Patent ID: 6324988
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: B08B,F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
Apparatus for removing exhaust from vehicles comprising:a plurality of rail members (5) which extend linearly;at least one wedge-shaped coupling element (6) which extends linearly for coupling together said rail members (5);each of said rail members (5) having a lower portion (7) and an upper portion (8), said upper portion (8) defining a wedge-shaped receiving space (9) for receiving said at least one wedge-shaped coupling element (6), the shape of said wedge-shaped receiving space (9) corresponding to the shape of said at least one wedge-shaped coupling element (6);mounting means (10) for mounting said at least one wedge-shaped coupling element (6) to said rail members (5);said mounting means (10) being movable in a first direction relative to each of said rail members (5) to pull said at least one wedge-shaped coupling element (6) in a direction opposite said first direction relative to said rail members (5) to wedge together said wedge-shaped coupling element (6) and said rail members (5);a carriage (3) suspended on said lower portion (7) of said coupled together rail members (5) for movement along said lower portion (7) of said rail members (5) when the vehicle moves therealong; anda hose (4) connected to said carriage (3) for feeding exhaust from the vehicle;said rail members (5) having wedge surfaces (16) with ridges (18) which extend in a transverse direction relative to said direction opposite said first direction in which coupling elements (6) are pulled,said ridges (18) being flexible in said direction opposite said first direction by said coupling elements (6) when said coupling elements are pulled in said direction opposite said first direction by said mounting means (10).