Patent · US Expired

Anti-jackknife apparatus for tractor to trailer connections

US5456483A · kind A · utility

11Cited by
13References
6Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 5, 1994
Grant dateOct 10, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 5, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62D53/0871
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A new and improved anti-jackknife apparatus for tractor to trailer connections includes a fifth wheel assembly connected to a tractor and a pair of locking pin assemblies connected to the fifth wheel assembly. Each of the locking pin assemblies includes an extensible and retractable lock pin. A control assembly is connected to the pair of locking pin assemblies. The control assembly is capable of being controlled by a first control signal in response to actuation of tractor brakes and is capable of being controlled by a second control signal in response to manual actuation of a bypass switch assembly by a tractor driver. A plate is connected to a trailer such that the trailer plate encircles a kingpin extending downward from the trailer. The trailer plate includes a pair of partially-ring-shaped slots adapted to receive the lock pins of the locking pin assemblies when the lock pins are in an extended position. The partially-ring-shaped slots are of a predetermined size and are oriented on the trailer such that when the lock pins of the locking pin assemblies are in engagement with respective ends of the partially-ring-shaped slots, a longitudinal axis of the trailer is oriented no …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.