CA2088223E - Extendible fifth wheel hitch assembly - Google Patents

Extendible fifth wheel hitch assembly

Info

Publication number
CA2088223E
CA2088223E CA002088223A CA2088223A CA2088223E CA 2088223 E CA2088223 E CA 2088223E CA 002088223 A CA002088223 A CA 002088223A CA 2088223 A CA2088223 A CA 2088223A CA 2088223 E CA2088223 E CA 2088223E
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
support frame
tubular
members
extendible
vehicle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA002088223A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2088223C (en
CA2088223A1 (en
Inventor
Ronald Koch
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
TRIPLE J INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORTATION Inc
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA002088223A priority Critical patent/CA2088223E/en
Publication of CA2088223A1 publication Critical patent/CA2088223A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2088223C publication Critical patent/CA2088223C/en
Publication of CA2088223E publication Critical patent/CA2088223E/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62DMOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D53/00Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains
    • B62D53/04Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains comprising a vehicle carrying an essential part of the other vehicle's load by having supporting means for the front or rear part of the other vehicle
    • B62D53/08Fifth wheel traction couplings
    • B62D53/0807Fifth wheel traction couplings adjustable coupling saddles mounted on sub-frames; Mounting plates therefor
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62DMOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D53/00Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains
    • B62D53/04Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains comprising a vehicle carrying an essential part of the other vehicle's load by having supporting means for the front or rear part of the other vehicle
    • B62D53/08Fifth wheel traction couplings
    • B62D53/0807Fifth wheel traction couplings adjustable coupling saddles mounted on sub-frames; Mounting plates therefor
    • B62D53/0814Fifth wheel traction couplings adjustable coupling saddles mounted on sub-frames; Mounting plates therefor with adjustment of the clearance between the tractor or the trailer

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

An extendible fifth wheel assembly consists of a first support frame, a second support frame and a third support frame. The first support frame includes at least one tubular member. Means is provided for attaching the support frame to an under carriage of a vehicle, such that the at least one tubular member is roughly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The second support frame includes at least one member adapted for telescopic insertion within the at least one tubular member of the first support frame. At least one tubular receptacle is positioned at an end of the second support frame. The at least one tubular receptacle is roughly perpendicular to the at least one member. Means is provided for locking the at least one tubular member of the first support frame and the at least one member of the second support frame in a selected telescopic position. The third support frame includes at least one member adapted for telescopic insertion within the at least one tubular receptacle of the second support frame. Hitch support means are positioned at an end of the third support frame, whereby a fifth wheel trailer is attachable to the third support frame. Means is provided for locking the at least one tubular receptacle of the second support frame and the at least one member of the third support frame in a preselected telescopic position.

Description

.~ .

The present invention relates to an extendible fifth wheel hitch assembly.

ROUND OF THE INVENTION

Trucks are used to transport trailers from factories where they are manufactured to sales lots across North America where they are sold. A single truck is capable of hauling two trailers. One trailer is supported upon a flat deck behind a cab of the truck, and another is towed behind by means of a fifth wheel hitch positioned at a rear of the truck. The size of the trailer positioned on the deck of the truck is limited, for if the trailer on the deck extends too far past the end of the deck the fifth wheel hitch at the rear of the truck cannot be used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

What is required is an extendible fifth wheel hitch assembly.

According to the present invention there is provided an extendible fifth wheel assembly consists of a first support frame, a second support frame and a third support frame. The first support frame includes at least one tubular member.
Means is provided for attaching the support frame to an under carriage of a vehicle, such that the at least one tubular member is roughly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The second support frame includes at least one member adapted for telescopic insertion within the at least one tubular member of the first support frame. At least one tubular receptacle i6 positioned at an end of the second support frame. The at least one tubular receptacle is roughly perpendicular to the at least one member. Means is provided for locking the at least one tubular member of the first support frame and the at least one member of the second support 20~8223 frame in a selected telescopic position. The third support frame includes at least one member adapted for telescopic insertion within the at least one tubular receptacle of the second support frame. Hitch support means are positioned at an end of the third support frame, whereby a fifth wheel trailer is attachable to the third support frame. Means is provided for locking the at least one tubular receptacle of the second support frame and the at least one member of the third support frame in a preselected telescopic position.
The extendible fifth wheel hitch assembly, as described, is horizontally extendible to place the fifth wheel hitch a sufficient distance behind the truck to accommodate the length of the trailer positioned on the deck. As well, a vertical adjustment of the fifth wheel hitch assembly can be made to accommodate the size of trailer being hauled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an extendible fifth wheel hitch assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a first support frame of the extendible fifth wheel hitch assembly illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a second support frame of the extendible fifth wheel hitch assembly illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a third support frame of the extendible fi~th wheel hitch assembly illustrated in FIGURE 1.

.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiment, an extendible fifth wheel hitch assembly generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 4.

Extendible fifth wheel hitch assembly 10 includes a first support frame 12, a generally "U" shaped second support frame 14 and a generally "U" shaped third support frame 16.
Referring to FIGURE 2, first support frame 12 includes a pair of parallel spaced tubular members 17 having transverse holes 18 positioned at spaced intervals along their length. Brackets 20 are positioned at intervals along first support frame 12 permitting first support frame 12 to be attached to an undercarriage of a vehicle (not shown). When attached to the undercarriage of the vehicle, the parallel spaced tubular members 17 are roughly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Referring to FIGURE 3, second support frame 14 includes a pair of parallel spaced members 22. Members 22 have transverse holes 26 positioned at spaced intervals along their length. Referring to FIGURE 1, members 22 are adapted for telescopic insertion within tubular members 17 of first support frame 12. Referring to FIGURE 3, a pair of parallel spaced tubular receptacles 28 are positioned at an end 30 of second support frame 14. Tubular receptacles 28 are roughly perpendicular to second support frame 14 and have transverse holes 32. It is preferred that a hitch 34 be positioned at end 30 of second support frame 14. Referring to FIGURE 1, bolts 36 are extended through aligned transverse holes 18 and 26, respectively, whereby tubular members 17 of first support frame 12 and members 22 of second support frame 14 are locked in a selected telescopic position. Referring to FIGURE 4, third support frame 16 includes a pair of parallel spaced members 38 which have transver8e hole~ 42. Referring to FIGURE 1, members 38 are adapted for telescopic insertion within tubular receptacles 28 of second support frame 14. Referring to FIGURE
4, a fifth wheel hitch support 44 is positioned at an end 46 208~223 .

of third support frame 16. Fifth wheel hitch support 44 permits a fifth wheel trailer ~not shown) to be attached to end 46 of third support frame 16. Referring to FIGURE 1, bolts 48 are extendable through aligned transverse holes 32 and 42, respectively, whereby tubular receptacles 28 of second support frame 14 and members 38 of third support frame 16 are locked in a preselected telescopic position. Each of the support frames is linked by a safety pin 50 with a connecting chain 52.

The use and operation of fifth wheel hitch assembly 10 will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 4.
First support frame is mounted under a deck of a truck that is used to haul trailers. When not required second support frame 14 is retracted within first support frame 12, and third support frame 16 is removed. The size of the trailer which is being carried upon the deck of the truck determines the extent to which second support frame must be extended from first support frame 12. When bolts 36 are removed second support frame 14 can be telescopically extended relative to first support frame 12. Once second support frame 14 is in a selected telescopic position bolts 36 are inserted through aligned transverse holes 18 and 26 in tubular members 17 of first support frame 12 and members 22 of second support frame 14, respectively. This locks first support frame 12 and second support frame 14 in the selected telescopic position. The type of trailer being hauled behind the trailer determines which hitch is to be used. A trailer having a conventional hitch is towed by means of hitch 34. A fifth wheel trailer is towed by connecting the trailer to fifth wheel hitch support 44. Fifth wheel hitch support 44 preferably should be positioned at the correct height. This is accomplished by removing bolts 48.
When fifth wheel hitch support 44 is at a selected height, bolts 48 are inserted through aligned transverse holes 32 and 42 in tubular receptacles 28 of second support frame 14 and members 38 of third support frame 16, respectively, to lock them in the selected telescopic position. After the frame members are locked in the selected telescopic positions and prior to departing the driver of the truck extends safety pin 50 through selected ones of the transverse holes as a safety measure. For example, safety pin 50 which extends is through transverse holes 26 in members 22 of second support frame 14 is linked by chain 52 to first support frame 12. Should bolts 36 fail chain 52 will prevent second support frame 14 from separating from first support frame 12.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the Claims.

Claims (15)

1. An extendible fifth wheel assembly, comprising;
a first support frame, including at least one tubular member and means for attaching the support frame to an under carriage of a vehicle, such that the at least one tubular member is roughly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle;
a second support frame, including at least one member adapted for telescopic insertion within the at least one tubular member of the first support frame;
means for locking the at least one tubular member of the first support frame and the at least one member of the second support frame in a selected telescopic position;
a third support frame attached to the second support frame and including hitch support means at an end of the third support frame, whereby a fifth wheel trailer is attachable to the third support frame; and the extendible fifth wheel assembly being supported only by the vehicle to which it is attached.
2. The extendible fifth wheel assembly of claim 1 in which the vehicle is a flat bed truck and the fifth wheel assembly is attached to the rear of the flat bed truck.
3. The extendible fifth wheel assembly of claims 1 or 2 in which:
the second support frame includes at least one tubular receptacle at an end of the second support frame, the at least one tubular receptacle being roughly perpendicular to the at least one member of the second support frame; and the third support frame includes:

at least one member adapted for telescopic insertion within the at least one tubular receptacle of the second support frame; and means for locking the at least one tubular receptacle of the second support frame and the at least one member of the third support frame in a preselected telescopic position.
4. An extendible fifth wheel assembly, comprising:
a first support frame, including a pair of parallel spaced tubular members and means for attaching the support frame to an under carriage of a vehicle, such that the parallel spaced tubular members are roughly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle;
a generally "U" shaped second support frame including a pair of parallel spaced members adapted for telescopic insertion within the tubular members of the first support frame;
means for locking the tubular members of the first support frame and the members of the second support frame in a selected telescopic position;
a generally "U" shaped third support frame attached to the second support frame and including hitch support means at an end of the third support frame, whereby a fifth wheel trailer is attachable to the third support frame; and the extendible fifth wheel assembly being supported only by the vehicle to which it is attached.
5. The extendible fifth wheel assembly of claim 4 in which the vehicle is a flat bed truck and the fifth wheel assembly is attached to the rear of the flat bed truck.
6. The extendible fifth wheel assembly of claims 4 or 5 in which:

the second support frame includes a pair of parallel spaced tubular receptacles at an end of the second support frame, the tubular receptacles being roughly perpendicular to the parallel spaced members; and the third support frame includes:
a pair of parallel spaced members adapted for telescopic insertion within the tubular receptacles of the second support frame; and means for locking the tubular receptacles of the second support frame and the members of the third support frame in a preselected telescopic position.
7. An extendible fifth wheel assembly, comprising:
a first support frame, including a pair of parallel spaced tubular members having transverse holes at spaced intervals and brackets for attaching the support frame to an under carriage of a vehicle, such that the parallel spaced tubular members are roughly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle;
a generally "U" shaped second support frame, including a pair of parallel spaced members adapted for telescopic insertion within the tubular members of the first support frame and having transverse holes at spaced intervals;
a hitch at the end of the second support frame;
bolts extendible through aligned transverse holes whereby the tubular members of the first support frame and the members of the second support frame are Locked in a selected telescopic position;
a generally "U" shaped third support frame attached to the second support frame and including a hitch support at an end of the third support frame, whereby a fifth wheel trailer is attachable to the third support frame; and the extendible fifth wheel assembly being supported only by the vehicle to which it is attached.
8. The extendible fifth wheel assembly of claim 7 in which the vehicle is a flat bed truck and the fifth wheel assembly is attached to the rear of the flat bed truck.
9. The extendible fifth wheel assembly of claims 7 or 8 in which:
the second support frame includes a pair of parallel spaced tubular receptacles at an end of the second support frame, the tubular receptacles being roughly perpendicular to the parallel spaced members and having transverse holes; and the third support frame includes:
a pair of parallel spaced members adapted for telescopic insertion within the tubular receptacles of the second support frame and having transverse holes; and bolts extendible through aligned transverse holes whereby the tubular receptacles of the second support frame and the members of the third support frame are locked in a preselected telescopic position.
10. An extendible fifth wheel assembly, comprising;
a. a first support frame, including (i) at least one tubular member and (ii) means for attaching the support frame to an under carriage of a vehicle, such that the at least one tubular member is roughly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle;
b. a second support frame, including (i) at least one member adapted for telescopic insertion within the at least one tubular member of the first support frame and (ii) at least one tubular receptacle at an end of the second support frame, the at least one tubular receptacle being roughly perpendicular to the at least one member;
c. means for locking the at least one tubular member of the first support frame and the at least one member of the second support frame in a selected telescopic position;
d. a third support frame, including (i) at least one member adapted for telescopic insertion within the at least one tubular receptacle of the second support frame and (ii) hitch support means at an end of the third support frame, whereby a fifth wheel trailer is attachable to the third support frame;
and e. means for locking the at least one tubular receptacle of the second support frame and the at least one member of the third support frame in a preselected telescopic position.
11. The extendible fifth wheel assembly of claim 10 in which the vehicle is a flat bed truck and the assembly is attached to the rear of the flat bed truck.
12. An extendible fifth wheel assembly, comprising:
a. a first support frame, including (i) a pair of parallel spaced tubular members and (ii) means for attaching the support frame to an under carriage of a vehicle, such that the parallel spaced tubular members are roughly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle;
b. a generally "U" shaped second support frame including (i) a pair of parallel spaced members adapted for telescopic insertion within the tubular members of the first support frame and (ii) a pair of parallel spaced tubular receptacles at an end of the second support frame, the tubular receptacles being roughly perpendicular to the parallel spaced members;

c. means for locking the tubular members of the first support frame and the members of the second support frame in a selected telescopic position;
d. a generally "U" shaped third support frame including (i) a pair of parallel spaced members adapted for telescopic insertion within the tubular receptacles of the second support frame and (ii) hitch support means at an end of the third support frame, whereby a fifth wheel trailer is attachable to the third support frame; and e. means for locking the tubular receptacles of the second support frame and the members of the third support frame in a preselected telescopic position.
13. The extendible fifth wheel assembly of claim 12 in which the vehicle is a flat bed truck and the assembly is attached to the rear of the flat bed truck.
14. An extendible fifth wheel assembly, comprising:
a. a first support frame, including (i) a pair of parallel spaced tubular members having transverse holes at spaced intervals and (ii) brackets for attaching the support frame to an under carriage of a vehicle, such that the parallel spaced tubular members are roughly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle;
b. a generally "U" shaped second support frame, including (i) a pair of parallel spaced members adapted for telescopic insertion within the tubular members of the first support frame and having transverse holes at spaced intervals, (ii) a pair of parallel spaced tubular receptacles at an end of the second support frame, the tubular receptacles being roughly perpendicular to the parallel spaced members and having transverse holes; and (iii) a hitch at the end of the second support frame;
c. bolts extendible through aligned transverse holes whereby the tubular members of the first support frame and the members of the second support frame are locked in a selected telescopic position;
d. a generally "U" shaped third support frame, including (i) a pair of parallel spaced members adapted for telescopic insertion within the tubular receptacles of the second support frame and having transverse holes; and (ii) a fifth wheel hitch support at an end of the third support frame, whereby a fifth wheel trailer is attachable to the third support frame; and e. bolts extendible through aligned transverse holes whereby the tubular receptacles of the second support frame and the members of the third support frame are locked in a preselected telescopic position.
15. The extendible fifth wheel assembly of claim 14 in which the vehicle is a flat bed truck and the assembly is attached to the rear of the flat bed truck.
CA002088223A 1993-01-27 1993-01-27 Extendible fifth wheel hitch assembly Expired - Fee Related CA2088223E (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002088223A CA2088223E (en) 1993-01-27 1993-01-27 Extendible fifth wheel hitch assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002088223A CA2088223E (en) 1993-01-27 1993-01-27 Extendible fifth wheel hitch assembly

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2088223A1 CA2088223A1 (en) 1993-07-28
CA2088223C CA2088223C (en) 1994-08-02
CA2088223E true CA2088223E (en) 1996-09-03

Family

ID=4151050

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002088223A Expired - Fee Related CA2088223E (en) 1993-01-27 1993-01-27 Extendible fifth wheel hitch assembly

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2088223E (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE1013876A3 (en) * 2000-12-15 2002-11-05 Faymonville Yves PROCESS FOR CONSTRUCTING SEMI-TRAILERS AND SEMI-TRAILERS OBTAINED ACCORDING TO THIS PROCESS.
US8622413B2 (en) 2006-08-09 2014-01-07 Atc Transportation Llc Front tow extended saddle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2088223C (en) 1994-08-02
CA2088223A1 (en) 1993-07-28

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
NARE Reissued
MKLA Lapsed