Vehicle load warning system
First Claim
1. A vehicle and load warning system, comprising:
- a vehicle having a first support portion adapted to receive a load thereon, a frame coupled to the first support portion, and a second support portion coupled to the frame, the frame being movable relative to the second support portion;
an engagement portion movable with the one of the second support portion or the frame;
a load indicator coupled to the other one of the second support portion or the frame, the load indicator spaced apart from the engagement portion when in a first position and configured to move to a second position and engage the engagement portion when the frame moves a selected distance relative to the second support portion in response to the load being applied to the first support portion, the load indicator having a switch assembly and a member coupled to the switch assembly, the member being resiliently moveable against the engagement portion after the load indicator is moved to the second position; and
a warning indicator coupled to the load indicator and configured to provide a signal indicating an overload condition in response to the load indicator moving to the second position.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A load warning system for use with a vehicle having a load-support portion, a frame, and a vehicle-support portion movably coupled to the frame. The system has an engagement portion mountable to the vehicle-support portion or the frame and is movable therewith as a unit. A load indicator is mountable to the other one of the vehicle-support portion or the frame, and is spaced apart from the engagement portion when in a first position. The load indicator moves to a second position and engages the engagement portion when the frame moves a selected distance in response to the load applied to the load-support portion. The load indicator provides a signal upon being moved to the second position. A warning indicator is coupled to the load indicator and provides an improper load warning to a user in response to the signal from the load indicator. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims (37 C.F.R. § 1.172(b)).
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A vehicle and load warning system, comprising:
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a vehicle having a first support portion adapted to receive a load thereon, a frame coupled to the first support portion, and a second support portion coupled to the frame, the frame being movable relative to the second support portion;
an engagement portion movable with the one of the second support portion or the frame;
a load indicator coupled to the other one of the second support portion or the frame, the load indicator spaced apart from the engagement portion when in a first position and configured to move to a second position and engage the engagement portion when the frame moves a selected distance relative to the second support portion in response to the load being applied to the first support portion, the load indicator having a switch assembly and a member coupled to the switch assembly, the member being resiliently moveable against the engagement portion after the load indicator is moved to the second position; and
a warning indicator coupled to the load indicator and configured to provide a signal indicating an overload condition in response to the load indicator moving to the second position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A vehicle and load warning system, comprising:
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a vehicle having a first support portion adapted to receive a load thereon, a frame coupled to the first support portion, and a second support portion coupled to the frame, the frame being vertically movable relative to the second support portion and being rotatable about a point of rotation relative to the second support portion;
an engagement portion movable with the one of the second support portion or the frame;
a load indicator coupled to the other one of the second support portion or the frame, the load indicator spaced apart from the engagement portion when in a first position and configured to move to a second position and engage the engagement portion when the frame moves vertically and rotationally a selected distance relative to the second support portion in response to the load being applied to the first support portion, the load indicator having a switch assembly and a member coupled to the switch, the member being directly engagable with the engagement portion; and
a warning indicator coupled to the load indicator and configured to provide a signal in response to the load indicator moving to the second position. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26-49. -49. (canceled)
Specification