Adjustable Connection To Leading Vehicle Patents (Class 280/407)
  • Patent number: 11648999
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring distance when moving a vehicle, for instance, for measuring how far to move a tractor of a tractor-trailer rig when sliding (e.g., tandem) axles of the trailer, for example, to equalize weight between wheels or axles of the rig. A scale is mounted on the vehicle with (e.g., evenly-spaced) indicia arranged in a line parallel to a forward or reverse direction of the vehicle. The scale is positioned on the vehicle where the driver, while driving the vehicle, can see the scale and can sight past the scale to a stationary visual reference located outside the vehicle (e.g., on the driving surface) to see how far the vehicle has moved. The scale may be on an elongated member which may be attached to the vehicle, for example, to a step below the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: Stephen A. Delmar
  • Patent number: 11292533
    Abstract: A deck plate assembly for a truck chassis having first and second elongated frame members. Elongated rail brackets are mounted on the upper ends of the first and second frame members. Each of the rail brackets has an elongated slide slot formed in the inner sides thereof. A storage box and an airline box are positioned between the first and second frame members. A storage box support frame is slidably mounted in the slide slots of the rail brackets so as to be positioned over the storage box. The storage box is bolted to the storage box support frame. An airline box support is slidably mounted in the slide slots of the rail brackets so as to be positioned over the airline box. The airline box is bolted to the airline box support. Metal deck sections may also be slidably mounted in the rail brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventors: Adam J. Wurzer, Terry D. Wurzer, David T. Wurzer
  • Patent number: 10988189
    Abstract: A trailer for transporting a container has a frame mountable to a vehicle. The frame has a rear frame section mountable above a rear wheel assembly of the trailer, and a front frame section connected to and disposed forward of the rear frame section in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The front frame section has a king pin mountable to a hitch of the vehicle and a forward-most end. The forward-most end is moveable relative to the kingpin in a direction parallel to the forward direction of travel to extend and shorten a length of the front frame section between a fully-lengthened configuration and a fully-shortened configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: ÉQUIPEMENT MAX-ATLAS INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Morena, Patrick Nadon
  • Patent number: 10661621
    Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch assembly is provided that includes a mounting bracket adapted to support a fifth wheel hitch plate and having a substantially vertical surface, a vehicle frame rail having a substantially horizontal portion and a substantially vertical portion; and a support bracket having a first portion secured to the substantially vertical portion of the vehicle frame rail and a second portion secured to the substantially vertical surface of the mounting bracket, and having a plurality of mounting positions spaced longitudinally along the support bracket from one another, wherein the mounting bracket is releasably secured to less than a total number of the mounting positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Zerba, Michael D. Appel
  • Patent number: 10542676
    Abstract: A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. The grain cart also has a hitch for allowing the grain cart to be towed. The discharge portion is forward of the hitch when in the operating position. Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, increased forward and side reach, additional storage capacity of the hopper, increased discharge rate from the hopper, and a more compact transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Patent number: 10479425
    Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch is shown and described. The fifth wheel hitch may include a base frame configured to be secured to a load bed of a towing vehicle, a trolley operatively engaged with the base frame, the trolley adapted to move along the base frame between first and second positions, and a cam member attached with the base frame, the cam member having a cam path. The fifth wheel hitch may also include a cam follower coupled with the trolley, the cam follower operatively engaged with the cam path, and a fifth wheel head pivotally coupled with the trolley, where the trolley is moved between the first and second positions in response to pivoting of the fifth wheel head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Curl, Newly Mach, Richard McCoy, Eric Stanifer
  • Patent number: 10377195
    Abstract: A pin box is provided having a removable and reversible hitch. The removable hitch has a kingpin end and a ball end. The pin box has a skid plate with an aperture with a receiver that can receive and affix the removable hitch. The skid plate is reinforced to the receiver to carry the load when the ball end of the removable hitch is being used. A pin is slidable between a locked position where the removable hitch is retained and an unlocked position where the removable hitch is removable. The pin extends through an aperture in the removable hitch to affix the removable hitch to the pin box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventors: Randall A Pulliam, James M. Karasch
  • Patent number: 10053150
    Abstract: A deck plate assembly is provided for mounting between the first and second frame members of a truck. The assembly includes a horizontally disposed deck plate which is positioned between the first and second frame members of the truck and secured thereto. Stiffening or strengthening members are secured to the underside of the deck plate to prevent downward deflection of the deck plate should a person stand on the deck plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventors: Adam J. Wurzer, Terry D. Wurzer, David T. Wurzer
  • Patent number: 9340242
    Abstract: An adjustable king pin assembly for a fifth wheel trailer which includes an adjustable slider bar having a king pin secured thereto. The slider bar and king pin are easily removed from the assembly for repair, maintenance or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: LINK MFG., LTD.
    Inventors: Kelly J. Hartmann, Brian D. Gosch
  • Patent number: 9327766
    Abstract: A pin assembly for a retractable pin mechanism of a slider box of a heavy-duty vehicle includes a pin guide attached to the slider box. A pin is connected to a retraction mechanism and engages the pin guide. The pin includes an integral inboard and outboard stop. The integral inboard and outboard stops of the pin limit movement of the pin with respect to the pin guide and serve as a positive stop for the pin during retraction and extension of the pin when the retraction mechanism is activated or deactivated by the operator of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Long, John J. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 9186942
    Abstract: A fifth wheel slideable hitch assembly with a pair of base rails defining apertures to receive rollers. The rollers protrude out of the base rails and contact the underside of corresponding uprights, allowing for longitudinal displacement of the uprights and a fifth wheel fore and aft. The assembly also includes a T-shaped selector plate and an indicator pin that clearly alerts a user to the status of the hitch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Camco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher H. Waggoner, Jeff R. Russell, Jacob C. Atwell, Dallas V. Eisenhauer
  • Patent number: 9067629
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement (1; 101; 201) for mounting a trailer coupling to a tractor vehicle with a chassis that has a pair of rearwardly extending opposite left and right frame side members (9, 11; 109, 111; 209, 211) that includes opposite left and right bearing blocks (5, 7; 105, 107; 205, 207). The opposite left and right bearing blocks (5, 7; 105, 107; 205, 207) each have a support surface and a pivot bearing for being fixed directly or indirectly to the chassis of the tractor vehicle. A coupling saddle plate (3; 103; 203) is pivotally mounted from the opposite pivot bearings of the left and right bearing blocks (5, 7; 105, 107; 205, 207), while a diagonal cross brace (35; 135; 235) is provided between at least one of the left and right bearing blocks and a respective one of the transversely opposite right or left frame side members (9, 11; 109, 111; 209, 211).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: DAF Trucks N.V.
    Inventors: Albertus Clemens Maria Van Der Knaap, Jasper Joshua Backx
  • Publication number: 20150102581
    Abstract: A ball mount head has a pivotable connection to a shank portion of a weight distribution hitch. A tilt selector receives a bolt through a hole and is connected to one of the shank portion and the ball mount head with two pegs extending into two of at least three connection points on the ball mount head. An operator selects which two out of the connection points to use, which determines and sets the location of the tilt selector bolt hole relative to the ball mount head, which in turn determines and sets the angular position of the ball mount head relative to the shank portion when the bolt is tightened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Kristopher William Schwennsen
  • Patent number: 8827297
    Abstract: A sliding fifth wheel hitch assembly includes a longitudinal rail having a substantially vertical side member, a first end portion, and a second end portion. At least one carriage bracket is slidably engaged with the longitudinal rail. The carriage bracket is adapted to support a hitch plate. An engagement assembly is coupled with the carriage bracket for releasably engaging the longitudinal rail along a length of the longitudinal rail between the first and second end portions. At least one slide stop laterally extends from the substantially vertical side member of the longitudinal rail proximate at least a select one of the first end portion and the second end portion. The slide stop is positioned to abut the carriage bracket, thereby limiting a sliding motion of the hitch plate with respect to the longitudinal rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Keatley
  • Patent number: 8727369
    Abstract: Sliding hitch assemblies including a rail assembly, a support assembly disposed upon and configured to translate between at least two positions along the rail assembly, a hitch head assembly mounted on the support assembly, and a translation lock mechanism including a locking assembly coupled to the support assembly and configured to selectively lock the support assembly in one or more of the at least two positions on the rail assembly, and an actuating assembly configured to actuate the locking assembly, where the actuating assembly is operably coupled to the locking body by an anti-binding assembly. The support assembly may be disposed upon the rail assembly via a glide block that includes a composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: The Coast Distribution System, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Peterson, Christopher Moore, David Hoover, Dennis A. Castagnoia
  • Patent number: 8720931
    Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch plate support assembly includes a rack member adapted to be mounted to a vehicle frame member, a mounting member slidably engaging the rack member and selectively repositionable along a length of the rack member, wherein the mounting member is adapted to pivotably support a fifth wheel hitch plate therefrom, a bracket member separated from the mounting member and slidably engaging the rack member, and a stop assembly operably supported by the bracket member and adapted to abut the fifth wheel hitch plate to limit a pivoting movement of the fifth wheel hitch plate with respect to the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.
    Inventor: David Zaagman
  • Patent number: 8678420
    Abstract: A system is specified for the automatic adjustment of a gap between a tractor vehicle and an attached trailer, with a length-adjustable hitch with a tension tube, at the end of which is arranged a tension lug, while the tension lug can travel in the vehicle's lengthwise axis relative to the tension tube by an actuator along a predetermined travel path, as well as a control unit. The basic problem of the invention was to provide a system with which the gap between tractor vehicle and trailer can be changed automatically in driving operation and depending on the speed, both for articulated and unarticulated trailers. The problem is solved according to the invention with a system in which the control unit is an electronic controller, which is hooked up to a speed pickup for the processing of a speed signal and connected to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: José Manuel Algüera Gallego, Martin Richter
  • Patent number: 8641074
    Abstract: A rocking trailer kingpin assembly for a grain trailer constructed of aluminum or light weight steel includes an upper subframe mounted to the trailer body with a pivotable lower subframe hinged to the upper subframe. The lower subframe includes a skid plate from which a kingpin extends such that the kingpin can be received in the fifth wheel coupling of a truck tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kann Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Goedken, Marlin L. Johnson, Jared L. Rowland
  • Patent number: 8590915
    Abstract: A system for providing support to an articulating trailer hitch used to interconnect a trailer and a towing vehicle. The system includes an adjustable, removable and repositionable link which interconnects the trailer frame and one or more spring bars providing load-distributing forces to the trailer and towing vehicle. The spring bars include an adjustable, rigid link which maintains the vertical position of the hitch assembly when disconnected from the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Colin Connell
  • Publication number: 20130099464
    Abstract: Sliding hitch assemblies including a rail assembly, a support assembly disposed upon and configured to translate between at least two positions along the rail assembly, a hitch head assembly mounted on the support assembly, and a translation lock mechanism including a locking assembly coupled to the support assembly and configured to selectively lock the support assembly in one or more of the at least two positions on the rail assembly, and an actuating assembly configured to actuate the locking assembly, where the actuating assembly is operably coupled to the locking body by an anti-binding assembly. The support assembly may be disposed upon the rail assembly via a glide block that includes a composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: The Coast Distribution System, Inc.
    Inventor: The Coast Distribution System, Inc
  • Patent number: 8421611
    Abstract: A portable sensor and indication system and method for sensing the position of a trailer body relative to an axle frame and providing an alert signal to an operator when the locking pins on the trailer body and the holes on the axle frame rails are aligned. Once the alert signal is provided, the locking pins may be engaged to lock the trailer body to the axle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Albert Coshow, Mary Bennett
  • Publication number: 20130049326
    Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to a vehicle, a tow bar movably disposed within the housing, and a weight distribution apparatus attached to a distal end of the tow bar. The tow bar is movable relative to the housing between retracted and extended positions, and is pivotable relative to the housing when in an extended position. The weight distribution apparatus comprises a hitch member configured to receive a coupling apparatus of a towed vehicle, and at least one weight distributing member configured to extend rearwardly from the vehicle and be attached to the towed vehicle. The hitch member may be any type of coupling apparatus such as a ball coupler, a pintle hook, a cushioned pintle hook, a swivel pintle hook, a lunette ring, and a clevis pin attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Williams Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Williams Innovations, LLC
  • Publication number: 20120286495
    Abstract: A fifth wheel slide assembly secondary lock includes an elongated cam member supported by a spindle extending upward from a sliding pedestal. A pair of linkage bars are pivotally coupled by one end to opposing ends of the cam member, the other ends of the bars being coupled to wedges operable for selectively engaging slide rails mounted to a vehicle frame in order to maintain a longitudinal position of said pedestal. The pedestal includes at least one stop extending upward from the pedestal at a height that extends above an arc defined by the rotation of the cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Steven W. Mann
  • Publication number: 20120256391
    Abstract: A load transfer device for seed and fertilizer distribution systems in seeders and fertilizers improving adaptation of seed distribution systems to the different ground irregularities, comprising a deformable parallelogram-shaped structure attached to such seeder and fertilizer machine tool-holder bar at one end and to the distribution system at the other end; a transfer rack that articulates in one of the parallelogram vertexes acting as a rocker arm connected at one end to the aforementioned parallelogram and at the other end to at least one spring through a lever arm; wherein such lever arm extends downwardly and divergently, generating a crossing angle between the parallelogram lower and upper sides, creating a torque that varies not only for the spring tension but also for the ratio of the lever arms effective lengths involved. The system is installed in seed and fertilizer distribution systems, to improve movement along the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE TECNOLOGIA AGROPECUARIA
    Inventors: Juan Pablo D'AMICO, Mario Omar TESOURO, Angel ROMITO, Marcos Andres ROBA
  • Patent number: 8275521
    Abstract: A highway tractor (12) has a fifth wheel (28) to which a trailer (14) that is to be towed by the tractor can be coupled. A positioning system sets fore-aft position of the fifth wheel on the tractor. The positioning system (FIG. 2; FIG. 3) has a positioning mechanism for moving the fifth wheel fore and aft on the tractor and a controller for processing certain data that is used to cause the positioning mechanism to move the fifth wheel to a fore-aft target position on the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Cheng Chen, Fong-Ioon Pan, Gary Wagner
  • Patent number: 8262118
    Abstract: A truck tractor and removable body unit system selectively configurable as a tractor and freight box or an articulated truck-trailer combination includes a truck tractor having a frame supporting a drive axle and a steer axle with a fifth wheel mounted on the frame, and a body unit having a body mounted on a frame, the frame supported by a wheeled axle and having a king pin for releasably engaging the fifth wheel on the truck tractor. The body unit includes a coupling mechanism for releasably coupling the truck tractor frame to constrain lateral movement between the truck tractor and the body unit while allowing relative vertical pivoting movement between the truck tractor and body unit about the king pin and fifth wheel. An adjustable spring mounted to one of the truck tractor and body unit to act between the truck tractor frame and the body unit frame to adjust a loading between the truck tractor frame and body unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Group North America, LLC
    Inventors: Rickey A. Pipe, Willard S. Yeakel
  • Patent number: 8246067
    Abstract: Described herein is a trailer hitch adapter designed to relieve the weight of a trailer from applying directly onto the hitch of a towing vehicle. The hitch adapter features a towing bar pivotally secured to a frame with a wheel base, the towing bar resists pivotal movement by spring and damper assemblies. The frame has a hitch for receiving the trailer and the towing bar has a hitch for attachment to the towing vehicle. The wheel base of the hitch adapter is movable between a forward and rearward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Don G. Flathers
  • Patent number: 8186702
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus, systems, and methods for distributing the weight of a trailer to a towing vehicle and controlling the sway of that trailer relative to the towing vehicle. An embodiment of the present invention includes a spring arm coupled to the towing vehicle and an attachment mechanism for selectively placing the spring arm in mechanical communication with the trailer. The attachment mechanism includes a bracket assembly reversibly attachable to the trailer; a shoe bracket reversibly attachable to the bracket assembly; and a friction pad coupled to the shoe bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Cequent Trailer Products Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. McCoy, Michael A. Hoopes
  • Patent number: 7984920
    Abstract: A device for adjusting a fifth wheel, comprising a displacement device provided with two guide rails placed on the vehicle, in particular on a tractor semi-trailer combination in the longitudinal direction thereof, said guide rails whereon a slide may be installed capable of being moved by means of an actuating device, said actuating device being designed such that, upon a displacement, the positive connection between the guide rails and the slide is maintained. The actuating device, which is designed to move the slide, comprises a first powered device. Additionally, at least one first position sensor is arranged to detect the position of the slide, at least said first position sensor being connected to a control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Jose Alguera
  • Patent number: 7914030
    Abstract: A braking and steering assembly in a vehicle having a pushing section and a riding section. The assembly includes an upper connection post containing braking and steering components for the riding section. The upper connection post has an upper end and a lower threaded end. The assembly further includes a lower connection post containing braking and steering components for the pushing section. The lower connection post has an aperture for threadedly receiving the lower threaded end of the upper connection post. The assembly also includes a rotatable front knob fixed to the upper end of the upper connection post. Rotatably tightening the front knob connects the lower end of the upper connection post with the upper end of the lower connection post. Braking and steering in the riding section controls braking and steering in the pushing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Soma Cycle, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ehrenreich, Joel Hoag, Brian Rhee
  • Publication number: 20110049837
    Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a vehicle and its axles exceed predetermined roadway weight limitations. Air fittings are installed in the air-ride systems of the vehicle. Air pressure readings taken using a hand held gauge are compared to maximum pressure values marked on the vehicle. If the air pressure exceeds the values, weight may be redistributed, if possible, until measured pressure is equal to or less than the maximum pressure values. The method allows an operator to quickly confirm that the total weight and axle weight does not exceed legal limits without the use of truck scales.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Andriy Hapyuk, Konstyantyn Zavatskyy
  • Patent number: 7874569
    Abstract: A displacement device for a fifth wheel traction coupling with two base bars and a fifth wheel traction coupling supporting top part which includes two bearing chocks which are slidingly fixed to the base bars and telescoping in a locked position thereof into each base bar by means locking elements with the aid of a rack rail. The known per se sliding devices are expensive due to the production of the base bars, since the rack rails are provided with a toothed profile prior to be welded. A low-cost sliding device is producible in a simple manner. For this purpose, at least one base bar is provided with spaced rest windows on the axial extension thereof for receiving the locking elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Schmidt, Rainer Spitz, José Algüera
  • Patent number: 7862067
    Abstract: A device for adjusting a fifth wheel, comprising a displacement device provided with two guide rails placed on the vehicle, in particular on a tractor semi-trailer combination in the longitudinal direction thereof, said guide rails whereon a slide may be installed capable of being moved by means of an actuating device, said actuating device being designed such that, upon a displacement, the positive connection between the guide rails and the slide is maintained. The actuating device, which is designed to move the slide, comprises a first powered device. Additionally, at least one first position sensor is arranged to detect the position of the slide, at least said first position sensor being connected to a control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Jose Alguera
  • Patent number: 7806423
    Abstract: A fifth wheel assembly for coupling a trailer to a truck tractor is provided and includes a fifth wheel and a supporting structure for supporting the fifth wheel on the rear part of the tractor truck. The supporting structure includes a sliding arrangement enabling the fifth wheel to be repositioned between different positions. A number of sensors are positioned on the supporting structure and on the fifth wheel and are included in a control system for predetermined information and control of operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagna AB
    Inventors: Tobias Vikström, Benny Liljeblad
  • Patent number: 7789412
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for adjusting a fifth wheel, comprising a displacement device provided with two guide rails placed on the vehicle, in particular on a tractor semi-trailer combination in the longitudinal direction thereof, said guide rails whereon a slide may be installed capable of being moved by means of an actuating device, said actuating device being designed such that, upon a displacement, the positive connection between the guide rails and the slide is maintained. The invention is characterized in that said actuating device which is designed to move the slide, comprises a first powered device. Additionally, at least one first position sensor is arranged to detect the position of the slide, at least said first position sensor being connected to a control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: José Algüera
  • Patent number: 7766361
    Abstract: A kingpin assembly comprises a housing having a recess located therein, a collar member operably coupled to the housing, and an integral single-piece kingpin having at least a portion located within the recess of the housing, wherein the housing and collar cooperate to rotationally secure the kingpin within the recess of the housing, and wherein the kingpin provides a sole rotational support for the kingpin with respect to the housing and the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald W. Hungerink, Steven C. Dupay, Richard T. Polanic, Eric M. Terpsma, Jason D. C. Howe, Justin D. Keatley, Daniel R. Dykstra, Randy L. Schutt
  • Patent number: 7753390
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Fontaine Fifth Wheel Co.
    Inventors: Steven William Mann, Jeff Marcus Terry, James Matthew Rhodes, Christopher Aaron Bond
  • Patent number: 7717451
    Abstract: A sliding device for a fifth wheel coupling, which includes two guide rails mounted on a vehicle in the longitudinal direction thereof and a slide which can be displaced on the guide rails. A locking device mounted on the slide can be brought into an open position and a locked position by an actuator. In order to improve handling of the sliding device, at least one locking sensor for detecting the locked position is provided. The locking sensor is connected to a display device and/or to the vehicle electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: José Manuel Algüera
  • Patent number: 7658397
    Abstract: A truck and trailer combination has a trailer removably mounted on the truck frame with longitudinal and horizontal channel members secured to the truck frame and longitudinal rails fastened to the trailer. The rails have a slide fit with respect to the channel members. Lock pins connect the rails to the channel members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Marlin J. Mattson
  • Publication number: 20090230655
    Abstract: A displacement device for a fifth wheel traction coupling with two base bars and a fifth wheel traction coupling supporting top part which includes two bearing chocks which are slidingly fixed to the base bars and telescoping in a locked position thereof into each base bar by means locking elements with the aid of a rack rail. The known per se sliding devices are expensive due to the production of the base bars, since the rack rails are provided with a toothed profile prior to be welded. A low-cost sliding device is producible in a simple manner. For this purpose, at least one base bar is provided with spaced rest windows on the axial extension thereof for receiving the locking elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: JOST-WERKE GMBH
    Inventors: Dirk Schmidt, Rainer Spitz, Jose Algüera
  • Patent number: 7581744
    Abstract: An extension device for automotive vehicles, such as dumpers, having a framework with a front end section and a rear end section, and including a forward vehicle section supporting a prime mover and having a first articulation member, and a rear vehicle section having a second articulation member, the first and second articulation members being intended for connection with each other and for allowing pivoting of the vehicle sections in relation to each other about a longitudinal axis of the automotive vehicle, and further including a third articulation member connected to one of the end sections and a guide pin located on the rear end section having a bearing assembly for supporting a cardan shaft portion which extends through the extension device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Volvo Articulated Haulers AB
    Inventor: Arne Johansson
  • Patent number: 7516974
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Fontaine International
    Inventors: Steven William Mann, Jeff Marcus Terry, James Matthew Rhodes, Christopher Aaron Bond
  • Patent number: 7506886
    Abstract: A slidable trailer hitch apparatus comprises a trailer hitch head operable to receive a cooperating portion of a trailer, the trailer hitch head adapted to be slidable and rotatable relative to the vehicle about an axis of rotation, first and second parallel spaced part guides fixedly located relative to the vehicle, and a body affixed to and rotatable with the trailer hitch head, the body having a center of rotation about the axis and a distal surface adapted to engage either of the first or second guides when the body is rotated relative to the first and second guides. The engagement of the distal surface upon either of the first or second guides displaces the center of the body and the trailer hitch head parallel to the first or second guide when the trailer hitch head is rotated relative to the first and second guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Victoria Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: K. Jeffrey Warnock
  • Patent number: 7296817
    Abstract: A stop block for preventing over travel of an adjustable fifth wheel hitch assemblies comprising a generally rectangular solid member having a double curve disposed in said member such that a long portion of said member is higher in elevation than a short portion of said member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Fontaine International
    Inventors: Steven William Mann, Michael Shane Wolfe, Christopher Aaron Bond
  • Patent number: 6969090
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: B&W Custom Truck Beds, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Works
  • Patent number: 6921100
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for adjusting weight distribution throughout all axle groups of the truck and trailer. The trailer has at least one axle group mounted on a pair of rails attached to the frame of the trailer. These axle groups are locked in position on the rails by locking pins. The system for adjusting weight distribution according to the present invention measures the weight on every axle group on the truck and trailer. The measurement may be of weight directly by load cells etc. or indirectly, by taking measurements from the air suspension system to calculate weight. The measurements are delivered as an electrical signal to one or more microprocessors capable of receiving the electrical signals and calculating the optimum position of the axle group on the trailer. The position of the trailer axle groups relative to the rails is also determined and the position delivered to the microprocessor(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Wheel Monitor Inc.
    Inventors: John Mantini, Dimitre Iankoulov
  • Patent number: 6851696
    Abstract: A hitch assembly for coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle includes a number of assemblies, including converging links and a slide assembly, that effectively places the pivot point for the trailer ahead of the actual hitch assembly, which in turn enhances the stability of the combination tow vehicle and trailer, rendering it less susceptible to swaying or fishtailing. This is done without placing tongue weight on converging links or the slide assembly so that the hitch assembly can accommodate a larger gross trailer load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: James C. Hensley Revocable Living Trust A
    Inventor: James C. Hensley
  • Patent number: 6736420
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Jost International Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Laarman, Jose Alguera
  • Patent number: 6725855
    Abstract: A raisable and lowerable platform that houses a removable charcoal or gas grill and a removable cooler chest, with a storage compartment between the two, a telescoping flagpole mounted to the platform, and a fold down table attached on both ends of the platform to provide more cooking area. In the preferred embodiment the platform is connected to a wheeled scissors lift system that is used to raise and lower the platform. The apparatus is carried and transported via a rollered receiver hitch assembly that is an integral part of the scissors lift system and that is conventionally mountable on a transport vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel A. Brennan
  • Patent number: 6682089
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Cequent Towing Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. McCoy, Thomas W. Lindenman