An intermediate towing device is provided for use between a tow vehicle and a towed vehicle. The towing device provides for a transfer of weight between the towed vehicle to the towing device to provide for a smoother ride while pulling or towing a towed vehicle. A steering assembly of the intermediate towing device provides for the transfer from a change in direction from the tow vehicle to the towing device via linkages and swiveling devices. Therefore, as the tow vehicle changes direction, this will be transferred to the wheels of the towing device to provide for greater control in both a forward and rear ward direction. Furthermore, a hitch connecter may be positioned between the tow vehicle and the towing device to provide for even greater control and auto steering of the intermediate towing device via the change in direction of the towed vehicle.

An intermediate towing device is provided for use between a tow vehicle and a towed vehicle. The towing device provides for a transfer of weight between the towed vehicle to the towing device to provide for a smoother ride while pulling or towing a towed vehicle. A steering assembly of the intermediate towing device provides for the transfer from a change in direction from the tow vehicle to the towing device via linkages and swiveling devices. Therefore, as the tow vehicle changes direction, this will be transferred to the wheels of the towing device to provide for greater control in both a forward and rear ward direction. Furthermore, a hitch connecter may be positioned between the tow vehicle and the towing device to provide for even greater control and auto steering of the intermediate towing device via the change in direction of the towed vehicle.

A system configured for use with a vehicle includes a trailer connection mechanism configured to be mounted on the vehicle and including a release actuator configured to release the connection between the trailer connection mechanism and a trailer, a release assembly connected to the release actuator and configured to cause the release actuator to release the connection between the trailer connection mechanism and the trailer upon receiving user input, and an anti-release mechanism connected to the trailer connection mechanism. The anti-release mechanism is configured to detect statuses of a transmission and a brake system of the vehicle, and to selectively permit or prevent operation of the release actuator to release the connection between the trailer connection mechanism and the trailer based on the status of at least one of the brake system and the transmission.

A system configured for use with a vehicle includes a trailer connection mechanism configured to be mounted on the vehicle and including a release actuator configured to release the connection between the trailer connection mechanism and a trailer, a release assembly connected to the release actuator and configured to cause the release actuator to release the connection between the trailer connection mechanism and the trailer upon receiving user input, and an anti-release mechanism connected to the trailer connection mechanism. The anti-release mechanism is configured to detect statuses of a transmission and a brake system of the vehicle, and to selectively permit or prevent operation of the release actuator to release the connection between the trailer connection mechanism and the trailer based on the status of at least one of the brake system and the transmission.

A fifth-wheel coupling arrangement includes, a plurality of wear sensors, a fifth-wheel coupling plate, a lock claw mounted on the fifth-wheel coupling plate configured to be movable in a first closing direction, a locking mechanism, with a stop, configured to be mounted on the fifth-wheel coupling plate configured to be movable in a second closing direction, wherein the fifth-wheel coupling plate has an insertion opening for a king pin, wherein the lock claw positively prevents the king pin from moving out of the insertion opening in a closed state of the fifth-wheel coupling arrangement and allows the king pin to move out of the insertion opening in an open state of the fifth-wheel coupling arrangement, wherein the wear sensor is configured to monitor a wear parameter of the fifth-wheel coupling arrangement, and wherein the wear sensor has a data output.

A fifth-wheel coupling arrangement includes, a plurality of wear sensors, a fifth-wheel coupling plate, a lock claw mounted on the fifth-wheel coupling plate configured to be movable in a first closing direction, a locking mechanism, with a stop, configured to be mounted on the fifth-wheel coupling plate configured to be movable in a second closing direction, wherein the fifth-wheel coupling plate has an insertion opening for a king pin, wherein the lock claw positively prevents the king pin from moving out of the insertion opening in a closed state of the fifth-wheel coupling arrangement and allows the king pin to move out of the insertion opening in an open state of the fifth-wheel coupling arrangement, wherein the wear sensor is configured to monitor a wear parameter of the fifth-wheel coupling arrangement, and wherein the wear sensor has a data output.

The invention relates to a semi-trailer truck with a tractor (10) and a semitrailer (12) having a kingpin, wherein the tractor (10) comprises a fifth wheel coupling (14) with a coupling plate (15), a closure for the king pin, an actuating mechanism for actuating the closure, and a cylinder-piston assembly (16) engaging the actuating mechanism for moving the actuating mechanism. The tractor (10) further comprises a compressed air supply line (18) to which the cylinder-piston assembly (16) can be connected directly by means of a quick coupling. The quick coupling is formed from a first and a compatible second coupling element (22, 24). The semitrailer (12) comprises a compressed air system, wherein the cylinder-piston assembly (16) and the compressed air system of the semitrailer (12) are each assigned the identical first coupling element (22, 24), and the compressed air supply line (18) is assigned the compatible second coupling element (20).

A fifth wheel hitch assembly for mounting to a towing vehicle and receiving a kingpin of a trailer incorporating a comfort assembly is provided. The fifth wheel hitch assembly may comprise a kingpin receiving assembly attached to a mounting rail via a comfort assembly. The comfort assembly may include one or more pivot bushing assemblies, as well as vertically adjustable, anti-rattle attachment systems. These attachment systems may include a cam assembly and/or a T-pin assembly.

A fifth wheel hitch assembly for mounting to a towing vehicle and receiving a kingpin of a trailer incorporating a comfort assembly is provided. The fifth wheel hitch assembly may comprise a kingpin receiving assembly attached to a mounting rail via a comfort assembly. The comfort assembly may include one or more pivot bushing assemblies, as well as vertically adjustable, anti-rattle attachment systems. These attachment systems may include a cam assembly and/or a T-pin assembly.

A fifth wheel coupling device is adapted for a towing vehicle that vertically receives a kingpin of a trailer. The device includes a plate having a kingpin hole formed therethrough defining a vertical path adapted to permit entry of the kingpin into the kingpin hole and through the plate along the vertical path, and to prevent release of the kingpin out of the kingpin hole along a lateral path leading outside the plate. A support base is attached to the plate, and is adapted to mount the plate to the towing vehicle. A lifting mechanism is operatively connected to the plate and is adapted to be mounted on the towing vehicle for raising and lowering the plate relative to the trailer. A locking mechanism is movably attached to the plate and is provided with an actuating portion. The locking mechanism is configured to be automatically actuable and adapted for releasably locking the kingpin relative to the plate and the locking mechanism upon engagement of the kingpin with the actuating portion of the locking mechanism.