Abstract:
A thin gooseneck assembly is provided for use in the chassis of a semi-trailer intended for hauling freight containers. The gooseneck assembly is formed by a fabricated tube extending longitudinally to define substantially the entire length of the gooseneck. The fabricated tube includes a lower plate having a pair of upstanding side defining flanges. A rearward portion of the lower plate includes a pair of longitudinal slots for receiving in fixed relation the web of a longitudinal beam which extends from the gooseneck to the rearward end of the semi-trailer. The top flange of each longitudinal beam is fixed to an upper surface of the lower plate so that a lower surface of each top flange is in surface-to-surface contact with the lower plate upper surface. An upper plate is positioned parallel to the lower plate and fixed to upper portions of the side-defining flanges. A kingpin for coupling the chassis to a tractor fifth wheel projects downward through the lower plate of the fabricated tube. A rearward margin of the upper plate of the gooseneck assembly includes a downwardly inclined portion joining the upper plate to an upper surface of the top flanges of the longitudinal beams.
Abstract:
A shallow nose platform trailer provides improved load carrying capability due to its reduced platform height and thus increased volume capability. The trailer includes a pair of parallel, longitudinal main I-beams and a pair of channel beam side rails defining a height of about three and one-half inches (89 mm) at the forward portion of the trailer adjacent the kingpin. The webs and lower flanges of the I-beams curve downwardly to the rear and define a height of approximately twenty-five inches (635 mm) along the central and rear portion of the trailer. An apron plate extending between the forward portions of the I-beams carries and disperses the forces imposed on the trailer and longitudinal I-beams by the kingpin and fifth wheel. The apron plate defines a V-shaped notch at its rear. A plurality of transverse beams support a deck having an upper surface flush with the longitudinal I-beams and side rails.
Abstract:
A drop frame trailer in which the vertical webs of the beams in the joints between the gooseneck portion and a vertically extending portion are reinforced by welding generally triangularly shaped, unitary reinforcing members to the inboard and outboard sides thereof. The preferred reinforcing member is generally triangularly shaped and has a generally triangularly shaped opening positioned generally centrally therein. An alternative reinforcing member is generally hourglass shaped with no central opening therein.
Abstract:
The invention relates to the control of the steering of the wheels of a dolly interposed between a tractor and a semi-trailer. The bars controlling the steering of the wheels of the dolly are actuated by a power system controlled from a pilot stage detecting the steering movement of the wheels of the tractor. The pilot stage comprises a pilot link freely rotating on a shaft and driven in rotation by a transmission connected to the steering lever of the wheels of the tractor; the rotation of the pilot link selectively controls a hydraulic valve which actuates a double-acting actuator connected to a link controlling the steering bars.
Abstract:
A semi-truck trailer gooseneck assembly comprises a single curved plate extending transversely between and beyond the twin parallel longitudinal girders to form a single lower flange. The curved plate extends from the assembly supporting the floor over the fifth wheel and connecting the king pin to the trailer. The rear portion of the curved plate extends to the horizontal flat lower flanges of the twin girders extending substantially the length of the trailer. The result is a structure of increased strength and moment of inertia permitting the web depth of the gooseneck to be substantially decreased.The rear corner post comprises a two piece welded assembly wherein the major section is substantially an elongated "S" and the minor section "L" shaped. The shapes are welded together to form a hollow center portion and a pocket portion. The "L" section forms a contact for the rear door and the pocket engages the curtain to enable the curtain to be fully tightened when closed. The configuration permits the post to retain sufficient column strength with an overall thickness of only one inch.
Abstract:
There is disclosed a uranium slurry hauling system comprising a low-boy trailer on which are mounted a pair of substantially identical slurry tanks. Each of the tanks comprises a generally horizontal cylindrical vessel surrounded by a protecting framework rigid with the trailer. The tanks are connected to the trailer frame in a fashion which allows racking movement of the trailer independently of the tanks, i.e. without imparting racking forces to the tanks. The trailer also provides a support location for a third substantially identical tank and is designed to carry two loaded tanks or three empty tanks.
Abstract:
An elongated twin beam frame trailer having a gooseneck trailer hitch assembly at its forward end is provided with sectionalized hingedly mounted box forming sideboards. Opposing sideboard sections, when folded inwardly, form a flatbed trailer configuration in one position and form a V-shaped support floor transversely of the trailer when folded to another position. End gates close the respective ends of the trailer or divide the trailer intermediate its ends.
Abstract:
A mobile aerial support system for use in support of ground operations comprises a helicopter and a mobile helicopter pad. The mobile pad consists of an open, drop-bed trailer adapted to bear and restrain the helicopter, a tractor adapted to pull the trailer with the helicopter mounted thereon, a four wheel drive vehicle adapted to be carried on the trailer adjacent said helicopter, an enclosure mounted on the trailer and tractor containing a complete workshop for maintenance and repair of the helicopter as well as a complete inventory of spare parts and accessories for the helicopter.
Abstract:
A gooseneck trailer hitch to couple a trailer torque to a towing ball mounted on a towing vehicle to be used in pulling a trailer has a tow member which is to be secured to the trailer tongue to extend generally horizontally forward of the trailer. This tow member has at its outer end a connector which pivotally mounts an arm for the arm to be swingable from an outwardly extending position into a vertical position with the outer end of such arm having a socket suitable to cooperate with the towing ball on the vehicle used to pull the trailer and locking means is provided to retain the arm in its vertical position. A jack stand is utilized adjacent the forward end of the trailer and tow member to hold the trailer and tow member generally horizontal incident coupling and uncoupling the trailer relative to the towing vehicle.
Abstract:
A trailer hitch designed particularly for converting pleasure type automobiles into towing vehicles and for trailers having a gooseneck forwardly projecting front end, a principal object being to minimize fishtailing of the coupled units and to improve handling of the towing vehicle and also to provide a hitch configured for use on different models of cars with minimum difficulty in adaptation, the hitch being largely hidden in the luggage compartment.