Articulating hitch for fifth wheel trailers

Details Articulating hitch for fifth wheel trailers Articulating hitch for fifth wheel trailers

2006-07-26

2009-06-23

Dickson, Paul N (Department: 3611)

Land vehicles

Wheeled

Articulated vehicle

C280S455100

Reexamination Certificate

active

07549666

ABSTRACT:
A device for automatically repositioning the pivot point between a fifth wheel trailer and truck. The hitch is composed of a base with integral first pivot member, two forward converging links, a second pivot member to which a spindle is attached. Pivotally attached to the spindle is a fifth wheel mount, which is pivotally attached to a fifth wheel. A pin adapter, which is attached to the hitch box of a fifth wheel trailer, eliminates rotation between the hitch box and fifth wheel assembly when hitched. This arrangement results in the trailer pivoting about the resulting center of rotation of the converging links, which is substantially forward of the pin of the trailer when in a straight-line orientation. The shifting of the pivot point distributes lateral forces from the trailer to all four wheels of the truck, thereby improving stability. During a turn, the subsequent articulation of the links results in a rearward repositioning of the pivot point, allowing sharp turns with a short bed truck.

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patent: 2007/0052202 (2007-03-01), Winckler
patent: 2008/0217884 (2008-09-01), Perri

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