Patent ID: 7552937
Filing Date: 2009-06-30
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A shock-absorbing adapter for connecting a fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer to a towing vehicle, the adapter comprising: (a) a lower plate having a first end, a second end, an upper surface, and a lower surface; (b) an upper plate having a first end, a second end, an upper surface, and a lower surface; (c) a first guide means including: (d) a second guide means including: (e) a cushioning means including: (f) a first coupling mechanism fixedly secured to the lower surface of the lower plate, the first coupling mechanism being structured and configured to be releasably connectable to the towing vehicle; and (g) a second coupling mechanism fixedly secured to the upper surface of the upper plate, the second coupling mechanism being structured and configured to be releasably connectable to the fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer; and (h) wherein the upper plate is operably displaceable relative to the lower plate to thereby compress the cushioning means and responsively cushion relative movements between the first and second coupling mechanisms.