Composite automotive vehicle, components thereof, and a method of constructing and using the same

Claim 2

A composite automotive vehicle comprising an automotive draft vehicle comprising a chassis, the chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, first frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and first suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the first frame means, a load platform comprising a chassis, the chassis including tag axle means, second frame means extending from the said tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and second suspension means carried by the said tag axle means for supporting the second frame means, primary coupler means for coupling the load platform to the automotive draft vehicle, the primary coupler means including first cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means between the front and rear axles and second cooperating coupling means carried by said second frame means forward of the tag axle, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, the said first cooperating coupling means including a first coupler member and the said second cooperating coupling means including a second coupler member, the said first and second coupler members including cooperating universal connecting means for universally connecting the said first and second coupler members whereby the draft vehicle and load platform at the point of coupling with the said primary coupler means are capable of dynamic relative articulated movement around the longitudinal roll and pitch axes and substantial relative lateral movement therebetween is prevented, secondary coupler means for coupling the load platform to the automotive draft vehicle, the secondary coupler means including third cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means and fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means, the third and fourth coupling means cooperating to effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said primary coupler means and the said secondary coupler means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle and being effective to couple the load platform to the draft vehicle substantially along the longitudinal centerlines thereof, the said primary coupler means and the said secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the draft vehicle and the load platform whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle tagging true behind the said rear axle, and the said primary coupler means and the said secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 3

The composite automotive vehicle of claim 1 wherein the said primary coupler means is located at about the payload center of gravity with respect to the said first suspension means.

Claim 4

The composite automotive vehicle of claim 1 wherein the said secondary coupler means is located between the said rear axle and tag axle.

Claim 5

The composite automotive vehicle of claim 1 wherein the said primary coupler means is located at approximately the payload center of gravity with respect to the said first suspension means, and the said secondary coupler means is located between the said rear axle and tag axle.

Claim 6

An automotive draft vehicle adapted for coupling with an independent load platform to thereby provide a composite automotive vehicle, the said independent load platform being of the class comprising a load platform chassis, the load platform chassis including tag axle means, first frame means extending from the tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and first suspension means carried by the said tag axle means for supporting the first frame means, the automotive draft vehicle comprising a draft vehicle chassis, the draft vehicle chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, second frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and second suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the second frame means, first cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means between the said front and rear axle means for effectively coupling with second cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means forward of the tag axle means, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to form primary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, the said first cooperating coupling means including a first coupler member and the said second cooperating coupling means including a second coupler member, the said first and second coupler members including cooperating universal connecting means for universally connecting the said first and second coupler members whereby the draft vehicle and load platform at the point of coupling with the said primary coupler means are capable of dynamic relative articulated movement around the longitudinal roll and pitch axes and substantial relative lateral movement therebetween is prevented, third cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means effectively coupling with fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means, the said third and fourth coupling means cooperating to form secondary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle means and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said first and third cooperating coupling means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerline of the draft vehicle and being effective to couple with the said second and fourth coupling means and form primary and secondary coupler means respectively which are positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle. the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the draft vehicle and the load platform whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle means tagging true behind the rear axle means, and the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 7

An automotive draft vehicle adapted for coupling with an independent load platform to thereby provide a composite automotive vehicle, the said independent load platform being of the class comprising a load platform chassis, the load platform chassis including tag axle means, first frame means extending from the tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and first suspension means carried by the said tag axle means for supporting the first frame means, the automotive draft vehicle comprising a draft vehicle chassis, the draft vehicle chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, second frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and second suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the second frame means, first cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means between the said front and rear axle means for effectively coupling with second cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means forward of the tag axle means, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to form primary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, the said first cooperating coupling means including a first coupler member and the said second cooperating coupling means including a second coupler member, the said first and second coupler members including cooperating universal connecting means for universally connecting the said first and second coupler members whereby the draft vehicle and load platform at the point of coupling with the said primary coupler means are capable of dynamic relative articulated movement around the longitudinal roll and pitch axes and substantial relative lateral movement therebetween is prevented, third cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means effectively coupling with fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means, the said third and fourth coupling means cooperating to form secondary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle means and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said first and third cooperating coupling means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerline of the draft vehicle and being effective to couple with the said second and fourth coupling means and form primary and secondary coupler means respectively which are positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle. the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the draft vehicle and the load platform whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle means tagging true behind the rear axle means, and the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 8

The draft vehicle of claim 5 wherein the said first cooperating coupling means is located at about the payload center of gravity with respect to the said second suspension means.

Claim 9

The draft vehicle of claim 5 wherein the said third cooperating coupling means is located behind the rear axle means.

Claim 10

The draft vehicle of claim 5 wherein the said first cooperating coupling means is located at about the payload center of gravity with respect to the said second suspension means, and the said third cooperating coupling means is located behind the said rear axle means.

Claim 11

An independent load platform adapted for coupling with an automotive draft vehicle to thereby provide a composite automotive vehicle, the draft vehicle being of the class comprising a draft vehicle chassis, the draft vehicle chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, first frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and first suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the first frame means, the independent load platform comprising a load platform chassis, the load platform chassis including tag axle means, second frame means extending from the said tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and second suspension means carried by the tag axle means for supporting the second frame means, first cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means forward of the tag axle means for effectively coupling with second cooperating means carried by the said first frame means between the front and rear axle means, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to form primary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, the said first cooperating coupling means including a first coupler member and the said second cooperating coupling means including a second coupler member, the said first and second coupler members including cooperating universal connecting means for universally connecting the said first and second coupler members whereby the draft vehicle and load platform at the point of coupling with the said primary coupler means are capable of dynamic relative articulated movement around the longitudinal roll and pitch axes and substantial relative lateral movement therebetween is prevented, third cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means for effectively coupling with fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means, the said third and fourth coupling means cooperating to form secondary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle means and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said first and third cooperating coupling means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerline of the load platform and being effective to couple with the said second and fourth coupling means and form primary and secondary coupler means respectively which are positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle, the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle means tagging true behind the said rear axle means, and the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 12

An independent load platform adapted for coupling with an automotive draft vehicle to thereby provide a composite automotive vehicle, the draft vehicle being of the class comprising a draft vehicle chassis, the draft vehicle chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, first frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and first suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the first frame means, the independent load platform comprising a load platform chassis, the load platform chassis including tag axle means, second frame means extending from the said tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and second suspension means carried by the tag axle means for supporting the second frame means, first cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means forward of the tag axle means for effectively coupling with second cooperating means carried by the said first frame means between the front and rear axle means, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to form primary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, the said first cooperating coupling means including a first coupler member and the said second cooperating coupling means including a second coupler member, the said first and second coupler members including cooperating universal connecting means for universally connecting the said first and second coupler members whereby the draft vehicle and load platform at the point of coupling with the said primary coupler means are capable of dynamic relative articulated movement around the longitudinal roll and pitch axes and substantial relative lateral movement therebetween is prevented, third cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means for effectively coupling with fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means, the said third and fourth coupling means cooperating to form secondary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle means and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said first and third cooperating coupling means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerline of the load platform and being effective to couple with the said second and fourth coupling means and form primary and secondary coupler means respectively which are positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle, the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle means tagging true behind the said rear axle means, and the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 13

A composite automotive vehicle comprising an automotive draft vehicle comprising a chassis, the chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, first frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and first suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the first frame means, a load platform comprising a chassis, the chassis including tag axle means, second frame means extending from the said tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and second suspension means carried by the said tag axle means for supporting the second frame means, primary coupler means for coupling the load platform to the automotive draft vehicle, the primary coupler means including first cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means between the front and rear axles and second cooperating coupling means carried by said second frame means forward of the tag axle, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, the said primary coupler means including a ball and socket coupler whereby the draft vehicle and load platform at the point of coupling therewith are capable of dynamic relative articulated movement around the longitudinal roll and pitch axes and substantial relative lateral movement therebetween is prevented, secondary coupler means for coupling the load platform to the automotive draft vehicle, the secondary coupler means including third cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means and fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means, the third and fourth coupling means cooperating to effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said primary coupler means and the said secondary coupler means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle and being effective to couple the load platform to the draft vehicle substantially along the longitudinal centerlines thereof, the said primary coupler means and the said secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the draft vehicle and the load platform whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle tagging true behind the said rear axle, and the said primary coupler means and the said secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 14

A composite automotive vehicle comprising an automotive draft vehicle comprising a chassis, the chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, first frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and first suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the first frame means, a load platform comprising a chassis, the chassis including tag axle means, second frame means extending from the said tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and second suspension means carried by the said tag axle means for supporting the second frame means, primary coupler means for coupling the load platform to the automotive draft vehicle, the primary coupler means including first cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means between the front and rear axles and second cooperating coupling means carried by said second frame means forward of the tag axle, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, the said primary coupler means including a ball and socket coupler whereby the draft vehicle and load platform at the point of coupling therewith are capable of dynamic relative articulated movement around the longitudinal roll and pitch axes and substantial relative lateral movement therebetween is prevented, secondary coupler means for coupling the load platform to the automotive draft vehicle, the secondary coupler means including third cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means and fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means, the third and fourth coupling means cooperating to effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said primary coupler means and the said secondary coupler means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle and being effective to couple the load platform to the draft vehicle substantially along the longitudinal centerlines thereof, the said primary coupler means and the said secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the draft vehicle and the load platform whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle tagging true behind the said rear axle, and the said primary coupler means and the said secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 15

The composite automotive vehicle of claim 10 wherein the said primary coupler means is located at approximately the payload center of gravity with respect to the said first suspension means.

Claim 16

A composite automotive vehicle comprising an automotive draft vehicle comprising a chassis, the chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, first frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and first suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the first frame means, a load platform comprising a chassis, the chassis including tag axle means, second frame means extending from the said tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and second suspension means carried by the said tag axle means for supporting the second frame means, primary coupler means for coupling the load platform to the automotive draft vehicle, the primary coupler means including first cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means between the front and rear axles and second cooperating coupling means carried by said second frame means forward of the tag axle, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, secondary coupler means for coupling the load platform to the automotive draft vehicle, the secondary coupler means including third cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means and fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means, the third and fourth coupling means cooperating to effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said secondary coupler means including an elongated probe and an elongated slide, the probe having a forward portion securely mounted on the said first frame means and a rear portion extending rearward therefrom, the slide including elongated spaced members having upper portions securely mounted on the said second frame means and lower portions extending downward therefrom whereby a slide slot is formed therebetween of a width and length sufficient to receive the probe, and the rear portion of the probe extending through the slide slot to thereby couple the load platform to the draft vehicle, the draft vehicle and load platform at the point of coupling with the probe and slide being capable of dynamic relative articulated movement around the longitudinal roll and pitch axes while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said primary coupler means and the said secondary coupler means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle and being effective to couple the load platform to the draft vehicle substantially along the longitudinal centerlines thereof, the said primary coupler means and the said secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the draft vehicle and the load platform whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle tagging true behind the said rear axle, and the said primary coupler means and the said secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 17

A composite automotive vehicle comprising an automotive draft vehicle comprising a chassis, the chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, first frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and first suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the first frame means, a load platform comprising a chassis, the chassis including tag axle means, second frame means extending from the said tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and second suspension means carried by the said tag axle means for supporting the second frame means, primary coupler means for coupling the load platform to the automotive draft vehicle, the primary coupler means including first cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means between the front and rear axles and second cooperating coupling means carried by said second frame means forward of the tag axle, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, secondary coupler means for coupling the load platform to the automotive draft vehicle, the secondary coupler means including third cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means and fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means, the third and fourth coupling means cooperating to effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said secondary coupler means including an elongated probe and an elongated slide, the probe having a forward portion securely mounted on the said first frame means and a rear portion extending rearward therefrom, the slide including elongated spaced members having upper portions securely mounted on the said second frame means and lower portions extending downward therefrom whereby a slide slot is formed therebetween of a width and length sufficient to receive the probe, and the rear portion of the probe extending through the slide slot to thereby couple the load platform to the draft vehicle, the draft vehicle and load platform at the point of coupling with the probe and slide being capable of dynamic relative articulated movement around the longitudinal roll and pitch axes while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said primary coupler means and the said secondary coupler means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle and being effective to couple the load platform to the draft vehicle substantially along the longitudinal centerlines thereof, the said primary coupler means and the said secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the draft vehicle and the load platform whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle tagging true behind the said rear axle, and the said primary coupler means and the said secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 18

The composite automotive vehicle of claim 12 wherein the said secondary coupler means is located between the said rear axle and tag axle.

Claim 19

The composite automotive vehicle of claim 12 wherein the rear portion of the probe is substantially round and extends substantially horizontally through the slide slot, the rear portion of the probe has a rotatable resilient sleeve thereon, the said lower portions of the spaced members are substantially upright whereby a substantially upright slide slot is formed therebetween, and the slide slot has a width and length sufficient to receive the resilient sleeve and allow it to rotate freely.

Claim 20

The composite automotive vehicle of claim 14 wherein a retaining means is provided on the rear portion of the probe which has passed through the slide slot, the retaining means being effective to retain the said resilient sleeve within the slide slot and to prevent loss of the load platform from the draft vehicle in the event that the primary coupling means becomes inoperative.

Claim 21

An automotive draft vehicle adapted for coupling with an independent load platform to thereby provide a composite automotive vehicle, the said independent load platform being of the class comprising a load platform chassis, the load platform chassis including tag axle means, first frame means extending from the tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and first suspension means carried by the said tag axle means for supporting the first frame means, the automotive draft vehicle comprising a draft vehicle chassis, the draft vehicle chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, second frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and second suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the second frame means, first cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means between the said front and rear axle means for effectively coupling with second cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means forward of the tag axle means, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to form primary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, the said primary coupler means including a ball and socket coupler and the said first cooperating coupling means including one component thereof, third cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means for effectively coupling with fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means, the said third and fourth coupling means cooperating to form secondary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle means and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said first and third cooperating coupling means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerline of the draft vehicle and being effective to couple with the said second and fourth coupling means and form primary and secondary coupler means respectively which are positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle, the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the draft vehicle and the load platform whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle means tagging true behind the rear axle means, and the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 22

An automotive draft vehicle adapted for coupling with an independent load platform to thereby provide a composite automotive vehicle, the said independent load platform being of the class comprising a load platform chassis, the load platform chassis including tag axle means, first frame means extending from the tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and first suspension means carried by the said tag axle means for supporting the first frame means, the automotive draft vehicle comprising a draft vehicle chassis, the draft vehicle chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, second frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and second suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the second frame means, first cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means between the said front and rear axle means for effectively coupling with second cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means forward of the tag axle means, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to form primary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, the said primary coupler means including a ball and socket coupler and the said first cooperating coupling means including one component thereof, third cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means for effectively coupling with fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means, the said third and fourth coupling means cooperating to form secondary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle means and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said first and third cooperating coupling means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerline of the draft vehicle and being effective to couple with the said second and fourth coupling means and form primary and secondary coupler means respectively which are positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle, the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the draft vehicle and the load platform whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle means tagging true behind the rear axle means, and the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 23

An automotive draft vehicle adapted for coupling with an independent load platform to thereby provide a composite automotive vehicle, the said independent load platform being of the class comprising a load platform chassis, the load platform chassis including tag axle means, first frame means extending from the tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and first suspension means carried by the said tag axle means for supporting the first frame means, the automotive draft vehicle comprising a draft vehicle chassis, the draft vehicle chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, second frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and second suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the second frame means, first cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means between the said front and rear axle means for effectively coupling with second cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means forward of the tag axle means, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to form primary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, third cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means for effectively coupling with fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means, the said third and fourth coupling means cooperating to form secondary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle means and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said third cooperating coupling means including an elongated probe, the probe having a forward portion securely mounted on the said second frame means behind the said rear axle means and a rear portion extending rearward therefrom, the said first and third cooperating coupling means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerline of the draft vehicle and being effective to couple with the said second and fourth coupling means and form primary and secondary coupler means respectively which are positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle, the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the draft vehicle and the load platform whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle means tagging true behind the rear axle means, and the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 24

An automotive draft vehicle adapted for coupling with an independent load platform to thereby provide a composite automotive vehicle, the said independent load platform being of the class comprising a load platform chassis, the load platform chassis including tag axle means, first frame means extending from the tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and first suspension means carried by the said tag axle means for supporting the first frame means, the automotive draft vehicle comprising a draft vehicle chassis, the draft vehicle chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, second frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and second suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the second frame means, first cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means between the said front and rear axle means for effectively coupling with second cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means forward of the tag axle means, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to form primary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, third cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means for effectively coupling with fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means, the said third and fourth coupling means cooperating to form secondary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle means and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said third cooperating coupling means including an elongated probe, the probe having a forward portion securely mounted on the said second frame means behind the said rear axle means and a rear portion extending rearward therefrom, the said first and third cooperating coupling means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerline of the draft vehicle and being effective to couple with the said second and fourth coupling means and form primary and secondary coupler means respectively which are positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle, the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the draft vehicle and the load platform whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle means tagging true behind the rear axle means, and the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 25

The draft vehicle of claim 17 wherein the rear portion of the probe is substantially round and extends substantially horizontally, and the rear portion of the probe has a rotatable resilient sleeve thereon.

Claim 26

The draft vehicle of claim 18 wherein a retaining means is provided on the rear portion of the probe to retain the said resilient sleeve thereon and to prevent loss of the load platform from the draft vehicle in the event that the primary coupling means becomes inoperative.

Claim 27

An independent load platform adapted for coupling with an automotive draft vehicle to thereby provide a composite automotive vehicle, the draft vehicle being of the class comprising a draft vehicle chassis, the draft vehicle chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, first frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and first suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the first frame means, the independent load platform comprising a load platform chassis, the load platform chassis including tag axle means, second frame means extending from the said tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and second suspension means carried by the tag axle means for supporting the second frame means, first cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means forward of the tag axle means for effectively coupling with second cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means between the front and rear axle means, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to form primary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, the said primary coupler means including a ball and socket coupler and the said first cooperating coupling means including one component thereof, and the said second cooperating coupling means including the other component thereof third cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means for effectively coupling with fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means, the said third and fourth coupling means cooperating to form secondary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle means and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said first and third cooperating coupling means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerline of the load platform and being effective to couple with the said second and fourth coupling means and form primary and secondary coupler means respectively which are positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle, the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle means tagging true behind the said rear axle means, and the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 28

An independent load platform adapted for coupling with an automotive draft vehicle to thereby provide a composite automotive vehicle, the draft vehicle being of the class comprising a draft vehicle chassis, the draft vehicle chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, first frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and first suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the first frame means, the independent load platform comprising a load platform chassis, the load platform chassis including tag axle means, second frame means extending from the said tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and second suspension means carried by the tag axle means for supporting the second frame means, first cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means forward of the tag axle means for effectively coupling with second cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means between the front and rear axle means, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to form primary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, the said primary coupler means including a ball and socket coupler and the said first cooperating coupling means including one component thereof, and the said second cooperating coupling means including the other component thereof third cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means for effectively coupling with fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means, the said third and fourth coupling means cooperating to form secondary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle means and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said first and third cooperating coupling means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerline of the load platform and being effective to couple with the said second and fourth coupling means and form primary and secondary coupler means respectively which are positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle, the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle means tagging true behind the said rear axle means, and the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 29

An independent load platform adapted for coupling with an automotive draft vehicle to thereby provide a composite automotive vehicle, the draft vehicle being of the class comprising a draft vehicle chassis, the draft vehicle chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, first frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and first suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the first frame means, the independent load platform comprising a load platform chassis, the load platform chassis including tag axle means, second frame means extending from the said tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and second suspension means carried by the tag axle means for supporting the second frame means, first cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means forward of the tag axle means for effectively coupling with second cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means between the front and rear axle means, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to form primary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, third cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means for effectively coupling with fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means, the said third and fourth coupling means cooperating to form secondary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle means and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said third cooperating coupling means including an elongated slide and the said fourth cooperating coupling means including an elongated probe, the slide including spaced members having upper portions securely mounted on the said second frame means and lower portions extending downward therefrom whereby a slide slot is formed therebetween of a width and length sufficient to receive the probe and whereby the load platform is coupled to the draft vehicle by extending the rear portion of the probe through the slide slot, the draft vehicle and load platform at the point of coupling with the probe and slide being capable of dynamic relative articulated movement around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis, the said first and third cooperating coupling means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerline of the load platform and being effective to couple with the said second and fourth coupling means and form primary and secondary coupler means respectively which are positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle, the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle means tagging true behind the said rear axle means, and the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 30

An independent load platform adapted for coupling with an automotive draft vehicle to thereby provide a composite automotive vehicle, the draft vehicle being of the class comprising a draft vehicle chassis, the draft vehicle chassis including front axle means, rear axle means, first frame means extending between the said front and rear axle means, and first suspension means carried by the said front and rear axle means for supporting the first frame means, the independent load platform comprising a load platform chassis, the load platform chassis including tag axle means, second frame means extending from the said tag axle means to a point forward thereof, and second suspension means carried by the tag axle means for supporting the second frame means, first cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means forward of the tag axle means for effectively coupling with second cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means between the front and rear axle means, the said first and second coupling means cooperating to form primary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle, third cooperating coupling means carried by the said second frame means for effectively coupling with fourth cooperating coupling means carried by the said first frame means, the said third and fourth coupling means cooperating to form secondary coupler means and effectively couple the load platform to the draft vehicle at a point behind the said rear axle means and prevent substantial relative lateral movement therebetween, the said third cooperating coupling means including an elongated slide and the said fourth cooperating coupling means including an elongated probe, the slide including spaced members having upper portions securely mounted on the said second frame means and lower portions extending downward therefrom whereby a slide slot is formed therebetween of a width and length sufficient to receive the probe and whereby the load platform is coupled to the draft vehicle by extending the rear portion of the probe through the slide slot, the draft vehicle and load platform at the point of coupling with the probe and slide being capable of dynamic relative articulated movement around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis, the said first and third cooperating coupling means being positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerline of the load platform and being effective to couple with the said second and fourth coupling means and form primary and secondary coupler means respectively which are positioned substantially along the longitudinal centerlines of the load platform and draft vehicle, the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to prevent substantial lateral movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle whereby the load platform may be pulled by the draft vehicle with the said tag axle means tagging true behind the said rear axle means, and the said primary and secondary coupler means being effective to allow dynamic relative movement between the load platform and the draft vehicle around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis thereof while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.

Claim 31

The load platform of claim 21 wherein the said third cooperating coupling means is located between the said rear axle means and tag axle means.

Claim 32

The load platform of claim 21 wherein the said primary coupler means is a ball and socket coupler and the said first cooperating coupling means includes one component thereof.

Claim 35

The method of claim 24 wherein the load platform is coupled to the draft vehicle by the said primary coupler means at about the payload center of gravity with respect to the said first suspension means.

Claim 36

The method of claim 24 wherein the load platform is coupled to the draft vehicle by the said secondary coupler means between the said rear axle means and tag axle means.

Claim 37

The method of claim 24 wherein the load platform is coupled to the draft vehicle by the said primary coupler means at about the payload center of gravity with respect to the said first suspension means and by the said secondary coupler means between the said rear axle means and tag axle means, the coupled load platform and draft vehicle being capable of dynamic relative articulated movement around the longitudinal roll axis and pitch axis.

Claim 38

The method of claim 24 wherein the said primary coupler means is a ball and socket coupler and the draft vehicle and platform at the point of coupling therewith are capable of dynamic relative articulated movement around the longitudinal roll and pitch axes and substantial relative lateral movement therebetween is prevented.

Claim 39

The method of claim 24 wherein the said secondary coupling means includes an elongated probe and an elongated slide, the probe having a forward portion securely mounted on the said first frame means and a rear portion extending rearward therefrom, the slide including elongated spaced members having upper portions securely mounted on the said second frame means and lower portions extending downward therefrom whereby a slide slot is formed therebetween of a width and length sufficient to receive the probe, and the rear portion of the probe extending through the slide slot to thereby couple the load platform to the draft vehicle, the draft vehicle and load platform at the point of coupling with the probe and slide being capable of dynamic relative articulated movement around the longitudinal roll and pitch axes while preventing substantial relative lateral movement therebetween.