Abstract: A method of moving a refuse collection vehicle from a first location to a second location, the refuse collection vehicle of a type having a towing vehicle, a semi-trailer and a hoist mechanism interconnecting the towing vehicle to the semi-trailer and operative for moving the semi-trailer between a normal lowered position and a hoisted position, the method including the steps of securing the towing vehicle in a first towing vehicle location, moving the semi-trailer from the normal lowered position to the hoisted position thereby moving the rear wheels of the semi-trailer from a first semi-trailer location to a second semi-trailer location, securing the semi-trailer in the second semi-trailer location, and moving the semi-trailer from the hoisted position to the normal lowered position thereby moving the towing vehicle in the forwardly direction from the first towing vehicle location to a second towing vehicle location thereby resulting in the movement of the refuse collection vehicle from the first location t

Abstract: A truck for transporting and dumping a load which includes a vehicle with a fifth wheel configured to pivot about a horizontal first axis from a first extreme to a second extreme. A dump trailer hitched to the fifth wheel includes an elongate load bed. The trailer also includes a hitch base for coupling the trailer to the fifth wheel, an arm pivotally linking the hitch base and bed, and a load bearing lift mechanism. A lift mechanism selectively tilts the trailer bed to dump a load. The lift mechanism has an upper end portion connected to the bed and a lower end portion pivotally connected to the hitch base. The lower end portion is configured to pivot about a second axis generally parallel to the first axis. The second axis is horizontally displaced from the first axis so that loading of the fifth wheel by the trailer substantially maintains the fifth wheel in one of the first and second extremes during dumping and avoids the need to lock the fifth wheel during transport.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle including a collection towing vehicle having a refuse loading mechanism for loading a semi-trailer coupled to a fifth wheel, the semi-trailer having a refuse collection body for receiving refuse from the refuse loading mechanism and a hoist mechanism for tilting the refuse collection body. The refuse collection system also includes a refuse transport vehicle which includes a transport towing vehicle having a fifth wheel for receiving a semi-trailer, and a dolly which may be coupled to the semi-trailer for towing additional semi-trailers. A control assembly is coupled to the refuse collection vehicle and the transport towing vehicle including the dolly, having control couplings for interconnection of control assemblies and control umbilicals for providing control to the various devices.

Abstract: A dump trailer for the transportation of containers including a frameless trailer frame to receive and hold a rail transportable container for overland transport. A support system engageable on a fifth wheel of a tractor having a telescopically extensible hoist assembly and interconnected draft arms contains support and locking flanges to secure the container to the trailer and a pair of container contents transport guides extending over the trailer's frame to its free end during dumping.

Abstract: A dump trailer for transporting containers includes a movable frame that receives an associated container. A support plate operatively engages a fifth wheel of a tractor. Interposed between the support plate and the frame is a telescopic hoist assembly to pivot the frame relative to the support plate. A draft arm also extends between the support plate and frame to guide movement of the frame during the hoisting operation. Loading and unloading of the container relative to the tilted frame is controlled by a cylinder and cable assembly secured to the frame. The support plate and frame also include a series of flanges for locking the frame against lateral and longitudinal movement relative to the support plate.

Abstract: A tool for adjusting the position of a fifth wheel upon a tractor trailer assembly, in which a leverage arm is provided in combination with a pivotally mounted push and pull bar. The leverage arm is pivotally secured to a first mounting platform and extends the distance between the first mounting platform and a second mounting platform. Upon action of the leverage arm from outside of the second mounting platform, the leverage arm exerts a radial force against a pivotally connected push and pull bar. The push and pull bar is attached to the fifth wheel in such a manner as to translate the radial action of the leverage arm into a direct forward or backward action of the fifth wheel.

Abstract: A fifth wheel assembly (10) comprising a lower support structure (12) adapted to be mounted on the chassis of a prime mover and an upper support plate (13) upon which a trailer is to be supported, and between which a cam operated linkage mechanism is incorporated which has a pair of space apart main link assemblies (14) pivotally attached at one end (19) to the lower support structure and pivotally attached adjacent their other ends (13) to the upper support plate. Cam members (15) are pivotally supported on the link assemblies with their cam surfaces in contact with the lower support structure, whereby rotation of the cam members pivots the link assemblies upwardly about their pivotal connections to the lower support structure to thereby raise the upper support plate attached to the other ends of said link assemblies.

Abstract: A coupler device for use on frameless dump trailers to guide and position the dump body on the fifth wheel plate. The coupler is comprised of a coupler saddle having an inverted generally U-shaped cavity that engages and registers with an upstanding coupler positioned on the fifth wheel plate of the trailer providing multiple axis positioning of the frameless dump body.