Abstract: An extension coupling for releasably interconnecting a trailer to a fifth wheel tow hitch. This extension coupling includes a mount that is secured to the trailer, and an elongated arm that is pivotally secured to the mount and one end. A universal joint with lateral pins is attached to the other end of the arm to mate with the tow hitch. This allows the trailer to be displaced rearwardly of the tow hitch a distance equal to the length of the elongated arm while at the same time maintaining the loading point on a tractor vehicle forward of the rear axle. The assembly allows the trailer to pivot normally, without hitting the cab of short-bed pickup trucks. It also ensures that the weight of the trailer is carried forward of the rear axle for stability.

Abstract: Fifth wheels are used to establish an articulated connection between a truck tractor and a semi-trailer. They consist of a plate (1) which is attached to the truck tractor and generally has at least one arched slideway lining (4a,4b) acting as a bearing surface and fitting into corresponding recesses of the fifth wheel plate (1) where it is fastened. According to the invention, fastening is provided in the form of a positive fit connection, whereby the lower part of the slideway lining (4a,b) and the upper part of the plate (1) have joining elements (6,8) to ensure a rotationally locked positive fit, thus enabling thermal dilation to occur in the fifth wheel plate (1). Preferably, the positive fitting joining elements for the lower side of the slideway lining (4a,b) are configured as ribs (6) extending radially outwards from a virtual center point (7) and the positive fitting joining elements for the upper side of the fifth wheel plate (1) are configured as complementary grooves (6).

Abstract: A travel trailer having a two-level chassis supporting at least three discrete floor sections at three different heights above the ground with at least one of those floors being suspended from the chassis. In a preferred embodiment, the chassis has a substantially horizontal forward upper portion and a substantially horizontal rearward lower portion, and an upper floor is secured to the upper portion and a lower floor is secured to the lower portion with an intermediate floor suspended from the upper portion of the chassis to a height intermediate that of the upper and lower floors. The area underneath the intermediate section and above the bottom of the trailer defines a storage area that is not blocked or limited in size by the width of the chassis beams.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling a truck tractor to a semi-trailer. The assembly comprises an upper coupling plate, an intermediate plate, and a back plate. The upper coupling plate has an opening for receiving the kingpin. The intermediate plate is positioned on an upper surface of the upper coupling plate and has a portal for receiving a portion of the kingpin. The back plate is positioned adjacent the intermediate plate. A double shear attachment means joins the upper coupling plate, the intermediate plate, and the back plate are along a first shear plane and a second shear plane.

Abstract: A sensing system employs multiple sensors utilizing mounting structure integrated into a fifth wheel hitch and which is protected from the environment, is capable of accurately measuring forces along longitudinal and vertical axes for providing information as to roll, pitch, yaw, and drawbar load and which utilizes sensors which provide output signals for display and control. In one embodiment, a fifth wheel includes mounting boxes formed on an undersurface thereof on opposite sides of the kingpin receiving slot and a force-sensing unit mounted within each of said mounting boxes. Each force-sensing unit includes a vertical sensor positioned fore and aft of the vertical hitch axis and forward and aft horizontal force sensors. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the sensors are mounted to the sensing unit utilizing elastomeric springs coupling the fifth wheel plate to the force-sensing unit and a plunger for coupling forces from said elastomeric spring to a force sensor itself.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling a tractor to a trailer is disclosed. The assembly comprises a fifth wheel bearing plate and a trailer bearing plate assembly. The trailer bearing plate assembly includes a self-lubricating plate securely attached to an underside of said trailer by a chemical attachment means.

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: An improved coupling device for connecting a towing vehicle to a semi-trailer and including a kingpin for attachment to a trailer and a tractor coupling plate for attachment to a towing vehicle, the tractor coupling plate having locking elements for positive and rotatable grasping of substantially rotationally symmetrical surfaces of the kingpin. The kingpin surfaces are formed by the outer surfaces of a thermally coated sleeve disposed about a kingpin stud and rotatable thereon. A method for corresponding modification of used coupling devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reduced weight fifth wheel generally mountable on a tractor for coupling between a tractor and a trailer, which fifth wheel has the approximately the same bearing surface area, a more continuous surface area by elimination of a lever-bar pin port in the bearing surface, thinner support ribs and smaller fillets, a shorter longitudinal length with a wider kingpin receiving slot for receipt of a trailer kingpin, with a locking-jaw mechanism having a redesigned lever-bar pin and pin-receiving port to enable reduction of the weight and to enhance production casting practices, which fifth wheel further encompasses lateral support ribs at the plate outer perimeter and rearward of the mounting brackets to define support pockets ahead of the engaging ramps to avoid lateral deflection and deformation of the plate at vertical loading.

Abstract: A fifth wheel is described with a coupling plate having elements for fastening to the vehicle frame. It is supposed to facilitate the mounting on the vehicle frame, while it should be possible to equalize manufacturing tolerances of the frame in simple fashion. The fastening elements attach to pivot pins, which are detachably arranged on the fifth wheel and project outward to the side beyond the coupling plate.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch comprising a bifurcated top plate with a dead-end throat for receiving a cooperative kingpin, a hinged jaw pivotal between a closed position across the throat and an open position clear of the throat, the jaw having a rearward surface for engagement by a locking plunger, a locking plunger shiftable between a retracted unlocking position out of engagement with the jaw and an extended locking position engageable with the jaw, wedge mechanism engaging the locking plunger for adjusting the forward-rearward position of the locking plunger to accommodate wear of the jaw, the jaw rear surface having a first rear surface portion and a second rear surface portion rearwardly offset from the first rear surface portion, the plunger having a first front surface portion and a second front surface portion rearwardly offset from the first front surface portion, the first and second rear surface portions of the jaw being engageable with the respective first and second front surface portions of the plunger

Abstract: A fifth wheel type hitch adapted for engaging a king pin of a trailer comprises a hitch head with downwardly opening pivot saddles which are pivotally supported on pivot bearings on a hitch base such that the hitch head pivots fore and aft relative to the hitch base. Outer portions of the pivot bearings are preferably formed from polyurethane. Latches, secured to the hitch head adjacent each pivot saddle, biasingly engage the pivot bearings when the hitch head is supported on the hitch base to prevent the hitch head from being separated therefrom. Lift handles connected to each latch are graspable by a user and pivotal to advance the latches to an unlatching position such that the hitch head can be separated from the hitch base and such that further lifting on the lift handles lifts the hitch head off of the hitch base. The hitch head comprises an intermediate pivot frame, in which the pivot saddles are formed and a coupler assembly which is adapted to releasably engage the king pin.

Abstract: An articulated air suspended hydraulic-dampened fifth wheel hitch coupling device for isolating the front of a fifth wheel or goose neck trailer hitch from the shock of bumps in the road and the inertia of movement of the trailer. Two inflatable air springs operatively connected to the pressurized air system of the tow vehicle eliminates vertical fifth wheel load from being transferred from the trailer to the tow vehicle. Additionally, an oscillating rocker connected transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle allows the fifth wheel hitch to pivot in a transverse motion to eliminate load from being transferred from the trailer to the tow vehicle.

Abstract: A hemispherical bumper plate that is positioned on a fifth wheel hitch in a manner that makes it impossible to inadvertently contact the protruding surface of the hitch itself is provided. The protective properties of the bumper plate are also enhanced by the use of an additional coating of rubber or other elastic material that softens any contact made with the bumper, further the bumper itself may be made of plastic, hard rubber or other suitable material as desired. The present invention is connected to the fifth wheel trailer by the use of a cylindrical locking tube which fits over the kingpin of the fifth wheel hitch and is held in place by a locking pin which passes through the tube and engages the kingpin. The locking tube also has a plurality of outwardly radiating support bars which connect to and support the bumper plate in the desired position to provide the maximum amount of protection for the fifth wheel hitch.

Abstract: A safety device (30) is actuatable to uncouple a first vehicle (10) from a second vehicle (12) to which the first vehicle (10) is coupled by a pivotable joint. An actuating apparatus (70, 72) senses and responds to a specified vehicle crash condition by actuating the safety device (30). Preferably, an additional safety device (32) is actuatable to roll the vehicles (10, 12) relative to one another. The actuating apparatus (70, 72) further responds to the specified vehicle crash condition by actuating the additional safety device (32).

Abstract: Two vehicles are transported in tandem by a beam assembly connecting a lead vehicle to a trailing vehicle which is reversed end-for-end. The beam assembly includes an elongated beam which is connected to the rear and extends lengthwise of the trailing vehicle. The beam extends beyond the rear end of the trailing vehicle and is elevated and connected to the rear end of the lead vehicle at a height such that the rear wheels of the trailing vehicle are raised above ground. The connection of the beam to the lead vehicle permits the beam to swing both laterally and vertically.

Abstract: A self-lubricating saddle which continually lubricates the rotational elements thereof as the saddle is in use. Generally, the saddle comprises a base, a surface plate, and a saddle head. A king pin extending substantially through the center of these three components, provides a pivot point for horizontal rotation. A grease fitting is located on an upper surface of the saddle head, in a position which is easily accessible to maintenance personnel. An inlet extends from the grease fitting through the saddle head to a grease reservoir defined by a conduit or duct on the lower surface plate of the saddle head. Grease or other lubricants are retained to provide continual lubrication of the rotational elements of the saddle, and also to provide lubricants directly to the rotational elements.

Abstract: A hitch system is described for a towing vehicle (e.g. a pickup truck) to enable the vehicle to tow a gooseneck trailer. The hitch system includes a mounting bracket to be attached to the frame of the vehicle, a sleeve secured to the mounting bracket and including a vertical slot in the wall and a second slot communicating with the vertical slot, a ball hitch which slides into the sleeve and including a pin which projects outwardly to be received in the vertical slot (after which the pin moves into the second slot when the ball is rotated), and a lock for preventing rotation of the ball when the pin is in the second slot. After the ball has been inserted into the sleeve and rotated, it is locked in position and will not come out during normal use of the hitch system.

Abstract: The pneumatic greasing system for the fifth wheel of a semitrailer uses compressed air tanks to power a pneumatic grease pump delivering grease from a reservoir mounted behind the cab of the tractor to the fifth wheel. The pump is actuated by an electronic switch mounted on the gear shift lever controlled by the operator of the tractor-trailer rig, the switch energizing a solenoid mounted at the pump and reservoir. The grease is delivered to a grease manifold mounted at the anterior portion of the lower plate of the fifth wheel, from which it is distributed to multiple compartments constituting a grease pan installed on the bottom of the lower plate. Air pressure forces the grease from the compartments of the grease pan through a plurality of countersunk orifices in the lower plate. Longitudinal and rotational movement of the bearing surfaces of the upper and lower plates ensure a uniform distribution of grease in the fifth wheel.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling safety system for indicating when a king pin is properly locked into a fifth wheel assembly. The system includes a fifth wheel assembly having a slot for receiving a king pin of a trailer and a locking mechanism for coupling the king pin to the fifth wheel assembly. The locking mechanism has a locking jaw adapted for coupling the king pin to the fifth wheel assembly, and a pull handle for positioning the locking jaw between locked and unlocked positions. The locking jaw couples the king pin to the fifth wheel assembly when in the locked position and permits separation of the king pin from the fifth wheel assembly when in the unlocked position. The pull handle is positionable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The pull handle positions the locking jaw in the locked position when the pull handle is in the locking position and the pull handle positions the locking jaw in the unlocked position when the pull handle is in the unlocking position.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch, actuator and lock assembly comprising a bifurcated hitch plate, a kingpin engagement jaw movable between a closed position for engaging a kingpin and an open position for releasing a kingpin, a lever coupled with the jaw and operatively shiftably attached for movement of the jaw from the closed position to the open position when operatively shifted, a release handle attached to the lever and movable for shifting the lever to thereby move the jaw to the release position, the release handle having an outer end with a hand grip thereon, a pivotal lock on the release handle movable between an extended condition and a retracted condition, the pivotal lock in the extended condition being positioned to lockingly engage the hitch plate to prevent the release handle from moving to shift the lever, and in the retracted position to allow the release handle to move to shift the lever, a lock actuator extending between the pivotal lock and hand grip, and movable to pivot the pivotal lock from extended

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling pin (1) for semitrailers, for connecting a semitrailer (2) to the fifth wheel of a tractor-trailer, has a coupling portion (3) for locking into the fifth wheel in detent fashion, a support portion (4) for insertion into a receiving opening (12) of the semitrailer (2), and a securing portion (5) for securing the fifth wheel coupling pin (1) against falling axially out of the receiving opening (12). The securing portion (5) is provided with a lateral annular groove (6) for engagement of a securing body (14) of the semitrailer (2).

Abstract: A securement device used for attaching a hitch to a vehicle bed in which the device includes a bracket secured to a frame part of the vehicle, a support post which is seated upon the bracket and which extends upwardly through the bed and the hitch, a retainer which forms a part of the support post and which upon rotation of the support post relative to the bracket prevents separation of the support post from the bracket, and a keeper part which is secured to the support post and which overlies at least a portion of the hitch to prevent the support post from rotating relative to the bracket and which further serves to prevent the hitch from being removed from the support post.

Abstract: In a fifth wheel with a multipart sliding segmental lining which is rotationally and fixedly arranged on a coupling plate. Comfort is improved and a high service life is made possible by the fact that the sliding segment lining comprises a frictional material, the coefficient of friction of the sliding surface of the sliding surface lining being in the region of 0.1 to 0.2.

Abstract: A new adapter for attaching a wheel lift apparatus to a road tractor for quickly mounting wheel lift apparatus to the road tractor. The inventive device includes a mounting frame having a gooseneck configuration defining a wide end and a narrow end, with the wide end of the mounting frame mounted on the frame of the road tractor, and the narrow end attached to the fifth wheel plate of the road tractor by a kingpin and attached to the tractor frame by link rods.

Abstract: A molded bearing plate of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene is formed with a bearing surface and series of strong, spaced, integrally formed posts extending from the opposed surface. A metal support plate is provided with a series of perforations through which the posts extend. The posts may have exteriorly threaded surfaces, and internally threaded fasteners may be threaded onto the posts to secure the molded bearing plate to the support plate. The posts are integrally formed with the bearing plate in a compression molding operation, and offer sufficient tensile strength to firmly attach the bearing plate to the metal plate. The bearing plate assembly is particularly suitable for use as a fifth wheel assembly.

Abstract: A shock absorbing fifth wheel which absorbs transmitted shocks between two vehicles. A plurality of springs absorbs directional shocks, and a plurality of roller bearings carries vertical (gravity) and side (lateral) loads so that the shock absorbing quality is not compromised by dirt, dust or grit between bearing surfaces. The apparatus may be adjusted readily by the user or manufacturer for varying loads and shock absorbing qualities.

Abstract: A fifth wheel for trucks is disclosed. Such fifth wheels usually are mounted on truck tractors and receive kingpins that are mounted on truck trailers. An operating rod is provided to manually disengage the kingpin locking mechanism. In one embodiment the fifth wheel plate is mounted on bases with trunnion pins. The bases are secured to the truck tractor. Retaining pins are received in flanges and serve to block axial movement of the trunnion pins. The retaining pins are disposed parallel to the top surface of the plate and are perpendicular to the axes of the trunnion pins. The retaining pins and flanges may be spaced far enough below the fifth wheel support surface so that a misfed kingpin cannot contact them. Alternatively, or in addition, the retaining pins may be under a protector that extends over the length of the retaining pin to prevent a misfed kingpin from striking the retaining pins.

Abstract: An extension coupling releasably interconnects a trailer to a tow hitch on a tractor vehicle. The coupling includes a mount that is secured to the trailer. An elongated arm has a proximal end portion secured to the mount. A connector pin is disposed on a distal end portion of the arm in order to mate with the tow hitch, A retainer assembly is secured to the arm and engages the tow hitch when the trailer is interconnected to the tractor vehicle so as to resist rotation of the arm relative to the tow hitch. The mount includes a flat base plate and a pair of upwardly projecting side plates disposed on the base plate. This mount then engages the hitch connecting station on the trailer. The invention includes a trailer provided with the coupling where the trailer has a housing, a wheel set and the hitch connecting station.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for hitching and unhitching a fifth wheel trailer to and from a towing vehicle, including an elongate tool having a hooked end portion and a handle portion. The tool allows an operator to stand next to the towing vehicle and reach into the bed of the vehicle with the tool to operate the hitch mechanism. The hooked end portion of the tool can be used to engage a handle portion of the latch mechanism for shifting the handle to and from its latching and unlatching positions. The hooked end portion can also be used to shift a pivot plate to and from its ball confining position. The hooked end portion can also be used to open and close a door which generally encloses the ball hitch.

Abstract: A manual release apparatus for disengaging a king pin on a truck trailer from a fifth wheel of a truck cab, including an elongated lever arm, a first end of which is pivotally attached to a side of the fifth wheel at a location spaced from the opening through which the release rod extends, a second end of which is spaced away from the fifth wheel extending horizontally from the first end, whereby the lever arm is attached to the release rod, such that a manual movement of the second end of the lever arm will cause the lever arm to be pivoted horizontally about the first end, thereby causing the release rod to be pulled outwardly to disengage the king pin from the fifth wheel. The elongated lever arm is provided with an adjustable extension arm so that the length of the lever arm can be adjusted to an extent desired to best facilitate manipulation thereof.

Abstract: An electronic coupling control system for a vehicle trailer hitch assembly having a hitch plate in which a throat is defined for receiving a trailer kingpin and having a locking mechanism for locking the kingpin in the hitch throat. The electronic coupling control system includes a trailer proximity sensor for sensing when a trailer is in proximity to the hitch assembly, a kingpin sensor for sensing the presence of the kingpin in the hitch throat, a lock sensor for sensing when said locking mechanism is in a locked and secured position, and indicator means located in the vehicle for providing hitch coupling status information to an operator of the vehicle. The indicator means is coupled to the trailer proximity, kingpin, and lock sensors for informing the operator when a trailer is in proximity to the hitch assembly, when the kingpin is positioned in the hitch throat, and when the locking mechanism is in a locked position. The indicator means may include an indicator light and control circuit.

Abstract: A new adapter for attaching a wheel lift apparatus to a road tractor for quickly mounting wheel lift apparatus to the road tractor. The inventive device includes a mounting frame having a gooseneck configuration defining a wide end and a narrow end, with the wide end of the mounting frame mounted on the frame of the road tractor, and the narrow end attached to the fifth wheel plate of the road tractor by a kingpin and attached to the tractor frame by link rods.

Abstract: A new Tandem Axle Trailer Pin Leverage Handle System for facilitating the extraction of a tandem axle trailer pin for repositioning of the axles of the tandem axle trailer. The inventive device includes an elongated handle, a first and second plate secured distally apart to the handle, an elongated rod pivotally attached mesial the plates, and a hooked end secured to the rod opposite of the plates for engaging the tandem axle trailer pin. Preferably, there is a first aperture and a second aperture projecting traversely through the plates for allowing selective positioning of the rod for older style trailers or modern style trailers. The end of the handle engages a trailer box simultaneously as the hooked end engages the pin thereby leveraging upon the pin for extracting a frozen or rusted pin.

Abstract: An improved, stakeless livestock trailer includes sidewalls and a front wall constructed of stacked and interlocked extruded tubular members. In addition to forming the walls, the tubular members also form the exterior framework of the trailer, allowing a modular floor system to be attached directly to the sidewalls. The tubular members themselves have a unique tongue and groove interlocking structure which allows an adhesive to be inserted therebetween and which provides interior voids for excessive adhesive to collect during assembly. An improved gooseneck design eliminates the large support I beams required by prior art gooseneck designs, thus increasing storage space and/or increasing the clearance of an overhead storage compartment.

Abstract: A fifth wheel trailer hitch adaptor apparatus including a fifth wheel device including a housing having a stem projecting therefrom for telescopical receipt in a rearwardly opening square tube of a towing vehicle and having a fifth wheel yoke plate formed with a rearwardly extending, open ended, laterally outwardly diverging passage. An adaptor plate is provided and includes on its top side an upstanding hitch ball for receipt in the ball socket of a trailer and has a king pin on the bottom side thereof for sliding receipt into the passage for hitching to such fifth wheel device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bracket assembly for connecting a trailer to a truck. The bracket assembly includes a base, upright support assemblies, a top plate carried on the support assemblies, a unique reinforced bushing for distributing shearing forces through the assembly is positioned in the support assemblies with the top plate, upright support assemblies and bushing interconnected by bracket pins.

Abstract: A fifth wheel includes a coupling plate formed with an insertion slot for receiving a trailer king pin. The insertion slot is provided with a central aperture sized to receive the king pin and formed with a counterbored step. A non-metallic wear ring is fitted within the aperture and is retained against axial displacement with an arcuate metal holding plate mounted within the counterbored step, and partially overlapping the wear ring. The wear ring includes an outer contour wall and an inner contour wall. The outer contour wall and the inner surface of the aperture share a common center of curvature, which center of curvature is eccentric relative to the axis of rotation of the king pin mounted therein such that any rotational force resulting from the rotation of the king pin translates linearly into the wear ring.

Abstract: An anti-jackknifing device for a tractor and trailer combination is provided having a pressure cylinder with an axial bore which mounts to the lower surface of a fifth wheel plate of the tractor. A piston locates within the axial bore and has a stop pin which project into a stop bore formed in the fifth wheel plate and into a slot formed in a trailer plate of the trailer. An end plug couples to the pressure cylinder for sealing the axial bore and is removable to allow the interior of the axial bore to be accessed. Also provided on the piston is a socket which allows a piston removal tool to be inserted therein so that the piston can be removed from the axial bore when the end plug is removed. The structure of the anti-jackknifing device prevents stresses on the fasteners or bolts used in securing the pressure cylinder to the fifth wheel plate as a result of lateral forces being exerted on the stop pin.

Abstract: A rigid, removable cover for use on a truck's fifth wheel. The cover is intended for use when the fifth wheel is not being used, and a trailer is therefore not present. The cover prevents dirt and small rocks from becoming lodged in the friction-reducing grease covering the fifth wheel. Such rocks tend to scar and damage the fifth wheel later, when a trailer is attached, and substantial weight is put on the fifth wheel. A carrying box, sized to accept the rigid cover, is provided, and is typically mounted on the back of the truck cab. Notches in the box for the cover's handle require the user to insert the cover into the box with a consistent orientation, thereby preventing the transfer of grease from the one side of the cover to the other. The cover provides a body that is similar in shape to the fifth wheel and a rim that depends around the edge of the fifth wheel skid plate. A handle allows the user to install and remove the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting hydraulic or pneumatic hoses and electric cables which extend between a prime mover and a trailer, comprises an elongate channel shaped member 11 which is attached to an intermediate member 21, the intermediate member being attached to a bearing member 16. Elongate channel shaped member 11 can then swing from side to side and can hold the hoses or cables to prevent damage thereto. The cables can pass through the hollow bearing member 16 and into channel member 11 without needing to be unnecessarily exposed.

Abstract: A fifth wheel insert, laminate composite and method of construction, which insert includes a cap or cover having mount tabs for tack-welding the insert on a fifth wheel. The laminate composite includes a composite of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene resin and one or more modulus of elasticity modifier such as carbon fibers and is designed to be secured to the fifth wheel of a tractor, the coupling plate of a trailer or to the insert mounted on the fifth wheel, in order to reduce friction and eliminate the need for greasing the fifth wheel-trailer coupling.

Abstract: A fifth wheel insert, laminate composite and method of construction, which insert includes a cap or cover having mount tabs for tack-welding the insert on a fifth wheel. The laminate composite includes a composite of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene resin and one or more modulus of elasticity modifier such as carbon fibers and is designed to be secured to the fifth wheel of a tractor, the coupling plate of a trailer or to the insert mounted on the fifth wheel, in order to reduce friction and eliminate the need for greasing the fifth wheel-trailer coupling.

Abstract: A floating pin fifth wheel hitch is disclosed. This hitch uses separate points to bear the vertical and horizontal forces created by the towed vehicle. By allowing the pivot point to float and thus bear only the horizontal forces of the trailer it can be placed rearward of the rear axle of the towing vehicle without adverse affects to the handling characteristics of the truck and trailer combination. The hitch is further supplied with a vertical force or weight bearing slide that can be placed above or in front of the rear axle of the towing vehicle. By splitting the forces created by the trailer and letting them be born by the towing truck a hitch is created that allows for a short turning radius while still shortening the overall length of the truck and trailer combination and keeping the weight of the trailer in a position that does not effect the handling or ride characteristics of the truck.

Abstract: An ornamental cover for a fifth wheel hitch plate for use when the hitch is not engaged. The hitch plate cover comprises principal and tail portions and a kingpin shaft and locking washer for locking the hitch plate cover in place after the trailer has been removed from the fifth wheel hitch. The cover is further stabilized with a kingpin guide tab and moldings covering the edges of the cover.

Abstract: A steering detection device for articulated vehicles, such as consisting of a tractor truck and a semitrailer, connected by a thrust bearing on the truck and having a hole designed to house a corresponding pin on the semitrailer, creating an axis of relative rotation between the tractor truck and the semitrailer. The device has a shaft rotatably mounted to the pin, a sensor connected to the shaft to interact with the thrust bearing when the tractor truck is coupled to the semitrailer, and a transducer actuated by the rotatable shaft to produce electric signals corresponding to the angular rotational movements between the shaft attached to the thrust bearing by means of the said sensor, and the pin, in order to obtain signals relative to the rotation of the tractor truck with respect to the semitrailer.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch having a fifth wheel hitch plate with a bifurcated rear portion defining a kingpin-receiving mouth, throat and latch, an upper surface and an upstanding peripheral rim defining a pocket over substantially all of the hitch plate, a plurality of lubricious polymeric pads filling the pocket, specially configurated to interfit and form a bearing surface over substantially all of the hitch plate, the pads each comprising a steel underlayer having a bottom surface on the hitch plate and having a top surface, and a lubricious polymeric overlayer bonded on the top surface of the steel underlayer and extending above the rim, the hitch plate having a pattern of a plurality of vertical, fastener-receiving orifices extending therethrough, a plurality of threaded studs having upper ends stud welded to the steel underlayer bottom surface, positioned to correspond to the pattern of orifices in the hitch plate and having lower ends extending down through the orifices, and a plurality of fastener nuts on t

Abstract: A vertical and longitudinal force sensor for use in a fifth wheel hitch. The sensor comprises a beam and transducers for measuring the horizontal and vertical deflections at true center of the beam. The beam comprises two outer parts and an inner part which serves to actuate the transducers.

Abstract: A fifth wheel bearing plate assembly is proposed where a recess is made in the original standard fifth wheel bearing plate, an antifriction plastic liner is placed in this recess, the liner being secured in working position by retaining ears and trapezoidal retaining blocks, the retaining ears not affecting the operation of the fifth wheel, the liner being raised in reference with the original surface of the fifth wheel bearing plate.

Abstract: A hitch for a goose neck trailer is provided which includes a cross member positionable beneath the cargo bed and between the frame members of a truck. A central opening is provided on the cross member for receiving a socket that is insertable within a sleeve member aligned with the opening. A spring biased pin attached to the sleeve engages a vertical groove formed on the exterior of the socket to secure the ball socket for use. A ball hitch attached to an upper end of the socket protrudes above the cargo bed and is attachable to a goose neck trailer. Removal of the ball hitch and socket is accomplished by aligning the pin with an eccentric groove formed on the socket's exterior, rotating the socket to an area where the groove ends, and pulling upwards. Adjustment means are provided to adjust the hitch to accommodate differing frame and cargo bed configurations found on trucks.