B62D53/0885

FIFTH WHEEL HITCH ISOLATION SYSTEM
20230406423 · 2023-12-21 ·

A fifth wheel hitch may include at least one support frame capable of engaging with a towing vehicle. The fifth wheel hitch may further include a cross-member attached to the support frame and an isolation system operatively coupled with the cross-member. The isolation system may include a beam engaged with the cross-member about a first axis, where rotation of the beam about the first axis is dampened via a cross-member isolator. The isolation system may also include a skid plate engaged with the beam about a second axis, where rotation of the skid plate about the second axis is dampened via a wing isolator.

CONNECTION SYSTEM AND CONNECTION UNIT
20210039459 · 2021-02-11 ·

A connection system for use on a fifth-wheel coupling includes first and second connection units each including a carrier unit and a plug-in unit each having a coupling axis and mounted on the respective carrier unit so as to be able to pivot about a respective pivot axis, a, the first and second plug-in units respectively including a coupling region of an electrical line element and/or a fluid-conveying line, the second connection unit mounted on a semi-trailer to be pivotable about a pivot axis such that the second connection unit can be moved into a coupling position, wherein the second pivot axis extends parallel to the first pivot axis when the second connection unit is in the coupling position, and wherein the first coupling axis is essentially collinear with the second coupling axis if the first and second plug-in units are in the coupling position.

Accelerometer sensor arrangement for fifth wheel hitch assembly
10926816 · 2021-02-23 · ·

A fifth wheel hitch assembly includes a fifth wheel hitch plate having a body portion and a pair of extensions extending outwardly from the body portion, wherein the extensions cooperate to form a throat therebetween, a locking arrangement moveable between an unlocked position where a kingpin may be moved into and out of the throat, and a locked position where the kingpin is prevented from being removed from within the throat, and a sensor arrangement that includes at least one sensor located within at least one component of the locking arrangement, wherein the at least one sensor includes an accelerometer configured to sense vibrational movement of the at least one component of the locking arrangement.

SHOCK ABSORBING PIN BOX SYSTEM
20210001931 · 2021-01-07 ·

A shock absorbing pin box system includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, an upper wall, a lower wall, and a kingpin. The first sidewall defines at least a first plurality of apertures arranged in first column, and the second sidewall defines at least a second plurality of apertures arranged in a second column. A plurality of tubes extend from each of the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures. A plurality of flexible and resilient tubular bushings are received in a corresponding one of the plurality of tubes. A plurality of bolts are received within corresponding ones of the pluralities of apertures of the pin box and the plurality of tubes.

TORSION AXLE PIN BOX
20200361546 · 2020-11-19 ·

A fifth wheel pin box includes a torsion axle having an outer tube connected to a towed vehicle mounting bracket and an inner bar connected by pivot arms to a coupler plate bearing a coupler pin. The pin box may be connected between a towed vehicle and a tow vehicle in an orientation in which both chucking loads and bounce loads cause the inner bar to rotate with respect to the outer tube. Resilient, compressible members disposed between the inner bar and outer tube absorb the loads.

VIBRATION AND LOAD TRAILER DAMPENING SYSTEM
20200324592 · 2020-10-15 ·

The present invention relates to a trailer dampening system for dampening during variable road conditions experienced during long hours of travel. Secondly, the trailer dampening system encompasses a universal design that will allow for easy installation and application to multiple trailers. The trailer dampening system is provided having a barrel assembly joined to the trailer, a cylinder rod assembly adjoined to the barrel assembly by a connection assembly wherein a connection assembly first opening is configured to receive a coupler end cap proximal end of the cylinder rod assembly. In some embodiments, there is a reservoir system having a main reservoir, a valve assembly, and at least one connection line. In some embodiments, the trailer dampening system further comprises an electrical control system connected to the valve assembly and having an input device configured to receive an input, a battery, a plurality of sensors, and a microcontroller.

Hitch assembly
10793209 · 2020-10-06 ·

A hitch assembly, including a first frame for being attached to a tow vehicle and a second frame for being attached to a trailer. The second frame is movably engaged with the first frame and is adapted for fore and aft movement relative to the first frame along a plurality of ball bearings.

FIFTH WHEEL HITCH ISOLATION SYSTEM
20200283079 · 2020-09-10 ·

A fifth wheel hitch may include at least one support frame capable of engaging with a towing vehicle. The fifth wheel hitch may further include a cross-member attached to the support frame and an isolation system operatively coupled with the cross-member. The isolation system may include a beam engaged with the cross-member about a first axis, where rotation of the beam about the first axis is dampened via a cross-member isolator. The isolation system may also include a skid plate engaged with the beam about a second axis, where rotation of the skid plate about the second axis is dampened via a wing isolator.

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE HAVING ROTATABLE FIFTH WHEEL

A terminal tractor includes a fifth wheel coupling which is rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the terminal tractor such that an opening in the fifth wheel coupling may be reoriented depending on the terminal tractor's direction of approach to a semi-trailer.

Fifth wheel hitch isolation system

A fifth wheel hitch may include at least one support frame capable of engaging with a towing vehicle. The fifth wheel hitch may further include a cross-member attached to the support frame and an isolation system operatively coupled with the cross-member. The isolation system may include a beam engaged with the cross-member about a first axis, where rotation of the beam about the first axis is dampened via a cross-member isolator. The isolation system may also include a skid plate engaged with the beam about a second axis, where rotation of the skid plate about the second axis is dampened via a wing isolator.