Abstract: A powered vacuum is mounted between a tractor carrying a rotary mower and a trailer carrying a receptacle for moving material from the mower discharge to the receptacle. A mounting frame carries a blower which may include either an internal combustion engine or gearbox and a fan coupled directly to the engine or gearbox. The mounting frame is mounted to the tractor by connections defining three coplanar ball joints located to permit relative pitch and roll between the tractor and trailer. The mounting frame is easily releasably secured to the tongue of the trailer. The mounting frame is articulated between its opposite ends for movement about a tight vertical axis. The mounting frame, in one form, defines a receptacle for receiving a support member of a wheeled dolly for supporting the powered vacuum when the mounting frame is disconnected from the tractor and trailer, and in another form includes retractable wheels which may be selectively placed in an operative condition for supporting the vacuum.

Abstract: A spray cart which straddles a trailing implement hitch and supports a tank on two castering wheels and on the tractor hitch. The caster wheels have adjustable tread, and the caster wheel support structure provides additional strength to the tank support frame. A stabilizer bar is connected between the cart and the trailing implement to make them operate as a single unit. The cart serves to closely connect the trailing implement and the tractor and provide straight-line pull through the system.

Abstract: A frame structure for a baby carriage bed is constructed for changing the baby carriage bed into a seat and vice versa. The frame includes a front support member (15) and rear support members (16, 17) for supporting a front bottom portion and a rear bottom portion of a bottom wall of the baby carriage bed respectively. A left side fixed member (11, 18) and a right side fixed member (12, 19) are fixedly positioned on the respective side of the rear portion of the baby carriage bed for providing left and right side surfaces cooperating with the rear bottom portion. The rear support members (16, 17) are mounted across the left side fixed member (11, 18) and the right side fixed member (12, 19). The structure further includes a left sliding member (13, 26) and a right sliding member (14, 27) slidably mounted with respect to the left side fixed member (11, 18) and the right side fixed member (12, 19) respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for damping pendulum oscillations of a trailer hitched to a coupling of a motor vehicle. For this purpose, the coupling at the rear of the motor vehicle is horizontally adjustable at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and damping means serve for adjusting the coupling, in proportion to the deflection of the trailer drawbar, from a position lying on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle in the direction of the side of the motor vehicle into which the trailer is swerving.Transverse movements of the coupling relatively to the superstructure of the motor vehicle cause a continuous shifting in the instantaneous fulcrum or center of rotation of the trailer drawbar forwardly along the longitudinal vehicle axis, whereby interfering forces impairing the driving direction of the trailer are counteracted and driving stability is ensured.

Abstract: To enable a semi-trailer or full trailer to back up on a straight path, a remotely controlled locking plunger attached to the fifth wheel of a tractor or converter dolly is extended upwardly to enter a bushing carried by the king pin plate on the bottom of the trailer. The arrangement locks the trailer against pivoting relative to the tractor fifth wheel around the axis of the king pin.

Abstract: The supporting frame (1) for the loading crane of a truck (2) is transported by a trailer, whose swingability is blocked in the operating position of the loading crane. In the operating position the truck (2) is rigidly connected to the supporting frame (1) via hydraulic units (5,8).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preventing jackknifing and for improving the lateral travelling stability under critical road and travelling conditions, in connection with semitrailers, articulated buses or vehicles with a towed vehicle part, which comprises a supporting device interconnecting the two vehicle parts pivotably coupled together by means of a pivot joint and a flow limiting device, which prevents an oversteering and uncontrolled swinging of the rear vehicle part of an articulated vehicle comprising two vehicle parts interconnected by a pivot joint, in order to increase the security against jackknifing and the lateral travelling stability of such vehicles.

Abstract: A drawbar apparatus for use in a wheeled fertilizer tank which is normally coupled between a tractor and a planter. The drawbar apparatus includes a housing integral with the chasis of the wheeled fertilizer tank and a drawbar pivotally attached at the front end of the housing adjacent the coupling to the tractor. The drawbar extends between the front and rear ends of the wheeled fertilizer tank and includes a coupling means at the rear end for coupling to the planter. The housing includes a guide means for limiting the verticle and lateral movement of the drawbar. The drawbar pivots relative to the wheeled fertilizer tank in response to relative tilting between the tractor and the wheeled fertilizer tank, thus permitting the planter to dig a furrow having a constant depth as variations in terrain are negotiated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible wheelchair or carriage of the stroller type, particularly for handicapped children. The carriage has a rectangular, rigid under-frame, formed by two side members (1) with wheeled axles (2) joining the members, which also support a superstructure (5, 7, 9). The superstructure is collapsible from an erected position of use to a folded position adjacent the underframe, and carries the carriage seat (15), which includes a seat portion (15a) and a back portion (15b) and preferably side pieces as well. The superstructure is self-locking in an erected state, such that it cannot be collapsed under the action of the weight of a person sitting in the seat. The superstructure is also implemented to form armrests or side supports for the seat.

Abstract: Agricultural tractor hitches sometimes employ sway blocks fixed to opposite sides of the tractor frame which can co-act slideably with two lower hitch links as these are pivoted by a power lift mechanism. The blocks prevent lateral movement of an implement attached to the lower links when in raised transport position and optionally when in lowered working position. To permit minor adjustment and compensation for wear in the co-action between the blocks and the lower links, pads are secured to the lower links and arranged to co-act slideably with the respective blocks, each pad being tapered lengthwise of its associated link and being adjustable in position lengthwise of its associated link.

Abstract: An oscillation lock for an articulated mining vehicle having a front frame and rear frame with pivot means therebetween which prevents oscillation and possible tipping of the vehicle when hauling heavy front-mounted loads. The device includes a mounting plate attached to one of said frames cross-wise of the pivot link between the frames and a lock plate assembly including a pair of depending stop blocks which blocks and plates in assembled position straddle the pivot link and restrict oscillatory movement between the frames.

Abstract: The upper back portion of a seating sheet is suspended from the handle of a baby carriage by a slidable clip arrangement including a first loop clip suspended from the carriage handle and a second loop clip adjustably secured to the upper portion of the seating sheet.

Abstract: A hitch assembly consists of a scissors action connectable between the clevis of a towed vehicle such as an implement or the like and between a towing vehicle such as a tractor or the like. One end of the scissors action is closed and pivotally connected to the clevis and the other end is also closed and connectable to the tractor draw bar or the like. A control plate is operatively connected between the scissors action intermediate the ends thereof and the connection to the tractor draw bar. One end of the scissors action is connected, for example, to the front aperture in the draw bar of the towing vehicle whereupon the tractor or towing vehicle is backed up relatively close to the clevis of the towed vehicle. The scissors action may then be extended and/or swung from side to side manually so that it aligns with the aperture in the clevis which may then be pinned into position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support for child having an articulated framework, a bottom supported by this framework and a body element forming at least partial connection between the bottom and the framework. The framework has parallel longitudinal elements and hoop elements articulated on the longitudinal elements and forms a deformable parallelogram. One of the hoop elements, located at the foot end of the framework, is provided with an element which is fast therewith to constitute foot rest, while the body element comprises a rigid bottom made of two parts articulated transversely to each other. The bottom part closer to the foot rest is free with respect to the body element and supported by a crosspiece coupled to the framework in the form of a stirrup; the other bottom part is rendered fastened to the body element.

Abstract: A trailer has a coupling by which it is coupled to a towing vehicle. A coupling comprises two crossed-arms one end of each of which is articulated to the trailer and the other end of which is adapted to be hooked to the towing vehicle. The wheels of the trailer are mounted for swivelling movement about upwardly forwardly inclined pivotal axes; and the horizontal axes of rotation of the wheel are disposed to the rear of these pivotal axes so that the tractor wheels follow the path of the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A wheeled carrier (10) which includes a substantially planar back frame (20) and a substantially planar base frame (34) which is rotationally coupled to the back frame (20). The base frame (34) extends in a substantially horizontal plane and the back frame (20) may be rotationally displaced from a substantially vertical plane to a substantially horizontal plane. The wheeled carrier (10) further includes a plurality of wheel members (54, 54', 56, 56') which are rotatably coupled to the base frame (34) for rolling the wheeled carrier (10) on a base surface (12). A containment mechanism (62) is provided and is releasably coupled to the back frame (20) and the base frame (34) for preventing a user from falling external to the wheeled carrier (10).

Abstract: A trailer hitch attachment mounting between a towing vehicle and a trailer for simulating a "5th" wheel trailer hookup. The hitch mounts to the towing vehicle undercarriage rearwardly adjacent the rear axle and includes a drawbar that extends to the towing tongue of the trailer. The drawbar is pivoted at a front end about a primary axis directly behind the rear axle and at a rearward end, about a secondary axis at the connection to the trailer towing tongue. A lockout mechanism is provided for alternately locking the drawbar against pivotal motion about one or the other the pivot axes, so only pivotal motion will be allowed about only one axis at any given time. The pivot axes are alternated according to relative angular movement of the towing vehicle relative to the trailer.

Abstract: A tool bar carrier for farming implements adapted to raise the tools carried by it and mounted on fully swiveling wheels. The bar is coupled flexibly and releasably to the pulling device, and the coupled wheels are capable of being locked in a straight forward position if desired.

Abstract: The structure includes two flat side frames connected by crosspieces, each of which has a pair of shafts pivoted together and provided with wheels; a slide is slidable on one of these by the action of rotation of a third shaft pivoted on one of the preceding ones and controls, by a connection element, the associated rotation of the two first shafts to vary their relative angular positions.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for interconnecting an agricultural tool with a towing vehicle to allow relative angular vertical articulation between the tool and vehicle during use and to lock rigidly with the tool for transport. The hitch includes two pivotably interconnected frames. A first wheel supported frame is adapted to be connected to the towing vehicle. The second frame is adapted to be rigidly connected to the tool. A control mechanism operates from the vehicle hydraulic system and is connected between the frames. The mechanism is operative to lock the frames together rigidly or to unlock the frames for relatively free pivotal movement. The control means includes provisions for tipping the tool forward and downward as it is being lowered to a ground-working, operative position. The effective height of the frames can also be varied to correspond with the height of the tool at its ground-working operative position.

Abstract: A child stroller has a back and a leg rest pivotally coupled to a seat so that the angles between the seat and leg rest or back can be changed. The seat can be slidably moved relative to the back to provide an adjustable length seating surface. The height of the back and length of the leg rest are both adjustable. The seat, back and leg rest are locked into position after the desired adjustments are made.

Abstract: An improved versatile cart (20) structure is the subject of this invention. The cart (20) has a lower frame structure (20) for supporting bulky objects, a pair of spaced upright supports (30) extending from the lower frame (22) and an upper frame structure (30.1a) extending rearwardly from the upright support (30) and over the lower frame (22) in spaced relationship, for carrying objects and also forming a guide handle (32) for the cart (20). In preferred form, the cart (20) is configured for nesting engagement with similarly styled carts and for use for automatic cart vending systems. A unique wheel structure supports the cart (20) in a manner that enables stable positioning of the cart (20) on escalators. In one configuration, the cart (20) forms a luggage carrier having a child seat convertible to an adult seat for use as a temporary wheelchair.

Abstract: A hitch for connecting a prime mover such as a tractor to an implement such as a plough to be drawn by the prime mover. The hitch comprises a two part prime mover drawbar and a separate single part implement drawbar. One part of the prime mover drawbar is connectable to the prime mover, the other part carries a spring loaded first latch, the implement drawbar carries a second latch, the first and second latches being arranged to secure the prime mover drawbar and the implement drawbar.

Abstract: An automatic steering system for a towed vehicle, or trailer, wherein the wheels of the trailer are steered while backing by means of a lockable, in length, rod extending longitudinally from a towing vehicle, the rod being positioned to the side of a towing connection.

Abstract: A wheelchair for permitting handicapped persons to use a toilet without dismounting or assistance includes a frame having side portions interconnected by collapsible braces and a seat having a removable center section. The seat is also removable from the frame and includes front and rear braces extending perpendicularly to the side frames and cooperating therewith to rigidify the assembly.

Abstract: A backing stabilizer for use in conjunction with a tractor having a tractor trailer pivotally connected thereto and another trailer with a tongue having one end pivotally connected to the tractor trailer and having the opposite end pivotally connected to the other trailer. The backing stabilizer includes a continuous cable having a portion connected to the tongue, means for movably connecting a portion of the cable to the trailer, and means for moving the cable to a slack condition wherein the tongue is pivotally movable and for moving the cable to a taut condition wherein the tongue is substantially held in a nonpivotable position by the cable.

Abstract: A sweeper-scrubber is provided which has a towable scrubbing unit. The scrubbing unit is substantially self-contained, including scrubbing brushes, a pick-up squeegee, a liquid supply tank, and a recovery tank. The sweeper has an arcuate tow bar with a steerable rear wheel located behind the center of curvature of the tow bar. The scrubbing unit has a hitch which engages the arcuate tow bar and can move longitudinally therealong to achieve a high degree of maneuverability. The scrubbing unit also has a multiple reel assembly for flexible lines which supply hydraulic fluid and electrical power from the sweeper. This assembly takes up slack in the flexible lines.

Abstract: An anti-jackknife mechanism for a tractor-trailer arrangement wherein a stop member on the tractor and an assembly on the trailer can be positioned relative to each other so that an angular change between the tractor and trailer from its normally longitudinally aligned position is resiliently resisted and such resilient resistance is under the control of fluid motors.

Abstract: A collapsible baby carriage has a main framework including a pair of right and left main rods, a pair of right and left auxiliary rods pivotally connected to the intermediate portions of the main rods, and a plurality of sets of bendable connecting rods installed between the pair of main rods and between the pair of auxiliary rods. The main rods are disposed to extend from the rear upper region to the front lower region, with their upper portions serving as push rods and their lower portions serving as front legs. The auxiliary rods extend rearwardly downwardly from their respective pivots to serve as rear legs. Of the plurality of sets of connecting rods, the sets provided for the main rods are connected to first rods which transmit their bending motion, whereby the spacing between the main rods is changed.

Abstract: A sway limiting apparatus is disclosed for three-point hitches which has both sway and non-sway settings to either permit limited lateral movement of the draft arms or maintain a constant dimension between the draft arms while the hitch is being lowered or raised. The sway limiting apparatus includes a contoured sliding block which abuts and slides on a complementary bar bracket adjustably mounted to the tractor frame. The sliding block is slotted for adjustment fore and aft along the draft arm, and it includes both inclined surface portions and a tapered surface portion. In the non-sway setting, the inclined surface portions of the sliding block bear against the bar bracket to restrict any side sway while the hitch is being raised or lowered and to maintain the distance between the hitch connection points at a constant dimension.

Abstract: A relatively compact and lightweight planting and fertilizing apparatus is attached to a small garden tractor by a universal hitch which restricts lateral movement between the two. The apparatus is spring biased downwardly to assure film contact with the ground, and can be raised above the ground by a single lever. The lever carries the biasing spring, and cams lifting bearings on the lever against a lifting plate on the apparatus. The fertilizer is fed by an axially adjustable feed gear rotated by a ground engaging wheel on the apparatus. The feed gear is biased by an adjusting spring against a threaded adjusting knob which sets the axial position of the feed gear.

Abstract: A trucktrailer turntable locking apparatus mounted on a tractor or trailer dolly frame is described in which at least one locking bar hinged on a cross frame member of the tractor or dolly frame is pivoted by an air ram into a locking position such that the respective ends of the bar will abut against the longitudinal side frame struts of the trailer bed proximate the turntable as the trailer articulates on the turntable thereby locking the respective frames of the tractor or dolly and trailer in longitudinal alignment. For added strength, the locking bar may be mounted on the cross frame member such that its respective ends also abut against the longitudinal side frames of the tractor or dolly when in the locking position. In the preferred embodiment two locking bars are provided fore and aft the trailer turntable.

Abstract: An articulation lock is disclosed for locking the pivot connection between the front and rear frames of an articulated vehicle for operations such as maintenance and transporting. The articulation lock includes a sector-shaped locking plate mounted to the forward end of a pivot plate on the rear frame and having a plurality of arcuate recesses which establish locking positions. As the vehicle articulates, the locking plate passes between a pair of pivot plates on the front frame. A removable locking pin is stored next to the operator's seat, and the operator removes it from storage and pushes it into a lock hole in the top pivot plate of the pair of pivot plates on the front frame when it is desired to lock the articulation joint.

Abstract: An arrangement for coupling a cultivating attachment to a cultivating machine has a spring-suspended support articulately coupling a respective roller unit of the attachment to a main frame of the machine. The support includes elements for adjusting the relative elevation of the main frame and the roller unit while permitting relative vertical movement between the same. The support includes spring element opposing such relative movement with shock-absorbing action. A blocking element is provided cooperating with the spring-suspension support and movable between a blocking setting preventing the above-mentioned relative movement and an unblocking setting not preventing such limited movement.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a tractor and trailer combination in which the tractor has the fifth wheel structure and the trailer carries, embedded in its floor, an assembly adapted to be coupled to the fifth wheel. The assembly includes two pins adapted to be detachably coupled to the fifth wheel and connected each to a plunger of an pneumatic cylinder.In operation, when the trailer tends to turn with respect to the tractor and the fifth wheel, one of the pins and its piston are driven to cause compression of its pneumatic cylinder which thus opposes the turning of the trailer and prevents jackknifing.

Abstract: A drawbar construction for a semitrailer is provided, by means of which the pulling device, such as a tractor, and the trailer form a rigid vehicle combination. This rigid vehicle combination is applicable especially in loading timber, whereby an effective lifting crane can be mounted on the trailer without the risk of insufficient stability exerted by the laterally extending crane. The drawbar construction comprises a rigid drawbar part extending from the trailer and a connection shaft which connects the rigid drawbar part to the pulling vehicle. The rigid drawbar part and the connecting shaft are interconnected by means of a first joint which is turnable only in the horizontal plane. The second joint connecting the connecting shaft to the pulling device is essentially of the same construction as the first joint but turnable only in the vertical plane. The drawbar construction includes preferably also a rotation joint.

Abstract: A trailer assembly for carrying overwidth loads such as large rectangular concrete slabs. The trailer includes two separate units, a front unit and a rear unit. Each unit includes a frame mounted on a set of tandem wheels. The front unit has upper and lower frames rotatably connected together, allowing the wheels to turn with respect to the upper frame. A tongue is hingedly connected to the front unit. It has a hitch for connection to the towing vehicle and a compression device to apply weight to the hitch for compressive connection with the towing vehicle. Longitudinal cross members are mounted across the front and rear units to support the load. The cross members can be removed and stored parallel to the length of the units for legal width return trip towing. On return trip, the rear unit is towed reverse to the direction towed while loaded. Also disclosed is an embodiment employing two units the same or similar to the front unit to enable being moved laterally to facilitate parking in close space.

Abstract: A three-point implement hitch employed to secure an implement forwardly of a propelling tractor. The implement hitch includes a frame on which a pair of forwardly extending lower links are mounted for lateral adjustment. An intermediate portion of each of the lower links may contact a rub block on the hitch frame. The forward ends of each of the lower links rotatably carries an apertured ball which is disposed about a hitch pin on an implement and is secured in place by a lynchpin. When the rearward ends of the lower links are adjusted towards each other and mid-portion of each of the lower links is moved adjacent its associated rub block thus stabilizing the implement and controlling side to side sway. The implement hitch frame can be readily attached to and detached from a tractor.

Abstract: A tow tractor having a pair of front steerable wheels and a pair of rear steerable wheels is provided with attachment means for selectively connecting it to a vehicular trailer either by an articulated draft connection to permit swiveling movement therebetween or by a rigid unitary connection for operating the tractor and trailer as a straight truck. Steering mechanism is provided on the tractor for selectively affording four-wheel simultaneous steering of both said front and rear pairs of wheels in the same direction, or conventional front wheel steering only of the front pair of wheels while maintaining the rear pair of wheels locked in normal straightahead running position.

Abstract: An anti-sway device for a towing vehicle and a trailer is disclosed, comprising a channel rigidly mounted on the underside of a trailer hitch attached to the towing vehicle and a rigid elongated member mounted on the trailer and engageable within the channel, whereby, when the member is so engaged, lateral movement of the trailer with respect to the vehicle is prevented.

Abstract: A fuel transport land vehicle formed by a tractor and a trailer carrying fuel in which the tractor has a plurality of axles all of which are steerable. The tractor and trailer are detachably coupled so that they remain along the same general longitudinal axis and sideways relative motion between the tractor and trailer is prevented. A pumping module is removably coupled to the vehicle and has disposed therein means for pumping, filtering and modulating the flow of fuel from the trailer.

Abstract: Each of a pair of housings is affixed to a corresponding side surface of a trailer and terminates at an open end at a forward surface of the trailer. Each of a pair of rigid elongated locking bars is retractably slidably mounted in a corresponding one of the housings and each is anchored at its first end in its housing. In retracted position, the locking bars are in the housings and extend to the forward surface of the trailer at their second ends. In extended position, the locking bars extend out of the housings for most of their lengths beyond the forward surface of the trailer to operative proximity with a rearward surface of the tractor in spaced parallel relation. Eyes are affixed to the rearward surface of the trailer.

Abstract: A recliner-rocker geriatric wheel chair having a unitary member movable between a first position wherein the chair is allowed to rock and a second position wherein the chair is prevented from rocking motion. In the first position the unitary member functions to both stabilize the chair against rearward tilt and to brake the ground engaging wheel against movement. In the second position the unitary member engages the seat portion of the chair and prevents it from rocking.

Abstract: A sway limiting device for a three-point hitch on a tractor having reversible sway limiting blocks. The sway limiting blocks in one position permit sway of the hitch and implement under field operating conditions and in another position eliminate sway of the hitch throughout the fulllift range of the hitch by interchanging the right and left-hand sway blocks and using the reverse side of the sway blocks.

Abstract: A locking link for locking the articulating joint on an articulating vehicle. The link has a locking position which locks the articulating joint on the vehicle and a rest position where the link is in a vertical rest position carried on only one of the bogies of an articulating vehicle.

Abstract: A novel system is disclosed for carrying containerized loads, which system basically comprises at least two trailers, at least one of which may be pulled from either end, such that a novel dolly may be utilized to interconnect said trailers for transport, while at the same time facilitating end loading cargo dock access to a plurality of containers mounted on each trailer. Additionally, a novel dolly is disclosed for coupling two trailers together for hauling, which dolly preferably comprises a plurality of axles, each of which is movable with respect to the frame of the dolly and with respect to each other to facilitate multi-directional trailer hauling, better weight distribution, easy hook-up, and convenient storage. The preferred embodiment dolly comprises means for limiting the pivotal action of the dolly with respect to its associated trailers, particularly during hook-up, loading or unloading operations.

Abstract: A scoop car particularly adaptable for handling a mineral, such as coal, after it has been loosened and piled in a mine wherein the scoop car is provided with movable support wheels. The disclosed scoop car is moved by a traction or towing vehicle. The scoop car is connected to the traction vehicle by a pin or pivot connection to provide good maneuverability when moving to the unloading area. During loading of the vehicle, however, when the scoop car is pushed into the pile of material to be transported it is necessary to prevent movement around the pivot connection so that jackknifing does not occur. Restricted movement around the pivot is accomplished by a bolster mechanism which contacts both the traction vehicle and the scoop car keeping their longitudinal axis aligned. The bolster mechanism also forces the rear of the scoop car downward so that the scoop car is not pushed upward during loading.

Abstract: A rugged rolling high chair for commercial duty, as in restaurants and cafeterias, in which preformed rigid tubular members are interconnected relative to a one piece molded seat member to obtain a stable assembly. An upper frame member is in the form of a closed loop having a front part, spaced side parts, and a forwardly tilting rear part, the rear part supportingly contacting the backrest of the molded seat and the side parts supportingly contacting the sides of the seat. Each of a unitary pair of leg members have front and rear legs connected by a top transverse portion which also supportingly contacts the sides of the molded seat. A cross brace spans aligned front legs of the unitary leg member and supportingly contacts the bottom of the one piece molded seat. A rigid crotch bar is joined to the cross brace and the front part of the upper frame member.

Abstract: A slip-proof connection provided between the tractor and trailer of a tractor-trailer combination for carrying the superstructure of a mobile crane. The connection or mechanism comprises a mounting assembly secured to the tractor bed, a mounting plate carried on the front portion of the trailer supporting the crane superstructure, and means for cooperatively interconnecting the two mechanisms to assure an interlocked connection therebetween. The connecting mechanism comprises a positive interlock wherein a mounting post carried on the mounting plate on the tractor is received into a complementary opening provided in the mounting plate on the front end of the trailer, and a sleeve is then mounted on the mounting post and positively locked in position to hold the tractor and trailer locked together. Although the combination does not provide for the quick disconnect of the tractor from the trailer as is common with typical fifth wheel designs, it does permit articulation of the tractor and trailer combination.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling vehicles in a train of such vehicles including first and second coupler plates pivotally interconnected by a coupler pin for relative movement about an upright axis and having brake means frictionally retarding relative rotation between the coupler plates and a cam type latch means mounted on one plate and engageable in a depression in the other plate when the first and second plates are in a preselected angular position for releasably restraining relative movement between the coupler plates out of the preset angular position until the forces tending to cause relative angular movement substantially exceed the frictional force of the friction brake means.