US3759545A — Convertible, articulated vehicle

Claim 1

Independent Claim 246 words

A truck type vehicle convertible into a truck-tractor for connection to a semi-trailer thereby forming an articulated tractor-trailer type vehicle comprising: a pick-up type utility vehicle having a rear frame structure; a lower fifth wheel type trailer connecting assembly; quick connect and disconnect means overlying the rear frame structure of said pick-up type utility vehicle and adapted to support said fifth wheel connecting assembly thereabove, said quick connect and disconnect means including a bed plate having said fifth wheel mounting assembly secured thereon at least two pairs of transversely aligned longitudinally spaced flange means extending vertically from each side of said rear frame structure and a corresponding number of flange means at each longitudinal side of said bed plate, the latter flange means being transversely aligned with the corresponding pairs of said frame flange means, each pair of opposite flang means having transversely aligned apertures disposed above the bed plate to removably receive an elongated pin, said pin being normally disposed transversely over said bed plate in retaining relationship thereto, whereby said bed plate and associated fifth wheel assembly may be readily removed from said vehicle; a semi-trailer type vehicle; means secured to said trailer for coupling the same with said assembly whereby a utility truck can be readily converted into a tractor-trailer rig; and automatic locking means operatively associated with said fifth wheel assembly and responsive to the engagement of said trailer coupling means therewith for locking said trailer coupling within said fifth wheel assembly.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 246 words

A truck type vehicle convertible into a truck-tractor for connection to a semi-trailer thereby forming an articulated tractor-trailer type vehicle comprising: a pick-up type utility vehicle having a rear frame structure; a lower fifth wheel type trailer connecting assembly; quick connect and disconnect means overlying the rear frame structure of said pick-up type utility vehicle and adapted to support said fifth wheel connecting assembly thereabove, said quick connect and disconnect means including a bed plate having said fifth wheel mounting assembly secured thereon at least two pairs of transversely aligned longitudinally spaced flange means extending vertically from each side of said rear frame structure and a corresponding number of flange means at each longitudinal side of said bed plate, the latter flange means being transversely aligned with the corresponding pairs of said frame flange means, each pair of opposite flang means having transversely aligned apertures disposed above the bed plate to removably receive an elongated pin, said pin being normally disposed transversely over said bed plate in retaining relationship thereto, whereby said bed plate and associated fifth wheel assembly may be readily removed from said vehicle; a semi-trailer type vehicle; means secured to said trailer for coupling the same with said assembly whereby a utility truck can be readily converted into a tractor-trailer rig; and automatic locking means operatively associated with said fifth wheel assembly and responsive to the engagement of said trailer coupling means therewith for locking said trailer coupling within said fifth wheel assembly.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 90 words

The truck type vehicle of claim 1 wherein said locking means comprises a locking pin slidably mounted within said assembly and biased toward a locked position; a trip pin means associated with said fifth wheel assembly for operative contact with said coupling means; and an unlatching arm fixedly secured at one end to said trip pin and operatively attached at the other end to said locking pin wheReby said trip pin will cause said locking pin to move into a locked position when said coupling means contacts said trip means.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 116 words

The truck type vehicle of claim 2 wherein said locking pin includes at least two laterally spaced slots formed therein; each being operative to engage a portion of said fifth wheel assembly such that said locking pin may be retained thereby; and wherein said unlatching arm is disposed exteriorly of said fifth wheel assembly and is generally arcuately shaped so as to wind around a portion of said fifth wheel assembly where said other end thereof is attached to said locking pin, said exterior arcuate shaped unlatching arm being operative upon actuation to disengage either of said notches from said fifth wheel assembly, thereby allowing said locking pin to move inwardly to its biased locked position.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 74 words

The truck type vehicle of claim 3 wherein said fifth wheel assembly includes a continuous inner wall structure that defines a king-pin engagement opening adapted to receive said locking pin; and wherein said trip means comprises a longitudinal rod like member having one end normally extending into said king-pin engagement opening and the other end projecting forwardly therefrom through said fifth wheel assembly where said other end attaches to said arcuate shaped unlatching arm.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 17 words

The vehicle of claim 1 wherein said trailer includes a landing gear type support operatively connected thereto.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1976-09-17	1977-03-19	1977-09-18	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1980-09-17	1981-03-19	1981-09-18	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1984-09-17	1985-03-19	1985-09-18	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Convertible, articulated vehicle

Abstract

Inventors

Bibliographic Details

Claims Analysis

References Cited (Backward Citations)

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Assigned Categories & Tags

Assign Category Tag