Compensator coupling for logging truck and trailer
OwnerLonnie L. Dockinsinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A compensator mechanism for coupling a logging truck and trailer together to allow for relative longitudinal movement between them during turning. A compensator tube is extensibly mounted within a sleeve affixed to the leading end of the trailer reach pole. The forward end of the tube is adapted to be coupled to the truck hitch. A spool shaped roller having a surface which conforms to the compensator tube is mounted on the reach pole in sliding contact with the upper portion of the tube. In operation, as the truck moves along a curved path the roller absorbs lateral thrust loads exerted on the compensator tube and reduces wear between the tube and sleeve.
Claims4
In a trailer for use with a towing vehicle:
- a reachpole having a forward end and a cylindrical sleeve at said forward end, the front extremity of the sleeve being open;
- and elongated, cylindrical member telescopically received within and movable longitudinally of the sleeve, the member having a front end exteriorly of the sleeve and provided with means on said front end for releasably attaching the same to a towing vehicle;
- a roller;
- and means rotatably mounting the roller on said forward end of the reach pole for rolling contact with the outer surface of said member, said roller having a spool-shaped, member-engaging surface which mates with and conforms to said outer surface of the member.
In a trailer of the type suitable for use with a towing vehicle and having a reach pole provided with a forward end, an open end cylindrical sleeve at said forward end, and an elongated, cylindrical member telescopically received within and movable longitudinally of the sleeve, the member having a front end exteriorly of the sleeve and provided means on said front end for releasably attaching the same to a towing vehicle, the improvement comprising:
- a roller;
- and means coupled to the roller for rotatably mounting the same in an operative positon on said forward end of the reach pole for rolling contact wih the outer surface of said member, said roller having a spool-shaped, member-engaging surface which mates with and conforms to said outer surface of the member when said roller is in said operative position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.