TRAILER UPPER COUPLER ASSEMBLY WITH INTERGRATED ANTI-JACKKNIFE UNIT

Abstract: The trailer mountable system limits the relative angular articulation between a highway tractor and trailer combination unit to a predetermined angle. The system includes a modified upper coupler plate (14) with an integrated anti-jackknife control unit utilizing an electro-pneumatic controlled ram (10) that extends downward from the trailer into the throat fifth wheel (20) limiting the angle of articulation between the tractor and trailer. Articulation is limited once the ram (10) is actuated by the tractor operator via wireless cab mounted driver interface (remote unit).

Description: TITLE OF THE INVENTION TRAILER UPPER COUPLER ASSEMBLY WITH INTERGRATED ANTI-JACKKNIFE UNIT FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a system for preventing jackknife steering control loss on tractors, semi-trailers, flat-decks, tankers and other articulating vehicles, and more particularly to systems for iimiting the articulation of a trailer about the tractor by means of a stopper engaged in the forks of the tractor's fifth wheel. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Environmental, traffic and public protection and the operational economies of preventing hazardous material spills and highway traffic fatalities by crash avoidance have become increasingly important, particularly to businesses involved with long distance highway cargo transport. The reduction of steering control loss through prevention of over articulation or jackknifing of the tractor/trailer combination is one means of achieving those objectives. As a tractor/trailer combination unit begins to loose control due to over articulation of the unit, the driver experiences the increasingly difficult challenge of maintaining steering control until articulation of the trailer to the tractor about the king pin 16 reaches the "critical angle" off the centerline of the trailer. Commonly known as "jackknifing", exceeding the "critical angle" causes the driver to lose complete steering control until the unit comes to rest, often with catastrophic results. Most attempts at limiting the angle of articulation have involved a heavy steel stopper that rotates about a pivot shaft and comes to rest between the forks of the fifth wheel. In prior art designs, a frame carrying the stopper, the pivot shaft and an actuating mechanism is attached to the trailer as a weld or bolted onto or aft of the trailer's upper coupler plate. Examples of anti-jackknifing devices are described in US Pat. No. 4,934,727 to Hawkins and US Pat. No. 5,135,248 to Keiserman. It is the object of this invention to provide an improved and effective system of preventing jackknifing in tractor-trailer assemblies. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one of its aspects the invention comprises an anti-jackknifing apparatus wherein an abutment member actuation assembly is mounted in an actuation assembly housed above the floor of the trailer frame, preferably on the top surface of an upper coupler plate. The abutment member moves vertically through an opening in the floor to engage between he forks of the fifth wheel. In another aspect of the invention, the abutment member actuation assembly is configured to be movable laterally during jackknifing. The assembly is gradually cushioned as it moves laterally until it reaches a limit position. Cushioning is preferably by bias means mounted between the movable actuation assembly and a rigid limit element. In another aspect of the invention, the actuation assembly comprises a cylinder acting to push up one end of a lever arm, a support on which said lever arm is pivotally attached, the other end of said lever arm being pivotally attached to said abutment member. In yet another aspect of the invention, the actuation assembly is mounted on a slide plate that slides against the upper surface of an upper coupler plate attached to said trailer. In another aspect, a vertically movable ram is received in a cushioning assembly that includes a receptacle mounted for lateral movement within the cushioning assembly. The receptacle includes a curved surface for receiving the abutment member. In another aspect there are provided two complementary curved receptacles for independent lateral movement within the cushioning assembly. In a further aspect, the actuation assembly is mounted on said fifth wheel. Other more specific aspects of the invention will be appreciated and defined by reference to the detailed description that follows and to the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The description of the invention and the preferred embodiment should be read in conjunction with the drawings thereof in which: Fig. 1 is a diagram of a typical tractor-trailer combination unit; Fig. 2 is a schematic showing the position of the modified upper coupler plate with the anti-jackknife control system according to a first embodiment of the invention, and its proximity relationship to both tractor and trailer; Fig. 3 is an isometric view of the modified upper coupler plate of the first embodiment; Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the modified upper coupler plate of the first embodiment; Fig. 5 is an aft view of the control system of the first embodiment and of the fifth wheel; Fig. 6 is a side sectional view of the control system of the first embodiment and of the fifth wheel; Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the modified upper coupler plate of the first embodiment showing the ram slot, slide rails, ram slide stops and king pin; Figs. 8A and 8B are transverse partial sectional views showing the telescopic ram and cushioning assemblies of the first embodiment; Figs. 9A and 9B are transverse elevations of a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the upper coupler plate of the second embodiment showing the slot, hold downs and ram stops; Fig. 1 1 is a top plan view of the upper coupler plate of the second embodiment; Fig. 12 is a perspective top view of the upper coupler plate of the second embodiment; Fig. 13 is a side elevation of third embodiment of the invention; Fig. 14 is a top plan view of the upper coupler plate and cushioning assembly of the third embodiment, with the ram in a neutral position; Fig. 15 is a top plan view of the third embodiment of the invention with the ram in a displaced position; and, Fig. 16 is a side elevation of the cushioning assembly of the third embodiment of the invention, viewed along the vertical plane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Referring to Figs. 2, 3, 5 and 6, the first embodiment of the invention is a system comprising an electro-pneumatically controlled ram 10 that slides within the confines of a slide rail sub-assembly 12, which is attached to and made part of a modified upper coupler plate assembly. The extended ram and its associated cushioning and stopping assembly cushions and limits the articulation of the tractor/trailer unit about the axis of the king pin 16 by acting upon the inside of the fifth wheel forks 24, 26 just outside the fork throat 18 of the fifth wheel 20. At rest (disengaged position) the ram 10 retracts into the upper coupler plate and slide rail assembly. The ram 10 extends downward from the trailer 22 and engages between the forks 24, 26 of the trailer's fifth wheel 20. In this manner, over articulation beyond the "critical angle" is prevented unless the operator disengages the ram 10 via a hard-wired or wireless communication driver interface. Referring to Figs. 6, 8A and 8B, the ram 10 is supported within slide rails 28, 30 and is centered to the trailer's longitudinal axis by means of hollow rubber springs 32, 34 encasing compression springs 36 and urethane cushions 38. The springs 32, 34, 36 and cushions 38 provide shock absorption to the impact force of a jackknife, ultimately stopping further articulation about the kingpin 16. During jackknifing, the fifth wheel forks 24, 26 abut against the ram 10 and cause it to slide along the rails 28, 30 transversely of the trailer's longitudinal axis. As this occurs, proximity switches 40, 42 mounted on rail 28 relay an audio and visual alarm that warn the driver of the articulation impediment. The driver then opts to either retract the ram 10 to allow sharp articulated maneuvers or maintain the engaged position of the ram 10 to assist in controlled stopping of the vehicle through prevention of a jackknife in the event of an emergency stop or skid. The ram 10 draws pressure from the trailer's air supply to overcome a spring bias inside the ram assembly 44 in order to engage. The springs are located within the ram cylinder under the head of the ram 10 and are partly shown in Figs. 8A and 8B. Air pressure and the spring bias act to retract the ram 10. In the event of air loss while the trailer is uncoupled from the tractor, spring bias will maintain the retraction of the ram 10 allowing angled tractor/trailer coupling (hook-ups). As the tractor/trailer articulates about the king pin 16 and the engaged ram 10 contacts the inside of the fifth wheel fork 24 or 26 at the throat 18, the resulting force causes the ram assembly 44 to slide (starboard or port) within the confines of the slide rail assembly 12. The ram assembly 44 will increasingly resist sliding until coming full stop at the "critical angle" ram stops 46, 48. Referring to Fig. 7, the anti-jackknife assembly sits atop the upper coupler plate 14 directly over an elongated slot 50 in the upper coupler plate 14 that allows passage of the ram 10 through the upper coupler plate 14 and along which the ram 10 slides as it is forced to starboard or to port. The elongated slot 50 is curved to maintain a constant distance from the ram 10 to the king pin 16 centerlines as the tractor/trailer unit articulates. In Fig. 7, the curve of the slot 50 has been exaggerated for illustration purposes. An upper coupler plate seal 51 is attached to the upper coupler plate 14 and is fitted around the ram 10 to prevent environmental contamination yet allowing the ram 10 unhindered mobility. The seal is a pliable yet resilient formed elastomeric material impervious to grease, oil and temperature ranges associated with the trucking industry. The seal may require periodic replacement and should be inspected as part of routine trailer maintenance inspection. The seal and location of the anti-jackknife assembly between the bottom of the trailer and the upper coupler plate is such that vulnerable components are protected from the elements such as water spray, snow and grit contamination. The ram assembly 44 consists of a telescoping ram 10 and a ram cylinder 52 and a guide assembly. Referring to Figs. 6 and 8A, the ram cylinder 52 and the guide assembly are initially cast and the guide assembly is then machined to provide squared tangs 54, 56, 58, 60 which define channels 62, 64 for receiving the slide rails 28, 30. The telescoping feature of the ram 10 allows a longer extension or throw relative to the low clearance required for the ram body to fit between the trailer flooring and the upper coupler plate 14. In order to accommodate fore and aft displacement of the ram 10 as it follows the curved slot 50, clearance is provided between the slide rails 28, 30 and the end wall of the channels 62, 64. The slide rails 28, 30 consist of Z-sections that are affixed to the upper coupler plate 14, transversely to the trailer and equally distanced on either side of the elongated ram slot 50. The slot 50 is machined transversely relative to the trailer. Ram slide stops 46, 48 are bolted to the upper coupler plate 14 at both ends of the slide rails 28, 30. The ram slide stops 46, 48 prevent the tractor/trailer unit from exceeding the critical angle of articulation. In addition to the fastening bolts 66, heavy stop pins 68, 70 are welded into the upper coupler plate 14 and protrude upwards to add to the shear load resistance required when the ram assembly is driven into the ram slide stops 46, 48 during a jackknife stop. Referring to Figs. 4, 7, 8A and 8B, a groove 72, 73 is machined into the back flanges 74, 76 of the ram slide stops 46, 48 to locate and secure the ram slide stops 46, 48 against the stop pins 68, 70. As the ram assembly slides nearer to either ram slide stop, the hollow rubber spring, compression spring and urethane cushion compress between the ram body and ram slide stop until the ram body stops. This will be at the critical angle 78 or 80 indicated in Fig. 7 and represents the maximum allowed articulation of the trailer. As the ram body starts to slide in either the starboard or port direction, the machined tang 54 of the ram body will contact one of two proximity switches 40, 42 mounted on the slide rails. The contacted proximity switch will then relay a signal, which will flash a light and emit an audio signal on the driver interface (remote unit) alarming the driver of the articulation impediment. The sub assemblies will accommodate various coupler arrangements while the communication system has the flexibility of a wireless driver interface remote allowing simple tractor interchange while providing protection regardless of various tractor couplings. The anti-jackknife control system utilizes radio frequency remote control and base units. The remote unit is operated from the tractor's cab and is powered by lighter plug, battery and/or solar power. The base unit is permanently installed on, as part of, the upper coupler/anti-jackknife control system assembly and is hard wired into the trailer's electrical wiring circuit. The base unit is responsible for monitoring and controlling the state of the input/output (I/O) signals which control the energizing the electro-pneumatic valve to extend or retract the ram 10. Microprocessors and radio frequency transceivers establish digital communications between the two units (base and remote). The remote unit is designed for modularity and is located in the cab of the tractor for interface with operator. The remote utilizes a microprocessor for management of I/O and communication encoding/decoding. Both the base and remote units use one radio frequency transceiver each to achieve low power communication. The remote unit sends command requests such as, Engage, Disengage, On and Off to the base unit. The remote unit also receives and interprets status from the base unit, which is indicated to the operator audibly and visually using alarms and lights. The remote unit is packaged in a compact plastic housing suitable for dash, roof, or steering wheel mount. Two buttons in the front of the remote unit allow the driver to switch the system On an Off and Toggle the Base unit through its Engaged and Disengaged states. The base unit supervises the devices connected to its I/O and makes control decisions based on the state of its inputs and command requests from the remote unit. The base unit is mounted in a durable water-resistant plastic housing that gives it a degree of protection from water spray and minor impact. The unit consists of a motherboard, responsible for processing and communications, and daughter boards, which interface with the I/O devices. The daughter boards provide the system with modularity and expandability, allowing room for future modifications to the I/O, which the unit will interface without having to remanufacture the control unit. The second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figs. 9A, 9B, 10, 11 and 12. In this embodiment, the actuation of the ram 100 is by means of an air cylinder 102, but through a connection across a lever 104 pivoted on a post 106. The ram 100 extends between ram guides 105, 107 and through a slot 109 formed in the upper coupler plate 1 10. Slot 109 is preferably made sufficiently wide that it may be made without incorporating a curve. Ram guides 105, 107, post 106 and air cylinder 102 are each bolted to a single slide plate 108 that slides over the upper coupler plate 110 between transversely extending elongated hold-downs 112, 114. Sufficiently space is provided between the fore and aft edges of the slide plate 108 and the hold-downs 1 12 and 114 to accommodate some fore and aft displacement as the ram 100 undergoes slight arcuate motion during jackknifing of the tractor- trailer unit. The assembly is cushioned by four compression springs 116, 118, 120, 122, urethane cushions 123, 124, 125, 126 and ram stops 127, 128, 129, 130. A third embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 13, 14, 15 and 16. In this embodiment, the ram 152 is mounted on the frame 150 of the tractor rather than in an assembly mounted on the trailer as in the first two embodiments. According to this embodiment, an air cylinder 156 is fixed against movement in a rigid mounting 154. A circular bracing sleeve 158 is provided about the ram 152 to absorb lateral forces when the ram is extended and the tractor-trailer unit is jackknifing. The ram 152 extends into a receiving and cushioning assembly 160 which is mounted between extra floor beams 162, 164 mounted transversely on the base of the trailer 166. Referring to Fig. 14, the receiving and cushioning assembly 160 comprises two opposed receivers 168, 170 each having a generally curved U- shaped portion facing the area of engagement of the ram 152 into the assembly 160. The U-shaped portion of each receiver is sufficiently broad to accommodate slight fore and aft displacement of the ram 152 as the tractor-trailer unit jackknifes. Thus the ram 152 will smoothly abut the curved wall of the receiver throughout its travel from a neutral position to its limit position. This obviates the need to provide a curved slot to accommodate the moving ram, through a curve is shown in Figs. 14 and 15. Fig. 14 shows the ram 152 in the neutral position while Fig. 14 shows ram 152 in a jackknifing position. The receivers 168, 170 are adapted to slide transversely of the trailer by means of tangs 172, 174, 176, 180 that engage in longitudinally extending slots 171 , 175 in rails 181 , 183. Rails 181 , 183 are rigidly mounted against the floor beams 162, 164. The receivers 168, 170 are further guided by elongated alignment pins 182, 184 that are threaded through ram stops 186, 188 that rigidly mounted to the trailer at each end of the assembly 160. Between the receivers 168, 170 and the ram stops 186, 188 are compression springs 190, 192 and urethane washers 194, 196. A variation of the previous embodiment is to mount the ram on the front of the fifth wheel. In such case, an additional advantage accrues. As the fifth wheel is adapted to pivot with the trailer (for example as the tractor-trailer crests a hill), a properly perpendicular relationship between the ram and the receiving and cushioning assembly. This avoids possible damage to the ram. It will be appreciated that the components of the invention described herein are easily removable for repair or replacement. Conversely, the components are easily retrofitted into conventional tractor-trailer assemblies. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, but that certain variations and modifications may be practised without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims: CLAIMS 1 . An anti-jackknifing apparatus to limit articulation between a tractor having a fifth wheel with diverging forks, and a trailer having a frame and having a king pin adapted to be engaged between the forks of the fifth wheel, comprising: an abutment member actuation assembly mounted above the floor of said frame; an abutment member retained in said abutment member actuation assembly; an opening in said floor above said forks; and, said abutment member being movable under the action of said actuation assembly to move linearly in the vertical direction through said opening between a first position where no portion of said abutment member extends between said forks, and a second position where a portion of said abutment member extends between said forks. 2. An anti-jackknifing apparatus to limit articulation between a tractor having a fifth wheel with diverging forks, and a trailer having a frame, an upper coupler plate defining a space between the floor of said trailer and said upper coupler plate, and a king pin depending downward from said upper coupler plate and being adapted to be engaged between the forks of the fifth wheel, comprising: an abutment member actuation assembly mounted on the upper surface of said upper coupler plate; an abutment member retained in said abutment member actuation assembly; an opening in said upper coupler plate above said forks; said abutment member being movable under the action of said actuation assembly to move linearly in the vertical direction through said opening between a first position where no portion of said abutment member extends between said forks, and a second position where a portion of said abutment member extends between said forks. 3. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said abutment member actuation assembly is movable laterally with said abutment member when the tractor and the trailer undergo jackknifing, said lateral movement having a limit position. 4. Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said actuation assembly is cushioned as it travels laterally before reaching said limit position. 5. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said limit position is defined by a rigid limit element and said cushioning is by bias means between said limit element and said actuation assembly. 6. Apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said bias means is at least one spring. 7. Apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said limit element and said bias means are located on the upper surface of said upper coupler plate. 8. Apparatus as in claim 3, 4 or 7 wherein said abutment member is a ram and said actuation assembly comprises an electro-pneumatically actuated cylinder housing said ram. 9. Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said ram is telescopic. 10. An anti-jackknifing apparatus to limit articulation between a tractor having a fifth wheel with diverging forks, and a trailer having a frame, an upper coupler plate defining a space between the floor of said trailer and said upper coupler plate, a king pin depending downward from said upper coupler plate and being adapted to be engaged between the forks of the fifth wheel and an opening in said upper coupler plate, comprising: an abutment member actuation assembly and an abutment member retained in said actuation assembly; said abutment member being movable under the action of said actuation assembly to move linearly in the vertical direction through said opening between a first position where said abutment member is urged to move laterally when the tractor and the trailer are jackknifing, and a second position where said abutment member is not urged to move laterally during jackknifing; said actuation assembly being movable laterally with said abutment member during, said lateral movement having a limit position. 11. Apparatus as in claim 10 wherein said actuation assembly is cushioned as it travels laterally before reaching said limit position. 12. Apparatus as in claim 11 wherein said limit position is defined by a rigid limit element and said cushioning is by bias means between said limit element and said actuation assembly. 13. Apparatus as in claim 12 wherein said bias means is at least one spring. 14. Apparatus as in claim 13 wherein said actuation assembly is mounted for lateral movement on spaced, opposed rails. 15. Apparatus as in claim 14 wherein said rails are cantilevered and said actuation assembly includes tangs engaging said rails on each side of said actuation assembly. 16. Apparatus as in claim 12 further including an alignment shaft extending from said actuation assembly through said limit element. 17. Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said opening is an arcuate slot. 18. Apparatus as in claim 5 and said actuation assembly comprises a cylinder acting to push up one end of a lever arm, a support on which said lever arm is pivotally attached, the other end of said lever arm being pivotally attached to said abutment member. 19. Apparatus as in claim 18 wherein said actuation assembly is mounted on a slide plate that slides against the upper surface of an upper coupler plate attached to said trailer. 20. Apparatus as in claim 19 further comprising hold-downs mounted on said upper coupler plate and between which said slide plate is constrained to slide laterally. 21. Apparatus as in claim 19 wherein said bias means comprises at least two springs mounted between said slide plate and rigid limit elements attached to said upper coupler plate at each side of said slide plate. 22. Apparatus as in claim 10 wherein said abutment member is a ram, said actuation assembly is mounted on said tractor, and wherein said ram is movable from a lowered position to a raised position extending into an opening formed in the bottom of said trailer. 23. Apparatus as in claim 22 further comprising a cushioning assembly attached to said trailer for receiving and cushioning said ram against lateral movement. 24. Apparatus as in claim 23 wherein said cushioning assembly comprises at least one spring and a rigid limit element attached to said trailer. 25. Apparatus as in claim 24 wherein said cushioning assembly further comprises a receptacle mounted for lateral movement within said cushioning assembly, said receptacle including a curved surface for receiving said laterally moving abutment member against said curved surface. 26. An anti-jackknifing apparatus to limit articulation between a tractor having a fifth wheel with diverging forks, and a trailer having a frame, an upper coupler plate defining a space between the floor of said trailer and said upper coupler plate, a king pin depending downward from said upper coupler plate and being adapted to be engaged between the forks of the fifth wheel and an opening in said upper coupler plate, comprising: an abutment member actuation assembly mounted on said tractor and an abutment member retained in said actuation assembly; said abutment member being movable under the action of said actuation assembly to move linearly in the vertical direction through said opening between a raised position where said abutment member is urged to move laterally when the tractor and the trailer are jackknifing, and a lowered position where said abutment member is not urged to move laterally during jackknifing; a cushioning assembly mounted on said trailer, said cushioning assembly comprising a receptacle mounted for lateral movement within said cushioning assembly, said receptacle including a curved surface for receiving said laterally moving abutment member against said curved surface. 27. Apparatus as in claim 25 wherein said cushioning assembly includes two of said receptacles, said two receptacles not being attached to one another, the curved surfaces of the receptacles being in facing relationship. 28. An anti-jackknifing apparatus to limit articulation between a tractor having a fifth wheel with diverging forks, and a trailer having a frame and having a king pin adapted to be engaged between the forks of the fifth wheel, comprising: an actuation assembly mounted on an upper coupler plate attached to the bottom of said trailer; a ram mounted in said actuation assembly for vertical movement in relation to said actuation assembly to extend between a retracted position and an extended position wherein said ram abuts a surface rigidly associated with said tractor; said actuation assembly being adapted to slide laterally when said ram undergoes lateral force during jackknifing so as to push against spring means toward a rigid member, one end of said spring means abutting against said rigid member. 29. Apparatus as in claim 26 wherein said actuation assembly is mounted on said fifth wheel. 30. An anti-jackknifing apparatus to limit articulation between a tractor having a fifth wheel with diverging forks, and a trailer having a frame, an upper coupler plate defining a space between the floor of said trailer and said upper coupler plate, a king pin depending downward from said upper coupler plate and being adapted to be engaged between the forks of the fifth wheel and an opening in said upper coupler plate, comprising: an abutment member actuation assembly mounted on said fifth wheel and an abutment member retained in said actuation assembly; and, said abutment member being movable under the action of said actuation assembly to move linearly in the vertical direction through said opening between a raised position where said abutment member is urged to move laterally when the tractor and the trailer are jackknifing, and a lowered position where said abutment member is not urged to move laterally during jackknifing.

Inventors: RIEBALKIN PAT, RIEBALKIN, PAT
Applicants: RIEBALKIN PAT, SAFE TRANSP ATION SYSTEMS INC, RIEBALKIN, PAT, SAFE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS INC.
Application year: 2000
Main classification: B62D53
IPC codes: B62D53