Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment system provides a system that can be utilized with different trailers without requiring modification of the trailers or requiring minor modifications that require less than a minute or so to effect. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides two acoustic transceivers for directing acoustic signals towards and receiving reflected acoustic signals from a downwardly extending hitch assembly for a gooseneck trailer whereby this unique feature of the gooseneck trailer is utilized as a signal reflector. A timer is utilized to time the transmitted/reflected signals to determine at least two distances for determining a relative position of the downwardly extending hitch. A readout gives the driver ongoing feedback for aligning the gooseneck downwardly extending hitch with the hitch ball.

Abstract: A device is described for indicating the locking state of a fifth wheel coupling and an arrangement of a first and a second sensor. According to the prior art, the first sensor is arranged on the underside of the locking latch and monitors the position of the kingpin in relation to the locking latch. A second sensor that is used is an inductive proximity switch that monitors a safety mechanism against loosening. In practice, this type of positioning of the first sensor has led to damage of the locking latch and the first sensor, while the signals of the second sensor were often false signals. Thus, the object of the invention is to provide a device for indicating the locking state, which maximizes operational availability and minimizes false signals. A further object of the invention is to optimize the arrangement of the first and the second sensor.

Abstract: A trailer coupling for motor vehicles able to be moved from a working position to a resting position and the reverse. To increase safety, a motion of the trailer coupling is allowed only if the velocity of the motor vehicle is <=5 Km/h, if the rear window or tailgate is open and if no trailer is fastened on the coupling. The motion is stopped if the torque of the drive motor exceeds a specifiable reference value.

Abstract: A weight distributing hitch assembly includes a shank, hitch head, spring bar and lift assembly. The lift assembly is preferably removably mountable to the frame members of a trailer frame while the spring bar extends below the frame members relative to the ground. The lift assembly mounts a hanger assembly which engages a cantilevered segment of the spring bar to drive the spring bar from a free state to a loaded state to distribute the hitch load to a towing vehicle as well as to the trailer. A lever assembly mounts the hanger assembly to the lift assembly and supplies mechanical advantage to assist a user during tensioning of the spring bar. By moving the lever assembly, the cam rotates about a pivot. As the hanger assembly is engaged with the cam, the hanger assembly is driven from a disengaged position to an engaged position which moves the spring bar from its free state to its loaded state with a minimum of user effort.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle includes a number of assemblies, including converging links and a slide assembly, that effectively places the pivot point for the trailer ahead of the actual hitch assembly, which in turn enhances the stability of the combination tow vehicle and trailer, rendering it less susceptible to swaying or fishtailing. This is done without placing tongue weight on converging links or the slide assembly so that the hitch assembly can accommodate a larger gross trailer load.

Abstract: A surge brake actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes an actuator housing and a coupler housing movably engaged within the actuator housing. Upper and lower coupler slide channels formed from a plastic material are releasably connected to the coupler housing and contact the actuator housing. The plastic coupler slide channels reduce frictional loss and provides superior brake actuation output when the coupler housing retracts into the actuator housing during braking. The surge brake actuator includes a push rod assembly that also provides superior brake actuation output to the actuator and can engage the actuator during a breakaway event. The surge brake actuator includes a releasably engagable reverse lock that prevents brake actuation while the towing vehicle moves in reverse.

Abstract: A control system for estimating the tongue length of a trailer being towed by a vehicle in connection with a front wheel steering with or without a coordinated rear wheel steering associated with the vehicle. The control signal system employs an algorithm that calculates an estimated hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer based on an estimated tongue length, a front wheel steering angle, a rear wheel steering angle, a measured hitch angle, vehicle speed and vehicle yaw rate. The estimated hitch angle is compared to the measured hitch angle to generate a hitch angle error that is converted to a tongue length error. The tongue length error is compared to the estimated tongue length to become a corrected estimated tongue length for a next computation period. After a few seconds of processing, the corrected estimated tongue length will be the actual tongue length of the trailer.

Abstract: A safety fastener for ball and socket hitches of medium to heavy vehicles provides a base defining a channel to fit about a hitch tongue beam of a towing vehicle with holes in the base to receive the fastening bolt of a hitch ball to fasten the base and hitch ball on the hitch tongue. The base carries at least one collar for adjustable positioning of at least one vertical fastener arm by a pin fastener. The vertical fastener arm carries a horizontal fastening beam extending over the hitch beam carried by the ball to prevent removal of the hitch from the ball. Species provide one or two vertical fastening arms carrying the fastening beam. The pin fastener may carry a lock to prevent unauthorized removal of the hitch from the ball.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment system provides a system that can be utilized with different trailers without requiring modification of the trailers or requiring minor modifications that require less than a minute or so to effect. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides two acoustic transceivers for directing acoustic signals towards and receiving reflected acoustic signals from a downwardly extending hitch assembly for a gooseneck trailer whereby this unique feature of the gooseneck trailer is utilized as a signal reflector. A timer is utilized to time the transmitted/reflected signals to determine at least two distances for determining a relative position of the downwardly extending hitch. A readout gives the driver ongoing feedback for aligning the gooseneck downwardly extending hitch with the hitch ball.

Abstract: A vehicle towing attachment is to be inserted into a lower portion of a vehicle to be towed and raises and holds wheels when the vehicle to be towed is towed. The attachment has three prongs for retaining a plate spring having the to which a wheel of the vehicle is attached thereon. Since the three prongs are provided on the attachment, shifting of the towed vehicle in the transverse direction and the front and rear direction can be prevented without fail. Even during the course of a towing operation, the towed vehicle can be retained stably and reliably.

Abstract: An anti-jackknifing apparatus is disclosed for reducing articulation between a tractor having a fifth wheel and a trailer having a king pin. The anti-jackknifing apparatus comprises a rotatable shaft, a lug mounted on the shaft and a rotary actuator operatively engaged with the shaft.

Abstract: A sensing system employs multiple sensors utilizing mounting structure integrated into a fifth wheel hitch and which is protected from the environment, is capable of accurately measuring forces along longitudinal and vertical axes for providing information as to roll, pitch, yaw, and drawbar load and which utilizes sensors which provide output signals for display and control. In one embodiment, a fifth wheel includes mounting boxes formed on an undersurface thereof on opposite sides of the kingpin receiving slot and a force-sensing unit mounted within each of said mounting boxes. Each force-sensing unit includes a vertical sensor positioned fore and aft of the vertical hitch axis and forward and aft horizontal force sensors.

Abstract: A device is described for indicating the locking state of a fifth wheel coupling (1) and an arrangement of a first and a second sensor (6, 7).

Abstract: A anti-jackknife semi-trailer attachment system is for preventing a trailer from jackknifing when coupled to a trailer. The anti-jackknife system is attached to the trailer.

Abstract: A system adapted to be mounted on a pickup truck for warning the driver of the truck should the front section of a fifth wheel trailer pivotally supported on a hitch secured in the bed of the truck approach a point where there is imminent danger of impact between the front section of the trailer and the back of the cab as the truck and trailer are executing a turn. The system comprises a warning device which is to be placed in the cab of the truck and alarm units mounted on the front wall of the truck bed, each such alarm unit having a contact member which is movable in response to contact with the front section of the trailer to operate a switch and activate the warning device to warn the driver that the radius of a turn then being performed must be increased to avoid an impact between the front section of the trailer and the back of the cab.

Abstract: An improvement to a fifth wheel hitch providing a pivotal pin lock to retain a kingpin of a fifth wheel trailer within a front opening of the fifth wheel hitch during the loading process prior to engaging the pin in the fifth wheel hitch, the pivotal pin lock including a ramp plate pivotally engaged with the front opening of the fifth wheel hitch by extending arms of a transverse pivot rod, the ramp plate having an upper surface upon which the pin is directed towards a catch mechanism in the fifth wheel hitch, the ramp plate blocking the front opening of the fifth wheel hitch once the pin has passed the pivotal pin lock.

Abstract: The device for damping yawing motions between a highway motor vehicle and its trailer is composed of a curvilinear damping track (4) acted upon by a friction device (17) which may be a pneumatic device attached to the extremity of the shaft (2); the track (4) may be articulated to a fixed portion of the rear of the truck or flexible enough to absorb lurching and pitching motions. The friction device (13) consists of friction slides (21, 22) pressed against the track(4) by an actuator (27) that may be pneumatic. The intensity of the force it generates varies depending upon the cargo in the trailer and/or vehicle speed in order to automatically adapt the yaw-damping effect. This adaptation is achieved by making the actuator (27) subject to suspension pressure and/or vehicle speed. This invention is of interest to manufacturers of trailers and couplings.

Abstract: The battery-powered trailer hitch video alignment system is wireless, having a video camera and transmitter relaying images of the trailer hitch to a monitor by the driver. The camera is mounted either on the towing vehicle or the trailer, whichever gives the best view of the alignment-between the trailer hitch and trailer. An infrared light arrangement provides light for the camera in low-light or no-light conditions. Also, the infrared light incorporates a tape measure in the lighting system to transmit distance measurements between the towed vehicle and trailer. In this regard the infrared system provides both light and distance measurements for the benefit of the operator.

Abstract: A trailer control system incorporates sensors on both the trailer and a tow vehicle towing the trailer to measure operating parameters of both the trailer and the tow vehicle or prime mover. A computer mounted in the trailer or in the tow vehicle gathers input data from the sensors, including a variety of measurements of force, displacement, and temperature for the tow vehicle, the trailer, and their components. The computer may also be used to apply braking forces to the wheels of the trailer. Using the simulator, a variety of components on the trailer may be tested, their performance measured, and a better trailer may be designed. A trailer may also incorporate such a system for better control of the trailer and the combination vehicle of which it is a part.

Abstract: A vehicle back-up guide comprised of a lever arm which defines an abutting arm and a spacing arm angled relative to each other. The lever arm is pivotally mounted to a mounting means to the rear side of the vehicle. As the vehicle is backing-up and closing in on an object, the abutting arm, which has a distal end projecting substantially away from the vehicle, makes contact with the object and this automatically moves the spacing arm outwardly thus giving a visual indication of the relative distance of the vehicle to the object.

Abstract: A towing safety device for securing a trailer hitch of a trailer in a coupled configuration with a hitch ball of a towing vehicle. In one embodiment, the towing safety device includes a base plate for attachment to the towing vehicle, at least one arm mount socket provided on the base plate and a lock arm having at least one pivot pin inserted in the arm mount socket, respectively. The lock arm can be pivoted between a lock position in which the lock arm engages the trailer hitch and prevents inadvertent uncoupling of the trailer hitch from the hitch ball, and an unlock position in which the lock arm disengages the trailer hitch to facilitate coupling and uncoupling of the trailer hitch and the hitch ball. In another embodiment, the towing safety device includes a lock bracket for extension over the trailer hitch, which lock bracket is provided with multiple shackle openings.

Abstract: A vehicle steering mechanism to compensate for instabilities including a vehicle frame, a front axle coupled to the vehicle frame, the front axle further coupled to two front wheels, a rear axle coupled to the vehicle frame, the rear axle further coupled to two rear wheels, an actuator for changing the direction and angle of the two rear wheels, a trailer hitch coupled to the frame, at least one sensor for measuring instability in the trailer hitch, a controller processing the measured instability, and where the controller controls the actuator and the direction and angle of the two rear wheels to compensate for the measured instability.

Abstract: A towing vehicle includes a body on two frame side members and a towing device supported on the members. The frame side members extend substantially parallel in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are in a plane parallel to the surface on which the vehicle travels. The towing device is mounted on a towing beam which extends between the two frame side members at the rear of the vehicle and the towing device is couplable to a towable vehicle. A support arrangement at the rear of the vehicle is connected to the two frame side members and incorporates at least one and preferably two beams which are connected respectively to one of the frame side members either directly or by a connecting element that extends laterally outwardly from the respective frame side member. The beams are connected to a support member that extends across the body. The beams extend at an angle of inclination relative to the plane.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for an articulating trailer of the type which couples to a king-pin plate provides an arrangement for locking the trailer in a non-articulated position while allowing the king-pin plate to continue pivoting. One or more apertures are formed on one of the trailer and the trailer-pulling unit, and one or more powered locking members are disposed on the other of the trailer and trailer-pulling unit. Each member is moveable between an extended position, wherein it engages with a respective aperture, and a retracted position, wherein the member is disengaged from the aperture. Each member is positioned along a line parallel to the axis about which the king-pin plate pivots, enabling the plate to continue pivoting even when the members are extended. The aperture is also preferably oval shaped to allow for unimpeded pivoting of the trailer attached to the king-pin plate while the locking member is engaged within the aperture.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement to a existing fifth wheel hitch mounted within the bed of a pickup, the improvement applied to the existing fifth wheel hitch either before or after installation to a towing vehicle, providing for secondary retainment of a fifth wheel trailer kingpin within the fifth wheel hitch in the event that accidental or inadvertent disengagement of the kingpin from the hitch occurs during transport, release or connection of the fifth wheel trailer to the fifth wheel hitch preventing injury to person or damage to the towing vehicle, the fifth wheel hitch and the fifth wheel trailer.

Abstract: The invention is an attachment for a fifth wheel trailer hitch generally mounted within the bed of a vehicle to prevent damage to the vehicle in the event that the fifth wheel hitch fails due to faulty hook-up, the invention including a horizontal cross bar, two perpendicularly attached side bars with paired sets of bolt holes for mounting to the fifth wheel trailer hitch, a slide channel attached to the horizontal cross bar having an angle catch brace, and at least four bolts with lock nuts.

Abstract: A device and a method for stabilizing a combination of a tractor vehicle and at least one semitrailer or trailer is described, where the trailer or semitrailer is automatically braked if the semitrailer or trailer buckles with respect to the tractor vehicle at a buckling rate which is greater than a predetermined limit buckling rate.

Abstract: The invention is an attachment for a fifth wheel trailer hitch generally mounted within the bed of a vehicle to prevent damage to the vehicle in the event that the fifth wheel hitch fails due to faulty hook-up, the invention including a horizontal cross bar, two perpendicularly attached side bars with paired sets of bolt holes for mounting to the fifth wheel trailer hitch, a slide channel attached to the horizontal cross bar having an upper catch plate secured to the slide channel, and at least four bolts with lock nuts.

Abstract: A device signals possible failure of a typical ball-and-socket hitch. A breakaway switch on the rear of the towing vehicle has an actuating member positioned substantially immediately above the ball of the hitch. A bracket is mounted on the front of the towed vehicle at substantially the midpoint between the tow bar outer ends. A cable connected between the actuating member and the bracket has a length selected such that, when the distance between the switch and the second bracket exceeds a predetermined threshold, the cable pulls the actuating member rearwardly to actuate the switch, causing an indicator circuit in the towing vehicle to give an audible or visual signal.

Abstract: A device for determining a distance between the back of a motor vehicle and an object located behind the motor vehicle, including a sensor arrangement for detecting a distance between at least one location on the back of the motor vehicle and a location at the side of the object facing the vehicle, and an evaluation unit for determining distance values on the basis of the detected sensor signals, the evaluation unit including an arrangement for ascertaining a periodic nature of the determined distance values.

Abstract: The invention is a visual alignment aid device that is supported on a towing vehicle to aid in the alignment of the ball on the towing vehicle with the socket in the trailer of the vehicle to be towed, The device includes an elongated tubular shaft having a telescoping shaft sliding and rotationally received therein. The telescoping shaft can be arrested in any position relative to the tubular shaft. The telescoping shaft further has a section with a rigid bend therein. The bend can include an angle of at least 90° and up to 180° depending on the vehicle on which the alignment device is supported. At an end of the telescoping shaft a sleeve is separably mounted which sleeve has an extension which supports a convex mirror in an eccentric fashion.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for damping the motion of rotation of a swivel joint between two vehicle parts of an articulated vehicle, of an articulated bus for example, comprising a hydraulic damping device as well as an electrically triggerable proportional pressure control valve, whereas the proportional pressure control valve is arranged between the force side and the suction side of the damping device, a mechanical pressure control valve (103) being provided in addition to the proportional pressure control valve (104) in the conduit between the suction side and the force side of the damping device, and whereas a multiple-way valve is provided for the alternative drive of the pressure control valve (103) or of the proportional pressure control valve (104).

Abstract: A visual alignment aid device for visually aiding a driver of a towing vehicle to align the ball on the towing vehicle with a socket on the tongue of a trailer. The device includes an elongated tubular member having a telescoping tubular member therein for extending the length of the tubular member. the telescoping member can be arrested in any length and rotational position. The tubular member can be attached to a vehicle by way of magnets or suction cups. An end of the telescoping member has a curved arm attached thereto by way of a clamping hinge. An end of the curved arm has a short arm attached thereto by way of another clamping hinge. The end of the short arm has a convex mirror attached thereto by way of a friction ball swivel.

Abstract: An anti-coupling device for a semi-trailer to prevent the coupling of a semi-trailer's kingpin to a tractor's fifth wheel comprising of a housing assembly mounted within a specific radius of the kingpin having a half sphere for engaging the tractor's fifth wheel when the half sphere is locked in an active position by a locking assembly. The anti-coupling device may move between an active and a passive position by pneumatic valve system.

Abstract: A side strut (5) for a lower steering arm of a tractor has a single-action hydraulic cylinder and a setting unit with a hollow cylinder (17) and an adjustable setting element 20. The setting element (20) includes a threaded bore (30) which receives a threaded rod (32). The hydraulic cylinder has a first attaching element (6) to connect to a tractor. The threaded rod (32) has a second attaching element (7) to connect a lower steering arm. In the fully moved-out position of the hydraulic cylinder, the setting element (20) is rotatable by an actuating lever (33). Thus, the threaded rod (32) moves in and out. To prevent any rotation, a first holding element (36) is provided. The actuating lever (33) engages the holding element in a rest position.

Abstract: This invention is a trailer-tractor rig coupling that prevents jackknifing. It performs like a standard coupling in all normal cases, but if on icy roads, the semi slips and turns opposite to the steering wheel, the coupling brake locks the semi to the tractor. Then when the semi responds to the front wheels again, the brake releases and operates in a normal way.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for use with a vehicle, where the hitch assembly incorporates a tow loop adapted to be easily coupled to a claw, hook or other like implement of a towing chain or alternatively to a towing strap or rope. The hitch assembly comprises a receiver and a hitch member. The hitch member includes a base portion which slides into the receiver such that only a tow loop of the hitch member is exposed. When not needed, the hitch member can be easily removed from the receiver and a different hitch implement attached to the receiver.

Abstract: A hitch for coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle includes a first hitch member on the trailer and a second hitch member on the towing vehicle. The hitch member on the towing vehicle is mounted on a sliding mount extending across the rear axle of the vehicle. A linkage is responsive to pivoting between the trailer and towing vehicle to move the hitch on the towing vehicle toward the rear of the vehicle when turning is effected and to move the hitch on the towing vehicle just forward of the rear axle during normal longitudinal movement of the truck and trailer.

Abstract: A trailer safety chain assembly that is used in combination with a raised ball trailer hitch trailer coupling type of trailer attachment. The trailer safety chain is made up of two sets of chained strands that are linked between a center ring. The trailer safety chain is situated between a vehicle and trailer being transported and acts as an auxiliary trailer attachment in the event of trailer attachment failure. A mounting plate is provided on the vehicle, with a set of apertures provided that accommodate a set of inverted L-shaped hooks and a raised ball trailer hitch. The trailer safety chain is able to keep the end of a trailer tongue from touching the ground and can transport the trailer even in the event of complete trailer attachment failure.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a rotatable side view mirror of a vehicle having a trailer coupled thereto includes transducers attached to the vehicle for transmitting signals toward the trailer and for receiving signals reflected by the trailer. A control unit includes memory for storing dimensional information and a control circuit for generating a mirror control signal for controlling rotation of the rotatable side view mirror. The control circuit is operative to control at least one of the transducers to determine an angle between the vehicle and the trailer based on a time required for signals transmitted by the respective controlled at least one transducer to be reflected back to the respective at least one controlled transducer. The control circuit generates the mirror control signal based on the determined angle.

Abstract: An apparatus, interposed between and attached to a drive vehicle and an object to be moved, dampens the force (drive, resistance, inertia, etc.) between them. The apparatus has a rigid structure which is capable of transferring the large forces required to pull the object, from the drive vehicle to the object, but uses damping to moderate the impact of the forces on the drive vehicle/object combination.

Abstract: A tractor trailer anti-jackknifing system for preventing a trailer from jackknifing when coupled to a tractor. The tractor trailer anti-jackknifing system includes a hitch plate designed for mounting to a tractor with a center hole for receiving a kingpin of a trailer therein and an arcuate first pin slot. The system also includes a bottom plate designed for mounting to the trailer. The bottom plate has a kingpin hole designed for extending the kingpin of the trailer therethrough and an arcuate second pin slot. A fluidic piston-cylinder actuator is mounted to the hitch plate beneath the first pin slot of the hitch plate. The fluidic piston-cylinder actuator has a cylinder portion and a piston portion retractably extendable from the cylinder portion. The piston portion is extended into the first pin slot of the hitch plate. The piston portion is extendable to an extended position where the piston portion upwards extends into the second pin slot of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A device for preventing over-articulation of a trailer towed by a towing vehicle. The device includes a bracket and a pair of opposed shock absorbing members affixed to and extending outwardly from the bracket. The bracket includes a horizontally oriented upper portion, a pair of side portions extending downwardly from the upper portion, and at least one opening defined in at least one of the side portions for connecting the device to a trailer tongue.

Abstract: The invention provides a supporting arrangement for a trailer that is towable by a vehicle, in which the trailer includes a tongue for connecting the trailer to the vehicle. The supporting arrangement includes a tongue jack mounted on the tongue. In a deployed position, the tongue jack vertically supports the tongue and thereby prevents contact between the tongue and the ground. In a retracted position, the supporting arrangement holds the tongue jack clear of the ground. A motion detection arrangement senses a dangerous trailer configuration, in which the tongue jack is in the deployed position and actual or potential motion of the trailer above a safe speed is present, and then activates a retraction assembly that automatically moves the tongue jack from the deployed to the retracted position upon activation of the release mechanism. A manual activation arrangement is preferably also included for allowing activation of the release mechanism by a user.

Abstract: A safety connector for securing a trailer to a towing vehicle having a trailer hitch mounting member. The safety connector includes a trailer hitch adapted to be secured to the trailer hitch mounting member of the towing vehicle. The trailer hitch has a lower portion adapted to extend a distance below the trailer hitch mounting member when the trailer hitch is secured to the trailer hitch mounting member. A spool is connected to the lower portion of the trailer hitch such that the spool is positionable below the trailer hitch mounting member. The spool has a first shoulder portion spaced a distance away from the trailer hitch mounting member, and a medial portion positioned in between the first shoulder portion and trailer hitch mounting member. The medial portion has a diameter less than the diameter of the first shoulder portion. A base plate is connectable to the trailer. The base plate has a thickness less than a length of the medial portion, and a slot formed therethrough.

Abstract: An extension coupling releasably interconnects a trailer to a tow hitch on a tractor vehicle. The apparatus includes a trailer mounting assembly adapted to releasably interconnect to the trailer. The trailer mounting assembly includes a hitch box mount adapted to be secured to a hitch box of the trailer. The trailer mounting assembly also includes an extension coupling which has a proximal end portion secured pivotally to the hitch box mount about a pivot axis. The extension coupling terminates in a distal end portion, and the distal end portion is provided with a pair of oppositely projecting trunnions that extend along a load axis that is perpendicular to the pivot axis. The apparatus also includes a tow hitch assembly adapted to be secured to the bed of a tractor vehicle. The tow hitch assembly includes a pair of spaced apart receivers sized and oriented to engage the trunnions of the extension coupling to define an engaged state.

Abstract: A children's wagon comprising a wagon body, a bottom wall, and front and rear bolsters secured to the bottom wall. The front bolster is pivotally secured to the bottom wall and a pin is associated with the bottom wall and is adapted to extend downwardly therefrom to interfere with the front bolster movement to thereby minimize the possibility of tipping of the wagon. The pin is adapted to be moved upwardly out of interfering position whereby the front bolster can be moved 180° in either direction to thereby place the wagon in more convenient positions for transportation and storage. The front and rear bolsters are each provided with shock absorbers positioned above the front and rear axles adjacent each of the wagon wheels. Slotted vertically extending extensions on each side of each bolster receive the wagon axles and provide for vertical movement of the bolsters relative to the axles.

Abstract: A hemispherical bumper plate that is positioned on a fifth wheel hitch in a manner that makes it impossible to inadvertently contact the protruding surface of the hitch itself is provided. The protective properties of the bumper plate are also enhanced by the use of an additional coating of rubber or other elastic material that softens any contact made with the bumper, further the bumper itself may be made of plastic, hard rubber or other suitable material as desired. The present invention is connected to the fifth wheel trailer by the use of a cylindrical locking tube which fits over the kingpin of the fifth wheel hitch and is held in place by a locking pin which passes through the tube and engages the kingpin. The locking tube also has a plurality of outwardly radiating support bars which connect to and support the bumper plate in the desired position to provide the maximum amount of protection for the fifth wheel hitch.

Abstract: A safety device (30) is actuatable to uncouple a first vehicle (10) from a second vehicle (12) to which the first vehicle (10) is coupled by a pivotable joint. An actuating apparatus (70, 72) senses and responds to a specified vehicle crash condition by actuating the safety device (30). Preferably, an additional safety device (32) is actuatable to roll the vehicles (10, 12) relative to one another. The actuating apparatus (70, 72) further responds to the specified vehicle crash condition by actuating the additional safety device (32).

Abstract: A novel load sensing trailer ball-hitch and drawbar mechanism (30) compatible with industry standard coupling, drawbar receivers and vehicle bumper systems consisting of an upstanding elongated vertical ball-hitch post assembly (4) is provided, featuring the integration of a load sensing device (14) therein. The ball-hitch assembly by means of a threaded stud-bolt (20) received into the threaded lower cavity, is to be attached to industry-standard draw-bar or bumper fittings as used on recreational vehicles, trucks and vans. A drawbar (30), has integrated therein a singular or plurality of load sensing devices (14). Overloading of the force measuring device is achieved by means of a mechanical stop fitting (28). Signals derived from this force measuring device are transmitted to a board computer providing an analog or digital representation of the forces acting upon the ball-hitch drawbar assembly.