US3580609A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fifth wheel with load-transferring device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-12-08
•
Granted: 1971-05-25
•
Expires: 1989-12-08
Abstract
Abstract A fifth wheel for connecting tractors and trailers consisting of a pivoted coupling member having on the forward end thereof a hinged member supported by a pair of inflatable air bags seated on the tractor frame. The air bags are operatively connected into the compressed air system of the tractor through a control valve which enables the driver to distribute the load in the trailer between the steering, driving and trailer axles by varying the pressure in the inflatable air bags.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael F Paielli
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 04:15
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D53/00; B62D53/04; B62D53/08; B62D53/0807; B62D53/06; B62D53/068
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
124 words
A fifth wheel for connecting tractor and trailer units, said tractor unit having a frame supported on steering and drive axles, and said trailer unit having at least one axle and a coupling element, such fifth wheel comprising a coupling member pivotally supported by the tractor frame for holdably engaging the coupling element on the trailer, a flat member hinged on the forward end of the coupling member on the tractor, at least one inflatable air bag connected between the tractor frame and the flat member, and means for controllably inflating the air bag so that the flat member will impart a sufficient upward thrust on the trailer to distribute the load therein over the steering, drive and trailer axles in a preselected manner.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
124 words
A fifth wheel for connecting tractor and trailer units, said tractor unit having a frame supported on steering and drive axles, and said trailer unit having at least one axle and a coupling element, such fifth wheel comprising a coupling member pivotally supported by the tractor frame for holdably engaging the coupling element on the trailer, a flat member hinged on the forward end of the coupling member on the tractor, at least one inflatable air bag connected between the tractor frame and the flat member, and means for controllably inflating the air bag so that the flat member will impart a sufficient upward thrust on the trailer to distribute the load therein over the steering, drive and trailer axles in a preselected manner.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The fifth wheel of claim 1, having in addition thereto: resilient means between the tractor frame and the flat member yieldably supporting the flat member in a substantially horizontal position when the air bag is deflated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
The fifth wheel of claim 2 having in addition thereto: Flexible means connected between the flat member and the tractor frame providing an upper limit of travel for the flat member when the tractor and trailer units are disconnected and the coupling member on the fifth wheel pivots to an inoperative position of rest.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The fifth wheel of claim 1 in which the hinged connection between the flat member and the coupling member provides for relative vertical movement between said two members.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-24 | 1974-11-23 | 1975-05-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-24 | 1978-11-23 | 1979-05-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-24 | 1982-11-23 | 1983-05-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |