Abstract: An articulation damping device having a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit 2, connected pivotally at 5 to a front vehicle 3 at a distance y from the longitudinal median plane and on the other side and symmetrically thereto and also at the distance y from the longitudinal median plane a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit 19, is also pivotally connected at 5'. At their other ends the two units 2, and 19, 19' are connected to the outer part 1' of the turntable joint at pivot 4 located in the longitudinal median plane. In this position of the piston-cylinder units the vehicles of the articulated omnibus are aligned in an in-line position for running straight ahead. Dimension x deontes the distance of the points 5 and 5' of articulation from the pivot 4 in the longitudinal median plane. The dimension b.sub.min represents the inner dead center position of the piston-cylinder unit 2, dimension a denotes the radius of the turntable joint, .beta.

Abstract: Towing apparatus for towing a wheeled vehicle by another vehicle which includes a member attached to the towed vehicle which is detachably connected to an arm extending from a pivotedly mounted member which is engaged with a fixed member on the towing vehicle.

Abstract: This is a swing-tower arrangement for coupling a back-hoe assembly to a tractor or the like. It features a rocker swingable in elevation on the swing tower. An actuator on the swing tower controls the position of the rocker, improving transport and control of the backhoe and making practical the adaptation of the arrangement to a wide range of tows. Detachable rockers are variously used to shift the backhoe assembly to transport and working positions and to tow and lift other types of subordinate machines. A power takeoff is mounted on the rocker.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle including two wheeled sections hinged together in the middle of the vehicle by a universal movement joint enabling relative pivoting about three axes extending at right angles to each other through the center of the vehicle. A hydraulically operated strut extends between the two vehicle sections and is universally pivoted at its ends to the two vehicle sections to control the relative pivoting of the two vehicle sections about a transverse axis while enabling the middle of the vehicle to be raised or lowered for various reasons. The vehicle is steered by a pair of hydraulically operated steering struts extending between the two vehicle sections on the opposite sides of the universal movement joint.

Abstract: In conjunction with a cycle trailer having a frame the front reach of which consists of rounded tubing or bar, a universal-joint hitch consisting essentially of two diametrically opposed wafer-like sector bearings each of which contains on its face multiple diametrally disposed sector channels, in order to render easy the assembly of the trailer to one such sector channel in the bearings. The bearings include trunnions and integral annular thrust surfaces on their opposite faces. Through the thrust surfaces, the bearings are constrained to bear on the rounded tubing or bar of the frame from opposite directions by clamping and mounting arrangements which may include a hinge on one side of the bearings and a hand nut on the opposite side. This hand nut, when employed, is restrained from unwanted loosening by contrived interference or engagement, most conveniently through glancing interference of protrusions of its handle with the trunnion of one sector bearing.

Abstract: A vehicle hitch for automatically connecting a vehicle to a trailer or connecting two vehicles for pushing or pulling one or the other. The hitch includes a coupling member mounted for pivotal movement in generally horizontal and vertical planes and provided with a shock absorber for cushioning certain forces and movements. An attachement pin has a cam surface to permit automatic coupling and can be locked in a disconnect position to simplify decoupling of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer is provided including an elongated longitudinally extending frame incorporating longitudinally aligned and extending front and rear frame sections pivotally secured together at adjacent ends for free relative angular displacement about a horizontal transverse axis. The front end of the front frame section includes coupling structure for coupling the frame to a towing vehicle and the rear frame section includes a transverse axle assembly mounted from the rear frame section centrally intermediate its opposite ends and having a pair of opposite side ground engaging support wheels journalled therefrom. Further, the rear frame section includes structure for support and cradling the lower periphery of the rear wheel of a motorcycle in position rearward of the axle assembly and the front frame section of the trailer includes motorcycle front wheel supporting and cradling structure supported therefrom for adjustable shifting longitudinally of the front frame section.

Abstract: A hitch device for connecting an implement to a tractor is provided. A male plug is operatively connected to the three point hitch, power take-off and hydraulic system of the tractor. A female shell is operatively connected to the tongue, drive train and hydraulic system of the implement. The male plug and female shell can be connected and disconnected while the operator remains seated on the tractor. The mating engagement of the male plug within the female shell automatically connects the drive train of the implement to the power take-off of the tractor and automatically connects the hydraulic system of the implement to the hydraulic system of the tractor. Releasable locking clips are provided to lock the male plug within the female shell.

Abstract: A convertible towing hitch which is used to tow a farm implement with a vehicle includes a U-shaped planar member. This planar member has a central connecting leg, a first extending leg, and a second extending leg. A two-way pivot alowing two degrees of rotational freedom is attached at a free end of the first extending leg and to the implement. The two-way pivot allows pivoting an axis perpendicular to the plane of the U-shaped ember and about an axis parallel to the first, extending leg. An attachment device is also provided for removabley attaching the U-shaped to a bar pulled by the vehicle. The attachment device is mounted for rotational movement about an axis parallel to the connecting leg at a free end of the second extending leg. Preferably, the attachment device is located in the open area of the U-shaped member and an extension is provded of the connected leg extendng away from the second extending leg.

Abstract: A load carrying and tipping vehicle (11) adapted to be coupled to a power-operable vertically movable part (15) of a motor vehicle (13) such as a front end loader in which case the bucket of the front end loader constitutes the vertically movable part. The load carrying and tipping vehicle (11) has a load carrying portion (21) which is supported on two wheels (29) and which is tippable in a vertical plane parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle (11). A coupling mechanism (41) is provided for detachably coupling one end (25) the load carrying portion to the bucket (15) of the front end loader whereby raising of the bucket (15) effects tipping of the load carrying portion (21). The coupling mechanism (41) provides a pivotal connection between the bucket (15) and the load carrying portion (21) about a first pivot axis (48) which is substantially horizontal and transverse to the direction of travel of the vehicle (11).

Abstract: This joint allows a drive member and a driven member of a transversely divided or separated vehicle to be deflected relative to each other about a virtual pivot axis which extends in a direction transversely to the vehicle. The drive member and the driven member are connected on each side by a first support element which supports against forces acting parallel to the transverse and vertical axes of the drive member and by a second support element which supports against traction and braking forces. Each first support element contains a support roll rotatably supported in a support at the driven member and guided in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in a slide bracket arranged at the drive member. Each second support element comprises a hinged link rotatably mounted about a respective transverse axis at the drive member and the driven member.

Abstract: A trailer hitch structure for coupling a double caster-type wheel trailer to a tow vehicle having a conventional hitch bar fixed thereto and projecting rearwardly thereof. There is provided a rigid vehicle connector having a front portion fixedly connectable to the hitch bar. The front portion connects to a transversely extending rear portion which extends generally parallel to the vehicle bumper. This rear portion mounts adjustable bumper elements adjacent the opposite ends thereof, which bumper elements adjust for snug engagement with the vehicle bumper. A crossbar is positioned adjacent but slightly rearwardly from the rear portion and is coupled thereto through a swivel structure which defines a horizontal roll axis which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The crossbar mounts a pair of hitch balls adjacent the opposite ends thereof. The trailer has a tongue structure provided with a pair of sidewardly spaced couplers for releasable engagement with the hitch balls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simplified tractor hitch structure for use with implements and an improved plow attachment for use in developing firelines in forest soil. The hitch allows implements to be moved between a raised transport position and a lowered working position. In the former, however, a simplified approach is employed to provide locking and unlocking functions controlled by the tractor operator while seated in the tractor and to positively prohibit horizontal swaying of the hitch and thus the implement.

Abstract: A lawn mower hitch assembly including a leading hitch device and a trailing hitch device secured to a respective leading mower vehicle and a trailing mower vehicle, and operatively connected to each other for free pivotal movement about a substantially vertical axis, whereby one or more lawn mower vehicles can be towed in tandem and in offset lateral relationship by a leading tractor vehicle.

Abstract: A hitch for connecting a trailer to a vehicle, especially a motorcycle or land-roving vehicle. The hitch comprises two couplings, including a conventional ball member adjacent one end, and a ball-bearing assembly located intermediate the ball member and the means for attaching the hitch to the vehicle. The ball-bearing assembly is capable of rotational movement about a horizontal axis for a full 360 degrees. The hitch thus provides unlimited rotational movement between the vehicle and the trailer in addition to the conventional pivotal movement provided by the ball member coupling.

Abstract: A coupling for use between first and second vehicles has a series of sections joined in line by pivotal connections. One section is a draw bar anchored to the frame of the first vehicle, another is a tow unit connected by transverse pivots to the second vehicle. A first intermediate section has a pivoted connection with the draw bar section with the connection having a transverse pivot axis and a fifth wheel connection with a second intermediate section. The second intermediate section has a connection with the tow bar section that permits limited turning on a lengthwise axis between them and, accordingly permitting limited roll between the two vehicles when the coupling is in use. The coupling is described with particular reference to uses with first and second trailers.

Abstract: A swivel connection adapted to be interposed between a motorcycle, or other small vehicle, and a trailer being towed thereby in order to isolate any variation of the vertical orientation of the motorcycle from the trailer. The swivel connection comprises a channel member secured to the usual hitch assembly normally provided for the motorcycle, and a box member secured to the channel member for receiving a spindle member therein. The spindle member is rigidly secured to the box member and extends axially outwardly therefor for rotational connection with a sleeve member secured to the usual tongue provided on the trailer. The rotation connection between the spindle member and sleeve member permits the vertical variations of the motorcycle to be absorbed, thus isolating the trailer therefrom.

Abstract: A transplanter mounting attachment for attachment to a crop harvester including a pivot shaft operatively connected for rotation about an axis extending longitudinally with respect to a support frame of a crop harvester. A rotating sleeve substantially orthogonally disposed with respect to the pivot shaft and rotatably mounted relative thereto. A connecting shaft substantially orthogonally disposed with respect to the pivot shaft and rotatably mounted relative thereto. At least one transplanter attaching assembly operatively connected to the rotating sleeve and being raised or lowered upon rotary motion being imparted to the rotating sleeve. Wheels are provided which are operatively connected to the connecting shaft for engaging the ground surface to support the transplanter attaching assembly. The transplanter attaching assembly is free to rotate about substantially horizontal axes which extend substantially parallel and perpendicular to the support frame of a crop harvester.

Abstract: A tractor scraper hitch steering and suspension system wherein a tractor drive wheel axle frame is pivotally connected to a tractor main frame to permit vertical movement of the tractor drive wheels relative to the tractor. Two hydraulic cylinders are pivotally connected between the tractor drive wheel axle frame and a cross arm forming a part of a hitch assembly that secures the tractor to the scraper. The hydraulic cylinders dampen vertical bounce movement that occurs during operation and control tilting or rolling motion between the tractor portion and the scraper portion that occur about their common longitudinally extending axis. A locking brake is provided to resist vertical motion of the tractor drive wheel axle frame to stabilize the depth of a cutting edge of the scraper during operation and obtain a steady depth of cut.

Abstract: A connecting device is disclosed for joining a trailer to a towing vehicle for substantial horizontal and vertical pivotal movements, as well as longitudinal rotation, of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle. A shaft added to one yoke of a pair of yokes comprising a universal joint is journalled in a block for rotation through 360 degrees. A similar shaft having a stop at its outer end and secured to the other yoke of the universal joint is inserted into a split block which functions as a quick-release clamping device upon closing of the block to secure the shaft. The bearing block preferably is affixed to the tongue or tow bar of the trailer and the split block is secured to the towing vehicle, the connecting device may be reversed end-for-end.

Abstract: A control mechanism for selectively positioning an upright earth working tool carried by a portable vehicle having a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. The control mechanism includes a shaft rotatably carried on a horizontal base plate at the front end of the vehicle, and pivotally connected to a carrier member for the earth working tool for tilting movement of the carrier member laterally of the vehicle. A first hydraulic cylinder assembly for longitudinally tilting the working tool is pivotally connected at its rearward end on the shaft and at its forward end to the carrier member. A second hydraulic cylinder assembly for tilting the carrier member transversely of the vehicle has one end pivotally mounted on the base plate and is pivotally mounted at its other end to the shaft so that on rotation of the shaft the carrier member is tilted transversely.

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: In waist articulated terrain vehicles, especially forest machines, with a wheeled forward section (1), a rear section (5), and a driver's cab (11), driver comfort can be substantially increased by the cab (11) being so mounted on the vehicle that it is substantially unaffected by the tilting movements of the forward section about an axis in the travelling direction thereof, simultaneously as it is adapted for accompanying the forward section in its steering movements.

Abstract: In a working vehicle including a crane (21) for handling loads and a driver's cab (11), both crane and cab are rotatably mounted on the vehicle, each about its vertical axis, and controlled such that a turning angle .beta. of the crane results in a turning angle .alpha. of the cab, .alpha. being an optional function of .beta., e.g. half of .beta.. The driver can thus carry out all the working operations desired for the crane without having to turn his head uncomfortably.

Abstract: A damping system having a fluid-operated friction device located at the hinge connection of an articulated vehicle that provides progressively increased damping to movements about the yaw axis after the speed of the vehicle increases beyond a predetermined speed.

Abstract: In an articulated vehicle adapted for street or off-road use, the forward section manufactured on a first A-frame is pivotably coupled by means of a ball and socket to an aft section manufactured on a second A-frame so as to provide pivotable movement between said forward and aft sections about both horizontal and verticle axes. A first shaft is fixedly coupled to the forward section and extends behind the ball and socket and below a second shaft in said aft section. A coil spring suspension system is coupled between the first and second shafts and is adjustable along the lengths thereof so as to vary the degree of softness with which the vehicle will ride.

Abstract: A camping trailer is provided having a configuration to cooperatively combine with a towing automobile to integrate interior compartments and spaces of each into usable space. The trailer has a wheeled chassis provided with a forwardly extending tongue assembly and hitch assembly for interconnecting with the towing automobile and carrying a body structure having a front end portion configured to detachably interconnect with the rear end of the automobile. The front end portion has a front wall surface inclined upwardly in a forward direction to complement an opposed rear wall surface of the towing automobile and is provided with a flexible bellows that is detachably secured to the towing automobile around a rear hatch-type door of the automobile. An opening in the front wall surface of the trailer body structure permits opening of the rear hatch door of the automobile by swinging movement of the door through the opening and into the interior of the trailer thereby enabling combined use of the interior spaces.

Abstract: A suspension for a rigid front axle assembly (28) of an articulated mining truck (10) includes a bolster plate (30) upon which the axle assembly is fixedly cradled, a spherical or swivel bearing assembly (36) connecting the front end of the bolster plate to the chassis of the vehicle, and a hollow unitary elastomeric block (70) that is mounted to resiliently couple the rear end of the bolster plate to the chassis. The elastomeric block is preferably elongate and longitudinally oriented, and the block has a cavity that extends longitudinally through its center that is aligned with a longitudinal axis (A-A) through the spherical bearing. The elongate walls thus provided at the sides of the elastomeric block are sufficiently flexible to bulge outwardly when the axle assembly oscillates about the longitudinal axis A-A.

Abstract: A self-propelled farm implement has independent front and rear, wheel supported frames articulated therebetween for execution of turns by operator steering of the front frame from within a cab that is, in turn, mounted on the front frame. The rear frame carries a crop receiving bin which, except for my oscillator limit incorporated in the combination, would be engaged by the cab under certain unlevel ground conditions, causing substantial damage. The front frame is tiltable about a fore and aft axis within a range defined by interengageable stops between the front frame and its coupling link. The stops on the front link are in the form of pivoted members which abut lugs on the rear frame causing the members to swing about their pivots during turning movements. The effect is to progressively limit the extent of tilt as full turns are approached to prevent cab-bin interengagement regardless of the nature of ground contour as the vehicle is steered off a straight path of travel.

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: In an articulated combine, the hinge arrangement connecting the front and rear bogies consists of spaced-apart upper and lower links. The lower link construction provides for oscillation between the bogies as well as establishing a steering pivot center. The upper link normally lies in a fore-and-aft plane and is pivotally connected between rearward upper portions of the respective bogies, thus spanning the length of the rear bogie. The hinge arrangement also provides part of the structure for a conveyor for conveying clean grain between the front and rear bogies. In one embodiment, the upper link comprises an auger tube into which clean grain is introduced by a clean grain elevator and cross auger. In another embodiment, the lower link assembly does double duty as an auger conveyor housing.

Abstract: A tractor with two engines arranged in tandem, each carried by a frame portion pivotable relative to the other about a vertical axis in a first pivot member under the rear engine and a horizontal axis from second pivot member located in part between two of the tractor's front wheels. The tractor's body is narrow forward and to the rear wherein axles for front and rear sets of ground engaging wheels extend laterally and mount six wheels each. The front engine and rear engines extend completely forward of the respective supporting front and rear sets of ground wheels. Steering is accomplished by the relative pivoting of the front and rear frame portions about the aforesaid vertical axis. A fuel tank extends over all six of the rear set of wheels and includes a depression for an operator's seat. It is optionally hinged at its outer portions so the tractor's width is reduced by removing the outer wheels and pivoting the fuel tank's outer portions to the rear.

Abstract: A bolster plate is mounted on the bottom side of a shaft which is supported longitudinally on the trailer for permitting pivotal movement of the bolster plate about the axis of the shaft. The shaft is mounted at its opposite ends by thrust bearings on longitudinal support of the trailer and is engaged on its upper side at the center by a half round groove-like bearing surface of a center bearing which is mounted on the support.

Abstract: In an articulated combine, the hinge arrangement connecting the front and rear bogies consists of spaced-apart upper and lower links. The lower link construction provides for oscillation between the bogies as well as establishing a steering pivot center. The upper link normally lies in a fore-and-aft plane and is pivotally connected between rearward upper portions of the respective bogies, thus spanning the length of the rear bogie. The hinge arrangement also provides part of the structure for a conveyor for conveying clean grain between the front and rear bogies. In one embodiment, the upper link comprises an auger tube into which clean grain is introduced by a clean grain elevator and cross auger. In another embodiment, the lower link assembly does double duty as an auger conveyor housing.

Abstract: In conjunction with a cycle trailer having a frame the front reach of which consists of round tubing or bar, a universal-joint hitch consisting essentially of two diametrically opposed sector bearings which are constrained to bear upon the aforesaid tubing or bar of the frame from opposite directions by suitable clamping and mounting arrangements which include thrust surfaces integral to the sector bearings.

Abstract: A hinge connection for an articulated vehicle having a front section provided with two longitudinally spaced nondriven axles and a rear section provided with a single driven axle. The hinge connection is characterized in that it includes a pair of hinge members which, together with a linkage mechanism, are connected to a transversely extending shaft member so as to provide angular movement of each section of the vehicle about a pair of mutually perpendicular axes while ensuring that the longitudinal center axis of the shaft member always bisects the angle between the front and rear sections when the vehicle is in a turn.

Abstract: A steering stabilizer and quick coupling assembly for a multi-trailer combination or train consists of a tractor, a towing or lead trailer, a steerable dolly and a rear or towed trailer. The assembly minimizes the oscillatory yaw and rollover tendency between the towed trailer and its steerable dolly. It also provides for quick coupling or uncoupling between the lead or towing trailer and the towed trailer. Further, it prevents off-tracking steering misalignment between the lead trailer and the steerable dolly. The assembly is mounted between the lead and rear trailers, and has as its basic components, a drawbar member and coupler assembly which are pivotally coupled and uncoupled at a vertical pivot on the drawbar member. The drawbar member and coupler assembly are each pivotally connected to a respective trailer frame portion for movement only about a transverse horizontal axis, and the vertical pivot is preferably located substantially midway between the transverse horizontal pivot axes.

Abstract: To allow a semi-trailer (9) to be towed by a drawbar tractor (T), a connector device is used to couple the tractor to the trailer. The connector is provided for lifting the trailer, and is arranged so that (i) a single point of articulation is defined between the tractor and trailer, and (ii) no vertical load is transmitted to the tractor from the trailer. The connector includes a sleeve (5) fixedly mounted on the tractor towing plate, an hydraulic ram (4) slidable in the sleeve, a freely rotating castor wheel (3) at the lower end of the ram and a bolt (7) mounted on the ram piston rod (6) for cooperation with the ball socket (10) of the trailer.

Abstract: An articulation for an articulated vehicle is disclosed which comprises first and second elements fixed respectively to each of the vehicle sections and an intermediate element, the three elements each presenting mean main planes which blend into a single horizontal plane to yield an articulation of limited thickness, the first element being articulated on the intermediate element both around a longitudinal horizontal axis and around a transverse horizontal axis, the second element being articulated on the intermediate element around a vertical axis. A preferred embodiment includes friction pads and cooperating surfaces for dampening the articulation around the vertical axis and force transducers for measuring any horizontal compressive force transmitted through the articulation.

Abstract: In an articulated vehicle, wherein the trailer has roll motion capability lative to the tractor, the improvement comprising hydraulic cylinder means for selectively locking out the roll mode capability when it is intended to operate the vehicle on smooth terrain.

Abstract: A trailer hitch comprises two elongate bumper members, a trailer bumper member connectable to the trailer near one end thereof and a tractor bumper member connectable to the tractor near one end thereof so that the trailer bumper member contacts the tractor bumper member when the trailer is connected to the tractor. A male hitch member is connected to the trailer bumper member and extends outwardly therefrom. A recess in the tractor bumper member receives the male hitch member. A latch connected to the tractor bumper member releasably secures the male hitch member. The trailer hitch is particularly adapted for connecting a forage harvester to the front of a truck.

Abstract: A golf club cart carrier supportable on a trailer hitch mounting bar, there being an upwardly sloping arm pivotally attached to the bar having at an outer end a vertical tubular socket adapted to mate with a tubular extension on the carrier.

Abstract: A bicycle trailer having reduced transverse profile and horizontal frame work with load carriage concentrated over the trailer wheel. The device utilizes a horizontal frame work as fork-supported above a standard bicycle wheel and having a tongue assembly formed integral with the trailer frame. The tongue assembly is then pivotally attached over a hitch plate that is vertically pivotally attached via T-connectors to each rear fork member of the associated bicycle.

Abstract: A hitch for use in towing a trailer behind a bicycle can be constructed using two elongated elastomeric straps, one end of each of the straps being connected to the bicycle and one end of each of the straps being connected to the trailer.

Abstract: In a hinge unit which connects the members of articulated power vehicles such as tractors and which permits mutual pivotal movements of such members about a vertical and a horizontal axis, a front member is attached to a forward portion of the vehicle and a rear member is attached to a trailing portion of the vehicle while the front member and the rear member are interconnected by an intermediate member which is supported by a pair of bearings defining a vertical axis on the front member and by another pair of bearings defining a horizontal axis on the rear member, all three members forming together a universal or cardan joint.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling the hydraulic suspension system of an articulated vehicle having a first pair of hydraulic cylinders operatively connected between a drive axle and a tractor frame to control vertical bounce movement of the axle, and a second pair of hydraulic cylinders operatively connected between a tractor and a trailer portion of the articulated vehicle for controlling relative roll movement therebetween. A first valve system directs hydraulic fluid under a first pressure to the head ends of the hydraulic cylinders for supporting the weight of the vehicle and load, and to dampen the bounce motion of the drive wheels and the relative roll motion between the tractor and trailer portions of the articulated vehicle. A gas precharged accumulator and a plurality of flow restrictors disposed in this portion of the circuit, control and spring and viscous damping rates of the cylinders.

Abstract: An articulator for interconnecting front and rear chassis portions of a vehicle including a horizontal coupling assembly permitting relative pivoting of the front and rear portions of the vehicle about a generally horizontal axis. The horizontal axis passes longitudinally through the center of a pair of cylindrical mounting sleeves. A pair of insert enclosures each extend about respective cylindrical mounting sleeves and are concentric therewith. The mounting sleeves are connected to one of the vehicle portions while the insert enclosures are connected to a frame member which, in turn, is connected to another of the vehicle portions. There is a resilient insert fitted between the cylindrical mounting sleeve and the pair of insert enclosures.

Abstract: In this arrangement, the pitching, rolling and steering movements that take place between a motor car and a trailer are separately accommodated, with the pitching movements being accommodated by a horizontal transverse hinge structure arranged to be nearest the towing vehicle and comprising two relatively moving parts, motion therebetween occurring through an elastic member. A device is provided for stressing the elastic member in a variable and controlled manner whereby weight may be taken off the rear axle of the car to a desired extent and distributed to the front axle of the car and to the trailer axle. The rolling movements are accommodated by a stub-shaft at the front of the trailer, rotatably inserted into a longitudinally extending horizontal hole provided in the second of the above moving parts, and the steering movements are accommodated by an eye at the rear end of the stub-shaft, pivotally engaged in a fork-like member, carried by the trailer towbar, for motion about a vertical axis.

Abstract: An articulated, cross-country motor vehicle, especially for forestry work and the transportation of timber, comprising front and back pairs of bogies with belts, pivotally attached to the frame of the vehicle by means of transverse axles or shaft journals. The bogies are independently and/or mutually pivotable and adjustable relative to one another in the vertical plane by means of hydraulic pivoting members controlled from the driver's seat of the vehicle. The vehicle consists of a forward, endless tread vehicle and a trailer provided with a hitch. The two components are releasably coupled together and arranged so as to be mutually universally pivotable relative to one another.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle includes front and rear vehicle portions connected by a floating connector member having upper and lower vertically aligned pivot connections to the rear vehicle portion and horizontally aligned front and rear pivot connections to the front vehicle portion with wear takeup means in the pivot connections.