U.S. patent application number 11/509462 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-11 for carrier assembly for movably supporting a fifth wheel assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Jost International Corp., a corporation of the State of Michigan. Invention is credited to Gregory A. Laarman.
Application Number | 20070007747 11/509462 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25174192 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070007747 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Laarman; Gregory A. |
January 11, 2007 |
Carrier assembly for movably supporting a fifth wheel assembly
Abstract
A slide rail for mounting on a frame member of a tractor for
supporting a fifth wheel assembly movably thereon. The slide rail
includes a vertical attachment leg configured for securing the
slide rail to a vertically extending wall of the frame member and a
horizontal first leg joined directly to and extending from the
attachment leg. A channel member having a slide channel is
integrated with the first leg and configured to being positioned
above a horizontal top wall of the frame member when the attachment
leg is secured to the vertically extending wall of the frame rail.
A rack containing a plurality of teeth may be included on the
channel member. A pair of slide rails may be mounted to the frame
members of a tractor and a pair of stop assemblies may be
adjustably movably mounted across the ends of the slide rails.
Inventors: |
Laarman; Gregory A.;
(Holland, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VAN DYKE, GARDNER, LINN AND BURKHART, LLP
2851 CHARLEVOIX DRIVE, S.E.
P.O. BOX 888695
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49588-8695
US
|
Assignee: |
Jost International Corp., a
corporation of the State of Michigan
Grand Haven
MI
|
Family ID: |
25174192 |
Appl. No.: |
11/509462 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10194036 |
Jul 11, 2002 |
7108274 |
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11509462 |
Aug 24, 2006 |
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09798760 |
Mar 2, 2001 |
6488305 |
|
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10194036 |
Jul 11, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/438.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 53/0807 20130101;
B62D 53/0814 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/438.1 |
International
Class: |
B62D 53/06 20060101
B62D053/06 |
Claims
1. A slide rail for mounting on a frame member of a tractor for
supporting a fifth wheel assembly movably thereon, said slide rail
comprising: a vertical attachment leg, said attachment leg
configured for securing said slide rail to a vertically extending
wall of the frame member; a horizontal first leg, said first leg
being joined directly to and extending from said attachment leg; a
channel member having a slide channel, said channel member being
integrated with said first leg and configured to being positioned
above the horizontal top wall of the frame member when said
attachment leg is secured to the vertically extending wall of the
frame rail; and a rack containing a plurality of teeth, said rack
being included on said channel member.
2. The slide rail of claim 1, wherein said attachment leg and said
first leg are formed from a unitary metallic material.
3. The slide rail of claim 1, wherein said channel member includes
a second leg, and wherein said second leg at least partially
defines said slide channel.
4. The slide rail of claim 3, wherein said second leg is spaced
apart from said first leg, and wherein said first and second legs
are joined by a base, said slide channel being defined by said
first leg, said second leg, and said base.
5. The slide rail of claim 4, wherein said first leg and said base
are formed from a unitary metallic material.
6. The slide rail of claim 5, wherein said first leg, said second
leg, and said base are formed from a unitary metallic material.
7. The slide rail of claim 4, wherein said first leg, said second
leg, and said base have generally U-shaped cross-sectional
profile.
8. The slide rail of claim 1, wherein said slide channel is at
least partially defined by said first leg.
9. The slide rail of claim 1, wherein said rack is included on said
channel member opposite the opening direction of said slide
channel.
10. The slide rail of claim 9, wherein the opening direction of
said slide channel is directed outboard of the tractor when said
attachment leg is secured to the vertically extending wall of the
frame rail.
11. The slide rail of claim 1, wherein said rack is separately
formed and fixedly secured to said channel member.
12. A slide rail for mounting on a frame member of a tractor for
supporting a fifth wheel assembly movably thereon, said slide rail
comprising: a slide rail member, said slide rail member including a
vertical attachment leg and a horizontal first leg, said attachment
leg adapted for securing said slide rail to a vertically extending
wall of the frame member with said first leg being joined directly
to and extending from said attachment leg such that said first leg
and said attachment leg form a right angle; a slide channel, said
slide channel being positioned above the horizontal top wall of the
frame member when said attachment leg is secured to the vertically
extending wall of the frame rail with said slide channel being at
least partially defined by said first leg; and a rack containing a
plurality of teeth, said rack being located adjacent said slide
channel.
13. The slide rail of claim 12, wherein said attachment leg and
said first leg of said slide rail member are formed from a unitary
metallic material.
14. The slide rail of claim 13, further comprising a channel
member, said channel member including said slide channel.
15. The slide rail of claim 14, wherein said channel member
includes a second leg, said second leg being spaced apart from said
first leg, and wherein said second leg at least partially defines
said slide channel.
16. The slide rail of claim 15, wherein said channel member
includes a base, and wherein said first and second legs are joined
to said base.
17. The slide rail of claim 16, wherein said first leg and said
base are formed from a unitary metallic material.
18. The slide rail of claim 14, wherein said rack is attached to
said channel member opposite the opening direction of said slide
channel.
19. The slide rail of claim 14, wherein said channel member defines
a U-shaped member.
20. A carrier assembly for movably supporting a fifth wheel
assembly on a pair of spaced frame members of a tractor, said
assembly comprising: a pair of spaced apart slide rails, said slide
rails being joined by a pair of end stop members with each said
slide rail including; a slide rail member, said slide rail member
including a vertical attachment leg and a horizontal first leg,
said first leg being joined directly to and extending from said
attachment leg; a channel member having a slide channel, said
channel member being arranged on said first leg with said slide
channel being at least partially defined by said slide rail member;
and a rack containing a plurality of teeth, said rack being
arranged on said channel member opposite the opening direction of
said slide channel; each said slide rail being configured for
securing to a separate one of the spaced frame members of the
tractor with said attachment legs being configured for securing
said slide rails to the vertically extending walls of the frame
members such that said channel members are positioned above the
horizontal top walls of the frame members.
21. The carrier assembly of claim 18, wherein said attachment legs
and said first legs of each said slide rail are formed from a
unitary metallic material.
22. The carrier assembly of claim 20, wherein the opening direction
of said slide channels are directed outboard of the tractor when
said attachment legs are secured to the vertically extending walls
of the frame rails.
23. The carrier assembly of claim 20, wherein said end stop members
are adjustable in length such that said slide rails are adapted to
be selectively spaced apart.
24. The carrier assembly of claim 20, wherein each said end stop
member is directly joined to said first leg of each said slide
rail.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/194,036 filed Jul. 11, 2002 by Laarman, and
published on Nov. 28, 2002 as U.S. Publication No. 2002-0175493-A1,
which is a division of U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,305, which are all
hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The invention relates generally to fifth wheel assemblies
for coupling semi-trailers to tractors. More particularly, the
invention relates to a carrier assembly which is mounted on the
vehicle frame for movably supporting the fifth wheel supporting
carriage. Even more particularly, the invention relates to such a
carrier assembly which is adjustable for various width tractor
frames and which facilitates positioning and replacement of the
carriage on the trailer.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Large highway freight trailers are usually coupled to a
tractor by a fifth wheel assembly may include a top plate and a
side bracket or carriage assembly having a locking device which
engages the slide bracket in a selected position. The fifth wheel
top plate is mounted on the carriage assembly which is movably
adjustably mounted on a carrier assembly which is secured to the
tractor frame.
[0006] These slide plates or carrier assemblies are usually custom
made to fit a particular type of tractor due to the size of the
tractor frame. For certain applications it is necessary to adjust
the position of the carriage assembly on the carrier assembly in
order for the locking mechanism to be compatible with the location
of the trailer king pin to provide a desired weight distribution on
the rear suspension of the tractor. Likewise, this position affects
the turning radius that can be achieved between the tractor and
trailer. This adjustment of the carrier and carriage assemblies
with respect to each other and to the tractor frame is relatively
complicated and expensive due to the welding and unwelding of
various parts.
[0007] Carrier assemblies have various stop plates welded across
the ends of the carrier to limit the position of the carriage
assembly to prevent excessive movement of the carriage on the
carrier assembly resulting in a dangerous turning radius and
undesirable weight distribution on the tractor rear wheels.
Heretofore, these stop members were welded into position and
required breaking of the weld and rewelding the stop plate in a
newly desired position, especially when replacing the slide plate
assembly for maintenance or adaptability for use with a different
trailer.
[0008] Another problem with existing fifth wheel assemblies and in
particular the carrier assembly therefor, is that the racks along
which the carriage assembly is movably mounted and subsequently
positioned by a pair of opposed plungers or other retention
mechanism, are usually single linear lengths of a rack which
require replacement of the entire rack should one of the teeth
become damaged. This is an expensive procedure requiring numerous
welds to be broken in order to remove the rack and then rewelded
along the entire length once the new rack is put in place.
Likewise, the cost of the new rack is expensive for replacing only
one or several broken teeth.
[0009] Still another problem with existing carrier assemblies is
the unequal weight distribution of the carriage and slide plate on
the carrier assembly resulting in increased maintenance
problems.
[0010] Another problem with existing fifth wheel assemblies is that
the spring biased plungers which secure a carriage assembly in a
fixed position on a carrier assembly, may require replacement in
order to match a particular width trailer frame. This is expensive
and undesirable. Furthermore, over time, the biasing force of the
plunger biasing springs will weaken due to wear, temperature and
the harsh environment in which they are located, which could cause
premature release of the plungers from the carrier rails.
[0011] Thus, the need exists for an improved carrier assembly for
movably supporting a carriage assembly thereon of a tractor fifth
wheel to eliminate problems with prior art carrier assemblies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention provides a carrier assembly for
movably supporting a fifth wheel assembly of a tractor trailer
combination which is readily adjustably mounted on the spaced frame
members of a tractor by a plurality of bolts along the length of
the frame mounting angle.
[0013] Another aspect of the invention provides a carrier assembly
having adjustable stop members at opposed ends of the carrier which
can be slidably adjusted easily along the length of the carrier in
order to properly position the carriage assembly thereon, and which
can be easily removed to permit replacement of the carriage and the
slide plate assemblies.
[0014] Still another feature of the invention is the forming of the
carrier assembly slide rails as integral one piece members having a
U-shaped portion on which the rack is welded whereby each of the
slide rails is easily mounted on the tractor frame member and is
able to receive and distribute the weight of the carrier in a more
efficient and effective manner.
[0015] A further aspect of the invention is forming the racks on
the slide rails of a plurality of rack segments, each segment being
secured to the slide rail by a pair of welds, whereby only a single
segment need be replaced should one or more of the teeth be damaged
avoiding the heretofore required replacement of the entire
rack.
[0016] A feature of the improved carrier assembly is the
adjustability of the mounting brackets for the stop members
enabling them to be mounted on tractor frame members of various
spacings replacing the heretofore single piece stop members that
are welded on the space frame members.
[0017] Another aspect of the invention is providing locking
plungers for securing the carriage assembly in a fixed position on
the carrier assembly which are adjustable in length to compensate
for different width trailer frames and to ensure a constant spring
tensioning force for maintaining the plunger teeth in engagement
with the teeth on the carrier assembly rails to prevent premature
release.
[0018] The foregoing advantages, construction and operation of the
present invention will become more readily apparent from the
following description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of
the best mode in which applicant contemplates applying the
principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown
in the drawings, and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and
set forth in the appended claims.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a tractor
trailer combination connected together by a fifth wheel
assembly;
[0021] FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of
the fifth wheel assembly movably mounted on a carriage which is
adjustably mounted on the improved carrier of the invention which
is attached to the frame members of the tractor;
[0022] FIG. 3 is an enlarged top plan view of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the fifth
wheel assembly with portions removed therefrom;
[0024] FIG. 4A is an enlarged fragmentary view of the encircled
portion of FIG. 4;
[0025] FIG. 4B is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on
line 4B-4B of FIG. 4A;
[0026] FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on
line 5-5, FIG. 4;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the carrier assembly mounted on
the spaced frame members of a tractor;
[0028] FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view with portions broken
away and in section, of the encircled portion of FIG. 6;
[0029] FIG. 7A is a bottom plan view of the stop member mounting
bracket of FIG. 7;
[0030] FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on
line 8-8, FIG. 7;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 6 showing one of
the stop members of the carrier assembly in an adjusted
position;
[0032] FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view showing the
two mounting brackets of the carrier assembly stop member mounted
on the spaced frame members of a tractor;
[0033] Fig, 11 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on
line 11-11, FIG. 10;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing the stop member
mounting brackets in an adjusted position from that of FIG. 10;
[0035] FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 13-13,
FIG. 12;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the
carrier assembly mounted on one of the tractor frame members having
a damaged rack segment;
[0037] FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 showing removal of the
damaged rack segment; and
[0038] FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIGS. 14 and 15 showing
placement of a new rack segment on the carrier assembly.
[0039] Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the
drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0040] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a usual
tractor trailer combination indicated generally at 1, consisting of
a trailer 2 and a tractor 3 connected together by a fifth wheel
assembly 4. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, fifth wheel assembly 4
consists of a usual top plate assembly 5 having a V-shaped slotted
opening 6 for receiving a king pin (not shown) of trailer 2 within
the locking opening 8 of a locking mechanism. The particularly
construction of top plate 5 and the manner of operating locking
mechanism 9 are well known in the art, and thus are not described
in further detail. Top plate 5 is pivotally mounted at 10 on a pair
of spaced pedestals 11 to permit pivotal movement of the top plate.
Pedestals II are mounted on a slide bracket or carriage assembly 13
(FIG. 4) which is adjustably movably mounted on the improved slide
plate or carrier assembly, indicated generally at 15. The
construction of carriage assembly 13 is well known in the art and
is only partially shown in FIG. 4 and briefly described below.
[0041] Carriage assembly 13 has a plunger assembly indicated
generally at 17, which includes a plunger support plate 18 and a
pair of movable plungers 19 connected together by an adjustable
link assembly 20. Each plunger 19 includes a plurality of teeth 22
which are formed on a plunger plate 23 which is mounted on the
outer end of an adjustment screw 26 (FIG. 4B) which is pivotally
connected to a pair of links 31 which are pivotally connected by a
pin 21 (FIG. 4) at the center of plunger assembly 17. The opposite
ends of each link 31 are pivotally connected to adjustment screws
26 by pins 32, Teeth 22 are engageable with teeth 24 of a pair of
spaced racks 25 to secure carriage assembly 13 in an adjusted
position on carrier assembly 15.
[0042] In accordance with one of the features of the invention,
adjustment screw 26 includes a threaded end 33 which is threadably
received within a threaded opening 34 formed in plunger plate 23
(FIG. 4B). This enables the length of plunger assembly 17 to be
adjusted for various width trailer frames and also enables plate 23
to be adjusted with respect to spaced racks 25 as shown by arrow A,
FIG. 4B, to change the tension in compression coil springs 39 which
bias plates 23 and corresponding teeth 22 toward engagement with
the teeth of rack 25. The inboard end of each plate 23 is slidably
located within an opening 44A of a mounting plate 44 which is
welded to plunger support plate 18.
[0043] Carriage assembly 13 includes a pair of stepped plates 28 on
which pedestals 1 I are mounted and further includes a cross, plate
29 extending between plates 28 for stabilizing carriage assembly 13
together with plunger support plate 18. A link 30 extends
diagonally between cross plate 29 and plunger support plate 18 to
stabilize carriage assembly 13.
[0044] Carriage assembly 13 includes a pair of mounting brackets 55
extending across the underside of stepped plate 28 for movably
mounting carriage assembly 13 on carrier assembly 15 (FIG. 5). Only
one bracket 55 is shown in FIG. 4 and is described further
below.
[0045] Improved carrier assembly 15 is shown particularly in FIG.
6. In accordance with one of the features of the invention it
includes a pair of adjustable end stop members 35, each of which
includes a stop plate 36 and a pair of end mounting brackets 37.
Carrier assembly 15 further includes a pair of improved slide rails
indicated generally at 40, which are mounted on spaced tractor
frame members 27 for movably supporting carriage assembly 13 on
rails 40 as shown in FIG. 5. Tractor frame members 27 are usually
inverted U-shaped or L-shaped beams as shown in FIG. 5 having a
vertically extending leg 27A and a horizontal top leg or wall 27B.
Slide rails 40 are preferably substantially similar to each other,
and thus only one is described in detail and shown in the
drawings.
[0046] In accordance with another feature of the invention, slide
rail 40 (FIGS. 2, 5 and 6) is formed as an integral one piece
member of rigid metal and includes a flat vertically extending
mounting leg 41 containing a plurality of mounting holes 42 for
receiving mounting bolts 43 therethrough for rigidly attaching
slide rail 40 to tractor frame leg 27A. Slide rail 40 further
includes a. U-shaped member 45 formed by a pair of spaced legs 46
and 47 joined by a base 48 which form a U-shaped channel 49
therein. Leg 46 extends from mounting leg 41 and forms a
substantial 90.degree. angle therebetween and extends along end and
rests upon top surface 38 of tractor frame leg 27B.
[0047] In accordance with another feature of the invention rack 25
is formed by a plurality of rack segments 50 which are mounted on
base 48 of U-shaped member 45 by a plurality of welded connections
52. Preferably, there are at least two welded connections 52 for
each rack segment 50, each connection having upper and lower welds
53. Each rack segment 50 includes a plurality of the individual
teeth 24 which extend inboard from U-shaped member 45. In the
preferred embodiment rack segments 50 have a linear length of
approximately six inches.
[0048] Referring particularly to FIGS. 4 and 5, carriage assembly
13 is adjustably movably mounted on carrier assembly 15 by mounting
brackets 55 which extend generally throughout the length of
pedestal support plate 28 and are secured thereto by pairs of bolts
58. Bolts 58 also extend through and connect link 31 to an
outwardly projecting tab 61, a plurality of which extend outwardly
from the corners of plunger support plate 18. Bolts 58 also connect
tabs 56 to clamp 55, and to a generally U-shaped bracket 57 through
which plunger teeth segments 23 extend for engagement with racks
25.
[0049] Each mounting bracket 55 (FIG. 5) further includes a
U-shaped channel 64 formed by a lower leg 62 and stepped pedestal
plate 28. Plate 28 terminates in an outboard U-shaped channel
forming member 67 having a lower leg 68 which forms U-shaped
channel 69 with stepped plate 28. The cross sectional configuration
of brackets 55 will remain similar to that shown in FIG. 5 except
for a short section (not shown) opposite of plunger segments 23
whereon the vertical wall 54 extending between bracket 57 and
pedestal plate 28 is cut away to permit the passage of plunger
teeth segment 23 therethrough.
[0050] As shown particularly in FIG. 5, mounting bracket 55 is
secured in a selected fixed position on slide rail 40 by a threaded
set bolt 72 which is adjustably engaged in a thread hole 74 formed
in member 67. The inner end of bolt 72 engages the outer end of leg
47 of slide rail 40, and is secured in the fixed clamping
engagement therewith by a lock nut 73. Leg 47 of U-shaped member 45
of rail 40 is received in U-shaped channel 69 with teeth 24 of rack
segments 50 extending into U-shaped channel 64.
[0051] As can be seen in FIG. 5, slide rail 40 provides various
areas on which the weight of carriage assembly 13 is supported,
such as the upper surfaces of leg 47 and of teeth 24, leg 27B
engaging leg 62, and leg 46 supporting bracket leg 68 on top wall
27B of tractor frame 27. These various areas of support are
provided by slide rail 40 for evenly distributing and supporting
the weight of carriage assembly 13 through mounting brackets
55.
[0052] In accordance with a further feature of the invention, stop
members 35 are adjustable in length to accommodate different width
tractor frame members as shown particularly in FIGS. 10-12 as well
as being movably adjustable along the longitudinal length of
carrier assembly 15 as shown particularly in FIG. 9. This width
adjustment is obtained by the unique construction of mounting
brackets 37. Referring particularly to FIGS. 6-12, each mounting
bracket 37 includes a mounting plate indicated generally at 80,
having an in-turned end 81 which forms a U-shaped channel 82 for
slidably receiving the outer end of leg 48 of U-shaped member 45
therein for slidably adjustably mounting mounting bracket 37 on
slide rail 40 (FIGS. 8 and 11). Mounting plate 80 includes a
recessed area 83 formed between a pair of teeth 85 into which a
tooth 24 extends for engagement with adjacent teeth 85 which
engages spaced teeth 24 formed on rack 25 as shown particularly in
FIGS. 7 and 7A. Mounting plate 80 includes two pairs of holes 86
and 87 with holes 87 extending through-teeth 85 for receiving bolts
88 and 89 respectively therethrough, which are threadably engaged
in aligned holes 90 and 91 formed in a bottom clamping plate 93
(FIGS. 8 and 1 1). Mounting bracket 37 is secured in a selected
position along rack 25 by receiving one of the rack teeth 24 in
area 83 formed between the pair of teeth 85 formed on the bottom
surface of mounting plate 80.
[0053] Stop plate 36 is formed with a pair of opposed ends 95 and
96 (FIGS. 10 and 11), each of which is formed with a pair slotted
openings 97 through which bolts 88 extend for securing plate 80 in
an adjusted position on the ends of stop plate 36. As shown in FIG.
10, stop member 35 is in its shortest position or narrowest width
as indicted by bracket X, due to the location of bolts 88 within
slotted openings 97. FIG. 12 shows stop member 35 in its longest
position or greatest width as indicated by bracket Y, due to the
location of stop bolts 89 within slotted openings 97 of stop plate
36.
[0054] Thus, carrier assembly 15 is adaptable for use with tractor
frames having various spacings without requiring substantial
modifications thereto by use of bolts 88 and slots 97.
[0055] This eliminates any welding as required in prior art carrier
assemblies. Carrier assembly 15 is adaptable for various tractors
having a range of frame spacings which heretofore required separate
specially designed carriers for each particular tractor due to this
difference in spacing requiring the welding and permanent fixing of
cross members thereon. Likewise, bolts 88 and 89 enable stop
members 35 to be easily adjusted across the width of the slide
rails 40 and longitudinally along tractor frame members 27 to
enable carrier assembly 15 to be adaptable to various tractors and
also to accommodate trailers having various king pin locations in
order to achieve various weight distributions on the tractor rear
wheels, as well as effecting the turning radius of the tractor with
respect to the trailer. Heretofore, these adjustments were made
permanently by welding fixtures to the carrier assembly and did not
permit ease of adjustment in the location of end stop members as in
the present invention which is accomplished by a plurality of bolts
which are readily loosened and then tightened once the desired
adjustments have been accomplished.
[0056] Likewise, plunger assembly 17 is easily adjusted as
described above, enabling it to accommodate tractor frame members
having various spacings therebetween without requiring substantial
modifications to the plunger assembly which is achieved easily by
the threaded adjustment of adjustment screw 26 in threaded opening
34 of plunger plate 23.
[0057] In accordance with still another feature of the invention as
shown in FIGS. 14-16, rack 25 is formed by a plurality of rack
segments 50 each of which includes a plurality of the individual
teeth 24. The segments are placed in an abutting relationship along
slide rail 40 as shown by joint 100. Each segment 50 is secured by
a welded connection 52, with each welded connection consisting of
top and bottom welds 53 as shown particularly in FIGS. 5, 8, 11,
and 13. In the preferred embodiment, each rack segment 50 will have
a length L (FIG. 16) of approximately six inches.
[0058] This feature enables a damaged tooth or several teeth as
shown by rack segment 50A in FIG. 15, to be easily replaced by an
undamaged rack segment SOB requiring only two welded connections 52
to be replaced and reapplied. This eliminates the heretofore
replacement of the entire rack 25, which in prior carrier
constructions was a single longitudinally extending rack formed as
a single piece extending throughout the length of the carrier
assembly. Thus, replacement of only one short rack segment is
considerably cheaper and easier to accomplish then replacing the
entire rack as required in prior carrier assemblies.
[0059] Accordingly, the improved carrier assembly for a fifth wheel
assembly is simplified, provides an effective, safe, inexpensive,
and efficient device which achieves all the enumerated objectives,
provides for eliminating difficulties encountered with prior
devices, and solves problems and obtains new results in the art
[0060] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding; but no unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0061] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited
to the exact details shown or described.
[0062] Having now described the features, discoveries, and
principles of the invention, the manner in which the improved
carrier assembly is constructed and used, the characteristics of
the construction, and the advantageous new and useful results
obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements,
arrangements, parts, and combinations are set forth in the appended
claims.
* * * * *