Method and apparatus for making galvanized upper coupler assembly
AssigneeGreat Dane Limited Partnership
InventorsJerry Woodson McNeil, Richard Bordeaux Mullininx
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of making a galvanized upper coupler assembly for use in a trailer and the corresponding upper coupler assembly apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a frame, covering at least one area of the frame with a mask, galvanizing the portions of the frame that are not covered, removing the mask, providing a kingpin, and attaching the kingpin to the frame. After attachment of the kingpin to the frame, the combined assembly can be coated with a rust resistant coating. if desired, a cover plate can be attached to the frame, over the kingpin.
Claims26
A method of making a galvanized upper coupler assembly of a trailer for use with a lower coupler assembly of a tractor, the method comprising:
- providing a frame including a wall having an upper surface and a lower surface;
- covering a lower surface area of the lower surface with a mask;
- galvanizing the frame, the mask preventing the galvanization of the lower surface area which is covered by the mask;
- removing the mask to expose the lower surface area, the lower surface area being ungalvanized;
- providing a kingpin;
- and
- attaching the kingpin to the wall;
- wherein the lower surface area comprises an area of contact at the lower surface by the lower coupler assembly when the trailer is attached to the tractor by the kingpin and the lower coupler assembly.
A method of making an upper coupler assembly of a trailer for use with a lower coupler assembly of a tractor, the method comprising:
- providing a frame including a wall having an upper surface and a lower surface;
- covering a lower surface area of the lower surface of the wall with a mask;
- galvanizing the lower surface of the wall, the mask preventing the galvanization of the lower surface area of the lower surface which is covered by the mask;
- removing the mask to expose the lower surface area, the lower surface area being ungalvanized;
- and
- providing at the trailer a portion of a pivoting joint for pivotably connecting the trailer and a tractor,
- wherein the lower surface area of the lower surface comprises an area of contact between the lower surface of the wall and the lower coupler assembly as the trailer is pivoted about the pivoting joint relative to the tractor.
A method of making a galvanized upper coupler assembly of a trailer for use with a lower coupler assembly of a tractor to which the trailer is pivotably connectable, the method comprising:
- providing a frame including a wall having an upper surface and a lower surface;
- covering a lower surface area of the lower surface with a mask;
- galvanizing the lower surface, the mask preventing the galvanization of the lower surface area which is covered by the mask;
- and
- removing the mask to expose the lower surface area, the lower surface area being ungalvanized,
- wherein the lower surface area comprises an area of contact at the lower surface by the lower coupler assembly when the trailer is attached to the tractor at the lower coupler assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.