Movable subframe for tractor-trailers

摘要

A movable subframe or slider for a tractor-trailer includes a pair of elongated spaced-apart parallel main members and at least one generally K-shaped cross member structure which extends between and is attached to the main members. Specifically, the K-shaped cross member structure includes a base member which extends perpendicularly between and is attached to the main members, and further includes a pair of inclined members, each of which extends angularly between and is attached to a respective one of the main members and the base member. Each of the main members is adapted to be slidably mounted on a respective one of a pair of depending parallel rails of a trailer, and a retractable pin mechanism enables selective positioning of the slider along the rails for variable load distribution of cargo contained in the trailer. A hanger depends from each of the main members adjacent to the ends of the base member for supporting an axle/suspension system. Components of the axle/suspension system also are mounted directly on and adjacent to the inclined members. The K-shaped cross member structure enables the slider to be relatively lightweight yet have improved capability for withstanding the combined vertical and bending lateral and longitudinal loads that the slider is subjected to during operation of the tractor-trailer while being relatively inexpensive to manufacture.