초록 ▼

A pneumatic inflation system for use with a freight carrier, such as a tractor-trailer, is provided. The inflation system is available to inflate reusable air bags to cushion freight during shipment from one location to another. In one preferred embodiment, the inflation system includes an air contr

A pneumatic inflation system for use with a freight carrier, such as a tractor-trailer, is provided. The inflation system is available to inflate reusable air bags to cushion freight during shipment from one location to another. In one preferred embodiment, the inflation system includes an air control unit and an air coupler device. The air control unit is fluidly connectable to a compressed air storage reservoir of a tractor-trailer and supplies air to the air coupler device. In one preferred embodiment, the air control unit includes a brake protection valve and a control valve. The brake protection valve substantially disconnects the inflation system from the air storage reservoir in the event that the air pressure of the reservoir drops below a predetermined value, thereby preventing possible failure of the trailer's braking system. The control valve is available for a user to conveniently shut the inflation system off. In another preferred embodiment, the air control unit and the air coupler device are both mounted to the underside of a trailer defined by a front, a back, and opposing sides. The air control unit is positioned in close proximity to the trailer's air storage reservoir, whereas the air coupler device is positioned adjacent one of the sides.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An inflation system for inflating auxiliary components associated with a freight carrier, the freight carrier including a compressed air storage reservoir coupled to an underside thereof, the inflation system comprising:an air control unit including: an inlet fluidly connectable to a compressed a

1. An inflation system for inflating auxiliary components associated with a freight carrier, the freight carrier including a compressed air storage reservoir coupled to an underside thereof, the inflation system comprising:an air control unit including: an inlet fluidly connectable to a compressed air storage reservoir of a freight carrier, a brake protection valve fluidly connected to the inlet, a control valve fluidly connected to the brake protection valve downstream of the inlet, an outlet fluidly connected to the control valve; and an air coupler device fluidly connected to the air control unit, the air coupler device being selectively positionable relative to the air control unit and including tubing defining an intake port for receiving air flow from the air control unit and an exit port for selectively providing air flow from the intake port.