IP Library › Granted Patent US 6,848,546
Granted Patent B2
US 6,848,546 · App. 10/264,291 · Granted Feb 1, 2005

Surge brake actuator

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 6,848,546
App. No.
10/264,291
Granted
Feb 1, 2005
Kind
B2
Abstract

A surge brake actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes an actuator housing and a coupler housing movably engaged within the actuator housing. Upper and lower coupler slide channels formed from a plastic material are releasably connected to the coupler housing and contact the actuator housing. The plastic coupler slide channels reduce frictional loss and provides superior brake actuation output when the coupler housing retracts into the actuator housing during braking. The surge brake actuator includes a push rod assembly that also provides superior brake actuation output to the actuator and can engage the actuator during a breakaway event. The surge brake actuator includes a releasably engagable reverse lock that prevents brake actuation while the towing vehicle moves in reverse.

Claims (53)

1. A surge brake actuator comprising:

an actuator housing;

a coupler housing telescopically engaged with said actuator housing such that said coupler housing extends and retracts within said actuator housing; and

a plastic upper coupler housing slide channel conencted to said coupler housing, said plastic upper coupler slide channel including a protrustion extending from a wall of said upper coupler slide channel extending within said coupler housing; and

a plastic lower coupler slide channel connected to said coupler housing by way of a plurality of flanges on said plastic lower coupler slide channel that correspond to a plurality of openings on said coupler housing;

wherein a portion of said upper coupler slide channel and said lower coupler slide channel are in contact with an inner portion of said actuator housing.

2. The surge brake actuator of claim 1 , wherein said protrusion includes a plurality of teeth on a side of said protrusion.

3. The surge brake actuator of claim 1 , wherein said plastic upper coupler slide channel and plastic lower coupler slide channel each further comprises at least one rail along a longitudinal edge of said slide channel.

4. A surge brake actuator comprising:

an actuator housing;

a coupler housing telescopically engaged with said actuator housing such that said coupler housing extends and retracts within said actuator housing;

a braking system connected to said actuator housing;

an offset push rod having a first end connected to said coupler housing and a second end connected to said braking system;

a push rod slide connected to said offset push rod, wherein said push rod slide comprises a plurality of teeth on a side of said push rod slide.

5. The surge brake actuator of claim 4 , further comprising a bracket attached to said coupler housing and a collar at an end of said push rod slide, said bracket abutting said collar.

6. A surge brake actuator comprising:

an actuator housing;

a coupler housing telescopically engaged within said actuator housing;

a braking system connected to said actuator housing;

a push rod having a first end connected to said coupler housing and a second end connected to said braking system; and

a push rod slide encircling a portion of said push rod, said push rod slide comprising a plurality of teeth on a side of said puch rod slide.

7. The surge brake actuator of claim 6 , wherein said push rod is an offset push rod.

8. The surge brake actuator of claim 6 , wherein said push rod slide defines an aperture for the inclusion of a lanyard end.

9. The surge brake actuator of claim 6 further comprising at least one coupler slide channel connected to said coupler housing.

10. The surge brake actuator of claim 9 , wherein said coupler slide channel is an upper coupler slide channel having a protrusion extending outwardly from said slide channel.

11. The surge brake actuator of claim 10 , wherein said protrusion includes a plurality of teeth on a side of said protrusion.

12. The surge brake actuator of claim 9 , wherein said slide channel is plastic.

13. A surge brake actuator comprising;

an offset push rod;

a push rod slide connected to a portion of said push rod, wherein said push rod slide defines an aperture on a longitudinal axis of said push rod slide; and

a compression spring encircling a portion of said push rod and abutting said push rod slide.

14. The surge brake actuator of claim 13 further comprising a lanyard having an end releasably secured in said aperture of said push rod slide.

15. The surge brake actuator of claim 13 , further comprising a collar at an end of said push rod slide and a bracket, said bracket abutting said collar.

16. A surge brake actuator comprising:

an actuator housing;

a coupler housing telescopically engaged with said actuator housing such that the coupler housing extends and retracts within said actuator housing;

and a reverse lock positioned between said actuator housing and said coupler housing, said reverse lock comprising a lever extending from said reverse lock, and said lock further comprising an engaging portion on an edge of said lock, said engaging portion releasably engaged to said coupler housing.

17. The surge brake actuator of claim 16 , further comprising a tension spring having a first end attached to said reverse lock and a second end attached to said actuator housing.

18. The surge brake actuator of claim 17 , wherein said reverse lock includes a retainer extending from said reverse lock, said first end of said tension spring attached to said retainer.

19. The surge brake actuator of claim 16 , wherein said engaging portion is contoured.

20. The surge brake actuator of claim 19 , wherein said engaging portion is substantially U-shaped.

21. The surge brake actuator of claim 16 , wherein said engaging portion disengages from said coupler housing when said coupler housing extends from said actuator housing.

22. A surge brake actuator comprising:

an actuator housing;

a coupler housing telescopically engaged with said actuator housing such that said coupler housing extends and retracts within said actuator housing;

a braking system connected to said actuator housing;

an offset push rod having a first end connected to said coupler housing and a second end connected to said braking system;

a push rod slide connected to said puch rod; and

a lanyard having an end connected to said push rod slide.

23. A surge brake actuator comprising;

an offset push rod;

a push rod slide connected to a portion of said push rod, wherein said push rod slide comprises a plurality of teeth on a side of said push rod slide; and

a compression spring encircling a portion of said push rod and abutting said push rod slide.

Assignments (17)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 9, 2021
From: CORTLAND CAPITAL MARKET SERVICES LLC, SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS COLLATERAL AGENT (AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.)
To: HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION; WESTFALIA-AUTOMOTIVE GMBH; HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.; CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 055262/0842 →
ASSIGNMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Recorded Apr 22, 2020
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: CORTLAND CAPITAL MARKET SERVICES LLC
Reel/Frame 052463/0091 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 25, 2020
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
To: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 052918/0733 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jul 22, 2015
From: CEQUENT TOWING PRODUCTS, INC.
To: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 036150/0317 →
MERGER Recorded Jul 21, 2015
From: CEQUENT TRAILER PRODUCTS, INC.
To: CEQUENT TOWING PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 036148/0138 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME (024120/0535) Recorded Jul 16, 2015
From: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS SECOND LIEN AGENT
To: CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 036125/0710 →
SECURITY INTEREST (ABL) Recorded Jul 8, 2015
From: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 036082/0668 →
SECURITY INTEREST (TERM LOAN) Recorded Jul 6, 2015
From: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 036062/0554 →
RELEASE OF REEL/FRAME 026712/0001 Recorded Nov 15, 2013
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: ARROW ENGINE COMPANY; CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.; LAMONS GASKET COMPANY; MONOGRAM AEROSPACE FASTENERS, INC.; RIEKE CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 031645/0591 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 13, 2012
From: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
To: TRIMAS CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 029291/0265 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 7, 2011
From: ARROW ENGINE COMPANY, AN OKLAHOMA CORPORATION; CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC., AN OHIO CORPORATION; CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC., A MICHIGAN CORPORATION; LAMONS GASKET COMPANY, A TEXAS CORPORATION; MONOGRAM AEROSPACE FASTENERS, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION; RIEKE CORPORATION, AN INDIANA CORPORATION
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 026712/0001 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 5, 2011
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: TRIMAS CORPORATION; ARROW ENGINE COMPANY; BEAUMONT BOLT & GASKET, INC.; CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT TOWING PRODUCTS, INC.; COMPAC CORPORATION; CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.; CUYAM CORPORATION; DEW TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; DI-RITE COMPANY; ENTEGRA FASTENER CORPORATION; FULTON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.; HAMMERBLOW ACQUISITION CORP.; THE HAMMERBLOW COMPANY, LLC; HI-VOL PRODUCTS LLC; INDUSTRIAL BOLT & GASKET, INC.; KEO CUTTERS, INC.; LAKE ERIE PRODUCTS CORPORATION; LAMONS GASKET COMPANY; LAMONS METAL GASKET CO.; LOUISIANA HOSE & RUBBER CO.; MONOGRAM AEROSPACE FASTENERS, INC.; NETCONG INVESTMENTS, INC.; NI INDUSTRIES, INC.; NI WEST, INC.; NORRIS CYLINDER COMPANY; NORRIS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.; NORRIS INDUSTRIES, INC.; PLASTIC FORM, INC.; REESE PRODUCTS, INC.; RESKA SPLINE PRODUCTS, INC.; RIEKE CORPORATION; RIEKE OF INDIANA, INC.; RIEKE LEASING CO., INCORPORATED; RIEKE OF MEXICO, INC.; TOWING HOLDING LLC; TRIMAS COMPANY LLC; TRIMAS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC; WESBAR CORPORATION; DRAW-TITE, INC.; RICHARDS MICRO-TOOL, INC.
Reel/Frame 026706/0434 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded May 4, 2010
From: TRIMAS COMPANY, LLC FKA K.S. DISPOSITION, INC; TRIMAS COMPANY LLC; TRIMAS CORPORATION; ARROW ENGINE COMPANY; BEAUMONT BOLT & GASKET, INC.; TRIMAS COMPANY LLC FKA COMMONWEALTH DISPOSITION, LLC; COMPAC CORPORATION; CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.; CUYAM CORPORATION; DI-RITE COMPANY; DRAW-TITE, INC.; ENTEGRA FASTENER CORPORATION; FULTON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT TOWING PRODUCTS, INC. FKA HITCH 'N POST, INC.; INDUSTRIAL BOLT & GASKET, INC.; KEO CUTTERS, INC.; LAKE ERIE SCREW CORPORATION; LAMONS METAL GASKET CO.; LOUISIANA HOSE & RUBBER CO.; MONOGRAM AEROSPACE FASTENERS, INC.; NETCONG INVESTMENTS, INC.; TRIMAS COMPANY LLC FKA NI FOREIGN MILITARY SALES CORP.; NI INDUSTRIES, INC.; NI WEST, INC.; NORRIS CYLINDER COMPANY; NORRIS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.; NORRIS INDUSTRIES, INC.; PLASTIC FORM, INC.; REESE PRODUCTS, INC.; RESKA SPLINE PRODUCTS, INC.; RICHARDS MICRO-TOOL, INC.; RIEKE CORPORATION; RIEKE OF INDIANA, INC.; RIEKE OF MEXICO; RIEKE LEASING CO.; TRIMAS COMPANY, LLC FKA TRIMAS FASTENERS, INC.; TRIMAS COMPANY, LLC FKA TRIMAS SERVICES CORP.; WESBAR CORPORATION
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 024390/0471 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Mar 23, 2010
From: TRIMAS CORPORATION; TRIMAS COMPANY LLC; ARROW ENGINE COMPANY; CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.; COMPAC CORPORATION; DEW TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; HI-VOL PRODUCTS LLC; KEO CUTTERS, INC.; LAKE ERIE PRODUCTS CORPORATION; MONOGRAM AEROSPACE FASTENERS, INC; NI INDUSTRIES, INC.; NORRIS CYLINDER COMPANY; RICHARDS MICRO-TOOL, INC.; RIEKE CORPORATION; RIEKE LEASING CO.; RIEKE OF MEXICO, INC.; THE HAMMERBLOW COMPANY, LLC; TRIMAS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC; LAMONS GASKET COMPANY; TOWING HOLDING LLC
To: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS SECOND LIEN AGENT
Reel/Frame 024120/0535 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Oct 14, 2003
From: FULTON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.
To: CEQUENT TRAILER PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 014047/0758 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Aug 26, 2003
From: FULTON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.
To: CEQUENT TRAILER PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 013914/0950 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 19, 2003
From: ROLL, MICHAEL J.; OKERLUND, KAWA-SHE-QUEON WM., (KASH OKERLUND)
To: FULTON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 013759/0095 →