Abstract: A stabilizer for a multi-trailer rig has a cylinder assembly including a cylinder A and a piston rod E pivotally mounted between a front trailer on one end and a wheeled dolly at H exerting a force which at all times is in a direction tending to bring the dolly into alignment and thereby bring a rear trailer which follows the dolly into alignment. A pair of such cylinder assemblies may be provided with each having a central stop member B carried internally of a cylinder with pistons C and D on each respective side for effectively moving to pull or to push until such action may be reversed following engagement of a piston with the central stop member. Exerting control over alignment of the dolly stabilizes the trailers and continues to exert a force to maintain alignment, yet permits turning. A locking clutch member I may be manually fixed to limit movement of the cylinder and piston rod thereby preventing the dolly from coming out of alignment during backing.

Abstract: A coupling linking a tractor 10 and a trailer 11 having a fifth wheel assembly 12 having a longitudinal outwardly tapering slot defined by spaced ears 15 is provided with an anti-jackknifing apparatus A, B. Sensor C located adjacent a rear wheel 16 of the trailer generates a frequency reflective of the speed of the tractor and trailer. A radar gun, and the like or other sensor may also be used to determine ground speed. Upon receiving a frequency corresponding to a speed exceeding a predetermined speed, a speed controlled switch D engages the anti-jackknifing apparatus. Similarly, the switch D automatically disengages the apparatus upon receiving a frequency signal corresponding to a speed below the predetermined speed or, upon the occurrence of certain conditions, the activation of a turning signal by the driver. A signal light E mounted externally on the trailer indicates when the apparatus has been activated.

Abstract: A system including an anti-jackknifing abutment apparatus (FIGS. 1-4, 7, 8) an electrical (FIG. 5) and hydraulic (FIG. 6) controls provides system control which controls limited relative angular movement between an articulated tractor 10 and trailer 20. An engagement driver in the form of cylinder 36 mounted within a rigid frame 23 is mounted by a mounting bar 25 to a forward beam member 22 of the trailer 20 for moving a abutment element 28, 128 into and out of an engagement zone within the longitudinal V-slot 17 of the fifth wheel 14. The abutment element in position on a rotational swing of the articulated vehicle is contacted by ears 18 of the V-slot, where due to the structure of the apparatus, the further rotational movement may be arrested or controlled to permit adjustment of the rotational limit of further angular movement under control of the driver.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for limiting the angular movement between the tractor and trailer wherein a fluid operated cylinder is mounted within a rigid frame, having a mounting bar attached to a forward member of the tractor, for moving an abutment means between a position extending downwardly within the longitudinal slot of the fifth wheel to a position wherein the abutment means is removed from the slot. Means are carried within the frame having fixed relation thereto for providing lateral support within the position of the slot.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for limiting the angular movement between the tractor and trailer wherein a fluid operated cylinder is mounted within a rigid frame, having a mounting bar attached to a forward member of the tractor, for moving an abutment means between a position extending downwardly within the longitudinal slot of the fifth wheel to a position wherein the abutment means is removed from the slot. Means are carried within the frame having fixed relation thereto for providing lateral support within the position of the slot.

Abstract: A system including an anti-jackknifing abutment apparatus (FIGS. 1-4, 7, 8) and electrical (FIG. 5) and hydraulic (FIG. 6) controls provides system control which controls limited relative angular movement between an articulated tractor 10 and trailer 20. An engagement driver in the form of cylinder 36 mounted within a rigid frame 23 is mounted by a mounting bar 25 to a forward beam member 22 of the trailer 20 for moving a abutment element 28, 128 into and out of an engagement zone within the longitudinal V-slot 17 of the fifth wheel 14. The abutment element in position on a rotational swing of the articulated vehicle is contacted by ears 18 of the V-slot, where due to the structure of the apparatus, the further rotational movement may be arrested or controlled to permit adjustment of the rotational limit of further angular movement under control of the driver.

Abstract: A fifth wheel wrecker hoist is illustrated having apparatus which affords longitudinal adjustment between the fifth wheel and the boom which includes a longitudinal guide having a plurality of spaced openings for use in connection with a support carried by the fifth wheel having a retractable plunger for engaging one of the openings respectively for positioning the boom in a desired adjusted position.

Abstract: A towing apparatus of enhanced stability is illustrated for attaching an automobile and other vehicle to be towed to a towing vehicle wherein diverging arms are pivoted adjacent one end of a central bar or frame member which extends rearwardly from a towing vehicle with a slide carried thereon for attachment at predetermined positions along the bar, and diverging links each having pivotal connection on one end on a respective arm and on the other end to the slide member. A chain attaching means is provided for use with the tow bar wherein respective chains carried by the arms are positioned in spread relation adjacent a free end of respective arms and extend inwardly across one another and are attachable to spaced vehicle frame members thus serving as a towing and positioning chain with an extending portion acting as a safety chain.

Abstract: A loading device is illustrated for wheeled vehicles having elongated beds wherein a pair of transversely aligned boom members having an extensible inverted U-shaped member adjustably carried on free ends thereof, are pivotally secured on a supporting frame and operated by fluid operated cylinder assemblies which are pivotally connected on one end to a respective boom and on the other end to an upright frame member or standard carried forwardly in the vehicle.

Abstract: A tree harvester or remover is illustrated having a gripper including a V-shaped wedging member with a blade projecting inwardly thereof for cutting into a portion of the tree above the roots forming a shelf with adjacent fibers of the tree compressed between the wedging members, and means for exerting an upward force on the gripper by exerting a compressive force between ground engaging support members and an elevatable frame from which the gripper depends.

Abstract: Apparatus is illustrated for raising and lowering the bed of a press having a fluid operated jack mechanism for engaging work carried by the bed of the press. The apparatus includes a fluid operated ram carried by one of the standards or legs of the press having pivotal connection with one end of the bed and cable and pulley mechanism connecting the other end of the press for raising and lowering the bed preparatory to fixing same in an adjusted vertical position, maintaining same in level condition at all times.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a hoist mounted on a frame of a pick up truck is illustrated wherein an auxiliary or supplemental support leg is provided outboard of the vehicle for supporting the hoist mechanism. The auxiliary support is provided by positioning an oscillable collar on a vertical hoist supporting column carried by the vehicle and providing a laterally extending arm fixed to the collar for carrying a vertically adjustable support leg thereon.

Abstract: A wheel dolly is illustrated wherein threaded adjustment means are provided for adjusting the level of an inner substantially L-shaped wheel carrying frame within an outer substantially L-shaped wheeled support frame so that the level of the inner frame may be independently adjusted when elevated as into truck tire engaging position so that the proper level may be achieved for removing and replacing truck tires and the like.

Abstract: A coupling head is illustrated for securing a towing assembly to the bumper of a vehicle wherein a pivoted mounting member to which a chain is fastened is provided with a locking member for securing said mounting member after it is pivoted to a chain tightening position.

Abstract: A device for lifting and transporting heavy objects on a surface including a hoist which is pivotally secured to a vertical standard that is carried on a base structure. The base structure includes a pair of outwardly extending legs which has primary wheels located adjacent the end thereof for transporting the hoist. A pair of auxiliary wheels are pivotally carried adjacent the primary wheels. The auxiliary wheels can be brought in contact with the surface lifting the primary wheels off the surface adding maneuverability to the hoist. A telescoping vertically adjustable safety standard engages the boom supporting the hoist for locking the boom in a fixed position.