Dock height hold device

Abstract

A dock height hold device is provided for a vehicle including a frame supporting a cargo area. A suspension is pivotally connected to the frame and supports an axle. Air springs, which are typically a part of an active ride suspension system, are arranged between the frame and suspension to maintain a ride height between the frame and suspension between vehicle travel. According to the present invention, a pedestal preferably is supported on the suspension. The pedestal is rotatably movable between a hold position in which the pedestal extends from the suspension to a location proximate to the frame and a retracted position in which the pedestal is further from the frame than when in the hold position. An actuator, which is presently mounted between a portion of the suspension and the pedestal, moves the pedestal between the hold and retracted positions for maintaining a desired space in between the suspension and the frame in the hold position. The air springs typically maintain a sufficient space between the frame and the suspension such that the pedestal may be rotated uninhibited into the hold position. In the hold position, there is preferably approximately a ¾ inch clearance between the pedestal and the frame. As a result, the cargo area is permitted to shift an insignificant amount, limited to ¾ inch, during shifts of cargo in the cargo area of the trailer.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.