US4219211A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Trailer connection means
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1978-12-22
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Granted: 1980-08-26
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Expires: 1998-12-22
Abstract
Abstract A gooseneck for connecting a tractor with a trailer adapted to transport heavy loads comprises an upstanding generally vertical section adapted to be releasably secured to the front of the trailer, and forwardly extending generally horizontal beam adapted to be connected to the fifth wheel of the tractor, the beam being pivotally connected to the upstanding section for pivoting about a transverse axis. The upstanding section of the gooseneck is equipped with pneumatic air bags, which bear against the rear end of the beam of the gooseneck. In response to pneumatic pressures supplied to the air bags, the rear end of the gooseneck can be raised, thereby adjusting the overall vertical height of the gooseneck and the height of the trailer above the roadway. Pneumatic pressure is supplied by the air brake system of the tractor. The horizontal beam and upstanding sections of the gooseneck can be locked together in one of several relative positions.
Inventors
- 👤 Leon P. Sauers
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 23:41
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02F; E02F9/00; E02F9/003; B; B60; B60P; B60P3/00; B60P3/06; B60P3/062; B62; B62D; B62D53/00; B62D53/04; B62D53/06; B62D53/061; B62D53/062; B62D53/065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
A gooseneck for connecting a tractor and a trailer for transportation, said gooseneck comprising: a generally upright first section having a main upstanding portion adapted to be releasably secured in rigid fashion to the front of a trailer, and a forwardly projecting part; a second section in the form of a forwardly extending, generally horizontal beam, adapted to be pivotally connected to the fifth wheel of the tractor; a pivotal connection between the first section and the second section, said connection being disposed on the forwardly projecting part of the first section, and the generally horizontal beam extending rearwardly from said pivotal connection to a position vertically above the main upstanding portion of said first upright section; said pivotal connection connecting said first and second sections for pivotal movement therebetween about a generally horizontal axis, to permit adjustment of the overall vertical height of the gooseneck and the level of the front of a trailer secured thereto; pneumatic adjustment means carried by the gooseneck and adapted to adjust the vertical height of the gooseneck and the level of the trailer secured thereto in response to pneumatic pressure supplied to said pneumatic means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
A gooseneck for connecting a tractor and a trailer for transportation, said gooseneck comprising: a generally upright first section having a main upstanding portion adapted to be releasably secured in rigid fashion to the front of a trailer, and a forwardly projecting part; a second section in the form of a forwardly extending, generally horizontal beam, adapted to be pivotally connected to the fifth wheel of the tractor; a pivotal connection between the first section and the second section, said connection being disposed on the forwardly projecting part of the first section, and the generally horizontal beam extending rearwardly from said pivotal connection to a position vertically above the main upstanding portion of said first upright section; said pivotal connection connecting said first and second sections for pivotal movement therebetween about a generally horizontal axis, to permit adjustment of the overall vertical height of the gooseneck and the level of the front of a trailer secured thereto; pneumatic adjustment means carried by the gooseneck and adapted to adjust the vertical height of the gooseneck and the level of the trailer secured thereto in response to pneumatic pressure supplied to said pneumatic means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The gooseneck of claim 1 wherein the pneumatic means is carried by the main upstanding portion of the upright section and bears against the underside of the generally horizontal beam at a position rearwardly of the pivotal connection of the first and second sections.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The gooseneck of claim 2 including locking means for locking the height of the rear end of the beam with respect to the upright section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The gooseneck of claim 2 wherein the pneumatic means comprises a plurality of air bags longitudinally extendable in response to pneumatic pressure, secured at their lower ends to a platform rigidly secured to the upright section.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The gooseneck of claim 2 wherein the air bags at their upper ends bear against a plate pivotally connected to the underside of the rear end of the beam for limited angular movement therebetween.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The gooseneck of claim 4 wherein the beam carries at least one air pressure storage tank operatively associated with the air bags to supply pneumatic pressure thereto.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The gooseneck of claim 1 including locking and guiding means for correct alignment of gooseneck and trailer prior to connection together, and for releasably locking together.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
The gooseneck of claim 7 wherein the locking and guiding means comprises a downwardly extending retractable pin on the upright section of the gooseneck, for reception in a guide channel and aperture on the front end of the trailer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
The gooseneck of claim 8 wherein the retractable pin is forwardly inclined and spring urged to its downward, locking position, pneumatic means being provided and connected to the retractable pin, operable to raise the pin to its unlocking position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-08-26 | 1984-02-25 | 1984-08-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-08-26 | 1988-02-25 | 1988-08-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-08-26 | 1992-02-25 | 1992-08-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |