Abstract: A trailer coupling including an intermediate unit to be inserted between a standard-type connecting coupling and a trailing vehicle and having integrated therein a force measuring cell for determining vertical forces. Furthermore, horizontal pushing and pulling forces may be determined by integrating at least one force measuring cell acting in horizontal direction. The fifth wheel coupling of semi-trailers may have integrated force measuring cells measuring forces acting in vertical, longitudinal, horizontal and/or lateral horizontal directions.

Abstract: A suspension system for improving the ride quality and service life of the tractor used in a tractor-trailer combination. An A-shaped sub-frame is connected at its front apex and with the tractor frame for universal pivotal movement and is rigidly connected at its back end with the rear axle of the tractor. The lift cylinders for the fifth wheel that bears the trailer weight are mounted on the arms of the sub-frame, thus applying the trailer load to the sub-frame rather than to the tractor frame. Suspension elements are interposed between the tractor axle and frame and provide the same cushioning effect regardless of whether the tractor is traveling empty or fully loaded. The universal joint mounting of the sub-frame allows tilting of the rear axle and accommodates other irregularities while avoiding undue stresses on the axle. A transverse link applies side loads from the sub-frame to the frame to avoid undue stressing of the spherical bearing that mounts the sub-frame.

Abstract: An air suspension apparatus is disclosed for use with the fifth wheel connection between a tractor and semitrailer. The apparatus includes upper and lower frame sections that are connected by a hinge mechanism for relative pivotal movement. An inflatable air bag is operably disposed between the upper and lower frame sections, having a low ratio of effective surface area to internal volume and hence a very low profile. An air reservoir defined by tubular framework surrounds the air bag and has an internal volume approximating that of the air bag. The air bag and reservoir are connected by an air line with a very small cross sectional area as compared to the surface area of the air bag. The reservoir and interconnecting air line effectively damp vibrational energy in the air bag as the tractor and semi-trailer move over the highway.

Abstract: The present fifth wheel sway hitch connects the frame of a mobile camper to the fore and aft tiltable fifth wheel mounting in the box of a pickup truck. The fifth wheel sway hitch permits a transverse or side to side swaying of the mobile camper relative to the pickup truck by the inclusion of a longitudinally disposed hinged connection and a pair of rigid stops to prevent excess swaying. With the fifth wheel sway coupling, a driver is less often confronted with counter-control forces being transmitted from the camper, through the coupling, and to the pickup truck. Hence, driver fatigue is reduced.

Abstract: An air suspension apparatus is disclosed for use with the fifth wheel connection between a tractor and semitrailer. The apparatus includes upper and lower frame sections that are connected by a hinge mechanism for relative pivotal movement. An inflatable air bag is operably disposed between the upper and lower frame sections, having a low ratio of effective surface area to internal volume and hence a very low profile. An air reservoir defined by tubular framework surrounds the air bag and has an internal volume approximating that of the air bag. The air bag and reservoir are connected by an air line with a very small cross sectional area as compared to the surface area of the air bag. The reservoir and interconnecting air line effectively damp vibrational energy in the air bag as the tractor and semitrailer move over the highway.

Abstract: An inside loader, embodied as a semi-trailer for a tractor truck for over-the-road transport of transport frames for transporting flat sheets in a carrying frame having parallel longitudinal members, on the outside of which axle rockers, supported on air suspension bellows, are articulated to support a plurality of rear wheels. On the inside of each of which a profiled supporting section is secured, wherein, in order to load a transport frame, the semi-trailer is backed up, with its air springs deflated and with its longitudinal members enclosing the transport frame, in such a way that the profiled supporting sections of the longitudinal members of the frame coincide vertically with longitudinal members of the transport frame, which, at the end of the reverse movement, is raised into the transport position through inflation of the air spring bellows.

Abstract: This invention is a tractor trailer hydraulic fifth wheel which includes a base attached to the tractor and a slidable plate attached to the trailer, and a retatchable assembly between the base and the slidable plate which includes a brak away latch therebetween.

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

Abstract: A tractor-semitrailer connecting device, includes, in a usual way, a fifth wheel connected to the tractor and suited to receive the complementary support element of the semitrailer. Fifth wheel 15 is directly supported and suspended on rear axle 2 of the tractor whose frame is, in a usual way, suspended by springs 6 on the rear axle 12 of this tractor. Application is to the improvement of the quality and comfort of suspension of the tractor and its cab and to the decoupling of the vibrations transmitted to the frame from this tractor.

Abstract: A swinging link mechanism for connecting a prime mover to a rigid trailer comprises an upper and lower opposed pairs of laterally spaced mountings, the lower pair for attachment to the prime mover and the upper pair for connection to the trailer. A swinging link pivotally connects each respective two opposed mountings. The two links are inclined toward one another. The spacing of the lower pair of mountings to be attached to the prime mover exceeds the spacing of the upper pair to be connected to the trailer. The mechanism is particularly for semi-articulated tankers and allows for twisting of the semi-trailer relative to the prime mover.

Abstract: A vibration isolation fifth wheel suspension system comprises a fifth wheel support plate mounted between the spaced parallel frame members of a truck tractor on a pivotal axis located near the forward end of the tractor. The plate is located to rest on the upper surface of the frame members and its free end is mounted on a pressurized air suspension supported by a cross member extending between the tractor frame members. Two pairs of first and second cooperating wear plates are used to minimize lateral shift and roll of the support plate. The first plate of each pair is attached to and depends downwardly from the under surface of the support plate in sliding relationship with the second plates of each pair which are fixed to the cross frame member.

Abstract: A support for a tilt stabilizing fifth wheel hitch that connects a truck tractor to a trailer, the fifth wheel plate being on a movable frame having a pair of convex shoes connected by a tie rod and resting on concave bearing plates on a fixed frame, the movable frame being movable on the fixed frame toward either of two opposite extreme positions from an intermediate neutral position. The movable frame is biased away from these extreme positions toward the intermediate position by variable force biasing means, preferably coil compression springs on said tie rod, which apply increasing biasing force with increased movement of the movable frame toward one of said extreme positions, thereby enabling the truck driver to "sense" or "feel" the tilted condition of his trailer relative to his tractor during operation.

Abstract: A truss assembly having one end detachably connected to the fifth wheel of a tractor, the opposite end of the truss being detachably connected to one end of a cargo to be transported, the opposite end of the cargo being detachably connected to a dolly, the dolly and truss assembly being connectable when the transported load has been removed therefrom.

Abstract: A truck tractor has the fifth wheel mounted on a sub-frame which is pivotally connected between the tractor chassis and the rear axle of the tractor in order to improve the ride and handling of the tractor both when the truck is laden and unladen. Suspension elements are connected between the rear axle and the chassis frame. In one embodiment of the device the suspension elements comprise rubber blocks, and in another embodiment of the device, the suspension elements comprise leaf springs.

Abstract: A luggage carrier which includes a small folding horizontal platform upon which suitcases are secured. The platform is mounted on wheels and has a pull cord with which the traveler can pull the loaded carrier from place to place. When not in use, the carrier may be folded into a slender, easily stowable package.