Abstract: A steering mechanism is used to turn the rear wheels of a trailer towed by a tractor with a fifth wheel hitch between the tractor and the trailer. The trailer has a steering control mechanism mounted at its forward end. This mechanism is coupled with the fifth wheel of the tractor to translate rotational motion between the front end of the trailer and the tractor fifth wheel to rotate a frame. The rear wheels of the trailer are mounted on the frame, which imparts steering of the rear of the trailer complementary to the direction in which the tractor trailer rig is turned. A provision is made to limit the number of degrees of pivot, which is imparted to the rear wheels of the trailer, to a maximum amount when the rotation between the tractor fifth wheel and the front of the trailer exceeds a pre-established angular amount. This limitation is effected mechanically through a Geneva gear assembly, which forms part of the steering control mechanism.

Abstract: In a tractor towed chassis having a telescoping, articulated stinger, a two function locking mechanism is disclosed complementary to the non-articulating and articulating functions of the chassis. In the non-articulating function, the chassis hauls short containers, has the stinger telescoped to a non-articulating disposition and conventionally pivots with respect to the towing tractor at a fifth wheel. In the articulating function, the chassis extends to expose the articulated portion of the stinger, is locked at the forward portion to the towing tractor for articulation and when turning of the tractor relative to the chassis occurs the rear wheels turn to assist in turning the tractor towed chassis. The locking mechanism has two discrete locks, a bolster lock that is engaged only when the chassis does not articulate and a fifth wheel lock that is engaged only when the chassis does articulate.

Abstract: A chassis with a telescoping articulated stinger for receiving and hauling containers over 40 feet is disclosed where the chassis rear tandem wheels assist in steering. The chassis mounts conventionally and pivotally at a fifth wheel to a towing tractor with a forward bolster for supporting the forward end of a container. The chassis has a telescoping stinger connecting the rear set of tandem wheels with overlying rear bolster for conventionally supporting and towing short cargo containers, preferably of 20 to 40 feet in length. Where a container of greater than 40 feet is desired to be hauled on the chassis, the stinger is telescoped to expose an articulating joint and both bolsters are allowed to pivot with respect to the chassis. The towing tractor is locked to the chassis at the fifth wheel, and the articulated stinger adjusted in length for the desired lever arm to permit optimum tandem wheel steering.

Abstract: The present invention is a hooking mechanism for fastening a shipping container ot a support platform. A hook for penetrating the aperture of a corner casting along either axis of the aperture is provided. The hook is mounted on a pivot which is movable relative to the support platform in a direction parallel to the face of the casting being penetrated. The pivot can be moved to allow the hook to enter the aperture when the casting is not precisely aligned. The movable pivot also allows the point of penetration to be varied to match either the major or minor axis of the aperture. The movable pivot allows the hook to penetrate the aperture in the corner casting while moving along an arcuate path, thereby permitting entry into the aperture at a constant angle of attack without the hook hitting the far wall of the inside of the corner casting. A pin or a bar is used to lock the hook in the engaged position.