Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A fifth wheel assembly of the type used for coupling a tractor and trailer, said assembly comprising: a) a metal bearing plate having a generally circular, flat portion having a pair of divergent, sloped flanges defining a slot for receiving and guiding a trailer kingpin; b) a low-friction plastic covering overlying the circular portion and flanges of said bearing plate; c) means for coupling said plastic covering to said bearing plate, and d) spaced metal skip plates for protecting said plastic covering from damage during coupling between tractor and trailer, each of said skip plates having a generally rectangular shape and being rigidly coupled to said flange and circular portions of said bearing plate, said plastic covering having generally rectangular slots in the interior region thereof for receiving said skip plates.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
A fifth wheel assembly of the type used for coupling a tractor and trailer, said assembly comprising: a) a metal bearing plate having a generally circular, flat portion having a pair of divergent, sloped flanges defining a slot for receiving and guiding a trailer kingpin; b) a low-friction plastic covering overlying the circular portion and flanges of said bearing plate; c) means for coupling said plastic covering to said bearing plate, and d) spaced metal skip plates for protecting said plastic covering from damage during coupling between tractor and trailer, each of said skip plates having a generally rectangular shape and being rigidly coupled to said flange and circular portions of said bearing plate, said plastic covering having generally rectangular slots in the interior region thereof for receiving said skip plates.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said slots are counterbored to define a flange portion about the slot periphery, said flange portion being captured by said skip plates when said skip plates are rigidly coupled to said bearing plate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said skip ?ars have a thickness slightly less than the thickness of said plastic covering so that said skip plates are recessed slightly below the upper surface of said plastic covering.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 3 wherein said skip plates are recessed between about 0.010 and 0.030 inch below the upper surface of said plastic covering.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said coupling means comprises a plurality of metal fasteners which are welded to said bearing surface through apertures formed in said plastic covering.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein said metal fasteners have a T-shaped cross section, and wherein said apertures are counterbored to receive said fasteners.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said skip plates-are angularly disposed with respect to each other.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said bearing plate is pivotally mounted for movement about a horizontal axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said slot, and wherein portions of the skip plates are located on both sides of said axis.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said skip plates are welded to said flange and circular portions of said bearing plate.