Abstract: An intermodal tank container and complementary chassis, and features and methods for use thereof, are disclosed. The intermodal tank container and chassis has an appearance and length substantially similar to a non-intermodal OTR tank trailer, while affording the same capacity as an intermodal tank container. The design of the tank container allows for an improved, lighter design for the chassis and for improved usability of the tank container in intermodal environments such as with rail cars. The reduced weight of the chassis allows for a greater payload while remaining within various applicable legal restrictions for gross vehicle weight, axle weight, etc.

Abstract: A trailer adapted to be coupled to a tow vehicle and including a frame including a draw bar tube defining a longitudinal axis. The trailer includes a drawbar support pivotally coupled to the draw bar tube and rotatable relative to the drawbar tube about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. The drawbar support is biased toward a substantially horizontal orientation. A sliding member is receivable in the drawbar tube and is configured for movement along the longitudinal axis in response to movement of the tow vehicle. A latch member is connected to the sliding member. The latch member is configured to move in response to movement of the sliding member from a first position wherein the drawbar support is retained in a substantially vertical orientation to a second position wherein the draw bar support is free to rotate toward the substantially horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling a displacement device for a fifth wheel coupling disposed on a tractor vehicle are described, wherewith the displacement device has a lower structure having at least one guide rail oriented in the direction of travel, a movable carriage which supports the fifth wheel coupling and engages the guide rail(s), and a control device connected to a motorized drive unit for displacing the carriage and also connected to an adjusting member for fixing the carriage with respect to the guide rail(s); wherewith a measurement is made for determining the angle between the tractor and semi-trailer, the measurement signal is converted in the control device to a control signal, and thereby an operation of the motorized drive unit and/or the adjusting member is initiated. The underlying problem of the invention was to devise a method and a control system which minimize the risk of the semi-trailer striking against the cab of the tractor.

Abstract: A load coupling apparatus for a wheeled vehicle includes load linkage members that pivotally suspend the vehicle and load weight below the axles of the vehicle, allowing limited relative displacement of the axles and the load in the direction of vehicle travel. The load is displaced by moving the axles in the desired direction of travel, whereafter the suspended load follows the axles in a swinging motion as the effects of gravity overcome the load inertia. The effort required to initiate movement of the load is significantly reduced due to the relative displacement of the axles and the load, and the mechanical advantage afforded by the load linkage members. Once in motion, the load continues to track the axles in the direction of travel, providing continued reduction in motive effort even when the load reaches a constant forward speed.

Abstract: An anti-jackknifing hitch assembly (12) (“assembly”) includes a hitch (18), a tongue (20), two resilient members (22a, 22b), and a routing member (24). The hitch (18) is attached to a tow vehicle (10). The tongue (20) extends from a trailer (16) and is attached to the hitch (18). The tongue (20) pivots about a pivot axis (34) within a predetermined range of articulation (52) defined by the resilient members (22a, 22b). In particular, resilient members (22a, 22b) respectively connect end portions (36a, 36b) of hitch (18) to front corner portions (40a, 40b) of trailer (16) and are sized for preventing over-articulation. Routing member (24) assists resilient members (22a, 22b) in applying a restoring moment about the pivot axis (34). Namely, the routing member (24) extends from the hitch (18) or tongue (20) adjacent to pivoting axis (34). The routing member (24) includes attachment members (48a, 48b) with resilient members (22a, 22b) extending therethrough.

Abstract: The semitrailer is joinable to a tractor provided with a vertical towing gudgeon, is supported at its back end by a wheeled structure, and comprises a chassis having longitudinal members and crosspieces, which define a horizontal loading platform, and further having uprights rising from its forward end. A towing bar is hinged on the uprights around a first horizontal and transversal hinging axis. A compensating hydraulic cylinder is articulated between the chassis and the towing bar. A coupling is articulated to the towing bar forwardly of the first axis, for hinging around a second horizontal and transversal hinging axis, and is provided with a bushing that is transversal to the second hinging axis and is rotatably engageable on the towing gudgeon of the tractor.

Abstract: A load coupling apparatus for a wheeled vehicle includes load linkage members that pivotally suspend the vehicle and load weight below the axles of the vehicle, allowing limited relative displacement of the axles and the load in the direction of vehicle travel. The load is displaced by moving the axles in the desired direction of travel, whereafter the suspended load follows the axles in a swinging motion as the effects of gravity overcome the load inertia. The effort required to initiate movement of the load is significantly reduced due to the relative displacement of the axles and the load, and the mechanical advantage afforded by the load linkage members. Once in motion, the load continues to track the axles in the direction of travel, providing continued reduction in motive effort even when the load reaches a constant forward speed.

Abstract: A load coupling apparatus for a wheeled vehicle includes load linkage members that pivotally suspend the vehicle and load weight below the axles of the vehicle, allowing limited relative displacement of the axles and the load in the direction of vehicle travel. The load is displaced by moving the axles in the desired direction of travel, whereafter the suspended load follows the axles in a swinging motion as the effects of gravity overcome the load inertia. The effort required to initiate movement of the load is significantly reduced due to the relative displacement of the axles and the load, and the mechanical advantage afforded by the load linkage members. Once in motion, the load continues to track the axles in the direction of travel, providing continued reduction in motive effort even when the load reaches a constant forward speed.

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.

Abstract: A safety stop for preventing activation of brakes of a towed vehicle by a cable braking system connected between a towing vehicle and the towed vehicle until a predetermined load is placed on the cable system such that premature activation of the system is prevented.

Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a vehicle steering wheel (12) comprises a first assembly (16), a second assembly (26), and a mechanism (108). The first assembly (16) is operatively coupled to the steering wheel (12) and includes components (18 and 22) for monitoring applied torque and angular rotation of the steering wheel. The second assembly (26) includes a steering gear (34) and components (28 and 30) for receiving the first signal and actuating the steering gear (34) in response to the first signal. The mechanism (108) when in a first mode of operation provides a mechanical connection between the steering wheel (12) and the steering gear (34). When the mechanism (108) is in the second mode of operation, the steering wheel (12) and the steering gear (34) lack a mechanical connection.

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 waste management system for handling both solid and human waste consisting of a trailer with a hitch arrangement for connection to a towing vehicle. The trailer preferably includes tandem axles that support a trailer frame whereto a trash collecting bin is pivotally mounted, with that bin to tilt so as to dump rearwardly. The pivoting trash bin is maintained in an upright attitude to receive trash through a top thereof, and will gravity dump, when released, and further includes a linkage that is operated to move a friction wheel into engagement with one of the trailer wheels for turning a take-up drum. The take-up drum, when turned, to reel in a cable that is passed through a take-up pulley is secured between the trash bin, and the trailer frame. By operating the linkage, trailer forward travel will provide for pivoting the trash bin back to an upright attitude.

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 semi-trailer is provided with a pair of laterally spaced drop-leg assemblies operated by a tubular cross shaft mounted on the trailer frame. These drop-leg assemblies are widely spaced and are positioned near the side boundaries of the frame. A jaw member is mounted to turn on the frame at a location forward of the drop-leg assemblies and has an open-ended channel to accept the king pin on the truck. A pair of cables each having one end attached to the jaw member each contact the drum surface and extend partially around the cross shaft in opposite directions. Adjustable means are provided for securing one end of each cable to the cross shaft so that turning movement of the jaw member causes corresponding turning movement of the cross shaft. One end of one of the cables is pivotally attached to the jaw member to compensate for limited arcuate length of the drum occasioned by presence of the open-ended channel to receive the king pin.