Powered side panel system for a trailer
OwnerGarrett Stokesinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A powered side panel system is used in conjunction with a loading bed found on trailers and other flatbed vehicles. The system includes a side panel having a vertical member. The side panel is configured to pivot about a panel axis in communication with the trailer. A lever arm extends between the side panel and the trailer. The system includes a reciprocating assembly to operate the lever arm between a lowered and raised orientation. The reciprocating assembly communicates with the lever arm through a cable. The lever arm controls the rate of radial motion of the side panel about the panel axis. A control unit is configured to regulate the operation of the actuator device.
Claims17
A powered side panel system for a trailer, comprising:
- a side panel having a vertical member, the side panel configured to pivot about a panel axis;
- a lever arm having a lever axis for which to rotate about, the lever arm contacting the vertical member;
- a reciprocating assembly coupled to the trailer, the reciprocating assembly in contact with the lever arm through a cable, the reciprocating assembly configured to apply and release tension on the cable so as to adjust the orientation of the lever arm between a raised orientation and a lowered orientation, rotation of the lever arm induces rotational movement of the side panel;
- a control unit configured to regulate the operation of the reciprocating assembly;
- wherein the reciprocating assembly includes a first frame member and a second frame member, the second frame member is configured to translate within a portion of the first frame member in a linear manner;
- and
- an end plate coupled between an airbag and at least one of the first frame member and the second frame member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.