TRAILER CONSTRUCTION

• US 3,753,574 A
• Filed: 06/08/1971
• Issued: 08/21/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Arnold Werle
• Original Assignee: Arnold Werle
• Inventors: Werle, Arnold
• Primary Examiner(s): Friaglia, Leo
• Application Number:
  US05/151,075
• Time in Patent Office: 805 Days
• Field of Search: 280/478R,478A,477,479
• US Class Current: 280/479.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/02 Bolt or shackle-type couplings
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/025 comprising release or locking lever pins
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/07 Multi-hitch devices, i.e. comprising several hitches of the same or of a different type; Hitch-adaptors, i.e. for converting hitches from one type to another
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/40 involving a temporarily extensible or alignable member B60D1/38 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/44 horizontally

Abstract

A trailer has a hitch connected to its front end, and to the free end portion of the hitch is mounted an elongated coupling member which can slide longitudinally of itself as well as turn about an upright axis with respect to the hitch. Arresting devices are provided which can prevent the coupling member from sliding and turning when it assumes a predetermined position with reference to the hitch, and on a terminal portion of the coupling member a coupling is provided by means of which the coupling member can be connected with a cooperating coupling on a traction vehicle.

Claims

1. In a trailer, in combination, trailer means having wheels;

hitch means connected with said trailer means projecting forwardly thereof and having a free end portion having apertures;

an elongated coupling member having a terminal section;

coupling means mounted on said terminal section and adapted for releasable connection with a coupling on a traction vehicle;

mounting means for mounting said coupling member on said free end portion and including a ringmount having apertures and being fast with said free end portion;

guide elements mounting said coupling member on said riNgmount for sliding displacement longitudinally of said coupling member and for turning displacement about an upright axis; and

arresting means for arresting said coupling member when the same assumes a predetermined position with reference to said hitch means, said arresting means comprising a pair of arresting devices each including spring-biased bolts adapted to enter into said apertures when said coupling member is in said predetermined position with reference to said hitch means, and manually operable means for displacing said pins out of said apertures at the choice of an operator.

2. In a trailer, in combination, trailer means having wheels;

hitch means connected with said trailer means projecting forwardly thereof and having a free end portion;

an elongated coupling member mounted on said free end portion slidable longitudinally of itself and with freedom of at least pivotal movement, said coupling member having a terminal section;

coupling means on said terminal section and adapted for releasable connection with a coupling on a traction vehicle;

mounting means mounting said coupling member on said free end portion of said hitch means and including a ringmount fast with said free end portion and guide elements mounting said coupling member on said ringmount for sliding displacement longitudinally of said coupling member and for turning displacement about an upright axis, said coupling member being provided with at least one longitudinally extending slot, and said guide elements being provided on said ringmount and extending into said slot so as to guide said coupling member during sliding movement of the latter relative to said ringmount; and

arresting means for arresting said coupling member when the same assumes a predetermined position with reference to said hitch means.

3. In a trailer, in combination, trailer means having wheels;

hitch means connected with said trailer means projecting forwardly thereof and having a free end portion;

a coupling element being substantially bar-shaped and having a front portion provided with coupling means and a rear portion provided with coupling means and a rear portion;

a plate member mounted on said free end portion of said hitch means;

a ring member mounted on said plate member;

a disc member mounted within the confines of and turnable relative to said ring member;

connecting means connecting said rear portion of said coupling element with said disc member for turning movement therewith and for sliding movement relative to said disc member in longitudinal direction of said coupling element; and

arresting means for arresting said coupling member when the same assumes a predetermined position with reference to said hitch means.

4. In a trailer as defined in claim 2;

further comprising abutment means provided on said coupling member and ringmount, for limiting turning displacement of the former relative to the latter.

5. In a trailer as defined in claim 3, said arresting means including arresting devices and a double-armed angled lever pivotably mounted on said coupling element and having one arm configurated as a handle and an other arm connected with said arresting devices for operating the same in response to manipulation of said handle.

6. In a trailer as defined in claim 5, said hitch means having an aperture, and said arresting devices including at least one arresting device for arresting said coupling element against said sliding movement, and including a pin slidably mounted in said coupling element for movement between two positions in one of which it projects outwardly beyond said coupling element for entry into said aperture when in alignment therewith, and biasing means permanently biasing said pin toward said one position, said other arm of said lever being adapted for engagement with said pin so as to displace the latter away from said one position counter to the action of said basing means in response to manipulation of said handle.

7. In a trailer as defined in claim 6;

further comprising detent means normally engaging said pin for detaining the same against undesired displacement from said one position.

8. In a trailer as defined in claim 7, said detent means comprising a detent member mounted on said coupling element with slight spacing longitudinally of the latter from said pin and having a detent portion, spring means manually urging said detent portion into engagement with said pin, said detent member being movable in a sense effecting disengagement of said detent portion from said pin.

9. In a trailer as defined in claim 8, wherein said detent portion is substantially hook-shaped.

10. In a trailer as defined in claim 5, said arresting devices including an arresting device for arresting said pivotal movement of said coupling element, comprising a recess provided in said ring member, an engaging pin guided in said coupling element for movement to and from an extended position in which it projects outwardly beyond said coupling element and into said recess when in registry therewith, and biasing means permanently biasing said engaging pin to said extended position, said other arm of said lever being arranged for engagement with said engaging pin and for displacement of the latter from said extended position in response to manipulation of said handle.

11. In a trailer as defined in claim 5, said arresting devices including an arresting device for arresting said pivotal movement of said coupling element, comprising a pair of circumferentially spaced abutments on one of said plate member and ring member, and a projection provided on said lever and adapted to engage between said abutments when said lever is in requisite position in response to manipulation of said handle.