Abstract:
A swinging link mechanism for connecting a prime mover to a rigid trailer comprises an upper and lower opposed pairs of laterally spaced mountings, the lower pair for attachment to the prime mover and the upper pair for connection to the trailer. A swinging link pivotally connects each respective two opposed mountings. The two links are inclined toward one another. The spacing of the lower pair of mountings to be attached to the prime mover exceeds the spacing of the upper pair to be connected to the trailer. The mechanism is particularly for semi-articulated tankers and allows for twisting of the semi-trailer relative to the prime mover.
Abstract:
A drive and suspension system for a longitudinally extending vehicle includes a differential having a pair of laterally extending output shafts. The output shafts support a pair of longitudinally extending gear train supports which journal and enclose a pair of longitudinally extending gear trains driven off the output shaft to drive the vehicle's drive wheels. The gear train supports, which are pivotal relative to the output shafts, are connected proximate the drive wheels to a pair of spring suspensions which in turn are connected to the ends of a laterally extending walking beam which is pivotable on a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
Abstract:
A slip-proof connection provided between the tractor and trailer of a tractor-trailer combination for carrying the superstructure of a mobile crane. The connection or mechanism comprises a mounting assembly secured to the tractor bed, a mounting plate carried on the front portion of the trailer supporting the crane superstructure, and means for cooperatively interconnecting the two mechanisms to assure an interlocked connection therebetween. The connecting mechanism comprises a positive interlock wherein a mounting post carried on the mounting plate on the tractor is received into a complementary opening provided in the mounting plate on the front end of the trailer, and a sleeve is then mounted on the mounting post and positively locked in position to hold the tractor and trailer locked together. Although the combination does not provide for the quick disconnect of the tractor from the trailer as is common with typical fifth wheel designs, it does permit articulation of the tractor and trailer combination. Further, means are provided in association with the connecting mechanism to permit oscillation of the tractor and trailer in multiple oscillatory modes. Additionally, locking means are provided on the mounting assembly to retain multiple oscillatory modes for rough terrain movement and to lock out one of the oscillatory modes for highway travel.
Abstract:
On a fifth wheel coupling (1) for coupling a tractor to a semitrailer, comprising a fifth wheel plate (2) for installation on the tractor and an engagement element (3) for installation on the semitrailer, wherein the fifth wheel plate (2) is designed to receive the engagement element (3), it is proposed to design the engagement element (3) to comprise a coupling ball (31) in order to increase the cross-country mobility of a team formed by the tractor and the semitrailer.
Abstract:
On a fifth wheel coupling (1) for coupling a tractor to a semitrailer, comprising a fifth wheel plate (2) for installation on the tractor and an engagement element (3) for installation on the semitrailer, wherein the fifth wheel plate (2) is designed to receive the engagement element (3), it is proposed to design the engagement element (3) to comprise a coupling ball (31) in order to increase the cross-country mobility of a team formed by the tractor and the semitrailer.