Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch assembly includes a mounting assembly, an arched base assembly, a head assembly and a jaw assembly carried by the head assembly. The jaw assembly includes a stepped jaw body. The head assembly includes a single piece, weldless and seamless skid plate. The base assembly is modular and includes a pair of legs and a central housing. The base assembly includes feet that are received in cooperating sockets carried by the mounting assembly. The feet may be locked in those sockets.

Abstract: Typical fifth wheel hitch assemblies require the operator to leave the cab of the vehicle to put the fifth wheel hitch assembly into position to receive a king pin of a trailer. The present invention is a fifth wheel hitch assembly that comprises a base assembly, a head assembly pivotally connected to the base assembly about a generally horizontal axis, the head assembly being pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position, and at least one biasing member urging the head assembly into the raised position.

Abstract: A cross member for a heavy duty over-the-highway tractor having an integral fifth wheel hitch such that the fifth wheel hitch is connected to the cross member rather than to brackets mounted to the frame rails of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the fifth wheel hitch is connected to sliding rails that span two cross members so that the fifth wheel hitch can be positioned at various points between the cross members.

Abstract: A fifth wheel mounting assembly for mounting a fifth wheel hitch plate to a frame of a tractor that includes a pair of first support members adapted to be fixedly coupled to a pair of rails of a tractor, and each having a plurality of first apertures, and a pair of first mounting brackets each including a plurality of apertures that receive mounting hardware therein, wherein the mounting hardware extends through the plurality of apertures of the first mounting bracket and through the plurality of first apertures of the support members, thereby fixedly coupling the mounting brackets with the support members. Each mounting bracket further includes an inwardly exposed aperture adapted to receive a mounting pin therein for pivotally coupling a fifth wheel hitch plate to the mounting brackets, and a recess.

Abstract: A towing hitch assembly adapted to be connected to a towing unit and a towed unit is disclosed. 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.

Abstract: Vehicle accessory mounting systems are limited in the accessories mountable thereto and interfere with the use of the bed. The present invention, however, is a vehicle accessory mounting system that comprises a frame assembly having an opening and a locking cavity being in communication with the opening, and at least one accessory mounting member capable of being removably mounted within the opening to removably mount an accessory to a vehicle. The accessory mounting member comprises a body, a locking element aperture within the body, and a locking element held within the aperture, the locking element being moveable between a retracted, unlocked position wherein the locking element does not engage the locking cavity and an extended, unlocked position wherein the locking element engages the locking cavity to prevent removal of the mounting member from within the opening.

Abstract: A slide rail assembly for providing adjustable positions for fifth wheel hitches including a slide rail having feet extending downward from the underside of the slide rail, adjacent feet being separated by a detent for receiving a slide locking mechanism, each of the feet having a recesses located at the bottom inside corner of each foot, respecting the assembly. The slide rail also comprises teeth with gaps therebetween, where the gaps are vertically aligned with the recesses.

Abstract: A modular suspension system for short distance repositioning tractors, often referenced as terminal tractors, isolating the shock and impact of a retractable fifth wheel and rear axle from the frame of the terminal tractor by the arrangement of a rear axle and fifth wheel boom having lift cylinders between them and joining the rear axle, a lift arm assembly and a trailing arm assembly as a singular modular unit, isolated from the frame of the terminal tractor by elastomeric bushings at a forward location and pivot point on the terminal tractor frame, with a secondary suspension located at the rear of the singular modular unit.

Abstract: A carrier assembly is mounted on the spaced frame members of a tractor for movably supporting a fifth wheel assembly thereon. An integral one piece slide rail is secured to each of the frame members and has a plurality of individual rack sections separately welded to a U-shaped member of the slide rail. Each of the rack sections contain a plurality of spaced teeth. The teeth extend into a channel formed in mounting brackets of a carriage assembly of the fifth wheel to slidably mount the carriage assembly on the carrier assembly. A leg of the U-shaped member extends into a channel formed in the carriage assembly and is engaged by a set bolt to adjust the carriage assembly for various frame widths. A pair of stop assemblies are adjustably movably mounted across the ends of the slide rails of the carrier assembly. A pair of adjustable plungers secure the carriage assembly in a fixed position on the carrier assembly.

Abstract: The gooseneck trailer hitch assembly includes a block tube that is fixed to a trailer frame. A top plate is fixed to the block tube. A vertical shaft is connected to the top plate. A steel spherical member is slidably mounted on the vertical shaft. Two rings are clamped to the spherical member and pivotable about the spherical member center. A tower assembly tube receives on of the two rings and is fixed to the rings. A tube positioning member is fixed to the tower assembly. The positioning member includes a wedge surface that contacts a steel ring and moves the tower assembly tube toward a vertical position as the spherical member is moved toward to the top plate. The positioning member also includes a cylindrical surface that engages the steel ring after the tower assembly tube is vertical. A vibration and force damper is provided between the steel ring and the block tube.

Abstract: A portable dolly for use in towing a tractor including at least one wheel for moving the dolly, a king pin configured for placement in a mating engagement with a fifth wheel on the tractor, and a plurality of chains for connecting the dolly to the tractor, wherein the dolly is configured to assist a wrecker with towing the tractor from the tractor's front end without removing the front drive axle and drive shaft on the tractor. A lift mechanism is provided for lifting the tractor off the ground into a position that is suitable for towing.

Abstract: A sliding hitch for receiving a trailer includes a rectangular base member having opposed end portions attachable to a bed of a truck. The sliding hitch further includes a plurality of stationary members aligned with each other. One of the plurality of stationary members has a groove formed therein extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis. A plurality of helical spring members are disposed adjacent the opposed end portions of the base member respectively. The sliding hitch further includes a hitch member having a lower portion and an upper portion having a substantially spherical shape integral with the lower portion and extending upwardly therefrom. The plurality of spring members allow the hitch member to slide forwardly and rearwardly to thereby reduce forces exerted on a truck and a trailer during operating conditions.

Abstract: A hitch structure for connection between a pair of elongated, laterally spaced hydroformed frame members of a vehicle chassis having preformed apertures formed therein. The hitch structure comprises a hitch base adapted to receive a hitch ball member, a pair of side plates connected respectively to opposite ends of said hitch base, a pin sized, positioned, and oriented on each of the side plates to enable reception of the pin member in the preformed aperture of an associated hydroformed frame member, and a pair of clamp members on each side plate to clamp the side plate with an associated frame member at such a location as to position the pin member in alignment with the associated preformed aperture to thereby secure said hitch base in transverse relation between the frame members.

Abstract: A hitch assembly including a frame for being attached to a tow vehicle; a cradle assembly pivotally attached to the frame for pivotal fore and aft movement; a hitch receiver mounted to the cradle assembly for being attached to a trailer; a leaf spring mounted to the cradle assembly and the fore end of the frame for controlling fore and aft movement of the cradle assembly; and shock absorbers mounted to the cradle assembly and the aft end of the frame for dampening fore and aft movement of the cradle assembly.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch includes a head assembly having a skid plate with an opening for receiving a king pin of a trailer and a locking jaw assembly for securing the king pin in proper position with the trailer over the skid plate. Additionally, the fifth wheel hitch includes a rocking platform having an arcuate rocking surface and upstanding wings at each end thereof. A pair of pivot pins are provided for mounting the head assembly to the wings of the rocking platform while allowing pivotal/tilting movement of the head assembly in a fore-and-aft direction relative to the rocking platform. A base is provided including a cradle for receiving the rocking platform. The cradle allows side-to-side rocking movement of the rocking platform and the head assembly relative to the base. The base includes first and second pairs of opposed mounting lugs. A pair of mounting pins are received in the first and second pairs of mounting lugs and serve to capture the rocking platform on the cradle of the base.

Abstract: A fifth wheel trailer pin assembly characterized by having a horizontally pivoting joint to reduce the transmission of lateral flex and stress between the units coupled by the hitching assembly. The trailer pin assembly is designed to be used with conventional fifth wheel locking assemblies, which are designed to allow for horizontal rotation of the trailer pin within the locking assembly and far longitudinal pivoting between the units coupled by the hitching assembly, to provide a fifth wheel hitching system which minimizes the transmission of unwanted forces and stresses between the units that are coupled together.

Abstract: The invention provides a slide assembly for coupling a trailer to a vehicle. The slide assembly comprises a platform slidably mounted on a pair of rails. At least one of the rails has a plurality of notches on the interior or exterior edge thereof. At least one jaw is pivotally mounted on the platform and configured to pivot between a locked position wherein the jaw engages the notches and a sliding position wherein the jaw is removed from the notches. An actuator is coupled to the jaw to move the jaw between the locked position and the sliding position.

Abstract: An improved fifth wheel hitch for attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle. The hitch includes an outer box support frame having two rails for mounting the trailer hitch to the towing vehicle, a spherical bearing mounted in the frame having a ball joint, and a latch assembly affixed to the spherical bearing to allow the assembly to have two degrees of movement, and a head body. The latch assembly comprises a base plate, a jaw fixed at a first elevation, and a vertically displaceable jaw. A means are provided to raise the vertically displaceable jaw above the level of the fixed jaw to allow release of the king pin latch. When the jaws are coplanar they capture the kingpin of a trailer, and safely lock the trailer to the hitch.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for a fifth wheel mounted on a semi-trailer tractor includes a pair of generally parallel spaced rail assemblies, each comprising a bed plate, a rack of teeth superimposed over the bed plate and a rack cover plate superimposed over the rack of teeth. Bolts extend through the rack cover plate, rack of teeth and bed plate. A slider assembly includes a pair of spaced generally parallel axial elements superimposed over respective bed plates and connected by a transverse element. The slider assembly supports a tooth engaging mechanism that selectively engages the rack of teeth and is spring biased and mechanically biased toward a locked position. Rear stops are removably attached to the carrier assembly. Projections on the bed plate and rack cover plate extend into apertures in the rack of teeth to resist shear forces.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling comprising essentially a fifth wheel plate and a pair of pillow blocks for the attachment on the frame of a truck tractor. The fifth wheel plate pivots around an axis in relation to the pillow blocks and on its underside, is equipped with a pair of hollow cylindrical bearing troughs, while the pillow blocks have corresponding cylindrical bearing surfaces. Below the bearing surface, the pillow block is equipped with an eye for the penetration of an attachment bridge. The object is to reduce the weight of fifth wheel couplings of this type and to lower the manufacturing cost without thereby complicating the assembly or having to omit an adjustment to differing mounting widths.

Abstract: A hitch (10) with a lock indicator system (16) interacts with a rotor (18) to provide an indication that a kingpin (14) is properly inserted into the hitch. The rotor rotates in response to proper insertion of the kingpin to align a rotor slot (20) with a plunger (24). Once the rotor slot and the plunger are aligned, an indicator (28) moves from a first position, indicating an unlocked kingpin, to a second position, indicating a locked kingpin. A control pin (74, 174) prevents rotation of the rotor from improper insertion of the kingpin. The control pin is controlled by a control lever (70, 170).

Abstract: An integrated fifth-wheel hitch and axle suspension assembly for mounting on a truck with a pair of spaced apart frame rails comprises a fifth-wheel hitch carriage adapted for mounting a fifth-wheel hitch, a pair of suspension brackets for mounting an axle suspension component and an integrating connector rigidly connecting the fifth-wheel hitch carriage to the suspension brackets at opposite sides of the hitch carriage. The integrating connector, the hitch carriage and the suspension brackets define an elongated opening for slidably receiving the truck frame rails so that the integrated fifth-wheel hitch and axle suspension assembly can slide as a unit onto the truck frame rails. An integrated connection interface includes a plurality of electronic and pneumatic connectors in a connector harness for selectively connecting electronic and pneumatic systems on a truck with electronic and pneumatic components of an integrated fifth-wheel hitch and axle suspension assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable fifth wheel hitch includes a support frame having base rails that are secured to the frame of a vehicle and a pair of spaced guide rails that bridge between the base rails. The fifth wheel hitch also includes a head assembly having a jaw assembly for engaging a king pin on a trailer. A head support includes a pair of uprights having sets of rollers for mounting the head assembly for relative fore-and-aft sliding movement along the guide rails between the towing position and a maneuvering position. A releasable lock secures the head assembly in either selected position.

Abstract: An adjustable fifth wheel hitch includes a support frame having base rails that are secured to the frame of a vehicle and a pair of spaced guide rails that bridge between the base rails. The fifth wheel hitch also includes a head assembly having a jaw assembly for engaging a king pin on a trailer. The head assembly also includes low friction shoes, rollers or the like for mounting the head assembly on the spaced guide rails so that the head assembly is selectively displaceable between a towing position and a maneuvering position. A lock on the head assembly includes at least one bar latch, a biasing element and a cam for engaging the biasing element. The bar latch is received in the first aperture in the guide rail to releaseably lock the head assembly in the towing position and in the second aperture of the guide rail to releaseably lock the head assembly in the maneuvering position.

Abstract: A dolly is disclosed and includes a pair of wheels; a frame mounted to the wheels and movable to an engagement position beneath the forward end of a trailer; a fifth wheel assembly; a mounting assembly and a clamp system. The fifth wheel assembly includes a track and a fifth wheel mounted thereto for movement parallel to a translation axis defined by the track. The mounting assembly connects the fifth wheel assembly to the frame for movement between a raised position, whereat the fifth wheel is positioned to receive the trailer kingpin upon movement of the frame to the engagement position, and a lowered position, whereat the forward end of the trailer is supported on the frame. The clamp system is mounted to the frame and selectively locks same against rotation relative to the trailer, to permit the trailer to be towed from its rearward end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a base rail kit for a motor vehicle. The base rail kit includes a base rail including first and second mounting flanges, a first bracket including a first base rail support platform and a first mounting lug, a second bracket including a second base rail support platform and a second mounting lug, first and second spacers and first and second fasteners.

Abstract: The articulating function of a mounting/bearing for fifth wheels is realized by utilizing a bolted connection or by using rubber elements as a displacement coupling. The object of the current invention is to create a mounting/bearing device for a fifth wheel having the advantages of both the bolted coupling and the displacement coupling. A mounting/bearing as claimed by the current invention for a fifth wheel has a stirrup-shaped bearing pedestal and a bridge which can be fastened to a coupling plate of the fifth wheel, whereby a damping element is arranged between the bearing pedestal and the bridge. The damping element is realized as a walking element. This ensures that the mounting/bearing can be manufactured with large manufacturing tolerances and can be easily swiveled.

Abstract: A dolly is disclosed and includes a pair of wheels; a frame mounted to the wheels and movable to an engagement position beneath the forward end of a trailer; a fifth wheel assembly; a mounting assembly and a clamp system. The fifth wheel assembly includes a track and a fifth wheel mounted thereto for movement parallel to a translation axis defined by the track. The mounting assembly connects the fifth wheel assembly to the frame for movement between a raised position, whereat the fifth wheel is positioned to receive the trailer kingpin upon movement of the frame to the engagement position, and a lowered position, whereat the forward end of the trailer is supported on the frame. The clamp system is mounted to the frame and selectively locks same against rotation relative to the trailer, to permit the trailer to be towed from its rearward end.

Abstract: A fifth wheel for coupling a tractor to a trailer carrying a kingpin. The fifth wheel comprises a mounting structure adapted to be mounted to the tractor and a fifth wheel plate mounted to the mounting structure and a top bearing surface rotateable relative to the mounting structure about an axis normal to the top bearing surface in order to minimize the friction between the top bearing surface of the fifth wheel plate and the trailer.

Abstract: An integrated fifth-wheel hitch and axle suspension assembly for mounting on a truck with a pair of spaced apart frame rails comprises a fifth-wheel hitch carriage adapted for mounting a fifth-wheel hitch, a pair of suspension brackets for mounting an axle suspension component and an integrating connector rigidly connecting the fifth-wheel hitch carriage to the suspension brackets at opposite sides of the hitch carriage. The integrating connector, the hitch carriage and the suspension brackets define an elongated opening for slidably receiving the truck frame rails so that the integrated fifth-wheel hitch and axle suspension assembly can slide as a unit onto the truck frame rails. An integrated connection interface includes a plurality of electronic and pneumatic connectors in a connector harness for selectively connecting electronic and pneumatic systems on a truck with electronic and pneumatic components of an integrated fifth-wheel hitch and axle suspension assembly.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch includes a head assembly having a skid plate with an opening for receiving a king pin of a trailer and a locking jaw assembly for securing the king pin in proper position with the trailer over the skid plate. Additionally, the fifth wheel hitch includes a rocking platform having an arcuate rocking surface and upstanding wings at each end thereof. A pair of pivot pins are provided for mounting the head assembly to the wings of the rocking platform while allowing pivotal/tilting movement of the head assembly in a fore-and-aft direction relative to the rocking platform. A base is provided including a cradle for receiving the rocking platform. The cradle allows side-to-side rocking movement of the rocking platform and the head assembly relative to the base. The base includes first and second pairs of opposed mounting lugs. A pair of mounting pins are received in the first and second pairs of mounting lugs and serve to capture the rocking platform on the cradle of the base.

Abstract: An adjustable fifth wheel hitch includes a support frame having base rails that are secured to the frame of a vehicle and a pair of spaced guide rails that bridge between the base rails. The fifth wheel hitch also includes a head assembly having a jaw assembly for engaging a king pin on a trailer. A head support includes a pair of uprights having sets of rollers for mounting the head assembly for relative fore-and-aft sliding movement along the guide rails between the towing position and a maneuvering position. A releasable lock secures the head assembly in either selected position.

Abstract: A fifth wheel for coupling a tractor to a trailer carrying a kingpin. The fifth wheel comprises a mounting structure adapted to be mounted to the tractor and a fifth wheel plate mounted to the mounting structure and having a top bearing surface rotatable relative to the mounting structure about an axis normal to the top bearing surface in order to minimize the friction between the top bearing surface of the fifth wheel plate and the trailer.

Abstract: A carrier assembly is mounted on the spaced frame members of a tractor for movably supporting a fifth wheel assembly thereon. An integral one piece slide rail is secured to each of the frame members and has a plurality of individual rack sections separately welded to a U-shaped member of the slide rail. Each of the rack sections contain a plurality of spaced teeth. The teeth extend into a channel formed in mounting brackets of a carriage assembly of the fifth wheel to slidably mount the carriage assembly on the carrier assembly. A leg of the U-shaped member extends into a channel formed in the carriage assembly and is engaged by a set bolt to adjust the carriage assembly for various frame widths. A pair of stop assemblies are adjustably movably mounted across the ends of the slide rails of the carrier assembly. A pair of adjustable plungers secure the carriage assembly in a fixed position on the carrier assembly.

Abstract: A carrier assembly is mounted on the spaced frame members of a tractor for movably supporting a fifth wheel assembly thereon. An integral one piece slide rail is secured to each of the frame members and has a plurality of individual rack sections separately welded to a U-shaped member of the slide rail. Each of the rack sections contain a plurality of spaced teeth. The teeth extend into a channel formed in mounting brackets of a carriage assembly of the fifth wheel to slidably mount the carriage assembly on the carrier assembly. A leg of the U-shaped member extends into a channel formed in the carriage assembly and is engaged by a set bolt to adjust the carriage assembly for various frame widths. A pair of stop assemblies are adjustably movably mounted across the ends of the slide rails of the carrier assembly. A pair of adjustable plungers secure the carriage assembly in a fixed position on the carrier assembly.

Abstract: A carrier assembly is mounted on the spaced frame members of a tractor for movably supporting a fifth wheel assembly thereon. An integral one piece slide rail is secured to each of the frame members and has a plurality of individual rack sections separately welded to a U-shaped member of the slide rail. Each of the rack sections contain a plurality of spaced teeth. The teeth extend into a channel formed in mounting brackets of a carriage assembly of the fifth wheel to slidably mount the carriage assembly on the carrier assembly. A leg of the U-shaped member extends into a channel formed in the carriage assembly and is engaged by a set bolt to adjust the carriage assembly for various frame widths. A pair of stop assemblies are adjustably movably mounted across the ends of the slide rails of the carrier assembly. A pair of adjustable plungers secure the carriage assembly in a fixed position on the carrier assembly.

Abstract: A carrier assembly is mounted on the spaced frame members of a tractor for movably supporting a fifth wheel assembly thereon. An integral one piece slide rail is secured to each of the frame members and has a plurality of individual rack sections separately welded to a U-shaped member of the slide rail. Each of the rack sections contain a plurality of spaced teeth. The teeth extend into a channel formed in mounting brackets of a carriage assembly of the fifth wheel to slidably mount the carriage assembly on the carrier assembly. A leg of the U-shaped member extends into a channel formed in the carriage assembly and is engaged by a set bolt to adjust the carriage assembly for various frame widths. A pair of stop assemblies are adjustably movably mounted across the ends of the slide rails of the carrier assembly. A pair of adjustable plungers secure the carriage assembly in a fixed position on the carrier assembly.

Abstract: A glider fifth wheel attachment assembly includes a support frame including a pair of spaced guide rails and a pair of upright assemblies attached to the guide rails. Each upright assembly includes a lower sleeve portion for receiving a respective guide rail, an intermediate housing portion vertically above the sleeve portion, and an upper mounting portion vertically above the housing portion. A head assembly may be adjustably mounted between respective housing portions of the upright assemblies. At least one roller is positioned within each housing portion of the upright assemblies such that the at least one roller contacts an upper surface of an upper guide rail. In addition, the glider fifth wheel attachment assembly includes a latching assembly for releasably locking the glider fifth wheel attachment assembly between a first and a second position.

Abstract: A carrier assembly is mounted on the spaced frame members of a tractor for movably supporting a fifth wheel assembly thereon. An integral one piece slide rail is secured to each of the frame members and has a plurality of individual rack sections separately welded to a U-shaped member of the slide rail. Each of the rack sections contain a plurality of spaced teeth. The teeth extend into a channel formed in mounting brackets of a carriage assembly of the fifth wheel to slidably mount the carriage assembly on the carrier assembly. A leg of the U-shaped member extends into a channel formed in the carriage assembly and is engaged by a set bolt to adjust the carriage assembly for various frame widths. A pair of stop assemblies are adjustably movably mounted across the ends of the slide rails of the carrier assembly. A pair of adjustable plungers secure the carriage assembly in a fixed position on the carrier assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for loading, securing and unloading trailers. In the method according to the invention. a device in the form of a trailer support (10) is utilized. The trailer support (10) comprises a supporting means (11) for supporting the front portion of a trailer, a coupling member (12) arranged on the trailer support (10) for coupling to a coupling means of a loading truck. The trailer. support also comprises a coupling means (13) for coupling to a coupling member of a trailer, Furthermore, the trailer support (10) comprises at least one lock device (14) for locking to at least one of a plurality of predefined locking points arranged in the floor (15) of a cargo space in order to achieve a securing of the front end of a trailer.

Abstract: A hitch (10) with a lock indicator system (16) interacts with a rotor (18) to provide an indication that a kingpin (14) is properly inserted into the hitch. The rotor rotates in response to proper insertion of the kingpin to align a rotor slot (20) with a plunger (24). Once the rotor slot and the plunger are aligned, an indicator (28) moves from a first position, indicating an unlocked kingpin, to a second position, indicating a locked kingpin. A control pin (74, 174) prevents rotation of the rotor from improper insertion of the kingpin. The control pin is controlled by a control lever (70, 170).

Abstract: An extension coupling for releasably interconnecting a trailer to a fifth wheel tow hitch. This extension coupling includes a mount that is secured to the trailer, and an elongated arm that is pivotally secured to the mount and one end. A universal joint with lateral pins is attached to the other end of the arm to mate with the tow hitch. This allows the trailer to be displaced rearwardly of the tow hitch a distance equal to the length of the elongated arm while at the same time maintaining the loading point on a tractor vehicle forward of the rear axle. The assembly allows the trailer to pivot normally, without hitting the cab of short-bed pickup trucks. It also ensures that the weight of the trailer is carried forward of the rear axle for stability.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch (10) has a skid plate (28) pivotally mounted to a housing (18) for lateral pivotable movement. The hitch is closed with a sliding jaw plate and has a lock block (54) that optionally can affix the skid plate to the housing during towing of a trailer. Both the jaw plate (36) and lock block (54) are operated and set by a handle (20) that extends out of the side of the housing. The handle has a crank (21) that can both be rotated and pulled by the operator from the side of a pickup truck for convenience in operation to control both opening and closing the hitch and selectively setting the lock block.

Abstract: A vehicle frame which enables a lowering of the saddle coupling with improved stability for this, and recesses at the upper side of the lengthwise girders of the vehicle frame extending across the entire width of the frame are proposed. The saddle coupling is fastenably secured to the lengthwise girders.

Abstract: The invention provides a new automotive tractor unit for use with a new semi-trailer unit to form a rigidly-coupled tractor/semi-trailer combination. The tractor has a long wheel base and has its fifth wheel assembly mounted for extended longitudinal movement between a receiving position at its rear end and a mounting position close to the driver's cab. The tractor and semi-trailer chassis frames cooperate with one another to permit pitching between them while preventing yaw between them. The semi-trailer has a retractable landing gear movable beneath the chassis between a forward position close to the king pin to support the semi-trailer front end in the absence of the tractor, and a rear position close to the running wheels so that the semi-trailer can rest on the tractor and be rigidly coupled thereto. Preferably the tractor wheel base is of length from 6.8 meters (22 feet) to 8.5 meters (28 feet), while the fifth wheel assembly is mounted for a longitudinal movement of from 4.8 meters (16 feet) to 6.

Abstract: A control system and method provides automatic adjustments in a heavy duty vehicle that effectively redistributes the weight among the various wheel axles. A plurality of sensors are associated with the plurality of wheel axles on the vehicle. An electronic controller gathers information from the sensors and determines the weight at each wheel axle. The electronic controller then automatically determines adjustments that can be made to effectively redistribute the weight among the wheel axles in the event that the weight at any one axle is outside of a preselected range. The adjustments preferably are made by automatically moving the position of an adjustable “fifth wheel” relative to the cab portion. Additionally, this invention provides the capability of automatically adjusting the position of at least one trailer wheel axle. The adjustments can be made dynamically even while the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch (10) has a skid plate (28) pivotally mounted to a housing (18) for lateral pivotable movement. The hitch is closed with a sliding jaw plate and has a lock block (54) that optionally can affix the skid plate to the housing during towing of a trailer. Both the jaw plate (36) and lock block (54) are operated and set by a handle (20) that extends out of the side of the housing. The handle has a crank (21) that can both be rotated and pulled by the operator from the side of a pickup truck for convenience in operation to control both opening and closing the hitch and selectively setting the lock block.

Abstract: An articulated air suspended hydraulic-dampened fifth wheel hitch coupling device for isolating the front of a fifth wheel or goose neck trailer hitch from the shock of bumps in the road and the inertia of movement of the trailer. Two inflatable air springs operatively connected to the pressurized air system of the tow vehicle eliminates vertical fifth wheel load from being transferred from the trailer to the tow vehicle. Additionally, an oscillating rocker connected transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle allows the fifth wheel hitch to pivot in a transverse motion to eliminate load from being transferred from the trailer to the tow vehicle.

Abstract: A fifth wheel type hitch adapted for engaging a king pin of a trailer comprises a hitch head with downwardly opening pivot saddles which are pivotally supported on pivot bearings on a hitch base such that the hitch head pivots fore and aft relative to the hitch base. Outer portions of the pivot bearings are preferably formed from polyurethane. Latches, secured to the hitch head adjacent each pivot saddle, biasingly engage the pivot bearings when the hitch head is supported on the hitch base to prevent the hitch head from being separated therefrom. Lift handles connected to each latch are graspable by a user and pivotal to advance the latches to an unlatching position such that the hitch head can be separated from the hitch base and such that further lifting on the lift handles lifts the hitch head off of the hitch base. The hitch head comprises an intermediate pivot frame, in which the pivot saddles are formed and a coupler assembly which is adapted to releasably engage the king pin.