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 to display team colors, and a fold down table attached on both ends of the platform to provide more cooking area. In the preferred embodiment to date 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.

Abstract: A carrier assembly is mounted on the spaced frame members of a tractor for movably supporting a fifth wheel assembly thereon. An integral one piece slide rail is secured to each of the frame members and has a plurality of individual rack sections separately welded to a U-shaped member of the slide rail. Each of the rack sections contain a plurality of spaced teeth. The teeth extend into a channel formed in mounting brackets of a carriage assembly of the fifth wheel to slidably mount the carriage assembly on the carrier assembly. A leg of the U-shaped member extends into a channel formed in the carriage assembly and is engaged by a set bolt to adjust the carriage assembly for various frame widths. A pair of stop assemblies are adjustably movably mounted across the ends of the slide rails of the carrier assembly. A pair of adjustable plungers secure the carriage assembly in a fixed position on the carrier assembly.

Abstract: An improved transporter to guide and propel heavy loads in an industry where the loads levitate upon pressurized fluid plenums. The transporter is very light weight that provides many opportunities of lower cost, small size, ease of movement to its point of use, short turn radius, etc. The transporter is able to pull or push very heavy loads with such light weight. The key is that transporter includes a vertical forcing device, such as a piston and cylinder. The forcing device pushes upward against a load hitch rigidly attached to the load. More importantly, the forcing device pushes downward on transporter drive wheels. The vertical downward force on the wheels is controllable. Force can vary from so minimal as to allow wheel slipping on the floor during steering, to extreme force facilitating maximum desired pulling or pushing wheel traction.

Abstract: A towbar adapter assembly that attaches to a towbar boom and acts as a link between the towbar boom and a vehicle attachment point. The assembly has a base for attachment to the towbar boom and an anchoring strut that attaches to the vehicle. The base is incrementally positionable with respect to the towbar boom and the anchoring strut is incrementally positionable with respect to the base.

Abstract: The invention provides a new automotive tractor unit for use with a new semi-trailer unit to form a rigidly-coupled tractor/semi-trailer combination. The tractor has a long wheel base and has its fifth wheel assembly mounted for extended longitudinal movement between a receiving position at its rear end and a mounting position close to the driver's cab. The tractor and semi-trailer chassis frames cooperate with one another to permit pitching between them while preventing yaw between them. The semi-trailer has a retractable landing gear movable beneath the chassis between a forward position close to the king pin to support the semi-trailer front end in the absence of the tractor, and a rear position close to the running wheels so that the semi-trailer can rest on the tractor and be rigidly coupled thereto. Preferably the tractor wheel base is of length from 6.8 meters (22 feet) to 8.5 meters (28 feet), while the fifth wheel assembly is mounted for a longitudinal movement of from 4.8 meters (16 feet) to 6.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer (10) comprises a tractor (12) and a trailer (14), a trailer coupling (12b) and a supply coupling (16/18) between the two component vehicles (12, 14) with a tractor-side coupling half (16) and a trailer-side coupling half (18), which can be coupled together by bringing them together along a predefined coupling axis (K). One of the coupling halves (16) is connected to the supply unit of the associated first component vehicle (12) through a flexible supply line (16d). To establish the coupled state between the two coupling halves (16, 18), an actuator (20) is arranged on the first component vehicle (12) that moves the first coupling half (16) toward the second coupling half (18) and joins the one to the other along the predefined coupling axis (K). The first coupling half (16) is arranged on the actuator (20) such that it can be oriented in all spatial directions at least within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A spray cart with pivoting suspension assemblies that include articulating trailing wheels with a hitch arrangement that can vary the amount of weight of the spray cart that can be transferred either to a towing vehicle or to an implement towed by the spray cart. The advantage of this variable weight transfer includes reducing soil compaction by the spray cart wheels by shifting weight to the tractor or by shifting weight to a towed disc, the disc is more effective. The spray cart has means of attachment to a towed disc or plow that effectively creates a single unit out of the spray cart and the towed disc or plow. This combined with the articulating trailing wheels reduces side loads on the wheels.

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 kingpin on a trailer. A head support and a pair of uprights mount the head assembly for relative fore-and-aft sliding movement along the guide rails between a towing position and a maneuvering position. A releasable lock secures the head assembly in either selected position. The lock includes a dual bar latch and a leaf spring for biasing the latch into a locking position. The dual bars of the latch are offset or dimensioned so that each bar is selectively received in only one of two similarly offset or dimensioned, cooperating apertures formed in one of the guide rails.

Abstract: A towing apparatus is disclosed which has a hitch receiver that is moveable underneath a tow vehicle between a rearward hitching position and a forward towing position. The apparatus has a stationary guide rail which is longitudinally mounted underneath the tow vehicle rearward of the rear axle. A carriage is slidably engaged on the guide rail and has a rearwardly extending hitch receiver. At the rearward hitch position the hitch receiver is substantially in the conventional towing position at the rear bumper of the tow vehicle. After hitching a towed vehicle to the receiver, the tow vehicle is backed up to move the carriage and receiver forwardly on the guide rail to the towing position which is ideally adjacent to the rear axle. The carriage and receiver with attached hitch are then locked in place at said position. A towed vehicle may be either directly hitched to the receiver or may be hitched by way of an intermediate coupling section.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer fifth wheel suspension assembly which includes a mounting frame adapted to be suitably connected to a tractor body frame and a movable frame for supporting the fifth wheel mounted for parallel vertical movement relative to the mounting frame, and having opposed complementary stabilizing guide members connected to the respective frames to stabilize and limit the relative movement therebetween. In one form of the invention, the movable frame is supported on the mounting frame by a four-point air suspension system to effect relative parallel vertical movement between the respective frames and which function to automatically laterally and longitudinally stabilize the trailer load relative to the tractor when hauling.

Abstract: A weight distributing hitch for towing a trailer behind a vehicle includes a hitch bar for mounting to the vehicle and a ball mount head for mounting on the hitch bar at a selected tilt angle. A pair of spring bars are mounted to the ball mount head. These spring bars distribute the weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle. Each spring bar is substantially L-shaped and includes a turned groove at a proximal end received in a cooperating aperture in the ball mount head. A retainer of spring steel engages in the grooves to hold the spring bars in position. The relative tilt angle of the ball mount head is adjusted by means of an eccentric angle adjusting element in the form of a washer. This washer is fixed to one of the ball mount head or hitch bar and includes a cam surface for engaging the other of the two elements.

Abstract: A fifth wheel slide assembly includes a deck plate mounted on the frame of a tractor, with a pair of toothed guide rails on the upper surface. A conventional fifth wheel with pedestal and hitch plate is selectively slidably movable along the toothed rails. A plurality of apertures are formed adjacent each toothed rail, and have freely rotatable rollers projecting therethrough for supporting a pair of flat support plates on the bottom of the fifth wheel pedestal. A pair of stops are mounted on the rearward end of the deck plate to prevent movement of the pedestal beyond the rearward end. The side edges of the deck plate include inwardly opening channels receiving outwardly projecting flanges on the pedestal, to prevent movement of the pedestal upwardly off of the deck plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an easily stored, compact apparatus useful by a truck driver to release either a trailer hitch latch or a rear wheel carriage latch both of which are often difficult to unlatch. The first component of the apparatus comprises an elongate bar with a hook on one end. A second component comprises a lever which is pivotally and adjustably attached to the bar. When the lever is pressed and pivoted against the side of the trailer and with the hook engaging a respective trailer hitch or rear wheel carriage latch, the apparatus acts to release the latch.

Abstract: An extension axle unit for an over-the-road tractor/trailer for carrying earth moving equipment, and other heavy loads includes a rigid connecting beam affixed to the end of the trailer bed. A wheeled support frame is connected to the connecting beam by a parallelogram structure including upper and lower arms, and connects the unit to follow directly behind the trailer. The parallelogram structure is pressurized through hydraulic cylinder units to maintain the extension frame in level relationship to the trailer frame as the tractor/trailer assembly moves over uneven terrain thereby maintaining proper load distribution on the several axles and avoiding and maintaining smooth ride with minimum stress within the trailer and extension assembly. A plurality of hydraulic cylinder units are mounted within the parallelogram structure and pressurized from a hydraulic source to maintain load distribution, with a selected maximum load on the wheels.

Abstract: A weight distributing hitch for towing a trailer behind a vehicle includes a hitch bar for mounting to the vehicle and a ball mount head for mounting on the hitch bar at a selected tilt angle. A pair of spring bars are mounted to the ball mount head. These spring bars distribute the weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle. Each spring bar is substantially L-shaped and includes a turned groove at a proximal end received in a cooperating aperture in the ball mount head. A retainer of spring steel engages in the grooves to hold the spring bars in position. The relative tilt angle of the ball mount head is adjusted by means of an eccentric angle adjusting element in the form of a washer. This washer is fixed to one of the ball mount head or hitch bar and includes a cam surface for engaging the other of the two elements. A method of adjusting the tilt angle is also provided.

Abstract: A converter dolly comprising telescopic hitch means for adjusting the length between a first and second wheeled vehicle. The second wheeled vehicle having a kingpin projecting from an underside of the second wheeled vehicle in tandem comprising, a frame including a base portion and a telescoping hitch means comprising a tongue portion extending forwardly from the base portion. The tongue portion comprises a longitudinally extending, substantially rigid adjusting member and a mating member longitudinally slidably engaging the adjusting member. A hitch means carried by the mating member for pivotally connecting the converter dolly to the first vehicle about a first substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: A load distributing and articulating system in an all terrain vehicle of a tractor and a trailer arranged along a longitudinal axis. The trailer has a trailer body with a load section thereon. The system comprises a first pivot for articulating rotation between the tractor and the trailer in a vertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, about the longitudinal axis; a second pivot for articulating rotation between the trailer body and the load section, in a vertical plane along the longitudinal axis, about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; at least two variable length actuators disposed between the tractor and the load section for controlling rotation about said first and second pivots; an adjustable controller for varying the lengths of the variable length actuators independantly of each other; and a device for preventing the adjustable controller from varying the lengths of the variable length actuators, and for enabling variation of the lengths thereof.

Abstract: The chassis of a forklift truck includes a front assembly and a rear assembly movable toward and away from each other between an extended stable normal working condition and a contracted compact condition for storage or transport of the forklift truck. The front assembly includes driven front wheels, standard upright mast and double-acting lift jack for the fork carriage movable along the mast. The rear assembly includes the operator compartment, rear axle assembly for the rear wheels and mechanism mounting the rear axle assembly for vertical movement relative to the operator compartment between a raised normal working position and a downward-projected position. The rear assembly also includes a landing wheel mounted in front of the rear axle assembly at a location above the rear wheels when the rear axle assembly is raised.

Abstract: A towing carriage includes a double H shaped frame having a longitudinal axis and a pair of parallel tubular members transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pair of angle irons are affixed longitudinally between the tubular members. An axle assembly is supported by axle supports affixed to the angle irons. The axle assembly includes a pair of wheels situated so that the tubular members straddle the wheels. A channel beam is affixed to the front tubular member with a downward facing channel opening. A tow bar is pivotably mounted within the channel opening and extends longitudinally forward toward the towing vehicle. A hitch cup is provided at the forward endd of the tow bar to mate with a trailer hitch on the towing vehicle. A pivot pin passes through the tow bar and channel beam to restrain relative rotation between the tow bar and the carriage frame. In one aspect, a pair of wheel ramps are provided with mounting posts arranged to fit within the transverse openings of the tubular members.

Abstract: An improved trailer for a tractor-trailer combination is disclosed. The trailer has a first frame member which is designed to support a heavy load. Associated with the first frame member is a hitch pin assembly which can be slid along a portion of the first frame member and locked in pre-selected locations. The trailer also includes a rear slider assembly which carries the axles and wheels of the trailer. The rear slider assembly is also capable of being longitudinally slid between extended and retracted positions with respect to the first frame member. Locking means are also provided for locking the rear slider assembly to the first frame member at the desired location.

Abstract: This is directed to a mounting mechanism for supporting a fifth wheel hitch on the bed of a pickup truck. In incorporates a fixed framework which is ideally bolted to the bed of the pickup. It has a pair of lengthwise facing guide rails which are spaced from one another and extend toward the rear of the truck parallel to the centerline of the truck. That supports on a set of rollers a slidably mounted and movable mounting means so that the mounting means can travel along the facing guide rails. Moreover, the mounting mechanism receives a fifth wheel hitch mechanism thereon. The mounting mechanism is held in the forward most position by means of a latch means which hooks against the mounting means and holding it. The latch means is optionally defeated by an extending lever positioned and located so that it is moved by the trailer mechanism during turning whereupon the slide mechanism moves the trailer toward the rear of the truck.

Abstract: A towing carriage includes a double H shaped frame having a longitudinal axis and a pair of parallel tubular members transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pair of angle irons are affixed longitudinally between the tubular members. An axle assembly is supported by axle supports affixed to the angle irons. The axle assembly includes a pair of wheels situated so that the tubular members straddle the wheels. A channel beam is affixed to the front tubular member with a downward facing channel opening. A tow bar is pivotably mounted within the channel opeing and extends longitudinally forward toward the towing vehicle. A hitch cup is provieed at the forward end of the tow bar to mate with a trailer hitch on the towing vehicle. A pivot pin passes through the tow bar and channel beam to restrain relative rotation between the tow bar and the carriage frame. In one aspect, a pair of wheel ramps are provided with mounting posts arranged to fit within the transverse openings of the tubular members.

Abstract: Two wheeled units of a vehicle are adjustably interconnectably positioned relative to each other. An apertured track assembly is stationarily mounted on one of the units, while a locking assembly is mounted on the other of the units. The locking assembly includes at least one locking pin displaceable into and out of at least one aperture on the track assembly. The locking assembly may be unlocked either manually or with power assistance. The two wheeled units may be leading and trailing cargo units of a vehicle whose spacing apart from each other is to be controlled in a load-bearing drawbar arrangement. Alternatively, the wheeled units may be a bogie subframe mounted underneath a cargo unit and movable relative thereto for better weight distribution of the payload in a suspension system.

Abstract: Chassis for a semitrailer that is convertible to an elongated chassis to support both the semitrailer and a trailer towed behind the semitrailer; the chassis including three telescoping sections, two pairs of wheels, and a fifth wheel plate for the trailer.

Abstract: An agricultural pulling machine such as a tractor or construction machine vehicle with an attachment comprises a mounting device for coupling the attachment to the agricultural machine and a device for active damping of pitch vibrations of the vehicle. The device for active damping including a power lift for moving the mounting device and a regulating device which controls movement of the mounting device in the region of its lifting position in dependence upon the vibrations of the vehicle during travel, and a force sensor producing signals to which the regulating device responds. The mounting device includes a lever, a housing of the vehicle and a side guiding member connecting the lever with the housing of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable king pin assembly for releasably mating with a fifth wheel assembly on a tractor-trailer arrangement. The king pin is secured to a plate which plate is slidably positioned for longitudinal movement with respect to the frame of the trailer in a space between spaced, elongated, longitudinally aligned guide bars. Spaced longitudinally aligned apertures are provided in the plate or guide bars, and an appropriate locking mechanism, secured to the assembly, is releasably movable into locking position in any one of each one of the apertures to securely hold the plate in position against longitudinal movement. An appropriate mechanical control mechanism is provided for moving the locking means from and into locking position. The assembly according to the invention provides an economical and easy-to-operate system for longitudinally positioning the king pin.

Abstract: A system for measuring the load on drive axles of tractors of over the road semitrailers and for determining load distribution on the front and drive axles of the tractor and the rear axles of the trailer. A calibratable air pressure gauge, placed in the cab of the tractor or truck, senses the pressure exerted by the trailer load on conventional air bags used to cushion the load on the drive axles. Approximate weight load may be determined by reading the pressure gauge. The gauge may be variably calibrated to accommodate the progression of settings for the fifth wheel assembly placement on an adjustment rack. Besides use on semitrailers, the system may be employed on straight or box trucks and trailers provided with air bags to cushion the axle load.

Abstract: A hitch for connecting the rear of a garden tractor to the rear of a garden tiller of the type having one or more tines which rotate in the direction of normal travel of said tiller comprising a beam, a bracket and an arm aligned in an adjustable triangular shape being in a substantially vertical plane for the controlled pulling of the tiller by the tractor in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the tiller tines thereof.

Abstract: In a trailer train combination having a tractor, lead trailer and one or two more following trailers, an adjustable dolly under the front end of each following trailer provides for close coupling of the multiple trailers in end to end contact. Then the multiple trailers are lifted to inclined position causing the upper trailer or trailers to discharge its flowable contents out through the lower trailer in a self unloading operation. The dolly has a slidable fifth wheel assembly and self steering ground wheels which may be locked in straight forward positions. A cab controlled electric and pneumatic control system controls these and other functions in the dolly. The trailers may be equipped with walking floors for self unloading in level positions.

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: Apparatus for identifying the position of the movable portion of a fifth wheel which is useful on a multi-axle vehicle relative to the fixed rail portion (24) thereof. The apparatus includes sensing element (34) positioned on the movable fifth wheel portion for recognizing the successive, teeth-like elements (22) of the rail portion, and a signal processor (30) which is responsive to the sensing element (34) for determining the direction of movement of the fifth wheel and for counting the number of teeth (22) recognized by the sensing element (34).

Abstract: A slidable fifth-wheel assembly permitting the relative positions of a tractor and its associated trailer to be adjusted includes switching means which activates an alarm in the cab of the tractor when the fifth-wheel reaches a desired position. This desired position is a trade-off between rear axle weight and drive axle weight. The switching mechanism includes a switch mounted on the base plate of the fifth-wheel assembly. The actuator arm of the switch is extended by means of a coil spring which is engaged and displaced by the coupling shoe of the fifth-wheel assembly.

Abstract: A vibration isolation suspension system comprises a support plate mounted on a main support plate on the spaced parallel frame members of a truck tractor. The support plate is mounted on a transverse pivotal axis located near the forward end of the tractor. An air bag suspension system is mounted between the support plate and the main support plate. First and second open-ended cylindrical members are attached to each of the plates and surround the air bag in sliding relationship with one another to minimize lateral shift and roll of the fifth wheel support plate. The main plate is adjustable longitudinally on the tractor frame to adjust the fifth wheel position.

Abstract: A trailer system comprising a lead trailer van and a pup trailer van adapted to be pulled by a tractor secured to the forward end of the lead trailer employs a lead trailer with an overhead sliding rear door and a pup trailer with a conventional door at its rear end and an overhead sliding door at its nose end. The coupling between the trailers is adjustable in effective length so that when it is in its extended position the vans may be trailed in a normal manner and may articulate relative to one another and when in its retracted position, assumed during loading, the rear end of the lead trailer and forward end of the pup trailer directly abut one another. In this position the overhead doors may be opened to form a continuous passageway through the two trailers for the purpose of loading and unloading.

Abstract: A multi-axle load vehicle has a tractor, a device supporting a load on the tractor and including an axially displaceable holder arranged on the tractor, a supporting plate arranged to support a load, and at least one pin supporting the supporting plate on the holder, and a device for determining a load acting upon the vehicle and including a sensor arranged in the pin composed of a magnetic material and operative for measuring a load and generating an electric signal corresponding thereto, and an indicating element arranged in a driver's cabin and operative for receiving the electrical signal and indicating the load.

Abstract: A fifth wheel assembly for coupling tractor and trailer units includes an improved trunnion bracket, comprising a pair of forged bearing caps having an inverted, U-shaped configuration, with bearing sleeves fixedly mounted therein. In sliding fifth wheel embodiments of the present invention, the bearing caps are mounted on rectangular channels fabricated from two L-shaped channel members with a flat plate attached to the upper edges of the L-shaped channels. An improved plunger is provided for adjustably connecting the trunnioned fifth wheel assembly with a base plate on which slotted racks have been mounted, and comprises a forged, two-prong construction with internal guides which minimizes structural disruption in the channels to provide greater strength. Adjustable stops are mounted on the exterior ends of the plungers, and abut the exterior sides of the racks to accurately maintain the plungers in a locked position.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a tractor for selectively moving the fifth wheel assembly of the tractor. The device has two drive members which are affixed to the frame of the tractor at one end and to the fifth wheel platform at the other end. The drive members may be extended or contracted from the cab of the tractor to cause the fifth wheel platform to slide.

Abstract: A tractor vehicle provided with a fifth-wheel plate (4) supported by a beam (3) mounted on the chassis of the vehicle vertically pivotably in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on two fulcrums (5) spaced-apart in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The fulcrums of the beam are selectively together or separately displaceable in the longitudinal direction of said vehicle. In this way the fifth-wheel plate is displaceable not only in the longitudinal direction (A) of the chassis by displacing both fulcrums simultaneously but also in the transverse direction (B) of the chassis by displacing only one fulcrum (FIG. 4).

Abstract: A transport system of highway vehicles comprises a highway tractor which is connected to a highway trailer vehicle by means of an intermediate dolly. The dolly includes an inclined frame supported at its lower rear end on a running gear and its forward end includes a king pin connected to the tractor fifth wheel. A fifth wheel for connection to the highway trailer is movably mounted on the inclined frame.