Method and apparatus for repositioning a tandem axle assembly of a trailer

• US 9,032,633 B2
• Filed: 01/16/2012
• Issued: 05/19/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 04/10/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Steven C. Pittman
• Original Assignee: Steven C. Pittman
• Inventors: Pittman, Steven C.
• Primary Examiner(s): FULTON, CHRISTOPHER W
• Application Number:
  US13/351,198
• Publication Number:
  US 20120255151A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,219 Days
• Field of Search: 332/64, 294/071
• US Class Current: 33/264
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/36 for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers , visual guide means, signalling aids B60D1/465 takes precedence; vehicle signalling in general B60Q; optical arrangements specially adapted for viewing trailer-hitches B60R1/003
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49764 with testing or indicating
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/4978 Assisting assembly or disassembly

Abstract

A portable device is used to aid a semi-truck driver in the repositioning of a tandem axle assembly of a trailer. The portable device may be easily attached and removed from the trailer'"'"'s sub-frame during operation. The device will signal the driver visually when reaching the desired position during adjustment of the tandem axle assembly to a new location. The device may reduce time and increase safety for the driver during the tandem axle assembly repositioning operation. The device may be positioned at or near the desired tandem axle assembly position. A flap may pivotally hang in a position where a tire from the tandem axle assembly may deflect and pivot the flap when the tandem axle assembly reaches its desired position. A driver may see this flap deflection and know, with certainty, that they have achieved the desired tandem axle assembly position.

Claims

1. A positioning tool for assisting in repositioning a tandem axle assembly on a trailer, the positioning tool comprising:

a handle having a longitudinal axis;

one or more magnets disposed on one side, on one end of the handle along the longitudinal axis thereof;

a hinge disposed opposite the one or more magnets, the hinge pivotable about a hinge axis, the hinge axis being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle; and

a flap disposed on the hinge, where the flap is adapted to pivot on the hinge relative to the handle.

2. The positioning tool of claim 1, further comprising two magnets disposed on the handle.

3. The positioning tool of claim 1, wherein the hinge is a butt hinge.

4. The positioning tool of claim 1, further comprising a reflective material disposed on at least one side of the flap.

5. The positioning tool of claim 4, wherein the reflective material is reflective tape.

6. The positioning tool of claim 5, wherein the reflective tape is disposed on a lower portion of the flap.

7. The positioning tool of claim 1, wherein the flap is removably attached to the hinge.

8. The positioning tool of claim 7, wherein a hook and loop fastener is used to removably attach the flap to the hinge.

9. The positioning tool of claim 1, wherein the handle includes two offset parallel surfaces, with the one or more magnets disposed on one of the two offset parallel surfaces.

10. A positioning tool for assisting in repositioning a tandem axle assembly on a trailer, the positioning tool comprising:

a handle having a longitudinal axis;

first and second magnets disposed on one side, on one end of the handle along the longitudinal axis thereof;

a hinge disposed opposite the first and second magnets, the hinge pivotable about a hinge axis, the hinge axis being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle;

a flap removably disposed on the hinge, where the flap is adapted to pivot on the hinge relative to the handle; and

a reflective material disposed at least on a portion of the flap.

11. A method for repositioning a tandem axle assembly of a trailer, the method comprising:

determining wherein a forward-most locking pin is to be relocated to;

temporarily affixing a positioning tool to a sub-frame of the trailer, the positioning tool comprising a handle having a longitudinal axis;

one or more magnets disposed on one side, on one end of the handle along the longitudinal axis thereof;

a hinge disposed opposite the one or more magnets, the hinge pivotable about a hinge axis, the hinge axis being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle; and

a flap disposed on the hinge, where the flap is adapted to pivot on the hinge relative to the handle;

disengaging the locking pins of the tandem axle assembly;

setting a tandem axle assembly brake;

moving the tractor and trailer forward until the flap is in front of the tandem axle assembly;

moving the trailer backward until the flap is pushed upward by a tire of the tandem axle assembly;

releasing the locking pin handle; and

locking the locking pins into locking pin holes.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising placing a mark on the tandem axle assembly at a location of the locking pins.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the positioning tool is applied to the sub-frame of the trailer without first repositioning the tandem axle assembly.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the trailer is moved backward until the flap is pushed upward to about a 20 degree angle.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising moving the trailer slightly forward or backward to lock the locking pins into the locking pin holes.