Abstract: The present invention is a row cleaning device having a main body with a proximal end and a distal end, the main body proximal end is adapted to mount to a seeder. A pivot leg has a first end and a second end, the first end is pivotally mounted to the main body distal end at a pivot, the second end extends toward the main body proximal end. A clearing implement is mounted to the pivot leg second end and rotates with respect to the pivot leg. The row cleaning device is adapted to be driven by a seeder in a direction of travel with the clearing implement being located behind the pivot in the direction of travel. The pivot leg pivots with respect to the main body as the clearing implement moves along the ground in the direction of travel.

Abstract: A shock absorbing pin box system includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, an upper wall, a lower wall, and a kingpin. The first sidewall defines at least a first plurality of apertures arranged in first column, and the second sidewall defines at least a second plurality of apertures arranged in a second column. A plurality of tubes extend from each of the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures. A plurality of flexible and resilient tubular bushings are received in a corresponding one of the plurality of tubes. A plurality of bolts are received within corresponding ones of the pluralities of apertures of the pin box and the plurality of tubes.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch may include at least one support frame capable of engaging with a towing vehicle. The fifth wheel hitch may further include a cross-member attached to the support frame and an isolation system operatively coupled with the cross-member. The isolation system may include a beam engaged with the cross-member about a first axis, where rotation of the beam about the first axis is dampened via a cross-member isolator. The isolation system may also include a skid plate engaged with the beam about a second axis, where rotation of the skid plate about the second axis is dampened via a wing isolator.

Abstract: A hitch mount configured to be selectively attached to a vehicle, the vehicle having an under bed hitch mounting system is shown and described. The hitch mount may include at least one transverse member, at least one longitudinal member attached with the at least one transverse member, the at least one longitudinal member including first and second apertures, the first and second apertures of different size, and first and second fastening devices configured to selectively engage the under bed hitch mounting system and the first and second apertures, respectively. The hitch mount may also include first and second biasing members operatively engaged with the first and second fastening, the biasing members applying a load against the under bed hitch mounting system, and first and second handles pivotally and rotatably attached with the first and second fastening devices, the handles having a camming surface configured to engage the first and second biasing members.

Abstract: A hitch mount configured to be selectively attached to a vehicle, the vehicle having an under bed hitch mounting system is shown and described. The hitch mount may include at least one transverse member, at least one longitudinal member attached with the at least one transverse member, the at least one longitudinal member including first and second apertures, the first and second apertures of different size, and first and second fastening devices configured to selectively engage the under bed hitch mounting system and the first and second apertures, respectively. The hitch mount may also include first and second biasing members operatively engaged with the first and second fastening, the biasing members applying a load against the under bed hitch mounting system, and first and second handles pivotally and rotatably attached with the first and second fastening devices, the handles having a camming surface configured to engage the first and second biasing members.

Abstract: A sliding fifth wheel hitch assembly includes a longitudinal rail having a substantially vertical side member, a first end portion, and a second end portion. At least one carriage bracket is slidably engaged with the longitudinal rail. The carriage bracket is adapted to support a hitch plate. An engagement assembly is coupled with the carriage bracket for releasably engaging the longitudinal rail along a length of the longitudinal rail between the first and second end portions. At least one slide stop laterally extends from the substantially vertical side member of the longitudinal rail proximate at least a select one of the first end portion and the second end portion. The slide stop is positioned to abut the carriage bracket, thereby limiting a sliding motion of the hitch plate with respect to the longitudinal rail.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a fifth wheel hitch assembly includes a support bracket adapted to operably couple with a vehicle frame. The hitch assembly also has a hitch plate that includes a throat adapted to receive a kingpin of a trailer and a rear portion. The hitch plate is pivotably coupled with the support bracket and is pivotable between a first position and a second position. Further, the hitch assembly has a limiter linkage that includes a first end pivotably coupled with the rear portion. A second end of the limiter linkage is movable between a stowed and a deployed position. In the stowed position the second end is spaced from the vehicle frame. In the deployed position the second end of the limiter linkage is detachably coupled with the vehicle frame, thereby limiting movement of the hitch plate between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch support assembly includes a support bracket adapted to pivotally support a fifth wheel hitch plate, a mounting member adapted to be coupled to a vehicle frame rail to create a gap therebetween and above the frame rail, wherein the gap extends longitudinally along the mounting member, and wherein the mounting member includes a plurality of irregularities spaced longitudinally along the length thereof, and an engagement assembly operably coupled to the support bracket wherein the engagement assembly is operable between an engaged position locking the support bracket with respect to the mounting member at a select position along the length of the mounting member, and a disengaged position wherein the engagement assembly does not engage the plurality of irregularities, thereby allowing the support bracket to be slidably repositioned with respect to the support bracket.

Abstract: A pin box assembly with gooseneck coupler for coupling a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle is described. The pin box assembly may include a first member capable of being secured to a towed vehicle and a second member pivotally coupled to the first member about an axis of rotation relative to the first member. The pin box assembly may further include a gooseneck ball coupler coupled to the second member, and a suspension system coupled to at least one of the first and second members, the suspension system damping motion between the first and second members.

Abstract: A system for controlling gas pressure in a dual-chamber airbag for vehicles, may include a cushion unit having an upper chamber and a lower chamber divided by a diaphragm therein, an inflator supplying gas to the upper chamber, and a unidirectional vent control member provided in the diaphragm and supplying the gas inside the upper chamber into the lower chamber in one direction.

Abstract: A vehicle coupling for producing a mechanical connection between a first and a second vehicle including a coupling body (1) in which at least one structural area (2) of the coupling body (1) is made of a metallic foam (3).

Abstract: A fifth wheel apparatus for detachably coupling a trailing vehicle to a towing vehicle is disclosed. An equalizer bridge is supported on a towing vehicle and is pivotable about a roll axis that extends in a direction of towing motion. The equalizer bridge includes first and second arms that extend laterally from respective first and second sides of the roll axis. A fifth wheel head is coupled to the equalizer bridge for movement therewith about the roll axis. The fifth wheel head is pivotable relative to the equalizer bridge about a pitch axis transverse to the roll axis. First and second damping elements are operably interposed between the towing vehicle and the first and second arms, respectively. When the trailing vehicle is attached to the fifth wheel head, the first and second damping elements resist rolling movement of the trailing vehicle about the roll axis during travel over uneven roads.

Abstract: The adjustable height trailer is a fifth wheel-type trailer with a single rear axle supporting the rear of the trailer and a fifth wheel hitch supporting the front. The rear axle and hitch have adjustable height suspensions, allowing the trailer to be lowered or raised uniformly while remaining hitched to the towing vehicle. One embodiment is configured as a livestock trailer with a series of stall positions therein. The loading and exit doors are generally diagonally opposite one another. A series of adjustably positionable partitions is installed on overhead tracks, with a partition placed between each animal as they are boarded and positioned in the trailer. Animals depart the trailer through the opposite door, with the partitions being repositioned correspondingly. The trailer suspension allows the trailer to be lowered to the underlying surface to facilitate loading and unloading animals therefrom, or other commodities, depending upon the trailer configuration.

Abstract: A precision, light weight, high strength hitch for coupling a trailer or other vehicle to a towing vehicle. The hitch includes a mounting ball attached to a portion of the trailer or other vehicle and a ball socket attached to the towing vehicle. The mounting ball and the ball socket have compatible surfaces that permit seating of the two components regardless of the axial, transverse or longitudinal angular or rotational orientation of the two vehicles.

Abstract: A kingpin assembly comprises a housing having a recess located therein, a collar member operably coupled to the housing, and an integral single-piece kingpin having at least a portion located within the recess of the housing, wherein the housing and collar cooperate to rotationally secure the kingpin within the recess of the housing, and wherein the kingpin provides a sole rotational support for the kingpin with respect to the housing and the collar.

Abstract: A torsionally-biased, shock-absorbing fifth wheel hitch includes a first mounting mechanism removably and non-rotatably mounting a lower frame portion thereof to the bed of a towing vehicle; an upper frame portion; a second mounting mechanism with a pair of opposing resilient members pivotally mounting the upper frame portion about a horizontally-oriented transverse hitch axis relative to the lower frame portion, the second mounting mechanism having an inactivated configuration wherein the upper frame member is not pivotally biased about the transverse hitch axis relative to the lower frame member and an activated configuration wherein the upper frame member is pivotally biased about the transverse hitch axis relative to the lower frame member; and a fifth wheel hitch mechanism mounted to the upper frame portion.

Abstract: When the electric vehicle is to be towed by a towing vehicle, the two vehicles are connected by a connection tool, and a drive motor prioritization control unit is connected to the communication network by a communication cable. Power from a battery is then supplied to the low voltage line by a power supply cable, and the inverter is controlled by a signal from the drive motor prioritization control unit of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Fifth wheel hitch assemblies and fifth wheel hitch adaptors for dampening differential motion between a fifth wheel trailer and a tow vehicle. An upper assembly is formed as a box with an open bottom, and a lower assembly has front, rear, and side plates that extend into the open bottom of the upper assembly. Slide plates are disposed on the front and sides of the upper assembly facing at the front and side plates of the lower assembly. An additional slide plate is disposed on the rear plate of the lower assembly and faces the rear of the upper assembly. The lower assembly and upper assembly are attached to one another by an airspring and at least two diagonally opposed shock absorbers mounted therebetween. A locking mechanism may be included to prevent overextension between the upper assembly and lower assembly when not in use.

Abstract: A trailer connection assembly connects a trailer to the vehicle having a bed. The trailer connection assembly has a base adapted to be placed in the bed of the vehicle. A support assembly is secured on the base for relative movement so that a distance between the support assembly and the base varies as the support assembly rotates relative to the support frame. The trailer connection assembly includes a trailer connector located on the support assembly. The trailer connection assembly also includes a suspension assembly positioned between the support assembly and the base. The suspension assembly dampens the movement of support assembly relative to the base.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing adapter for connecting a fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer to a towing vehicle including a lower plate, an upper plate, first and second guide means, cushioning means, a first coupling mechanism for releasably connecting the lower plate to the towing vehicle, and a second coupling mechanism for releasably connecting the upper plate to the fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer. The upper plate is operably displaceable relative to the lower plate to thereby compress the cushioning means and responsively cushion relative movements between the first coupling mechanism and the second coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A pin box assembly comprising a towing vehicle portion comprising a frame, a towed vehicle portion comprising a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, a torsion resistant pivot portion disposed between the towing vehicle portion and the towed vehicle portion, the torsion resistant pivot portion disposed at a distal end of the towed vehicle portion, the torsion resistant pivot portion comprising, a bar disposed within a tube, the tube fixedly connected to the towing vehicle portion and the bar fixedly connected to the towed vehicle portion, at least one resilient member disposed between the bar and the tube, the resilient member compressible between the bar and the tube upon a relative rotation of the tube with respect to the bar, an air spring disposed between the towing vehicle portion and the towed vehicle portion, the air spring disposed toward the proximal end of the towed vehicle portion with respect to the distal end, and a hitch pin connected to the towing vehicle portion for engaging a hitch on

Abstract: A pin box assembly comprising a first portion, a second portion, a connective member disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the first portion comprising a torque portion, the torque portion comprising a bar disposed within a tube and at least one resilient member disposed between the bar and the tube, the bar fixedly connected to the first portion, the tube fixedly connected to the second portion, the resilient member compressible between the bar and the tube upon rotation of the bar with respect to the tube, a connective member fixedly connected to the tube and to the second portion, and a hitch member connected to the first portion for engaging a hitch on a towing vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable trailer hitch that provides a suspended connection between a tow vehicle and an attached trailer. The hitch includes a support member that is adapted to be attached to a tow vehicle and a frame having first and second pivots for pivotally support a hitch plate, which is operative to connect to a trailer (e.g., engage a trailer pin). A first air spring has a first end fixedly connected to the support member and a second end fixedly connected to the frame. The air spring permits relative movement between the support member and the frame as well as transmitting towing forces therebetween. The air spring provides a pliable connection that at least partially mechanically isolates the trailer and the vehicle from each other. Instead of acting as a single unit, the vehicle and the trailer act at least partially independently of each other.

Abstract: A damping apparatus for a gooseneck trailer and a gooseneck trailer are provided. The damping apparatus includes an inner shaft and an outer shaft reciprocable about the inner shaft. A first plate is coupled with the outer shaft. A second plate may be coupled with the first plate, and a damping member disposed between the first and second plates to damp relative movement between the inner and outer shafts.

Abstract: A hitch damping system for dampening forces transferred between a towed vehicle and a towing vehicle. The hitch damping system includes a first assembly being designed for being operationally coupled to the towed vehicle. A second assembly is designed for being operationally coupled to the towing vehicle. A plurality of dampening members are operationally coupled between the first assembly and the second assembly. The dampening members permit the first assembly to swing in an arc with respect to the second assembly whereby the dampening members are designed for reducing longitudinal forces exerted on the towing vehicle, such as a truck, by the towed vehicle, such as a fifth wheel trailer, when a momentum of the towed vehicle differs from a momentum of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly having a torsion bar mounted to a bed of a vehicle, a pair of support arms connected to the torsion bar and extending upwardly, a support beam connected to and extending between the support arms, and a coupling assembly mounted to the support beam.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling includes a receiver that is suspended from the frame of a towing vehicle by a linkage mechanism to permit limited relative longitudinal and vertical displacement of the towing vehicle and a towed vehicle. The receiver is mounted on a wishbone bracket that straddles the frame of the towing vehicle, and swinging linkage members couple the wishbone bracket to the frame. Initial forward movement of the tractor produces rotation of the linkage members with respect to the frame without producing forward movement of the towed vehicle. The rotation of the linkage members slightly elevates the receiver, whereafter the towed vehicle and receiver follow the towing vehicle in a swinging motion as the effects of gravity overcome the rolling resistance of the towed vehicle and its load.

Abstract: A fifth wheel pin box assembly for towing a trailer behind a towing vehicle including a column, a top member secured to the column, a rubber shear spring, a first plate on the rubber shear spring attached to the top member, a skid pad, a second plate on the rubber shear spring attached to the skid pad, a rubber member bonded between the first and second plates, and a pin extending downwardly from the skid pad.

Abstract: A sliding hitch for receiving a trailer includes a rectangular base member having opposed end portions attachable to a bed of a truck. The sliding hitch further includes a plurality of stationary members aligned with each other. One of the plurality of stationary members has a groove formed therein extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis. A plurality of helical spring members are disposed adjacent the opposed end portions of the base member respectively. The sliding hitch further includes a hitch member having a lower portion and an upper portion having a substantially spherical shape integral with the lower portion and extending upwardly therefrom. The plurality of spring members allow the hitch member to slide forwardly and rearwardly to thereby reduce forces exerted on a truck and a trailer during operating conditions.

Abstract: A hitch assembly including a frame for being attached to a tow vehicle; a cradle assembly pivotally attached to the frame for pivotal fore and aft movement; a hitch receiver mounted to the cradle assembly for being attached to a trailer; a leaf spring mounted to the cradle assembly and the fore end of the frame for controlling fore and aft movement of the cradle assembly; and shock absorbers mounted to the cradle assembly and the aft end of the frame for dampening fore and aft movement of the cradle assembly.

Abstract: An improved fifth wheel hitch for attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle. The hitch includes an outer box support frame having two rails for mounting the trailer hitch to the towing vehicle, a spherical bearing mounted in the frame having a ball joint, and a latch assembly affixed to the spherical bearing to allow the assembly to have two degrees of movement, and a head body. The latch assembly comprises a base plate, a jaw fixed at a first elevation, and a vertically displaceable jaw. A means are provided to raise the vertically displaceable jaw above the level of the fixed jaw to allow release of the king pin latch. When the jaws are coplanar they capture the kingpin of a trailer, and safely lock the trailer to the hitch.

Abstract: An improved fifth wheel hitch for attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle. The hitch includes an outer box support frame having two rails for mounting the trailer hitch to the towing vehicle, a spherical bearing mounted in the frame having a ball joint, and a latch assembly affixed to the spherical bearing to allow the assembly to have two degrees of movement, and a head body. The latch assembly comprises a base plate, a jaw fixed at a first elevation, and a vertically displaceable jaw. A means are provided to raise the vertically displaceable jaw above the level of the fixed jaw to allow release of the king pin latch. When the jaws are coplanar they capture the kingpin of a trailer, and safely lock the trailer to the hitch.

Abstract: 6A fifth wheel trailer pin assembly characterized by having a horizontally pivoting joint to reduce the transmission of lateral flex and stress between the units coupled by the hitching assembly. The trailer pin assembly is designed to be used with conventional fifth wheel locking assemblies, which are designed to allow for horizontal rotation of the trailer pin within the locking assembly and far longitudinal pivoting between the units coupled by the hitching assembly, to provide a fifth wheel hitching system which minimizes the transmission of unwanted forces and stresses between the units that are coupled together.

Abstract: An adjustable trailer hitch for use with automobiles, trucks, tractor-trailers, and other vehicles, and adapters for interfacing the trailer hitch to various trailer-vehicle combinations. The trailer hitch includes a first support member with least one generally vertical track, a second support member with a slide block assembly configured for slidable movement in the track, and a multi-directional dampening system operably connected between the first and second support members. In use, the trailer hitch interfaces the vehicle and the trailer, providing multidirectional dampening that mechanically isolates them from each other.

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.

Abstract: A fifth wheel suspension assembly for damping movement between a towed vehicle and a towing vehicle is provided. The suspension assembly includes two rods on which a fifth wheel base is mounted. The fifth wheel base moves along the two rods in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle. The fifth wheel base defines two bores through which the rods extend. These bores also define fluid chambers disposed about the rods. Pistons are disposed about the rods within the fluid chambers and serve to dampen oscillatory movements of the towed vehicle relative to the towing vehicle. Springs disposed about the rods on either side of the base further dampen pitch motions imparted to the towing vehicle by the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A shock absorber for fifth wheel hitches for pickup trucks has a bushing embedded in memory polyurethane elastomer confined within a metal frame. The shock absorbers are mounted by brackets on the fifth wheel hitch support frame. The bushings receive pivot pins terminal to a cross beam mounting the couple assembly of the hitch. Both bushing and shock absorber frame have projections extending into the elastomer for better engagement. The projections can be studs or planar lugs. When the projections are loops of wire welded to the bushing and frame, the elastomer flows into the loops providing better engagement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fifth wheel coupling comprising essentially a fifth wheel plate (1) and a pair of pillow blocks (2) for the attachment on the frame of a truck tractor. The fifth wheel plate (1) pivots around an axis (3) in relation to the pillow blocks (2) and on its underside, is equipped with a pair of hollow cylindrical bearing troughs (5), while the pillow blocks (2) have corresponding cylindrical bearing surfaces (8). Below the bearing surface (8), the pillow block (2) is equipped with an eye (9) for the penetration of an attachment bridge (7). The invention has the object of reducing the weight of fifth wheel couplings of this type and to lower the manufacturing cost without thereby complicating the assembly or having to omit an adjustment to differing mounting widths.

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 suspension system for a vehicle having a frame and a rear axle for wheels. The suspension system includes a pair of trailing arms, each trailing arm extending from the frame and connected to the rear axle. A pair of torque rods, each has a first end pivotally extending from the tractor frame and a second end. A stabilizer plate has a first end connected to the frame and a pair of second ends. A fifth wheel mounting bracket pivotally connects each torque rod second end and pivotally connected to the stabilizing plate second ends. A load mechanism extends between the trailing arms and the mounting bracket to raise or lower the fifth wheel mounting bracket while remaining parallel.

Abstract: A shock absorptive support structure in a coupler, improved in both economical efficiency and in practical usefulness, so that a shock due to relative displacement between a top plate and support brackets occurring in a vertical direction as well as in a back and forth direction can be effectively absorbed by the structure, driving comfort can be assured, wear of elastic members can be minimized, and a high measure of driving safety can be maintained for a long period of time with the structure of simplified construction enabling the manufacturing cost to be reduced. Shock absorbing members each include an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder and an elastic member disposed between these two cylinders and through which respective axle pins extend rotatably, and are tightly inserted into bearing holes of respective support brackets.

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 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: A weight transfer subframe for a tandem steer tractor having a tractor frame has a longitudinal subframe member having forward and rearward ends, the longitudinal subframe member pivotally mounted at the rearward end to the tractor frame and the forward end of the longitudinal subframe member vertically engaging a weight bearing member of the tractor for transferring weight to an opposed pair of front wheels of the tractor, a load transfer trailer coupling device mountable on the longitudinal subframe member between the forward and rearward ends.

Abstract: The weight transfer device is for a tractor trailer including a tractor for pulling a trailer. The device comprises a mount having opposite ends provided with attaching elements for attaching transversely the mount between a pair of rearward parallel frame side rails of the tractor behind its fifth wheel. The mount receives the base of a bag unit having an upper surface over the base at an adjustable distance therefrom, and an inflatable air bag between the base and the upper surface for adjusting the distance. A bearing structure is mounted on top of the upper surface for upwardly pushing against the trailer without significantly hindering its pivotal movement around the fifth wheel. The device further comprises a compact guiding mechanism for vertically guiding the upper surface of the bag unit while preventing the bag from drooping when the bearing structure is pushing against the trailer.

Abstract: A fluid and tension band-operated hitch adapter mounted in the bed of a pickup truck or similar towing vehicle for cushioning the fifth wheel, receiving pin or ball coupling element and dampening the resulting trailer load. In a preferred embodiment the fluid and tension band-operated hitch adapter is fitted with a fluid-operated bag, a tension band and fluid-operated cylinders and is attached to the vehicle bed by hinges, to cushion road shock.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the magnitude of changes in a vertical force transmitted to a tractor from a trailer through a fifth wheel hitch. The changes in vertical force are caused by the trailer reacting as an inertial mass as the trailer is moved over uneven pavement during pulling of the trailer by the tractor. The apparatus includes a sensor for providing a signal. The signal is indicative of the vertical force transmitted from the trailer through the fifth wheel hitch. An actuator is disposed between the fifth wheel hitch and the tractor. The actuator applies a vertical force to the fifth wheel hitch and the tractor. A control device operates the actuator for varying the amount of vertical force applied to the fifth wheel hitch by the actuator. The operation of the actuator is responsive to the signal indicative of the vertical force transmitted from the trailer through the fifth wheel hitch.

Abstract: A hitch assembly including a frame for being attached to a tow vehicle; a cradle assembly pivotally attached to the frame for pivotal fore and aft movement; a hitch receiver mounted to the cradle assembly for being attached to a trailer; a leaf spring mounted to the cradle assembly and the fore end of the frame for controlling fore and aft movement of the cradle assembly; and shock absorbers mounted to the cradle assembly and the aft end of the frame for dampening fore and aft movement of the cradle assembly.