Abstract: A detached pin pulling accessory for removing pins locking a bogie to a trailer chassis. The puller is intended for use with a trailer having pin pulling equipment which is intended to be pulled by hand. The pin pulling equipment has a handle extending toward the side of the trailer, on which a pulling force is exerted by a first person while a second person rocks the trailer by moving the tractor. The inventive accessory clamps to the trailer and engages the pulling handle of the apparatus, and is self-supporting once these connections are made. An integral crank is wound, which places tension on a spring acting on the pulling handle. The spring maintains tension on the pin pulling equipment without requiring the first person to be present. Thus, releasing pins from a trailer is rendered a one-person task by the novel accessory. The novel accessory requires no external power, such as pneumatic or electrical, and is portable from vehicle to vehicle.

Abstract: A fifth wheel slip plate is described, in which plastic inserts are used in the plastic slip plate instead of metal skip plates, and in which a composite plastic material is used for outer lateral portions of the slip plate. The plastic of the insert, preferably nylon, is substantially harder than the plastic of the slip plate, which is preferably ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The harder plastic insert therefore does not compress as much as the slip plate, and therefore absorbs the primary impact during the coupling operation. The composite material outer portions absorb much of the impact damage, without the undesirable friction which metal would produce, and they are relatively simple to replace, without need to replace the whole slip plate.

Abstract: A tractor trailer fifth wheel for unlatching a fifth wheel on a tractor trailer comprising an elongated rod having two free ends and wedge secured to the rod near one free end to project outwards therefrom to be positioned against an external object; a cable having one end coupled to the rod and the other end extending a distance therebeyond; and a hook secured to the end of the cable remote from the rod for attachment to a latch of a fifth wheel, whereby attaching the hook to the latch, positioning the wedge at a lower portion of a vehicle to act as a fulcrum, and reciprocating the rod about the wedge as a lever will allow the rod to be pivoted to loosen the latch.

Abstract: A new and improved trailer fifth wheel lubrication apparatus is carried by a truck and includes a fifth wheel assembly which has lubrication channels and fittings for conveying lubricant to an upper surface of the fifth wheel assembly. Lubricant conveyances are connected to the fittings for conveying lubricant to the fifth wheel assembly. A main lubricant supply line is connected to the lubricant conveyances. A lubricant supply assembly is connected to the main lubricant supply line. A power assembly is connected to the lubricant supply assembly and forces discharge of lubricant from the lubricant supply assembly into the main lubricant supply line. A control assembly controls flow of power from the power assembly to the lubricant supply assembly. The control assembly includes an actuator assembly located in a cab of the truck. A lubricant distribution assembly is connected to the lubricant conveyances and conveys lubricant to the lubricant conveyances.

Abstract: A fifth wheel assembly for coupling a tractor to a trailer wherein the assembly includes a housing and a fixed plate which is secured to the trailer unit, and a king pin assembly having a body portion rotatably mounted within the housing, a plate member rotatably mounted with respect to the fixed plate, the king pin being secured to said body portion and plate member and being rotatable therewith. The ability of the king pin to rotate within the housing minimizes friction and reduces maintenance.

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: A trailer hitch includes a support structure having spaced end mounting brackets and a U-shaped cross member pivotally mounted to, and suspended between, the mounting brackets. The U-shaped cross member pivots about a first axis. The trailer hitch also includes a coupling subassembly pivotally mounted to a mid-section of the U-shaped cross member to pivot about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A trailer hitch system utilizing a support member which includes a well that is accessible at the exterior of a vehicle. The support member is connected to the frame of the vehicle. A hitch element including a base portion, is capable of lying within the well of the support member such that a fitting for hitching a trailer is available for use external to the well. A lock removably holds the hitch element to base portion within the well. Thus a variety of hitch elements are interchangeable with the present assembly system.

Abstract: A connector assembly for interconnecting a vehicle and a trailer having a hitch element includes a gripper assembly which is operable to engage the hitch element. The gripper assembly includes a plurality of jaws which are pivotally connected with and are disposed in a circular array on a base. A rotatable ring circumscribes the circular array of jaws. A motor is connected with the ring and is operable to rotate the ring in a first direction to pivot the jaws toward each other. The motor is operable to rotate the ring in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, to pivot the jaws away from each other. The ring and jaws are interconnected by a plurality of links. The motor is connected with the ring by a drive chain. A hitch element detector detects when the hitch element is positioned in the gripper assembly. A ring position detector detects when the ring is in predetermined positions relative to the base.

Abstract: A fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly mounted under and attached to a vehicle frame comprising a cradle and king pin adaptor. The trailer hitch assembly attaches to the trailer with the goose-necked trailer tongue king pin adaptors. The king pin of such assembly engages a fifth wheel trailer hitch mounted in the cradle mounted under the towing vehicle. The trailer tongue king pin adaptor may also be hinged to facilitate storage of the adaptor when the trailer is parked.

Abstract: Road tanker for an articulated vehicle, for hauling petroleum or other liquid products. The tanker has an elongated vessel provided internally with dividers. The dividers are joined to the side walls of the vessel by "U-shaped" extrusions providing dual connection between the dividers and the wall. The forward end of the vessel is provided with a skid plate which is integral with or located so as to be substantially at the same level as the bottom surfaces of the vessel. The forward and rearward vertical corners are hollow sections to reinforce the vessel at those locations. The vertical sides of the vessel are joined to the top panel by means of rails which inhibit rolling of the tanker from the side panels to the top panel.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for lifting a container. The lifting apparatus has an elongate member having a first end and a second end and device for lockingly engaging the elongate member to the container, such as a fifth wheel plate attached to the elongate member which lockingly engages with the container. There is a first end attachment connected in proximity to the first end for connection to a mechanism which lifts the container through the apparatus and a second end attachment connected in proximity to the second end for connection to the mechanism which lifts the container through the apparatus. The invention is also a system for tilting a container. The system includes a fifth wheel plate and device for lifting the fifth wheel plate when it is lockingly engaged with the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tractor for transferring a variety of trailers and transfer devices (12) equipped with a kingpin (13), which tractor is equipped with a vertically adjustable 5th wheel (4). The 5th wheel (4) comprises gripping members (14, 15) and power mechanisms (16) by means of which the transfer device (12) is by the kingpin (13) with a convenient force pulled into contact with the 5th wheel 4 thus making an inner force balance of the joint 4-12 possible.

Abstract: A composite bearing plate for a fifth wheel comprises a steel base plate having a layer of polyurethane bonded thereto presenting a bearing surface. The base plate has a plurality of apertures communicating with a plurality of corresponding apertures in the polyurethane layer. The apertures present an opening for welding the bearing plate to the fifth wheel.

Abstract: The tractor mounts a passive damping constraint system and a fifth wheel brake between the fifth wheel and tractor frame. The fifth wheel is secured to the trailer for rotation therewith relative to the tractor. The constraint system passively resists rotary movement of the trailer and tractor about the kingpin. Upon reaching a predetermined angular relation indicative of a jackknife condition, the fifth wheel brake system is actuated and the driver alerted. Upon manual braking, the fifth wheel brake and passive damping constraint systems are deactuated. Where hard braking is required, the fifth wheel braking system is again activated to assist the driver to prevent the jackknife condition. The fifth wheel braking and passive damping constraint systems are deactivated upon actuation of the turn signals.

Abstract: A kingpin security device is provided preferably having a semi-circular plate transverse to a flat base. The plate has a channel therein, also preferably being semi-circular in cross-section. The channel in the plate defines a shoulder thereabove. The dimensions of the channel and the shoulder are such as to form a close fit with the annular recess and annular lip found on a standard kingpin. Opposite the vertically extending plate, the base transitions to a longitudinally extending arm. At the distal end of the arm is a shield plate, disposed generally transverse and spaced apart from the base. After the kingpin security device is affixed to a kingpin, a standard padlock can be attached to this extending arm. The shackle of the padlock prevents disengagement of the kingpin from the kingpin security device. The shield plate prevents the padlock from slipping off the arm, as well as shielding it from vandals or intruders. The kingpin security device also includes a downwardly extending vertical flange.

Abstract: A system operated by the driver of a tractor trailer for preventing the jackknifing of the tractor trailer, the tractor trailer being of the type having a kingpin under the trailer to lock into the fifth wheel mounting plate on the tractor, the system having structure for locking the trailer to the tractor to prevent the trailer's turning in relation to the tractor, with the structure for locking the trailer in a fixed position being activated by the driver when the driver senses that the trailer is starting to jackknife.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly for installation to the frame or chassis of a pick-up truck and for use with a gooseneck trailer is herein provided, the trailer hitch assembly comprising a detachable ball hitch including a stem attached at one end thereof, a mounting frame which includes means for attaching the mounting frame to the chassis of the truck, and receiving means for securing the stem of the ball hitch to the mounting frame, and integrated locking means for locking the stem of the ball hitch in the receiving means in an operative, locked position. This invention provides the distinct advantage of using integrated locking means which do not include a lock washer, such that the tendency of the lock washer to rip and tear the mounting plate with continued tightenings and loosenings is obviated. The hitch assembly is completely concealed when not in use, leaving the truck bed with a flush floor.

Abstract: Motor vehicles in which steerable wheels aft of the front wheels are steered by the same steering wheel which steers the front wheels. In one aspect the present invention provides an extended motor vehicle thus steered, and in a second aspect a tractor-trailer assembly in which the trailer is steered from the tractor. In one embodiment a mechanical power train is used to forcibly steer the steerable wheels aft of the front wheels. In a second embodiment the wheels are steered electronically, and in a third embodiment they are steered pneumatically. For extended vehicles the steerable wheels aft of the front wheels are forcibly steered in response to the position of the Pitman arm which controls the front wheels. For tractor-trailer assemblies a directional sensor is disposed and held in the V-shaped slot of the fifth wheel of the tractor, and the steerable wheels on the trailer are forcibly steered in response to the direction of motion of the tractor sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A steering turntable for the front wheel assembly of trailers and the like is formed of first and second turntable ring members each having cooperating projecting circular wall sections configured to interconnect with each other to prevent separation of the ring members from each other while allowing relative rotation of the ring members. A plastic ring of ultra high molecular weight synthetic resin, such as polyurethane, is interposed between the bearing surfaces of the first and second rings to provide a reduced-friction bearing surface therebetween.

Abstract: An air-isolated fifth wheel system for use in connecting a trailer to a semi-tractor in a manner to isolate vibrational input of the trailer to the fifth wheel from being transferred to the semi-tractor. An inflatable air bag is operably disposed in a centered location beneath the fifth wheel support plate to eliminate vertical fifth wheel load from being transferred to the semi-tractor. The system is light weight and can easily be included into existing fifth wheel assemblies without significant alteration to the chassis of the semi-tractor.

Abstract: A fifth wheel assembly for tractors or other draft arrangement has a bearing plate with a lubricating plate, a peripheral wall with diametrically opposed notches extending above the bearing plate surface and a nonmetallic lubricating wear liner with diametrically opposed ears notchable with the notches to resist rotational motion by the liner, which liner extends above the peripheral wall and is secured against the bearing plate as a lubricating liner but retained within the bearing plate cavity against radially outward displacement by the peripheral wall.

Abstract: A trailer lock structure is arranged for use by fifth wheel trailers, wherein a mounting plate is fixedly secured to a trailer bottom wall forward end to receive fifth wheel securement linkage within a cylindrical tube mounted orthogonally to the mounting plate extending therethrough. A latch plate is pivotally mounted to the cylindrical tube directed through a slot of the cylindrical tube and latched to effect an abutment within the cylindrical tube permitting undesirable removal over mounting of the structure to unauthorized individuals and associated vehicles. The use of support leg tubes for selectively receiving support legs therewithin permits the stable support of a forward end of an associated trailer.

Abstract: A fifth wheel cover (10) comprises a substantially sheet-like member having a circular portion (12) and a pair of tail portions (14) extending from one side of the circular portion (12) for covering the bearing plate and sloped flanges of the fifth wheel. A central kingpin opening (16) is provided between the tail portions (14). A cup portion (18) is provided at the end of each tail portion (14) for receiving the rear ends of the sloped flanges therein. At least one hook formation (20) is provided on the side of the circular portion (12) opposite the tail portions (14) for engaging with the rim of the fifth wheel to secure the cover (10) on the fifth wheel. The cover is integrally moulded from an anti-friction synthetic plastic material.

Abstract: A clear bed gooseneck trailer hitch is provided. The trailer hitch is comprised of a wide metal plate, or disc, supported on a truck bed and having a standard long shank hitch ball fixedly connected perpendicularly therethrough. The threaded shaft of the shank hitch ball attaches to a threaded hole provided in a steel plate or channel of suitable design affixed underneath the truck bed to the frame rails of a pickup truck over the rear axle area. The plate has two handles on its top side located near the edge of the disc for use in turning the disc manually or by a torque bar upon attachment to or removal from the truck bed. Once the disc is removed, the truck bed remains clear and unobstructed for use in other conventional manners. The disc is used with a rubber bed mat, or a rubber washer, having a circumference slightly larger than the disc.

Abstract: An improved gooseneck trailer hitch assembly mounting to the frame and underneath the bed of a pick-up truck. Only the hitch extends into the cargo carrying space overlying the bed of the pick-up. The ball hitch is removable from its mounting when not in use to clear the bed of any obstructions. The mounting assembly for the hitch is adjustable to provide easy mounting to virtually any pick-up truck irrespective of frame width.

Abstract: A steering system for use in a towing vehicle-trailer combination, wherein all trailer axles are load-bearing and fixed. The rearmost axle on the trailer has directional wheels that automatically adjust to the direction of motion of the rear wheels of the towing vehicle. The motive force for steering the directional wheels emanates from a sensor nested in the V-slot of the fifth wheel of the towing vehicle. The steering system is designed to be installed as a retrofit to existing trailers, or as optional equipment for trailers not yet manufactured. Abling and disabling the system is automatic. Abling takes place when the fifth wheel is moved into position to couple the king pin under the trailer. The system is disabled when locking lugs for the fifth wheel are released, and the fifth wheel moves away from the king pin.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for attaching the forward end of a trailer to the rear end of a vehicle comprising a hitch pin support attachable to the forward end of the trailer and being provided with a downwardly projecting cylindrical hitch pin having a circular metallic disk attached to the lower end thereof, the circular metallic disk having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the hitch pin; a base plate attachable to the rear end of the towing vehicle; a yoke portion having its lower end pivotally connected to the base plate for pivotal movement along a horizontal axis; a yoke plate mounted on the upper end of the yoke portion, the yoke plate having a forward flat portion and a pair of rearwardly and downwardly extending fingers, an elongated horizontal opening being provided between the two fingers and extending part way into the flat portion of the yoke plate where the opening terminates in a semicircle of slightly larger diameter than that of the hitch pin, the rear end of the horizontal opening be

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly for use in the bed of pickup trucks and the like and including a trailer hitch supporting member secured to the underside of the pickup truck bed, a readily removable trailer hitch for seated and assembled relationship within the trailer hitch supporting member, and a spring-biased cylindrical rod for locking together the trailer hitch and the trailer hitch supporting member against vertical separation from each other while enabling the trailer hitch to be freely rotated relative to the trailer hitch supporting member, the cylindrical rod being manually movable against its spring-bias to a position to enable ready removal of the trailer hitch from the trailer hitch supporting member.

Abstract: A steering system for use in a towing vehicle-trailer combination, wherein all trailer axles are load-bearing and fixed. The rearmost axle on the trailer has directional wheels that automatically adjust to the direction of motion of the rear wheels of the towing vehicle. The motive force for steering the directional wheels emanates from a sensor nested in the V-slot of the fifth wheel of the towing vehicle. The steering system is designed to be installed as a retrofit to existing trailers, or as optional equipment for trailers not yet manufactured. Abling and disabling the system is automatic. Abling takes place when the fifth wheel is moved into position to couple the king pin under the trailer. The system is disabled when locking lugs for the fifth wheel are released, and the fifth wheel moves away from the king pin.

Abstract: A controlled fluid release fifth wheel apparatus having a first control in the tractor cab and a second control outside the cab, in series with each other, and functionally located in series between a power source and a power actuator at the fifth wheel hitch. Both the inside and outside controls must be properly actuated in series for the power actuator to operate to release the hitch. A timer is actuated by the first control to set a short time period during which the second control can be actuated. A trailer brake line air pressure sensor in series with the first and second controls prevents operation of the actuator until the trailer brake line is unpressurized such that the brakes on the trailer are locked.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling a tractor to a trailer comprising a fifth wheel bearing plate and a trailer bearing plate assembly. The trailer bearing plate assembly includes a ring having a collar and is adapted to securely attach to an underside of the trailer. The trailer bearing plate further includes a disk disposed between the collar and the trailer underside.

Abstract: A releasable slip cover for covering a tractor bearing plate to protect the bearing plate from abrasive residue when the tractor is driven detached from the trailer.

Abstract: An attachment device for a tractor of the type including a front end loader bucket and a rear mounted backhoe comprises a rear axle and ground wheels for positioning beneath the backhoe tower and attachable to the rear of the tractor by forwardly extending straps. Beneath the bucket is permanently attached a kingpin device formed by a plate and pin mounted upon a bracket which is so shaped that the pin and plate are wholly above the plane of the lower wall of the bucket so that the bucket can be normally used with the kingpin devide in place and such that when the bucket is fully retracted the kingpin is presented vertically downwardly. Thus the bucket can be positioned upon a conventional fifth wheel of a road tractor.

Abstract: An automatic fifth wheel having a power operated jaw unlocking mechanism for non-highway use and a manual safety lock operative to immobilize the automatic unlocking mechanism so as to also enable safe over the road operation.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly which includes a hitch ball which is selectively positioned within a retention sleeve mounted below and through the cargo bed of a vehicle and which further includes a locking pin which secures the hitch ball either in a first upright position within the sleeve wherein the ball is elevated with respect to the cargo bed or in an inverted position wherein the base of the hitch ball is mounted flush with the cargo bed.

Abstract: A bed saver device for protecting the bed and side rails of a truck or other towing vehicle against damage in the event that a towed vehicle-associated component of a fifth-wheel-type hitch comes free from the truck bed-mounted part of the hitch. The bed protecting device is mounted behind and immediately adjacent the truck-associated part of the hitch and includes a rectilinear plate, supported above the floor of the truck bed, which breaks the fall of the towed vehicle-associated component. Members incorporated in the bed saver and surrounding the restraining plate keep the towed vehicle-mounted component from sliding off the plate in event that the towed vehicle-associated hitch component comes loose from and drops onto the restraining plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing jackknifing between a tractor of a trailer truck and a trailer coupled thereto is disclosed. The apparatus includes a latch block that is movable to a deployed position forward of the front edge of the tractor's fifth wheel and a pair of stop blocks, one disposed on each side of the trailer wear plate so that a laterally extending arm of the latch block will come into contact with one of them upon relative pivotal movement of the fifth wheel and trailer wear plate beyond a predetermined angle. Upon making contact, the blocks prevent further angular movement. Arms of the latch block have projecting end portions on their upper side that slide under end portions of the stop blocks which are spaced apart from the wear plate. This secures the latch block from being sprung downward past the stop block upon occurrence of jackknifing. The latch block is supported by a forward extension of the fifth wheel and by gussets that extend underneath the fifth wheel and are welded thereto.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch is attached releasably to the bed of a pickup truck by brackets which resemble the parts of a swinging door hinge and which are connected by removable pins. The hinge-type brackets with the removable pins enable the hitch to be quickly and easily removed from and re-installed in the truck.

Abstract: The trailer chassis of a tractor-trailer is provided with a dumping apparatus for interchangeable shipping containers, operable to dump the contents of the container or to unload the container itself, and optionally to reload containers onto the chassis. The chassis is divided into fore and aft sections articulated on a horizontal axis at a knuckle which will bend only in a direction causing the chassis to form a hump. The knuckle is located forward of the center of gravity of the container, whereby the container remains on the aft section during dumping. A pivotable king pin plate is provided between the fore section of the trailer chassis and the tractor, avoiding stress on the king pin assembly when inclined. Vertical pins are preferably provided at each corner of the trailer chassis, the rear pins being controllably retractable for releasing the shipping container if the container itself is to be unloaded from the chassis.

Abstract: A pull handle for a fifth wheel utilizes a sliding connection to the operating handle of the locking jaw of the fifth wheel. A retractor spring biases the pull handle inwardly along the sliding connection such that the pull handle assumes a position which will not engage the tires of the tractor with the lock mechanism open, regardless of the adjustment of the suspension of the tractor.

Abstract: A trailer coupling for use with tractors having a fifth wheel includes a coupling plate having an upper portion for securement to the trailer, a lower portion and a transitional portion extending from the upper portion to the lower portion. An antifriction member is secured adjacent to the lower surface of the lower portion. Openings are provided in the lower portion and antifriction member for passage of a downwardly projecting kingpin therethrough. Support members secure support edge portions of the antifriction member in securing the antifriction member adjacent to the coupling plate. The antifriction member is preferably composed of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The use of through fasteners and the like in securing the antifriction member to the coupling plate is avoided.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling for connection of a semitrailer to a tractor unit is disclosed in which a pair of symmetrical, swivel-articulated closing jaws having semicircular recesses for grasping the king pin have a split bearing comprising an outer bearing half fixed in each closing jaw and inner bearing halves rotatable with respect to the outer bearing halves. The split bearing includes a mechanism for returning each inner bearing half to a position aligned with its respective outer bearing half for uncoupling. The split bearing eliminates friction between the king pin and the closing jaws and is substantially free from wear and maintenance.

Abstract: A fifth wheel gooseneck trailer ball coupling system for user mounting to pickup trucks comprises a multi-piece stress distributing frame and a hammer actuated ball coupling which enables the user to deploy the system in towing or non-towing modes with the use of a simple hammer. The three piece frame comprises a first generally rectangular, bed plate adapted to be disposed upon the bed of the pickup truck and bolted to the chassis, a second, back-up plate of a generally rectangular or square configuration, which is carefully welded at the front center of the bed plate, and a third frame plate, in the form of an annular apertured hammer ball base plate welded to the back-up plate. The hammer ball base plate comprises a rigid steel, annular disk comprising a central threaded orifice which receives the ball coupling. The ball coupling comprises a rigid spherical ball integral with a base portion and a downwardly projecting threaded shaft.

Abstract: A packaged grease composition for lubrication of fifth wheels on tractor-trailers or similar vehicles is disclosed. The packet consists of a grease composition sealed in a thin walled plastic envelope. The grease filled envelope is placed on the base plate of the fifth wheel and the envelope readily ruptures under pressure when the plates forming the fifth wheel come together releasing the grease to lubricate the plates. The plastic subsequently disintegrates as these plates rotate on each other leaving no environmental waste to dispose of. The envelope may come in different shapes or the lubricant or envelope may be color coded to indicate the type of lubricant contained within the envelope.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling for connecting a semitrailer to a towing vehicle, which provides two swivel-articulated closing jaws with semicircular clearances for grasping a semitrailer king pin, and means for opening and closing the jaws which provide a hydraulic cylinder, a piston disposed therein with a rod having a central bore, a tappet disposed within the bore and protruding into the semicircular clearances, piston head and piston rod spaces, and a channel connecting the spaces which is closable by the tappet. Pressurization of the hydraulic cylinder opens the jaws, and contact of the semitrailer king pin against the tappet automatically closes the jaws.

Abstract: A trailer assembly including a cab, a first trailer hitched to the cab, a second trailer having a dolly hitched to the first trailer, and a third trailer having a dolly hitched to the second trailer. Each dolly has a framework with a front hitch and has a wheel assembly fixedly connected to the framework. The wheel assembly has an axle and four wheels and leaf springs. The dolly has a thrust bearing unit with a bearing axis. The thrust bearing unit has a bottom race fixedly connected to the framework and has a top race angularly displacable relative to the bottom race about the bearing axis. The top race has a pivot plate with a horizontal pivot axis. The pivot plate has trunnions with pivot pins for pivoting of the pivot plate about the horizontal pivot axis relative to the top race. The pivot plate has a hinge groove for connecting to a hinge pin under the overlapping trailer. The thrust bearing unit has brake means, operated by a driver in the cab by controlling a fluid meter.

Abstract: Theft prevention of trailers and articulated vehicles and a method, control system and equipment to prevent the seizure of a vehicle combination and/or a trailer to be connected with a drawing or tractor vehicle.

Abstract: In a cargo-carrying vehicle having a power unit, a first cargo-carrying unit releasably affixed to the power unit, the first cargo-carrying unit not being pivotal on the power unit, and a second cargo-carrying unit releasably and pivotally connected to the first cargo-carrying unit, wherein the improvement comprises:a plurality of cross members extending across the width of the second cargo-carrying unit;a tie plate located on each lateral edge portion of the second cargo-carrying unit, said cross members being rigidly affixed between said tie plates; anda drawbar rigidly affixed to said cross members.

Abstract: A removable self-lubricating plate for the coupling of semi-trailer vehicles includes an aperture having a diameter so that the plate will frictionally engage the pivot pin of a vehicle mounted on the bearing plate of the vehicle so as to pinch the base of the pivot pin and will be held in position by deformation of the self-lubricating plate under its own weight.