Abstract: A fifth wheel assembly comprises a fifth wheel having a plurality of journal bearings extending generally downward from its underside, and an “I-shaped” transverse beam member for mounting the assembly to a truck frame. The beam member is dimensioned to span across parallel longitudinal truck frame members and it includes mounting flanges extending generally downward from either lateral side where the mounting flanges have a plurality of apertures for receiving suitable fasteners inserted therein for mounting said beam member to the truck frame members. The transverse member also includes a plurality of pivot bearing pairs to receive the journal bearings of the fifth wheel which is coupled thereto by a trunnion.

Abstract: A fifth wheel assembly comprises a fifth wheel having a plurality of journal bearings extending generally downward from its underside, and an “I-shaped” transverse beam member for mounting the assembly to a truck frame. The beam member is dimensioned to span across parallel longitudinal truck frame members and it includes mounting flanges extending generally downward from either lateral side where the mounting flanges have a plurality of apertures for receiving suitable fasteners inserted therein for mounting said beam member to the truck frame members. The transverse member also includes a plurality of pivot bearing pairs to receive the journal bearings of the fifth wheel which is coupled thereto by a trunnion.

Abstract: A fifth wheel with a removable bearing plate includes a load structure comprising frame walls and inner bracing, and including a plurality of flanges, each of said plurality of flanges having an aperture disposed therethrough, said load structure also having at least two pivot bearings; and a bearing plate having a plurality of fasteners extending from an underside of said bearing plate disposed at locations corresponding to the disposition of said apertures configured to permit removable attachment of said bearing plate to said load structure and plurality of ridges disposed upon the underside to form a seat for said frame walls.

Abstract: A fifth wheel assembly comprises a fifth wheel having a plurality of journal bearings extending generally downward from its underside, and a transverse beam member for mounting the assembly to a truck frame. The beam member is dimensioned to span across parallel longitudinal truck frame members and it includes mounting flanges extending generally downward from either lateral side where the mounting flanges have a plurality of apertures for receiving suitable fasteners inserted therein for mounting said beam member to the truck frame members. The transverse member also includes a plurality of pivot bearing pairs to receive the journal bearings of the fifth wheel which is coupled thereto by a trunnion.

Abstract: A fifth wheel mounting bracket is provided. Said mounting bracket allows for the transfer of the load placed on the hitch plate through the mounting pin rather than through its contact surface with the saddle bearing of the hitch plate.

Abstract: A molded bearing plate of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene is formed with a bearing surface and series of strong, spaced, integrally formed posts extending from the opposed surface. A metal support plate is provided with a series of perforations through which the posts extend. The posts may have exteriorly threaded surfaces, and internally threaded fasteners may be threaded onto the posts to secure the molded bearing plate to the support plate. The posts are integrally formed with the bearing plate in a compression molding operation, and offer sufficient tensile strength to firmly attach the bearing plate to the metal plate. The bearing plate assembly is particularly suitable for use as a fifth wheel assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bracket assembly for connecting a trailer to a truck. The bracket assembly includes a base, upright support assemblies, a top plate carried on the support assemblies, a unique reinforced bushing for distributing shearing forces through the assembly is positioned in the support assemblies with the top plate, upright support assemblies and bushing interconnected by bracket pins.