Emergency Truck Braking System

Abstract

An Emergency Truck Braking System added to a trailer and tractor made of a locking element/mat connected in a loop encircling a support member and with a pair of straps whereby the mat can extend and be placed between a wheel of the truck and trailer combination and a roadbed surface to cause the wheel to stop turning and stop the truck and trailer combination. A control system release via an electrical hard-wired/wireless with transmitter and receiver, pneumatic or hydraulic with piping which controls a motor and switch box or valve and latch release that releases the clamp holding a support affixed to the chassis and inter-placed between the wheel and the support member and mat. Once released the friction of the mat and roadway slows and stops the vehicle.

Claims

1. An Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination comprised of: (a) a locking element/mat (50) made with a durable material, made as a length/strip with two ends, an interior surface, and an exterior surface, and configured such that at one end the length the mat forms a loop (52) for encircling a support member (83) and the interior surface of the loop is connected and secured by a means (51) for connecting and the exterior surface of the loop is connected with a pair of straps (51A) with means (51B) to fasten the pair of straps onto the exterior surface of the mat (50); (b) the support member (83) having two ends, each end supported by a shaft bearing and a release clamp offset (83A) near the middle of the support member (83) for engaging a release clamp (80); (c) an electric control system (70) for release which controls a motor and switch box (76) that releases the clamp (80) which is holding the support member (83) at the release clamp offset (83A); (d) a blocking structure/member (82) secured and affixed to the chassis (225) and inter-placed between the wheel (33) and the support member (83) and the mat (50); and (e) a structure system (32,34,38,46) for holding the support member (83) comprising a coupling (84) between support member (83) and the mat (50), a support (88) contiguous with chassis (225), a means for fastening (86) the structure system (32,34,38,39/46) to the chassis (225), and a pivot/rotatable support (87,55) whereby the mat (50) can extend and be placed between a wheel (33) of the truck (210) and trailer (220) combination and a roadbed surface (GR) to cause the wheel to stop turning and stop the truck and trailer combination.

2. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 1 wherein the durable material for the mat is recycled tires.

3. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 1 wherein the means (51) to secure the interior surface of the loop is selected from the group consisting of glue, adhesive, pins, and heat welding.

4. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 1 wherein the material for the pair of straps (51A) are selected from the group consisting of metal and steel.

5. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 1 wherein the means (51B) to fasten the pair of straps onto the exterior surface of the mat (50) is selected from the group consisting of pins, bolts, and clips.

6. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 1 wherein the shaft bearing at the ends of the support member (83) is selected from the group consisting of closed-end shaft bearing and an open-end shaft bearing.

7. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 1 wherein the electric control system (70) is selected from the group consisting of electrical hard-wired system and an electrical wireless system with transmitter and receiver.

8. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 1 wherein the structure system (32,34,38,39/46) for holding the support member (83) is selected from the group consisting of a front drop mechanism (32), drop and extend chain mechanism (34), a roll around mat mechanism (38), and a swing away and drop mat mechanism (39) with encasement (45).

9. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 1 wherein the means for fastening (86) the structure system (32,34,38,39/46) to the chassis (225) is selected from the group consisting of welding, bolting, and riveting.

10. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 1 wherein the pivot/rotatable support (87,55) is selected from the group consisting of a bearing, a bushing, and a rotational enabler (55).

11. An Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination comprised of: (a) a locking element/mat (50) made with a durable material, made as a length/strip with two ends, an interior surface, and an exterior surface, and configured such that at one end the length the mat forms a loop (52) for encircling a support member (83) and the interior surface of the loop is connected and secured by a means (51) for connecting and the exterior surface of the loop is connected with a pair of straps (51A) with means (51B) to fasten the pair of straps onto the exterior surface of the mat (50); (b) the support member (83) having two ends, each end supported by a shaft bearing and a release clamp offset (83A) near the middle of the support member (83) for engaging a release clamp (80); (c) a fluids-based control system (70) for release which controls a valve and a latch release (76A) that releases the clamp (80) which is holding the support member (83) at the release clamp offset (83A); (d) a blocking structure/member (82) secured and affixed to the chassis (225) and inter-placed between the wheel (33) and the support member (83) and the mat (50); and (e) a structure system (32,34,38,46) for holding the support member (83) comprising a coupling (84) between support member (83) and the mat (50), a support (88) contiguous with chassis (225), a means for fastening (86) the structure system (32,34,38,39/46) to the chassis (225), and a pivot/rotatable support (87,55) whereby the mat (50) can extend and be placed between a wheel (33) of the truck (210) and trailer (220) combination and a roadbed surface (GR) to cause the wheel to stop turning and stop the truck and trailer combination.

12. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 11 wherein the durable material for the mat is recycled tires.

13. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 11 wherein the means (51) to secure the interior surface of the loop is selected from the group consisting of glue, adhesive, pins, and heat welding.

14. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 11 wherein the material for the pair of straps (51A) are selected from the group consisting of metal and steel.

15. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 11 wherein the means (51B) to fasten the pair of straps onto the exterior surface of the mat (50) is selected from the group consisting of pins, bolts, and clips.

16. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 11 wherein the shaft bearing at the ends of the support member (83) is selected from the group consisting of closed-end shaft bearing and an open-end shaft bearing.

17. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 11 wherein the fluids-based control system (70) is selected from the group consisting of a pneumatic system with piping and a hydraulic with piping which controls a valve and a latch release (76A).

18. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 11 wherein the structure system (32,34,38,39/46) for holding the support member (83) is selected from the group consisting of a front drop mechanism (32), drop and extend chain mechanism (34), a roll around mat mechanism (38), and a swing away and drop mat mechanism (39) with encasement (45).

19. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 11 wherein the means for fastening (86) the structure system (32,34,38,39/46) to the chassis (225) is selected from the group consisting of welding, bolting, and riveting.

20. The Emergency Truck Braking System (30) for a truck and trailer combination in claim 11 wherein the pivot/rotatable support (87,55) is selected from the group consisting of a bearing, a bushing, and a rotational enabler (55).

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—FIGURES

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of an Emergency Truck Braking System that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below explain the principles of the emergency braking system for trucks and the like. It is understood, however, that the Emergency Truck Braking System provided here is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0028] FIGS. 1 A through 1 D are sketches of the general Emergency Truck Braking System for large vehicle applications device.

[0029] FIGS. 2 A and 2 B are sketches of the system release for the Emergency Truck Braking System with components and features noted including control schematic.

[0030] FIGS. 3 A through 3 D are sketches of the front drop mechanism of the Emergency Truck Braking System with the components and features shown from generally a top view.

[0031] FIG. 4 A through 4 F are sketches of the front drop Emergency Truck Braking System, typical mud flaps for a size perspective, and support frame fastened along truck chassis.

[0032] FIG. 5 A through 5 D are top view sketches of the closed-end and open-end shaft bearing and support for the Emergency Truck Braking System.

[0033] FIGS. 6 A through 6 D are sketches of the release clamp mechanism for closed-end and open-end shaft bearing and support for the Emergency Truck Braking System.

[0034] FIGS. 7 A through 7 F are sketches of threads of tires useable to recycle as stop mats for the Emergency Truck Braking System and the retraction mechanisms.

[0035] FIGS. 8 A and 8 B are sketches of the drop and extend chain embodiment for the Emergency Truck Braking System.

[0036] FIG. 9 A through 9 C are top view sketches of the chain embodiment for Emergency Truck Braking System.

[0037] FIG. 10A through 10 K are sketches of the “roll around” and “drop and chock” embodiments of the Emergency Truck Braking System.

[0038] FIGS. 11 A through 11 F are sketches of truck crashes on truck runaway ramps.

[0039] FIGS. 12 A through 12 E are prior art truck braking systems for reference.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0040] The following list refers to the drawings:

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE B Reference numbers Ref # Description 30 Emergency Truck Braking System (ETBS) 30 32 front drop mechanism 32 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30 33 wheel 33 of trailer 220 34 drop and extend chain mechanism 34 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30 35 chock or wedge 35 36 drop and chock mechanism 36 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30 38 roll around mat mechanism 38 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30 39 swing away and drop mat mechanism 39 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30 40 closed-end shaft bearing and support 40 45 open-end shaft bearing and support 45 46 encasement/housing 46 of swing away and drop mechanism 39  .sub. 46A encasement body 46A consisting of a top and bottom platelike surface and two side surfaces with a slot/aperture 47 whereby the top surface having apertures 46B for receiving means 88 for fastening to chassis 225 47 slot/aperture 47 along each side of encasement 46 to slidably contain retaining bar 55 48 side cap 48 of encasement 46 to access or replace retaining bar 55 and mat 50  .sub. 48A means 48A for fastening side cap 48 to body 46A of encasement 46 such as threaded fasteners, press fit configuration, clips, pins, etc. 49 end cap 49 of encasement 46 to access or replace retaining bar 55 and mat 50  .sub. 49A means 49A for fastening end cap 49 to body 46A of encasement 46 such as threaded fasteners, press fit configuration, clips, pins, etc. 50 locking element/mat 50 51 means to connect 51 (glue, adhesive, through pins, heat, weld two (2) sides - pair of interior surfaces- of mat 50 51A, straps and pins 51A (metal/steel straps) with 51B means to fasten 51B the pair/two straps such as pins, bolts, clips, on exterior surfaces of mat 50 52 loop 52 encircling support member 83 55 retaining bar 55 56 flare 56 at each end of retaining bar 55 57 loop 57 of mat 50 encircling retaining bar 55 60 top view 60 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30 66 single wheels 33 mounted double 66 68 double mounted 68 mats 50 69 two-wide 69 mats 50 70 control system for release 70 71 pneumatic 71 control system 70 72 hydraulic 72 control system 70 73 control lines 73 (pneumatic, hydraulic - pipe) and conduit wire - electric hard-wired 74 transmitter 74 - wireless 75 receiver 75 - wireless 76, a motor and switch box 76 or valve and latch 76A release 76A 80 release clamp 80 (pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical direct hard wire or wireless) 82 blocking structure/member 82 83 support member 83  .sub. 83A release clamp offset 83A of support member 83 84 coupling 84 between support member 83 or chains 85 and mat 50 85 drop chain 85 86 means for fastening 86 (weld, bolt, rivet) support 88 or encasement 46 to chassis 225 87 pivot/rotatable support 87 (bearing, bushing or rotational enabler) 88 support 88 (vertical or horizontal) contiguous with chassis 225  .sub. 88A aperture 88A for installing support member 87 and bearings 87 89 notched riser 89 for support and aligning support member 87 at support 88 90 socket 90 with cable at pivot 87 to reset system 30 92 rachet wrench or the like 92 with arm 198  highway 198 200  runaway truck ramp 200 210  tractor 210 220  trailer 220 225  chassis, trailer under frame 225 230  wheel axel 230 240  destroyed cargo/load 240 245  mud flap 245 (reference) 250  wrecked truck and load 250 300  prior Art 300 U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,811 301  prior Art 301 U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,076 302  prior Art 302 US Patent 963,361 303  prior Art 303 World Patent WO 2008/031180 304  prior Art 304 U.S. Pat. No. 2,605,860 GR ground, roadbed surface GR RET retracted RET EXT extended EXT

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0041] This invention relates to an Emergency Truck Braking System. The present invention relates to certain improvements in emergency brake systems for large vehicles. This relates to an emergency brake system and has for an object to provide a brake carried by the vehicle and adapted to be dropped down so that the vehicle wheel will run upon it as a track and thereby be locked to the vehicle so that the vehicle will be halted instead of getting out of control from either brake failure or other causes such as when going down runaway inclines. The mechanism of the system relates to a general type of structure and configuration involving a pivoted arm construction coupling a stopping mat to the vehicle and serving to effectively support the mat in position for the desired action held under the wheels of the vehicle and impeding movement. System is designed not to cause any damage to the driver, vehicle, tires, and freight. The system relates to safety devices, and more particularly to a safety device for use with trailers of the type towed by trucks or other vehicles at relatively heavy cargo loads, often at times when the towing vehicle and the trailer are traveling at high speeds and the operator desires to slow down or stop, however the brakes on the trailer fail to operate or respond to the normal controls (i.e., sometimes neither the trailer nor the vehicle brakes will respond to the controls). Finally, the present invention relates to an emergency brake device for the stopping of heavy vehicles, such as trucks and trailers, in an extreme emergency requiring a panic stop or in the event of the failure of the regular braking system.

[0042] The advantages for the Emergency Truck Braking System 30 are listed above in the introduction. Succinctly the benefits are that the device: [0043] A. Trailer and tractor is salvaged/not destroyed; [0044] B. Freight/cargo is salvaged/not destroyed; [0045] C. Is reusable Emergency Truck Braking System by switching out, replacing mats; [0046] D. Is Universal—can use the same system for many types of truck trailer makes and models; [0047] E. Is versatile with the type of control systems—direct wired, wireless, pneumatic, hydraulic; [0048] F. Can use recycled tire treads into environmentally friendly fashion; [0049] G. Can save human lives in truck/trailer crashes; [0050] H. Can be deployed from a remote location for theft prevention of the trailer; [0051] I. Can be used with the driverless vehicles; [0052] J. Can be remotely deployed for erratic driving caused if driver appears to be in trouble by health issues, mental issues, substance abuse or the like; [0053] K. Can be used as a park brake when no other means is available; [0054] L. Can/should reduce the insurance of the vehicles, and cargo insurance with this system; [0055] M. Mats can be added to and/or changed to meet the specific conditions of the road or terrain—ice, mud, sand, loose gravel, hot asphalt; and [0056] N. Can be used to possibly help and pull a jack-knifed semi out of the hazard.

[0057] The preferred embodiment of the Emergency Truck Braking System 30 for a truck and trailer combination being comprised of: An Emergency Truck Braking System 30 for a truck and trailer combination comprised of: (a) a locking element/mat 50 made with a durable material/recycled material, made as a length/strip with two ends, an interior surface, and an exterior surface, and configured such that at one end the length the mat forms a loop 52 for encircling a support member 83 and the interior surface of the loop is connected and secured by a means 51 (glue, adhesive, pins, heat weld) for connecting and the exterior surface of the loop is connected with a pair of straps 51A (metal/steel straps) with means 51B to fasten the pair of straps such as pins, bolts, clips, onto the exterior surface of the mat 50;

(b) the support member 83 having two ends, each end supported by a closed-end or open-end shaft bearing and a release clamp offset 83A near the middle of the support member 83 for engaging a release clamp 80; (c) an electric or fluids control system 70 for release (electrical hard-wired/wireless with transmitter and receiver or pneumatic or hydraulic with piping) which controls a motor and switch box 76 or a valve and a latch release 76A, respectively, that releases the clamp 80 which is holding the support member 83 at the release clamp offset 83A; (d) a blocking structure/member 82 secured and affixed to the chassis 225 and inter-placed between the wheel 33 and the support member 83 and the mat 50; and (e) a structure system 32,34,38,46 for holding the support member 83 comprising a coupling 84 between support member 83 and the mat 50, a support 88 contiguous with chassis 225, a means for fastening 86 (weld, bolt, rivet) the structure system 32,34,38,46 to the chassis 225, and a pivot/rotatable support 87,55 (bearing, bushing, or rotational enabler 55 whereby the mat 50 can extend and be placed between a wheel 33 of the truck 210 and trailer 220 combination and a roadbed surface GR to cause the wheel to stop turning and stop the truck and trailer combination.

[0058] There is shown in FIGS. 1-12 a complete description and operative embodiment of the Emergency Truck Braking System 30. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the FIGS. 1-12 demonstrate the general configuration and use of this product. The various example uses are in the operation and use section, below.

[0059] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Emergency Truck Braking System 30 that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below explain the principles of the Emergency Truck Braking System 30. It is understood, however, that the System 30 is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Other examples of emergency stopping systems and devices for vehicles such as tractor trailers and the like are still understood by one skilled in the art to be within the scope and spirit shown here.

[0060] FIGS. 1A through 1 D are sketches of the general Emergency Truck Braking System 30 for large vehicle applications device. Provided as an overview here are: an Emergency Truck Braking System (ETBS) 30; a front drop mechanism 32 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30; a top view 60 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30; a set of single wheels 33 mounted double 66; a set of double mounted 68 mats 50; a two-wide 69 mats 50; and a wrecked truck and load 250.

[0061] FIGS. 2A and 2 B are sketches of the system release for the Emergency Truck Braking System 30 with components and features noted including control schematic. Shown in these views are: an Emergency Truck Braking System (ETBS) 30; a front drop mechanism 32 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30; a wheel 33 of trailer 220; a control system for release 70; a pneumatic 71 control system 70; a hydraulic 72 control system 70; a control lines 73 (pneumatic, hydraulic-pipe) and conduit wire—electric hard-wired; a transmitter 74—wireless; a receiver 75—wireless; a motor and switch box 76 or valve and latch release 76A; a release clamp 80 (pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical direct hard wire or wireless); a tractor 210; a trailer 220; a chassis, trailer under frame 225; and ground, roadbed surface GR. System can be deployed remotely or possibly on-board by monitoring the vehicles in case of erratic driving caused by health conditions, theft of vehicle, trailer, vehicle too far out of route, so on, falling asleep, wreck reported a X distance ahead on very slick conditions, fog, obstructed views such as around corners and other conditions when operator could not be notified.

[0062] FIGS. 3 A through 3 D are sketches of the front drop mechanism of the Emergency Truck Braking System 30 with the components and features shown from generally a top view. Demonstrated by these drawings are:

an Emergency Truck Braking System (ETBS) 30; a front drop mechanism 32 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30; a wheel 33 of trailer 220; a locking element/mat 50; a control system for release 70; a motor and switch box 76 or valve and latch release 76A; a release clamp 80 (pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical direct hard wire or wireless); a blocking structure/member 82; a support member 83; a release clamp offset 83A of support member 83; coupling 84 between support member 83 or chains 85 and mat 50; a drop chain 85; a means for fastening 86 (weld, bolt, rivet) support 88 or encasement 46 to chassis 225; a pivot/rotatable support 87 (bearing, bushing or rotational enabler); a vertical support 88 from chassis 225; a trailer 220; a chassis, trailer under frame 225; a wheel axel 230; and ground, roadbed surface GR.

[0063] FIG. 4A through 4 F are sketches of the front drop Emergency Truck Braking System 30,32, a typical mud flaps 60 245 for a size perspective, and support frame 88 fastened along truck chassis. Shown here are: an Emergency Truck Braking System (ETBS) 30; a front drop mechanism 32 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30; a wheel 33 of trailer 220; a drop and extend chain mechanism 34 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30; a locking element/mat 50; a release clamp 80 (pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical direct hard wire or wireless); a blocking structure/member 82;

a support member 83; a release clamp offset 83A of support member 83; a means for fastening 86 (weld, bolt, rivet) support 88 or encasement 46 to chassis 225; a pivot/rotatable support 87 (bearing, bushing or rotational enabler); a support 88 (vertical or horizontal) contiguous with chassis 225 aperture 88A for installing support member 87 and bearings 87 notched riser 89 for support and aligning support member 87 at support 88; a trailer 220; a chassis, trailer under frame 225; a mud flap 245 (reference); and ground, roadbed surface GR.

[0064] FIG. 5A through 5 D are top view sketches of the closed-end 40 and open-end 45 shaft bearing and support for the Emergency Truck Braking System 30. These views show: an Emergency Truck Braking System (ETBS) 30; a front drop mechanism 32 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30; a wheel 33 of trailer 220; a closed-end 40 shaft bearing and support; an open-end 45 shaft bearing and support; a locking element/mat 50; a top view 60 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30; a set of single wheels 33 mounted double 66; a set of double mounted 68 mats 50; a two-wide 69 mats 50; a release clamp 80 (pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical direct hard wire or wireless); a support member 83; a release clamp offset 83A of support member 83; a wheel axel 230; retracted RET; and extended EXT.

[0065] FIGS. 6A through 6 D are sketches of the release clamp mechanism for closed-end 40 and open-end 45 shaft bearing and support for the Emergency Truck Braking System 30. Here the drawings show and demonstrate: an Emergency Truck Braking System (ETBS) 30; a front drop mechanism 32 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30; a wheel 33 of trailer 220; a closed-end 40 shaft bearing and support; an open-end 45 shaft bearing and support; a locking element/mat 50; a top view 60 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30; a set of single wheels 33 mounted double 66; a set of double mounted 68 mats 50; a two-wide 69 mats 50; a control system for release 70; a pneumatic 71 control system 70; a hydraulic 72 control system 70; a control lines 73 (pneumatic, hydraulic—pipe) and conduit wire—electric hard-wired; a transmitter 74—wireless; a receiver 75—wireless; a release clamp 80 (pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical direct hard wire or wireless); a release clamp offset 83A of support member 83; a pivot/rotatable support 87 (bearing, bushing or rotational enabler); a wheel axel 230; retracted RET; and extended EXT.

[0066] FIGS. 7A through 7 F are sketches of threads of tires useable to recycle as stop mats 50 for the Emergency Truck Braking System 30 and the retraction mechanisms. In these views are shown: the Emergency Truck Braking System 30; a locking element/mat 50; a means to connect 51 (glue, adhesive, pins, heat, weld two (2) sides—interior surfaces—of mat 50; a pair of straps and pins 51A (metal/steel straps) with means to fasten 51B two straps such as pins, bolts, clips, on exterior surfaces of mat 50; a loop 52 encircling support member 83; a support member 83; a drop chain 85; a socket 90 and cable at pivot 87 to reset system 30; and a ratchet wrench or the like 92 with an arm to multiply force.

[0067] FIGS. 8 A and 8 B are sketches of the drop and extend chain embodiment 34 for the Emergency Truck Braking System 30. Provided here are: an Emergency Truck Braking System (ETBS) 30; a wheel 33 of trailer 220; a drop and extend chain mechanism 34 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30; a locking element/mat 50; a set of single wheels 33 mounted double 66; a support member 83; coupling 84 between support member 83 or chains 85 and mat 50; a drop chain 85; a means for fastening 86 (weld, bolt, rivet) support 88 or encasement 46 to chassis 225; a pivot/rotatable support 87 (bearing, bushing or rotational enabler); and ground, roadbed surface GR.

[0068] FIG. 9 A through 9 C are top view sketches of the chain embodiment 34 for Emergency Truck Braking System 30. Seen here are: an Emergency Truck Braking System (ETBS) 30; a drop and extend chain mechanism 34 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30; a locking element/mat 50; a set of single wheels 33 mounted double 66; a set of double mounted 68 mats 50; a two-wide 69 mats 50; a control system for release 70; a release clamp 80 (pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical direct hard wire or wireless); a support member 83; a release clamp offset 83A of support member 83; coupling 84 between support member 83 or chains 85 and mat 50; a drop chain 85; a means for fastening 86 (weld, bolt, rivet) support 88 or encasement 46 to chassis 225; a pivot/rotatable support 87 (bearing, bushing or rotational enabler); and a wheel axel 230.

[0069] FIG. 10A through 10 K are sketches of the “roll around” 38 and “drop and chock” 36 embodiments of the Emergency Truck Braking System 30. Shown here are: an Emergency Truck Braking System (ETBS) 30; a wheel 33 of trailer 220; a chock or wedge 35; a drop and chock mechanism 36 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30; a roll around mat mechanism 38 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30; a locking element/mat 50; a control system for release 70; a motor and switch box 76 or valve and latch release 76A; a release clamp 80 (pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical direct hard wire or wireless); a blocking structure/member 82; a support member 83; coupling 84 between support member 83 or chains 85 and mat 50; a means for fastening 86 (weld, bolt, rivet) support 88 or encasement 46 to chassis 225; a pivot/rotatable support 87 (bearing, bushing or rotational enabler); a support 88 (vertical or horizontal) contiguous with chassis 225; and ground roadbed, surface GR. In FIGS. 101 through 10 K, added elements and components include a swing away and drop mat mechanism 39 of Emergency Truck Braking System 30, an encasement/housing 46 of swing away and drop mechanism 39, an encasement body 46A consisting of a top and bottom plate-like surface and two side surfaces with a slot/aperture 47 whereby the top surface having apertures 46B for receiving means for fastening 88 to chassis 225; a slot/aperture 47 along each side of encasement 46 to slidably contain retaining bar 55 side cap 48 of encasement 46 to access or replace retaining bar 55 and mat 50, a means 48A for fastening side cap 48 to body 46A of encasement 46 such as threaded fasteners, press fit configuration, clips, pins, etc., a retaining bar 55, flare 56 at each end of retaining bar 55, a loop 57 of mat 50 encircling retaining bar 55, an end cap 49 of encasement 46 to access or replace retaining bar 55 and mat 50, and a means 49A for fastening the end cap 49 to body 46A of encasement 46 such as threaded fasteners, press fit configuration, clips, through pins, etc.

[0070] FIGS. 11 A through 11 F are sketches of truck crashes on truck runaway ramps 200. Problems overcome are shown in these views including: a highway 198; a runaway truck ramp 200; a tractor 210; a trailer 220; a destroyed cargo/load 240; and a wrecked truck and load 250.

[0071] FIGS. 12 A through 12 E are sketches of the prior art of Emergency Truck Braking Systems. Here former patents and applications for emergency vehicle stopping systems are shown. These include: (a) prior Art 300 U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,811—Jackson—1944—EMERGENCY WHEEL BRAKE; (b). prior Art 301 U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,076 Percy, Jr.—1995—EMERGENCY BRAKE DEVICE FOR TRUCKS AND THE LIKE; (c). prior Art 302 U.S. Pat. No. 963,361—DIETZ—1910—Emergency Brake for Vehicles; (d). prior Art 303 World Patent WO 2008/031180—KESIKOWSKI—2008—EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES IN GENERAL EMERGENCY WHEEL BRAKE; and (e). prior Art 304 U.S. Pat. No. 2,605,860 SMITH—1952—VEHICLE BRAKING APPARATUS. As can be seen, the Allen Emergency Truck Braking System 30 is a unique and unforeseen combination as described herein.

[0072] The anticipated materials for the Emergency Truck Braking System 30 include: (1) various road worthy materials for the pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical controls similar to others used with commercial carries and tractor/trailer combination; (2) steel and steel alloys for the structural and load bearing members—whereby it is understood and anticipated that composite materials (polymers and plastics with additives and reinforcement strands and powdered metals) are becoming more durable and with strength to substitute for steel and its alloys as technology improves; and rotatable pivots and pivot members meaning, for example and not as a limitation, bearings, flange ball bearings, bushings, greased raceways, ceramics, and various emerging composite materials. Again, as durable, and composite materials are developed, it is anticipated they can replace some of the materials known today.

[0073] The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing an Emergency Truck Braking System 30 may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of the art of emergency systems for stopping or braking a vehicle such as a tractor trailer in an emergency.

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0074] The Emergency Truck Braking System 30 has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device operates is described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the Emergency Truck Braking System 30. The preferred embodiment of the Emergency Truck Braking System 30 for a truck and trailer combination being comprised of: An Emergency Truck Braking System 30 for a truck and trailer combination comprised of: (a) a locking element/mat 50 made with a durable material/recycled material, made as a length/strip with two ends, an interior surface, and an exterior surface, and configured such that at one end the length the mat forms a loop 52 for encircling a support member 83 and the interior surface of the loop is connected and secured by a means 51 (glue, adhesive, pins, heat weld) for connecting and the exterior surface of the loop is connected with a pair of straps 51A (metal/steel straps) with means 51B to fasten the pair of straps such as pins, bolts, clips, onto the exterior surface of the mat 50;

(b) the support member 83 having two ends, each end supported by a closed-end or open-end shaft bearing and a release clamp offset 83A near the middle of the support member 83 for engaging a release clamp 80; (c) an electric or fluids control system 70 for release (electrical hard-wired/wireless with transmitter and receiver or pneumatic or hydraulic with piping) which controls a motor and switch box 76 or a valve and a latch release 76A, respectively, that releases the clamp 80 which is holding the support member 83 at the release clamp offset 83A; (d) a blocking structure/member 82 secured and affixed to the chassis 225 and inter-placed between the wheel 33 and the support member 83 and the mat 50; and (e) a structure system 32,34,38,46 for holding the support member 83 comprising a coupling 84 between support member 83 and the mat 50, a support 88 contiguous with chassis 225, a means for fastening 86 (weld, bolt, rivet) the structure system 32,34,38,46 to the chassis 225, and a pivot/rotatable support 87,55 (bearing, bushing, or rotational enabler 55 whereby the mat 50 can extend and be placed between a wheel 33 of the truck 210 and trailer 220 combination and a roadbed surface GR to cause the wheel to stop turning and stop the truck and trailer combination.

[0075] The Emergency Truck Braking System 30 is operated by a driver or user of the truck situated in the tractor cab. [0076] 1. The driver/operator sense a need for an emergency braking system (runaway vehicle, loss of brakes, uncontrolled acceleration of the engine, a steep downhill condition, or the like; [0077] 2. The driver/operator engages the ETBS system using the control system for release 70 (electrical hard-wired/wireless with transmitter and receiver or pneumatic or hydraulic with piping) which controls a motor and switch box 76 or valve and latch release 76A, respectively, that then releases the clamp 80 (which is holding the support member 83 at the release clamp offset 83A); [0078] 3. The release clamp 80 opens at the offset 83A or chain drop 85; [0079] 4. The support member 83 rotates about the pivots 87 or the chain drop 85 extends; [0080] 5. The mats 50 are urged and extend out under the wheels 33. [0081] 6. As the mat 50 extends it is placed between a wheel 33 of the truck and trailer combination and a roadbed surface GR and the friction causes the wheel to stop turning and stop the truck and trailer combination. [0082] 7. When the emergency is controlled and the truck and tractor stopped, the driver/operator can retract the ETBS 30 with the ratchet wrench or the like 92 with an arm to multiply force and reset the release clamp 80 (pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical direct hard wire or wireless) with the control system 70. Then, if necessary, the mats 50 can be replaced as needed.

[0083] Vehicle operator can also use this system if he/she cannot get the vehicle into gear and determines the vehicle is going too fast. In this case the driver already realizes by applying the brakes that it would not likely stop the vehicle. The driver could release mats saving the brakes and once stopped, the driver could retract the mats to the original set position without any damage. Then the vehicle can proceed without any major repairs needed.

[0084] System can be deployed remotely or possibly on-board by monitoring the vehicles in case of erratic driving caused by health conditions, theft of vehicle, trailer, vehicle too far out of route, so on, falling asleep, wreck reported a X distance ahead on very slick conditions, fog, obstructed views such as around corners and other conditions when operator could not be notified.

[0085] Many embodiments are anticipated for the Emergency Truck Braking System 30. Some examples, and not limitations, are shown in the following Table.

TABLE-US-00003 Item Uses 1 front drop mechanism 32 2 drop and extend chain mechanism 34 3 drop and chalk mechanism 36 4 roll around mat mechanism 38 4 swing away and drop mat mechanism 39

[0086] With this description it is to be understood that the Emergency Truck Braking System 30 is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of system. The features of the Emergency Truck Braking System 30 are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.

[0087] While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0088] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described above in the foregoing paragraphs.

[0089] Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

[0090] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of “plane” as a carpenter's tool would not be relevant to the use of the term “plane” when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase “as used herein shall mean” or similar language (e.g., “herein this term means,” “as defined herein,” “for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean,” etc.). References to specific examples, use of “i.e.,” use of the word “invention,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.

[0091] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “approximately” should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0092] The present invention contemplates modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art. While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in. detail in the figures and the foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes, modifications, and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosures described heretofore and or/defined by the following claims are desired to be protected.