FIFTH WHEEL WITH LOAD-TRANSFERRING DEVICE

• US 3,580,609 A
• Filed: 12/08/1969
• Issued: 05/25/1971
• Est. Priority Date: 12/08/1969
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Michael F. Paielli
• Original Assignee: Michael F. Paielli
• Inventors: Paielli, Michael F.
• Application Number:
  US04/883,072
• Time in Patent Office: 533 Days
• US Class Current: 280/407.1
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 53/068 having devices to equalise or modify the load between the fifth wheel and the rear wheels adjustable couping saddles per se B62D53/0807; load transfer devices to permit coupling or uncoupling B62D53/0857; anti jack-knifing devices B62D53/0871
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 53/0807 adjustable coupling saddles mounted on sub-frames; Mounting plates therefor

Abstract

A fifth wheel for connecting tractors and trailers consisting of a pivoted coupling member having on the forward end thereof a hinged member supported by a pair of inflatable air bags seated on the tractor frame. The air bags are operatively connected into the compressed air system of the tractor through a control valve which enables the driver to distribute the load in the trailer between the steering, driving and trailer axles by varying the pressure in the inflatable air bags.

Claims

1. A fifth wheel for connecting tractor and trailer units, said tractor unit having a frame supported on steering and drive axles, and said trailer unit having at least one axle and a coupling element, such fifth wheel comprising a coupling member pivotally supported by the tractor frame for holdably engaging the coupling element on the trailer, a flat member hinged on the forward end of the coupling member on the tractor, at least one inflatable air bag connected between the tractor frame and the flat member, and means for controllably inflating the air bag so that the flat member will impart a sufficient upward thrust on the trailer to distribute the load therein over the steering, drive and trailer axles in a preselected manner.

2. The fifth wheel of claim 1, having in addition thereto:

resilient means between the tractor frame and the flat member yieldably supporting the flat member in a substantially horizontal position when the air bag is deflated.

3. The fifth wheel of claim 2 having in addition thereto:

Flexible means connected between the flat member and the tractor frame providing an upper limit of travel for the flat member when the tractor and trailer units are disconnected and the coupling member on the fifth wheel pivots to an inoperative position of rest.

4. The fifth wheel of claim 1 in which the hinged connection between the flat member and the coupling member provides for relative vertical movement between said two members.