| |
| United States Patent
|
5,638,560 |
| Rigdon , et al. |
June 17, 1997 |
Sleeper bed for over-the-road tractors
Abstract
This invention provides a vibration-free sleeper bed for
over-the-road tractors. More particularly, this invention concerns a
sleeper compartment device which provides a system whereby an
off-duty driver may sleep in a vibration-free bed which remains at a
preselected height, even during the over-the-road operation of the
tractor. This is accomplished by providing a vertically-slidable
support for the bed and using an air spring alongside a shock
absorber to damp vibrations. Also, the bed itself is mounted on
vibration-damping hard rubber mounts.
| Inventors: |
Rigdon; Charles V.
(Salome, AZ), Prefling; David A. (Salome, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
08/578,472 |
| Filed: |
December 26, 1995 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
5/118 ;
296/190.02; 5/136 |
| Current
International Class: |
A47C
17/00 (20060101); A47C 17/80 (20060101); B62D
33/06 (20060101); B60P 003/38 (); B62D 033/06 (); A47C
017/80 (); A47C 017/48 () |
| Field of
Search: |
5/118,94,136,162,309 296/190 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Grosz; Alexander
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An improved over-the-road tractor, of the type including a
tractor cab, comprising, in combination:
a. located rearwardly from said tractor cab, a sleeper compartment
including a generally vertical wall;
b. first frame means attached to said wall of said sleeper
compartment;
c. second frame means for holding a bed;
d. support means for supporting said second frame means in
vertically-sliding relationship with said first frame means; and
e. damping means for insulating said second frame means from the
vertical vibrating of said sleeper compartment during operation of
said tractor.
2. The improved over-the-road tractor of claim 1 wherein said
support means comprises:
a. vertical rod means attached to said first frame means; and
b. mounted on said vertical rod means, bearing means vertically
movable along said vertical rod means and attached to said second
frame means.
3. The improved over-the-road tractor of claim 1, further
comprising:
a. air spring means attached between said first frame means and said
second frame means.
4. The improved over-the-road tractor of claim 3, further
comprising:
a. control valve means for adjusting air supply to said air spring
means to adjust said second frame means to a selected height.
5. The improved over-the-road tractor of claim 4 wherein said
damping means comprises said air spring.
6. The improved over-the-road tractor of claim 5 wherein said
damping means further comprises shock absorber means between said
first frame means and said second frame means.
7. The improved over-the-road tractor of claim 6 further comprising:
a. bed mounting means;
b. normally-horizontal bed frame means supported on said second
frame by said bed mounting means;
c. wherein said bed mounting means comprises hard-rubber-like means
for damping vibration.
8. The improved over-the-road tractor of claim 7 wherein said
support means comprises:
a. vertical rod means attached to said first frame means; and
b. mounted on said vertical rod means, bearing means vertically
movable along said vertical rod means and attached to said second
frame means.
9. The improved over-the-road tractor of claim 1 wherein said second
frame means comprises hinge means for folding said
normally-horizontal bed frame means into a vertical position.
10. A sleeper bed device for use in a sleeper compartment of an
over-the-road tractor, said sleeper compartment having a compartment
floor and an essentially-vertical compartment rear wall, said
sleeper bed device comprising, in combination:
a. first means for supporting a bed at a selected height above said
compartment floor;
b. second means for reducing vertical vibration in said first means;
c. said first means comprising
i. first attachment means for attaching to said wall and
ii. second attachment means for attaching to said bed;
d. said first and second attachment means being in a
vertically-sliding relationship.
11. The sleeper bed device of claim 10, further comprising:
a. third means for adjusting said height of said bed;
b. wherein said third means comprises air spring means.
12. The sleeper bed device of claim 11 wherein said third means
further comprises control valve means for adjusting air supply to
said air spring means to adjust said height of said bed.
13. The sleeper bed device of claim 10 wherein said bed is mounted
on hard-rubber-like supports.
14. The sleeper bed device of claim 13 wherein said second means
comprised shock absorber means.
15. The sleeper bed device of claim 14 further comprising:
a. vertical rod means attached to said sleeper compartment; and
b. mounted on said vertical rod means, bearing means vertically
movable along said vertical rod means and attached to said bed.
16. The sleeper bed device of claim 10 wherein said first means
comprises hinge means for folding said bed up against and parallel
to said compartment rear wall.
17. An improved over-the-road tractor, of the type including a
tractor cab, comprising, in combination:
a. located rearwardly from said tractor cab, a sleeper compartment
including a generally vertical frame portion;
b. first frame means attached to said frame portion of said sleeper
compartment;
c. second frame means for holding a bed;
d. support means for supporting said second frame means in
vertically-sliding relationship with said first frame means; and
e. damping means for insulating said second frame means from the
vertical vibrating of said sleeper compartment during operation of
said tractor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to providing an improved sleeper bed for
over-the-road tractors. More particularly, this invention concerns a
sleeper compartment device which provides a system whereby an
off-duty driver may sleep in a vibration-free bed, even during the
over-the-road operation of the tractor.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typically, within the over-the-road trucking industry, an onboard
sleeping location is provided for an over-the-road tractor-trailer
truck driver. Long hauls are regulated by laws in regard to the
number of hours a driver is allowed to operate the truck between
rest periods. These regulations are to help deter overly tired and
unalert drivers from operating these large vehicles in an unsafe
manner. A behind-the-cab sleeping compartment with a bed is commonly
used by truckers for providing a convenient location for these rest
or sleep periods. Such sleeping compartments are frequently
outfitted to provide comfortable quarters and are more desirable
than motel rooms in many ways. One very desirable feature is that
they travel with the trucker and are always available. Attesting to
the popularity of these sleeping compartments is their common usage
on most over-the-highway rigs.
With the costly investment in large trucks, and expense of truck
shipping in general, along with scheduling demands, it is only
obvious that these trucks remain in operation as many hours a day as
possible. Therefore it is common practice that, on long hauls, two
drivers accompany each other, one driver operating the truck while
the other rests or sleeps within the sleeping compartment. For
convenience, the rear of the cab normally contains an opening
through to the sleeper compartment to allow access at all times.
Commonly installed in over-the-road truck tractors is a driver's
seat which includes comfort features such as suspension systems for
the purpose of minimizing the rough riding characteristics of these
trucks. The sleeping, off-duty driver also has the same, or greater,
need for comfort, while sleeping during such over-the-road rough
riding, which the conventional sleeper bed does not provide. Even
when a typical over-the-road truck is stopped, the vibration
characteristics of the typical diesel engine in such truck continues
to create large vibrations which may interfere with the rest of the
sleeping driver.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to fulfill the
above-mentioned needs by the provision of a vibration-free sleeper
bed for over-the-road tractors. A further primary object of the
present invention is to provide an improved over-the-road tractor
with a sleeper compartment having a vibration-free sleeper bed. In
addition, it is a primary object of this invention to provide such a
device which is efficient and inexpensive. Other objects of this
invention will become apparent with reference to the following
invention descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided an improved over-the-road tractor, of the type including
a tractor cab, comprising, in combination: located rearwardly from
such tractor cab, a sleeper compartment; first frame means attached
to such sleeper compartment; second frame means for holding a bed;
support means for supporting such second frame means in
vertically-sliding relationship with such first frame means; and
damping means for insulating such second frame means from the
vertical vibrating of such sleeper compartment during operation of
such tractor. Additionally, this invention provides such a tractor
wherein such support means comprises: vertical rod means attached to
such first frame means; and mounted on such vertical rod means,
bearing means vertically movable along such vertical rod means and
attached to such second frame means.
Yet further, this invention provides such a tractor further
comprising air spring means attached between such first frame means
and such second frame means. Even further, there is provided such a
tractor further comprising control valve means for adjusting air
supply to such air spring means to adjust such second frame means to
a selected height; and, further, wherein such damping means
comprises such air spring; and, further, wherein such damping means
further comprises shock absorber means between such first frame
means and such second frame means.
Yet additionally, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a such tractor further comprising: bed
mounting means; normally-horizontal bed frame means supported on
such second frame by such bed mounting means; wherein such bed
mounting means comprises hard-rubber-like means for damping
vibration. Even further provided by this invention is a such tractor
wherein such support means comprises: vertical rod means attached to
such first frame means; and, mounted on such vertical rod means,
bearing means vertically movable along such vertical rod means and
attached to such second frame means. Additionally, this invention
provides, according to a preferred embodiment, a such tractor
wherein such second frame means comprises hinge means for folding
such normally-horizontal bed frame means into a vertical position.
Yet further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided an improved over-the-road tractor, of
the type including a tractor cab, comprising, in combination:
bed-support means for supporting a bed at a selectable height above
a floor of such over-the-road tractor; and vibration-insulation
means for insulating such bed from vibration during operation of
such over-the road tractor. Additionally provided is a such tractor
wherein such bed-support means comprises air spring means; and,
further, wherein such vibration-insulation means comprises air
spring means, shock absorber means and hard-rubber-like means.
Yet additionally, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a sleeper bed device for use in a
sleeper compartment of an over-the-road tractor, such sleeper
compartment having a compartment floor and an essentially-vertical
compartment rear wall, such sleeper bed device comprising, in
combination: first means for supporting a bed at a selected height
above such compartment floor; second means for reducing vertical
vibration in such first means. Further, there is provided a such
sleeper bed device further comprising: third means for adjusting
such height of such first means; wherein such third means comprises
air spring means attached between such compartment rear wall and
such first means.
And, further, this invention provides a such sleeper bed device
wherein such third means further comprises control valve means for
adjusting air supply to such air spring means to adjust such height
of such first means; and, further, wherein such bed is mounted on
hard-rubber-like supports; and, further, wherein such second means
comprises air spring means; and, further, wherein such second means
comprises shock absorber means. Even further, there is provided a
such sleeper bed device further comprising: vertical rod means
attached to such sleeper compartment; and, mounted on such vertical
rod means, bearing means vertically movable along such vertical rod
means and attached to such bed. Yet further, according to this
invention, there is provided a such sleeper bed device wherein such
first means comprises hinge means for folding such bed up against
and parallel to such compartment rear wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an over-the-road tractor
with a sleeper compartment and the location of a bed device
installed within.
FIG. 2 is a cut-away perspective view of a sleeper compartment and
located within is a preferred embodiment of a sleeper bed device of
the present invention in position for use.
FIG. 3 is a cut-away perspective view of a sleeper compartment and
located within is a preferred embodiment of a sleeper bed device in
a stowed position.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view detailing a preferred
embodiment of a sleeper bed device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a left end elevation view of the preferred embodiment of
the sleeper bed device of the present invention, and showing its
attachment in a sleeper compartment.
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view through the section 6--6 of
FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a partial elevation view illustrating the suspension and
control means of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of the preferred
vertically-sliding support means of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the structure of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the structure of
FIG. 8.
FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the hinge means of the
present invention with the bed in its use position.
FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the hinge means of the
present invention with the bed in its stow position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OF
PRACTICE
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a common
over-the-road-truck tractor cab 20 (of the type common in tractors
for hauling trailers) with sleeper compartment 21 mounted on the
tractor 22 and located to the rear side of the cab driving
compartment 23. Installed within the sleeper compartment 21, and
illustrated with hidden lines, is the position of the preferred
embodiment of a sleeper bed device 24.
Illustrated by FIG. 2 is a cut-away perspective view of a sleeper
compartment 21 and located within is the preferred embodiment of a
sleeper bed device 24 in the use position. The sleeper bed device 24
is preferably securely mounted to the rear wall 25 of the sleeper
compartment 21 and at no times in contact with the floor 26, the
right wall 27 or the left wall 28. The actual bed, consisting bed
frame means embodied by of the bed frame 29, mattress 30 and any
desirable bedding 31, is supported by frame means embodied by
normally-horizontal frame portion 32 and vertically-movable frame
portions 33. And frame portion 32, while not attached to the floor
26, is supported by the vertically-movable frame portion 33 which is
connected movably to other frame means embodied by the fixed frame
structure 34 which in turn is secured to the rear wall 25. The
vertically-movable frame portion 33 and the fixed frame structure 34
are not generally visible since they are located behind a cover 35.
The cover 35 serves as a decorative feature as well as shielding the
mechanism behind. The sleeper bed device 24 as shown in FIG. 2 is in
the sleeping position and cushions vibrations and road shocks by
utilizing vibration isolators and a pneumatic suspension system (as
hereinafter more particularly described). The support means of the
present invention is embodied by the suspension system to be further
described, which provides for the bed (i.e., bed frame 29 and
mattress 30) to "float" with gentle, softened motions in response to
the harsh motions of the sleeper compartment 21 and truck tractor.
FIG. 3 is a cut-away perspective view showing a portion of the
sleeper compartment 21 and located within is the preferred
embodiment of the sleeper bed device 24 illustrated in stowed
position. The frame portion 32, which holds the bed frame 29 and
mattress 30 with bedding 31, is pivotally attached (by hinge means)
to the frame portion 33 (not shown) and may be raised to a vertical
position and secured to the rear wall 25 with a retention strap 36.
When stowed, the mattress 30 and bedding 31 are positioned against
the cover 35 conserving as much remaining space within the sleeper
compartment 21 as possible. Since the sleeper bed device 24 is
mounted to the rear wall 25 only, no disconnection from the floor 26
is required.
The components of the preferred embodiment of the sleeper bed device
24 are illustrated by exploded perspective view in FIG. 4. The
mattress 30 along with a bed frame 29 for support, are attached to
the frame portion 32 at four locations with bed mounting means
embodied by vibration-damping hard-rubber or hard-rubber-type
vibration isolator mountings 37. The mountings 37, being constructed
of hard-rubber-type material, provide a resilient connection between
the bed frame 29 and frame portion 32. This resilient connection at
the mountings 37 gives further isolation to the bed from jerking,
vibrating and shocks from the truck. Construction and attachment
details of the mattress 30, bed frame 29, mountings 37 and frame
portion 32 are further discussed with the discussion of FIGS. 5, 6
and 11.
The frame portion 32 is of metal welded construction and consists of
two legs 38 connected with braces 39. The legs 38 are of
channel-form cross-section and have holes 40 to receive attachment
of the mountings 37. At the rear ends of the legs 38 are hinge
plates 41 for pivotally connecting legs 38 to the vertically-movable
frame portion 33, this connection being made at holes 42 with pivot
bolts 43. This pivot attachment is further described in respect of
FIGS. 11 and 12. The vertically-movable frame portion 33 is attached
indirectly (and freely movably up and down) to the fixed frame
structure 34 with rod anchors 44, shafts or rods 45 and bearings 46.
This attachment is detailed in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. The
vertically-movable frame portion 33 and frame portion 32 are
supported above and not in contact with the floor 26 of the sleeper
compartment 21.
While free to move up and down, the vertically-movable frame portion
33 holding frame portion 32 is supported vertically solely by air
spring means embodied by an air spring 47 (preferably a Firestone
(TM) Air Spring). Controlled air flow positions the exact height at
which the air spring 47 supports the mounting suspension unit 33
depending upon the amount of air in the stretchable rubber bag
comprising the air spring 47. At all times the frame portion 32 is
elevated above and not in contact with the floor 26 of the sleeper
compartment 21. Also, the air spring 47, being of flexible rubber
construction and containing air (which is compressible and not
solid) provides (in well known ways) a cushioning and a vibration
and shock absorbing support.
Additionally, a conventional shock absorber 48 is mounted alongside
the air spring 47 to further control motion from external shock
forces and to dampen the spring-like, bouncing motion that the air
spring 47, used alone, might allow. The air spring means 47 and
shock absorber means 48, comprising the damping means of this
invention operable between the sleeper compartment 21 and the
movable frame portions 32 and 33, are in turn supported by, and
attached to, the fixed frame structure 34 at the support shelf 49
location. The fixed frame structure 34 is securely bolted to the
rear wall 25 with bolts Pressurized air is supplied from the truck's
air system and is modulated by control valve means embodied by
control valve 51 to vary the air pressure provided to the air spring
47. The control valve 51 is rigidly mounted to the
vertically-movable frame portion 33, moves up/down with such, but
varies the pneumatic output with input from a control linkage 52
which is attached to the rear wall 25.
In operation, when the tractor transmits a shock wave to the sleeper
compartment 21, the sleeper bed device 24 responds with a bounce due
to its soft cushion support by the air spring 47. The bounce is
counteracted and opposed by a varying of air pressure to air spring
47. This varying of air pressure occurs as the control valve 51
(also bouncing) is actuated by the rigidly attached control linkage
52. The combinatorial effect of all three types of damping devices
(i.e., the air spring 47, the shock absorber 48, and the
vibration-isolating mountings 37), as provided by this invention,
provides an essentially vibration-free bed, even in over-the-road
travel.
Also shown is cover 35 which shields the moving portion of the
sleeper bed device 24. Cover 35 is of molded plastic or other
similar material whereas all the structural components of the
sleeper bed device 24 are of welded and bolted steel or aluminum
construction or other suitable metals.
FIG. 5 shows in a left end elevation view the preferred embodiment
of the sleeper bed device 24 and its mounting attachment (of fixed
frame structure 34 to the sleeper compartment 21) at the rear wall
25 with bolts 50. The sleeper bed device 24 may be installed at any
convenient height above the floor 26 providing it does not contact
the floor 26 at it's lowest point of movement. The mattress 30, bed
frame 29 and frame portion 32 are shown in the down (or use)
position and by broken lines (partial), in the up (or stowed)
position, pivoting about pivot bolts 43. The vertically-movable
frame portion 33, the air spring 47 and other components are
shielded from the occupant by the cover 35 (shown in cross-section).
The fixed frame structure 34 is affixed to and stationary with
respect to the rear wall 25 whereas the "floating" components of
sleeper bed device 24 move in response to shock and vibration.
FIG. 6 shows in cross-section (through the section 6--6 of FIG. 5)
mattress 30, bed frame 29, leg 38 of frame portion 32, and their
attachment with one of the four mountings 37. The mattress 30 of the
preferred embodiment is a foam cushion 53 and a cover 54, both
attached to a plywood bottom 55. The plywood bottom 55 provides a
solid base for attachment to the bed frame 29 (in well known ways)
with screws or bolts. The bed frame 29 is constructed of square or
rectangular tubing with a perimeter and cross braces (as shown in
FIG. 4) to provide ample support to the mattress 30. The bed frame
29 is bolted to the top end of the four mountings 37 which are in
turn bolted at their bottom end to the channel shape of the legs 38.
The mountings 37 are preferably of solid hard rubber with a fastener
attachment 56 molded into each end. The size, shape and diameter of
mountings 37 may be selected in well known ways to provide the most
ideal strength and damping qualities.
FIG. 7 is a partial elevation view illustrating the bed-support
means of the present invention for supporting the bed at a
selectable height above the floor of the over-the-road tractor, all
as embodied by the described suspension and control means of the
present invention. The vertically-movable frame portion 33 is shown
in location in front of the fixed frame structure 34 supported by
the air spring 47 which is attached to the top of the support shelf
49 (which is essentially a part of fixed frame structure 34). Also,
the shock absorber 48 is connected to and between the fixed frame
structure 34 and the mounting suspension unit 33, all as shown. Air
is supplied to the air spring 47 by the control valve 51 through air
line 57. Varying air supply provides support and motion in response
to truck motion (and also additional air/support if a more weighty
sleeper lies in the bed). Supply line 58 and discharge line 59 pass
through the rear wall 25 and connect to the truck's air system.
Since the control linkage 52 is attached at one end 60 to the rear
wall 25, relative movement between the rear wall 25 and the control
valve 51 (attached to the vertically-movable frame portion 33)
actuates the control valve 51 to provide varying air supply to the
air spring 47 resulting in desired damping-action assistance and in
maintenance of a preferred bed height. The "floating" action derived
from the responsive motion of the vibration-insulation means of this
invention (for insulating the bed from vibration during operation of
the over-the road tractor), embodied by the air spring 47 combined
with the damping of the shock absorber 48 combined with the damping
action of the mountings 37, support the bed frame 29 and bed in a
comfortable and essentially vibration-free manner.
FIG. 8 is an elevation detail view showing the vertically-movable
frame portion 33 and the method of attachment to the fixed frame
structure 34. The detail shown is typical for both vertical legs of
both frame structures (as shown best in FIG. 4), one leg per frame
on each side of the sleeper bed device 24. Bolted to each vertical
side leg of the fixed frame structure 34 are two rod anchors 44
which hold and firmly support vertical rod means embodied by a round
rod 45. Rod 45 extends a distance above the top rod anchor 44.
Located also on each rod 45 are bearing means embodied by two
bearings 46, which are free to move up an down on rod 45. A bearing
46 is located (on each rod 45) above each rod anchor 44. The two
channel shaped vertical members (one on each side) of the
vertically-movable frame portion 33 are bolted to the four bearings
46 (as shown) allowing free movement up and down with respect to the
fixed frame structure 34.
To further clarify this mounting, in FIG. 9 is shown in perspective
a portion of the fixed frame structure 34 with a rod anchor 44 and
rod 45 solidly attached. Above rod anchor 44 and free to slide up
and down on rod 45 is shown a bearing 46. Also shown is a portion of
the vertically-movable frame portion 33.
FIG. 10 is a cross section plan view of the attachment of the
vertically-movable frame portion 33 to the fixed frame structure 34
as is shown in FIG. 8 and typical on both vertical sides of the
sleeper bed device 24. Shown bolted to the vertically-movable frame
portion 33 is a bearing 46 which slides freely up and down on the
round rod 45. Attaching the rod 45 firmly to the fixed frame
structure 34 is shown a rod anchor 40. Also, optionally, as shown in
FIG. 10, since the rod anchor 44 is bolted to the fixed frame
structure 34, the same bolts may also be used to secure the assembly
to the rear wall 25 as shown.
FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the hinge means of the
present invention, embodied by hinge plate 41 and pivot bolt 43,
with the bed in its normally-used horizontal position; and FIG. 12
is a partial perspective view of the hinge means of the present
invention with the bed in its stowed vertical position. It is noted
that the bottom portions 62 of vertically-movable frame portions 33
should be long enough to act as a down stop when impinged by the
corner portions 61 of frame portions 32 so that the bed supported by
frame portions 32, when pivoted back to horizontal (on pivot bolts
43) does not go past the horizontal but is stopped by impingement
upon bottom portions 62 of frame portions 33.
It is noted, with particular reference to FIG. 11, that some further
benefit in minimizing horizontal bed vibration when the truck is
accelerated or decelerated may be obtained by the alternative
embodiment of not attaching directly to frame portions 32 the bottom
portions (as at 63) of vibration-isolating mountings 37. Rather,
wheels may be mounted to the bottoms of mountings 37; and such
wheels may roll longitudinally in the direction of and along the
channel of frame portions 32. Also, for this alternative,
compression springs are mounted to frame portions 32, operable along
such channel direction, impinging on each side of mounting 37 so as
to further reduce such horizontal vibration to the bed frame 29.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention also includes such modifications as diverse shapes
and sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below
claims as read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
* * * * *
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