Abstract:
A vehicle coupling comprises a linkage pivotably attachable to a first vehicle about a transverse horizontal axis, and a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly has a vertically disposed pivot bearing for connecting the vehicle coupling to a coupling member attached to a second vehicle. The vertically disposed pivot bearing has a first part fixed to the vehicle coupling and a second part fixed to the coupling member. Said first part of the vertical bearing is mounted above the linkage by support means incorporating a horizontal pivot bearing whose axis is perpendicular to the transverse horizontal axis. The vehicle coupling is such that the weight transference of the second vehicle to the first vehicle acts down through the axis of the vertically disposed pivot bearing, and such that the foremost vertical surface of the vertically disposed pivot bearing is situated nearer to the vertical plane containing the transverse horizontal axis than any other part of the vehicle coupling which is above the axis of the horizontal pivot bearing.
Abstract:
A support for a tilt stabilizing fifth wheel hitch that connects a truck tractor to a trailer, the fifth wheel plate being on a movable frame having a pair of convex shoes connected by a tie rod and resting on concave bearing plates on a fixed frame, the movable frame being movable on the fixed frame toward either of two opposite extreme positions from an intermediate neutral position. The movable frame is biased away from these extreme positions toward the intermediate position by variable force biasing means, preferably coil compression springs on said tie rod, which apply increasing biasing force with increased movement of the movable frame toward one of said extreme positions, thereby enabling the truck driver to "sense" or "feel" the tilted condition of his trailer relative to his tractor during operation.
Abstract:
A terminal tractor includes a fifth wheel coupling which is rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the terminal tractor such that an opening in the fifth wheel coupling may be reoriented depending on the terminal tractor's direction of approach to a semi-trailer.
Abstract:
A fifth wheel apparatus for detachably coupling a trailing vehicle to a towing vehicle is disclosed. An equalizer bridge is supported on a towing vehicle and is pivotable about a roll axis that extends in a direction of towing motion. The equalizer bridge includes first and second arms that extend laterally from respective first and second sides of the roll axis. A fifth wheel head is coupled to the equalizer bridge for movement therewith about the roll axis. The fifth wheel head is pivotable relative to the equalizer bridge about a pitch axis transverse to the roll axis. First and second damping elements are operably interposed between the towing vehicle and the first and second arms, respectively. When the trailing vehicle is attached to the fifth wheel head, the first and second damping elements resist rolling movement of the trailing vehicle about the roll axis during travel over uneven roads.
Abstract:
This invention generally relates to a towing hitch assembly adapted to be connected to a towing unit and a towed unit. In general, the towing hitch assembly comprises a support connector releasably attachable to a towing hitch of a towing vehicle and pivotally connected to at least two arms, a support structure adapted to be connected to the unit to be towed and pivotally connected to the arms, and at least two arms pivotally connected on one end to the support connector and pivotally connected on the other end to the support structure. The towing hitch assembly reduces jarring and other undesirable movement between the towing unit and the towed unit during operation.