Fifth wheel coupling
Patent 4928987 Issued on May 29, 1990. Estimated Expiration Date: 
February 13, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
February 13, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3352571 3539202 InventorApplicationNo. 309132 filed on 02/13/1989US Classes:280/435, Double pivoted jaws280/433, Fifth wheel only280/434, Self-coupling384/421, For pivot of towed vehicle384/594Railway truck center bearingExaminersPrimary: Marmor, Charles A.Assistant: Yoon, Wook Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassesB62D 053/08B62D 053/12 AbstractA fifth wheel coupling for connection of a semitrailer to a tractor unit is disclosed in which a pair of symmetrical, swivel-articulated closing jaws having semicircular recesses for grasping the king pin have a split bearing comprising an outer bearing half fixed in each closing jaw and inner bearing halves rotatable with respect to the outer bearing halves. The split bearing includes a mechanism for returning each inner bearing half to a position aligned with its respective outer bearing half for uncoupling. The split bearing eliminates friction between the king pin and the closing jaws and is substantially free from wear and maintenance.Field of SearchFifth wheel onlySelf-coupling Double pivoted jaws Urged to retaining position by draft Transverse horizontal pivot retainer Centering Thrust bearing Vehicle center Ball Roller Railway truck center bearing Ball With self-adjustment means Assembling means Coil spring Split ring Resilient support member For pivot of towed vehicle Rotatable members resiliently biased to one position Spring biased manipulator By separate spring | |
