention is a new, original, and ornamental design for a Trailer Vehicle.
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USD107701S – Design for a trailer vehicle - Filed Nov 1, 1937 - Issued Dec 28, 1937 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
Invented a new, original, and ornamental design for a Trailer Vehicle.
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US2169500A – Tank vehicle - Filed Jul 18, 1938 - Issued Aug 15, 1939 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
A primary object of the invention is to provide improved tank vehicle structures which are light in weight whereby they may carry an increased contents, as compared with prior structures.
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US2256328A - Semitrailer supporting structure - Filed May 3, 1940 - Issued Sep 16, 1941 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to supporting structures for semi-trailers and particularly to means for eliminating certain disadvantages thereof present, in conventional constructions where employed on relatively soft surfaces.
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US2232187 – Supporting leg structure for semitrailers - Filed May 27, 1940 - Issued Feb 18, 1941 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to trailer vehicles and particularly to semi-trailers, the principle object being the provision of a supporting leg structure for the forward end of semi-trailers and particularly to a safety means operated by movement thereof for controlling the connection between the fifth wheel members of the tractor and semi-trailer.
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US2274503 – Brake drum - Filed Feb 3, 1941 - Issued Feb 24, 1942 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to brake drums generally and in a more limited sense to brake drums for motor vehicles and the combination of such drums with the wheels of motor vehicles, the principle object being the provision of a brake drum construction that is simple in construction, economical to manufacture and which will run at a much lower temperature than conventional brake drums under the same conditions in service.
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US2260641 – Tractor trailer brake mechanism - Filed Feb 27, 1941 - Issued Oct 28, 1941 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to brake mechanism for a tractor-trailer combination and particularly to such combination wherein the tractor is provided with fluid operated brakes and the trailer is provided with electrically operated brakes the principle object being the provision of means whereby operation of the brakes on the tractor effects simultaneous operation of the brakes on the trailer, the intensity of the braking effect on the trailer being dependent upon the intensity of the braking effect on the tractor.
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US2311252A – Vehicle undercarriage and brake operating mechanism - Filed Jul 31, 1941 - Issued Feb 16, 1943 – inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
The present invention relates to improvements in heavy duty vehicle undercarriage constructions having brake operating mechanisms associated therewith and particularly relates to improvements in constructions such as that disclosed in US Patent to Frederick M. Reid, No. 1690247, granted November 6, 1928.
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US2318802 – Trailer vehicle - Filed Dec 5, 1941 - Issued May 11, 1943 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to trailer vehicles of the low bed heavy duty type and has for its principle object the provision of a trailer of the type described, enabling the load supporting platform thereof to be positioned below the top of the wheels without necessitating the load being completely elevated above the wheels in being applied to or removed from the vehicle and yet presenting a construction of minimum width for certain purposes.
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US2353267 – Fifth wheel construction - Filed May 14, 1943 - Issued Jul 11, 1944 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to fifth wheel constructions and to a tractor semi-trailer combination connected thereby, the principle object being the provision of a new and novel fifth wheel structure embodying material advantages over similar structures heretofore provided.
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US2384965 – Vehicle body construction - Filed Mar 13, 1944 - Issued Sep 18, 1945 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to side constructions for vehicle bodies, and particularly to an assembly of panels of predetermined form and in a predetermined manner to construct the side portions of a body. This is by way of a trailer body; the side and end walls of such body are formed by a plurality of sheet metal panels suitably secured together to provide strength, each panel containing a plurality of narrow channel sections, each projecting in the same direction from the plane of the panel or web thereof, and spaced by wide web portions.
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US2407345 – Spring suspension - Filed Jun 9, 1944 - Issued Sep 10, 1946 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
Spring suspension for trailer vehicles so constructed and arranged as to function satisfactorily under wide ranges of load imposed thereon.
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US2433158 – Vehicle body - Filed Jan 10, 1945 - Issued Dec 23, 1947 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to a vehicle body either self-propelled or of the trailer type and is of primary value in handling heavy articles.
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US2443478 – Vehicle body - Filed Mar 22, 1945 - Issued Jun 15, 1948 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates to vehicles of the load carrying type and particularly to those employing a tarpaulin for protecting its load against the weather, the principle object being the provision of a body construction for a vehicle of this type having important advantages as compared to conventional types of similar body constructions.
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US2398248 – Heavy duty vehicle - Filed Jun 14, 1945 - Issued Apr 9, 1946 - inventor Frederick Malcolm Reid - assigned to Fruehauf Trailer Co.
This invention relates broadly to heavy duty vehicles and to a novel wheel assembly therefore. This discloses a semi-trailer, the rear portion of which is supported by two four-wheel trucks. The trucks are mounted at opposite sides of the vehicle and the four wheels of each truck are disposed in forward and rearward pairs. By mounting the wheels in this manner, a large road-contacting area is provided and the weight is distributed to minimize damage to the roadway.
Frederick Malcom Reid, replaced Ernest F. Hartwick as Fruehauf's chief engineer. Frederick M. Reid is credited with inventing the automatic semi-trailer and the drop-frame tank semi-trailer for gas and oil transport.
In a "Finance" magazine, April 27, 1951 issue Reid announced plans for the mobile U.S. Highway Post Office van (the one we have the picture of). The same article appeared in the "Blade" dated April 26, 1951.
Shipping Container
US3111341A - Automatic locking system for coupling a shipping container to a vehicle frame or the like
Filed 4-2-1962 - Published 11-19-1963
Inventors Richard T. Fujioka & John W. Harper
Assignee - Fruehauf Corp.
US4046278 - Air cargo container
Filed 9-19-1975 - Published 9-6-1977
Inventors George Chieger, Robert B. Schwartz, Tara N. Banerjea
Assignee - Fruehauf Corp.
US2963310 - Vertical container couplers
Filed 1-20-1959 - Published 12-6-1960
Inventor Andrew Abolins
Assignee - Strick Trailers, a division of Fruehauf Trailer Co.
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Fruehauf Corporation Patents
Assignee:
Fruehauf Corporation
Address:
Detroit, MI
No. of patents:
33
Patents:
Patent Number
Title Of Patent
Date Issued
D274322
Tractor trailer
June 19, 1984
D274321
Trailer
June 19, 1984
4940279
Cargo vehicle wall construction
July 10, 1990
A plate wall cargo vehicle construction is disclosed comprising a multiplicity of light weight laminated panels. Each panel comprises a resinous core material having a metal skin adhesively bonded to each planar surface thereof.
4634144
Sand shoe
January 6, 1987
Disclosed herein is a landing gear assembly having legs extending downward from the underframe of a trailer and having a sand shoe at the ground engaging end thereof. The shoe is articulately joined to the ground engaging end of the leg by a collar circumscribing the ground engaging end
4546852
Adjustable service platform apparatus for a gantry crane
October 15, 1985
An adjustable service platform apparatus for a gantry crane has an elongated base frame generally comforming in size and shape to a conventional load carrying lifting spreader, and twin service platform units secured to opposite lateral ends of the base frame. Work platforms atop the
4457550
Means for reducing vehicle drag
July 3, 1984
An edge for frontal engagement with air flow as occurs when vehicles are moving in an air environment. The edge is elongate and intended to wrap around an existing corner where two substantially planar surfaces intersect, one of the planar surfaces being a front surface and the other
4372603
Double pivot door for cargo vehicles
February 8, 1983
A double pivot or toggle action hinge action and a latching or keeping function are combined in a single entity for the purpose of hinging a door as well as serving as the mechanism to lock the door in a closed position. The combined assembly includes a shaft defining a first pivot axis
4336877
Foldable unloading machine
June 29, 1982
The disclosed unloading machine, which is foldable in height to facilitate its insertion into a ship or the like, comprises an endless train of circular buckets, with axial tension elements therebetween, a foldable vertical leg including two parallel guide tubes, the buckets being movabl
4287759
Device for sensing the tension in a load carrying line
September 8, 1981
An improved load line sensor comprised of a support frame which clamps to the load line, a sensing unit fixed to the support frame, and a pivotal load line operator attached to the support frame in a close spaced relation to the clamping end thereof. The load line which is threaded t
4264003
Foldable unloading machine having full circle swivelling action
April 28, 1981
The disclosed unloading machine is especially well adapted for unloading bulk materials from ships. The machine swivels around a full circle, to afford maximum coverage to take the bulk material. The illustrated machine comprises an endless bucket train, a vertical supporting leg includi
4232891
Door hardware with positive torque
November 11, 1980
A hollow keeper housing is secured to the header or sill of a door of a truck trailer for receiving a generally arcuate camming finger disposed at the end of a rotatable vertical lock rod. The camming finger and keeper housing are designed so that when force is applied against a latched
4172539
Aerator nozzle
October 30, 1979
An aerating or fluidizing device is located adjacent the gravity discharge opening of a hopper. The device is in the form of a flexible, resilient member fixed so that a marginal edge normally contacts and defines an interface with an associated surface. Air under pressure is fed to the
4170376
Dimpled door hardware
October 9, 1979
An over-the-road vehicle in the nature of a trailer or a van has a body provided with an open end formed by oppositely disposed side pillars, a header and a sill. A pair of doors are hinged to the pillars with channel members secured near the opposite door edges having bearings at the en
4162090
Vehicle axle suspension assembly
July 24, 1979
An axle suspension assembly for vehicles has a trailing arm which is connected to the axle by means of a locator plate that is welded to the axle housing and heat shrunk on to the arm, the plate and the clamping pad that engages the opposite side of the arm having relieved faces that ser
4157747
Brake assembly
June 12, 1979
The brake assembly in an air brake system where the brake shoes have double mounting flanges is simplified both as to ease of assembly/disassembly and as to number of conponents by anchoring each brake shoe so that, in operative position, it is fixedly pivoted on an anchor pin but may be
4151802
Bottom rail construction
May 1, 1979
The disclosure relates to a load bearing, post-free sidewall for an over-the-road trailer or the like. A bottom rail of the sidewall is attached to the floor of the trailer and secures the sidewall thereto. Each of the sidewalls comprises a pair of substantially parallel, vertically
4150840
Automatic supports
April 24, 1979
A trailer having a front undercarriage assembly including lower members or "feet" that are adapted to automatically retract when the trailer is coupled to a tractor. Direct mechanical linkages are provided throughout the retracting mechanism to insure positive operation of the apparatus.
4145080
Meat rail support system
March 20, 1979
The disclosure relates to a meat rail support system for refrigerator trailers having post-free, foam-filled walls. An outer top rail of the trailer side wall is secured to the outer skin of the side wall. An inwardly extending flange is positioned above the side wall and is either i
4089558
Roof system for vans
May 16, 1978
The disclosure relates to a support structure for a thin sheet metal roof skin for an over-the-road trailer or van. The roof skin is supported on transverse roof bows which are secured to side rails mounted on the top of side wall posts. The bows are of slightly convex form and are of V-
4085966
Door header construction
April 25, 1978
A combination door header and rain gutter for a trailer is disclosed. A generally U-shaped section having vertically oriented leg portions of different height extends across the top of a door opening of the trailer. A substantially Z-shaped closure member is secured to the upper edges of
4051286
Dual adhesive method and article
September 27, 1977
An automated process of making reinforced roof and wall sheets for trucks and trailers employs step-by-step advancement of the sheet rock and lateral infeed of the structural reinforcing members. As the reinforcing members are sequentially fed into registry with the sheet stock, two kind
4049285
Aluminum platform trailer
September 20, 1977
A platform trailer comprises a plurality of extruded aluminum floor boards, which are approximately four inches in thickness centrally of the trailer. The floor boards transversely outward of the center portion taper to a thickness of approximately 21/2 inches at the side edges of the tr
4046278
Air cargo container
September 6, 1977
A cargo container formed of extruded light metal framing members and cooperating panels is made in subassemblies composed of parts which are secured together primarily by riveting, the subassemblies also being secured to one another primarily by riveting, although certain key fasteni
4029349
Door hardware
June 14, 1977
Fastening means for a hinged door consists of a locking cam shaped like an elongated hooked finger, swingable about a vertical axis to and from overengaged relation with a keeper pin to secure and release the door. The cam is tapered to reduced vertical thickness toward its free end and
4015876
Wedge type trailer body
April 5, 1977
The disclosure relates to trailer or semi-trailer body of the wedge type having a horizontal roof and a rearwardly downwardly sloping floor providing a greater height at the rear opening than at the front. The body is of unique construction having the posts and front wall parallel to eac
3990720
Upper coupler plate assembly
November 9, 1976
The disclosure relates to the configuration and method of fabrication of the forward underbody of a semitrailer. A lower plate of the underbody has two inverted channels welded thereto. A kingpin extends downwardly through an aperture in the lower plate and is welded in position between
3989289
Door hardware
November 2, 1976
A generally arcuate camming finger is disposed at each end of a vertical lock rod which is rockable about its axis and which extends above and below the edges of a door of a cargo vehicle body such as an enclosed freight-hauling semi-trailer, or a large container for cargo. The lock rod
3984961
Composite extruded floor
October 12, 1976
The disclosure relates to a solution to the problem of distortion and deformation of the floor of a lightweight shipping container. Heretofore, relatively heavy loading of lightweight shipping containers has caused the floor thereof to deflect sufficiently to distort the side walls and e
3971688
Method of making an elongate, transversely reinforced metal sheet
July 27, 1976
An automated process of making reinforced roof and wall sheets for trucks and trailers employs step-by-step advancement of the sheet stock and lateral infeed of the structural reinforcing members. As the reinforcing members are sequentially fed into registry with the sheet stock, two kin
3962015
Method of assembling roof sheets to roof bows
June 8, 1976
In the making of vehicle bodies such as truck and trailer bodies, the roof sheets are secured to the roof bows by means of a hot melt adhesive. Premature cooling of the adhesive which otherwise does not allow sufficient time to position the roof sheet and then mate it with the roof b
3951443
Security lock
April 20, 1976
A security system for double doors which incorporates keeper blocks secured to the doors near their free edges in positions such that they overlap vertically when the doors are closed. The blocks have holes extending vertically therethrough which align when the doors are closed to form a
3933549
Laminated floor manufacturing method
January 20, 1976
A method of manufacturing foam filled laminated planks which includes continuous means for forming and feeding a longitudinally corrugated plastic reinforcing core between, and bonding it to, top and bottom cover sheet laminae consisting of roll-fed strips of resin-impregnated fabric.
3933280
Bulk cargo unloader aerator
January 20, 1976
Apparatus for aerating and assisting the discharge of pulverulent or finely divided dry cargo such as bulk Portland cement comprises a discharge hopper with a sloping bottom having a port in its sloping wall and a cylindrical aerating assembly insertable and removable through the port
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