Body Prop Assembly
Patent Number: US 11167607 Grant Date: 2021-11-09 Filing Date: 2018-02-20
Overview
Filed in February 2018 and granted in November 2021, this patent describes a robust body prop assembly designed to support and control tilting portions of trailer assemblies commonly used on vacuum trucks and other tilting vehicles. Inventors based in Navasota, TX and applicant Global Vacuum Systems developed a hinged upper prop that works in concert with paired sidetracks and sliding lower guides to create a reliable, one‑way locking and release mechanism. The design integrates welded L‑brackets, dual‑level track assemblies, and pivoting flaps that trap the lower guides under load, allowing the prop to hold the vessel at a safe incline and to reset or release as the trailer tilts.
The disclosure emphasizes practical manufacturing details and geometry—framed metal construction, hinge-eye fasteners defining an upper axis, and a track geometry that permits controlled forward/backward sliding into a trap. The assembly forms a predictable triangle of forces between the tilting hinge, the prop hinge, and the lower guide sliding path, delivering repeatable support and simplified operation for field use.
Key Features
- Filed Feb 2018; granted Nov 2021
- Dual sidetracks with upper/lower levels and one‑way trap
- Hinge assembly with hinge‑eye fasteners defining the upper axis
- Framed metal prop—manufacturable and load‑rated
This mechanically simple yet carefully detailed solution improves safety and serviceability for tilting trailers, with clear applicability across vacuum trucks, dump trucks, and related heavy‑equipment platforms.
Invention Details
Abstract: A body prop assembly for supporting portions of a tilting trailer assembly. Said body prop assembly comprising a body prop, a hinge assembly, two sidetracks. Said body prop assembly configured to attach to said tilting trailer assembly between tilting portions and a trailer platform. Said tilting portions selectively rotate with respect to said trailer platform on a tilting hinge. Said tilting hinge defines a tilting axis of said tilting trailer assembly. Said body prop is configured to selectively hold a portion of said tilting portions at an incline. Lower guides are configured to slide through portions of said two sidetracks in order to adjust a lower portion of said body prop assembly. Said body prop comprises an upper portion, a side portions and said lower guides. Said upper portion is substantially parallel with said lower guides.
Summary of the Invention: A body prop assembly for supporting portions of a tilting trailer assembly. Said body prop assembly comprising a body prop, a hinge assembly, two sidetracks. Said body prop assembly configured to attach to said tilting trailer assembly between tilting portions and a trailer platform. Said tilting portions selectively rotate with respect to said trailer platform on a tilting hinge. Said tilting hinge defines a tilting axis of said tilting trailer assembly. Said body prop is configured to selectively hold a portion of said tilting portions at an incline. Lower guides are configured to slide through portions of said two sidetracks in order to adjust a lower portion of said body prop assembly. Said body prop comprises an upper portion, a side portions and said lower guides. Said upper portion is substantially parallel with said lower guides. Said side portions are substantially perpendicular to said lower guides. Said side portions are substantially perpendicular to said upper portion. A prop hinge brackets are attached to said upper portion. A vessel hinge brackets are attached to a bottom of said tilting portions. Said vessel hinge brackets and said prop hinge brackets comprise one or more hinge eyes to receive a portion of a fastener assemblies. Said fastener assemblies comprise an upper axis of said body prop assembly. Said body prop assembly and said tilting portions rotate relative to one another on said upper axis. Said two sidetracks are attached to side portions of said trailer platform. Said two sidetracks comprise a first sidetrack and a second sidetrack. Said two sidetracks comprise a separation width between said first sidetrack and said second sidetrack. Said lower guides comprises a width. Said width is wider than said separation width. Portions of said lower guides are configured to become trapped within portions of said two sidetracks. Said two sidetracks each comprise an L-bracket and a track assembly.
Patent Document
Related: Mechanical Engineering | Oil & Gas | Transportation | Navasota, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney