Samuel W Martin

US Patent:

41991680, Apr 22, 1980

Filed:

May 26, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/909615

Inventors:

James H. Bush - Zeeland MI
Samuel A. Martin - Holland MI

Assignee:

Holland Hitch Company - Holland MI

International Classification:

B62D 5308

US Classification:

280439

Abstract:

A support for a tilt stabilizing fifth wheel hitch that connects a truck tractor to a trailer, the fifth wheel plate being on a movable frame having a pair of convex shoes connected by a tie rod and resting on concave bearing plates on a fixed frame, the movable frame being movable on the fixed frame toward either of two opposite extreme positions from an intermediate neutral position. The movable frame is biased away from these extreme positions toward the intermediate position by variable force biasing means, preferably coil compression springs on said tie rod, which apply increasing biasing force with increased movement of the movable frame toward one of said extreme positions, thereby enabling the truck driver to "sense" or "feel" the tilted condition of his trailer relative to his tractor during operation.