Patent Publication Number: US-8123244-B2

Title: Low profile saddle mount

Description:
This application is a continuation application, which claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §120, of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 11/567,295 filed Dec. 6, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,744,112, which claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. §110(e) of Provisional Application No. 60/761,720, filed Jan. 24, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for coupling wheeled vehicles together to permit one vehicle to tow another, and more particularly to an improved underslung saddle mount configuration for coupling a leading vehicle to a towed vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Devices for coupling vehicles together to transport newly manufactured or used vehicles between multiple locations are well known. Conventionally, a saddle, designed to couple a lead vehicle to a towed vehicle or combination of vehicles, is coupled to the lead vehicle. In truck applications, the saddle is conventionally mounted to either the fifth wheel, or to the frame of the lead truck. The saddle is then generally coupled to the front axle of the towed vehicle, such that the front axle of the towed vehicle is lifted from the ground, and the towed truck rolls on the rear wheels only. Alternatively, multiple saddles can be attached to additional trucks individually to allow for the transport of a maximum of four trucks in total. 
     Conventional saddle mount configurations generally include a saddle body used to secure the saddle mount to the frame of the towing vehicle and a saddle head for securing and retaining the front axle. 
     The saddle body of a conventional underslung saddle mount includes a middle section or cross member and opposing horizontal end/support plates extending outwardly from each end of the middle portion. Each end plate is welded to the middle section of the saddle body and contains apertures for receiving U-bolts or another securing mechanism for rigidly securing each plate to the towing or lead truck. 
     The middle portion or cross member of the saddle body is configured to support the saddle head on its upper surface. The saddle head is pivotally mounted to the top portion of the saddle body, which permits the towed truck to rotate in a horizontal plane in order to follow the lead truck through curves and corners during transport. 
     Although the saddle head is permitted to rotate or move during transport of the towed vehicle to accommodate movement of the lead vehicle, significant stress is exerted on the saddle body, and in particular, the end plates. Indeed, the rigidly secured end plates are subjected to both significant rotational and in plane loadings due at least in part to the weight of the towed vehicle, the movement and rotation of the towed vehicle with respect to the towing vehicle and the vibration and stress on the vehicles during transport at high speeds. 
     Prior art saddle mount constructions have exhibited significant deformation, and in some cases complete failure, at the end plates or support plate portions of the saddle body. Such deformation significant shortens the useful life of the saddle mount and may render the saddle mount inoperable or unsafe for its intended use. 
     Further, in certain prior art saddle mount designs, the welded portions of the saddle body, including the attachment of the end plates and structural reinforcing members within the saddle body, are located in positions that are not conspicuous to the vehicle operator or maintenance worker. As such, prior art saddle constructions are difficult to monitor or inspect for weld and structural integrity. Thus, it is difficult or impossible to detect damage to the saddle body or degradation of the welds thereon before noticeable, unrepairable damage occurs to the saddle body or to the saddle mount assembly. 
     In addition, such prior art saddle mount designs, the end plates are welded directly to the mid section of the saddle mount, limiting the surface area available for welding the joints together and/or limiting the ability to provide redundant or additional welded joints—thereby limiting the ability to protect against a catastrophic failure. In addition, direct, rigid connection of each end plate to the middle section of the saddle body may contribute to saddle mount failure, since such rigid and direct attachment does not provide sufficient flex or deflection between components to absorb or dissipate at least a portion of the load on the end plates. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In light of the foregoing, there is a demonstrated need for an improved saddle construction exhibiting increased durability and useful life, thereby overcoming the various problems associated with prior art saddle mount designs. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide an improved saddle mount assembly capable of increased load capacity capable of handling increased forces and stress during vehicle transport. The improved saddle mount embodiments are lighter and therefore easier to install, remove and transport over conventional saddle mount configurations. 
     The low profile saddle mount preferred embodiments facilitate inspection of the mount&#39;s structural and weld integrity. This ensures safety of the assembly over the useful life of the saddle mount, in accordance with applicable federal, state and industry regulations. The underslung saddle mount is preferably designed and configured to simplify repair or replacement of the saddle body and the saddle head components. 
     The low profile saddle mount also preferably has improved strength. The low profile saddle mount is also configured so that the saddle body does not interfere with mechanical components of the towing truck. 
     Other features, benefits and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the summary and subsequent description of one or more preferred embodiments, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and having knowledge of saddle devices, saddle components and the transportation of wheeled vehicles. Such features, benefits and advantages will be apparent from the above as taken in conjunction with the accompanying examples, figures and all reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom. 
     One embodiment includes a saddle body configuration provided with sufficient dampening and load dissipation functions. Generally, the saddle includes a pair of laterally spaced support plates, a filler plate or load absorbing member coupled to each of the support plates, a cross member coupled to each of the support plates and the filler plates, and a saddle head. This embodiment specifically includes a saddle mount assembly for connecting a first wheeled vehicle to a second wheeled vehicle. The saddle mount assembly includes: a substantially tubular cross member having first and second open ends and an upper surface; a first support plate assembly including an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end configured to mount to a frame of a towing vehicle and a second end including at least one filler member coupled to one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the first support plate assembly, the second end of the first support plate assembly secured within the first end of the cross member; a second support plate assembly including an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end configured to mount to the frame of the towing vehicle and a second end including at least one filler member coupled to one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the second support plate assembly, the second end of the second support plate assembly secured within the second end of the cross member; and a saddle head assembly rotatably mounted atop the cross member. 
     Another embodiment is an improved saddle body configuration. The saddle body can be used in combination with a saddle head for connecting one wheeled vehicle to another. The saddle body can include a cross member having first and second open ends and an upper surface defining a platform and a pair of laterally spaced support plate plates. Each support plate includes a first end configured to mount to a frame of a vehicle and a second end including at least one filler or force dampening portion, wherein the second end of one of the support plates is secured inside the first open of the cross member and the second end of the other support plates is secured inside the second open end of the cross member. 
     Another embodiment is saddle for use in the transportation of vehicles. The saddle includes: a tubular cross member including opposing first and second open ends, an upper surface and a lower surface; a first support plate assembly including a support plate coupled to a first filler plate at a first end portion thereof, the first end portion positioned inside the first open end of the cross member, wherein the first filler plate is secured to one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the cross member; a second support plate assembly including a support plate coupled to a second filler plate at a first end portion thereof, the first end portion positioned inside the second open end of the cross member, wherein the second filler plate is secured to one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the cross member; and a saddle head assembly rotatably mounted atop the cross member. 
     Another embodiment is a low profile saddle mount assembly for connecting one wheeled vehicle to another. The assembly includes: (1) a tubular cross member having an upper surface, a lower surface and opposing first and second open ends; (2) a first support plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and including a first end configured to fit inside the first open end of the tubular cross member and a second end configured to engage a frame of the towing vehicle; (3) a first plate secured to one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the first support plate, the first plate having at least a portion disposed inside the first open end of the tubular cross member and secured to one of the upper and lower surfaces of the tubular cross member; (4) a second support plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and including a first end configured to fit inside the second open end of the tubular cross member and a second end configured to engage the frame of the towing vehicle; (5) a second plate secured to one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the second support plate, the second plate having at least a portion disposed inside the second open end of the tubular cross member and secured to one of the upper and lower surfaces of the tubular cross member; and (6) a saddle head assembly rotatably mounted on the upper surface of the tubular cross member. 
     Another preferred embodiment is a method of constructing a saddle mount for connecting a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle. The method includes: (1) providing first and second support plate assemblies, each assembly having a top surface and a bottom surface, a first end configured to mount to a frame of a vehicle and a second end including at least one plate coupled to one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the support plate assembly; (2) providing a tubular cross member having a substantially rectangular cross section and laterally disposed open ends; (3) securing the second end of the first support plate assembly inside a first open end of a substantially tubular cross member and securing the second end of the second support plate assembly inside a second open end of the tubular cross member; and (4), rotatably securing a saddle head assembly to a top surface of the substantially tubular cross member. 
     The saddle mount assembly embodiments are preferably of construction which is both durable and long lasting, and they should require little or no maintenance from the user throughout their operating lives. In order to enhance the market appeal of the improved saddle mount assembly, it should also be of inexpensive construction to thereby appeal to the broadest possible market. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other advantages of embodiments of the present invention are best understood with reference to the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a saddle mount of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the saddle mount of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the saddle mount illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the saddle mount illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a filler plate for use in the saddle mount construction embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded side view of the saddle body of the preferred saddle mount shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , illustrating assembly of the support plates and the saddle frame; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a support plate and a filler plate for use in the saddle mount embodiments, illustrating assembly of the support plate to the filler plate; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded bottom view of the saddle mount shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , illustrating assembly of the support plates and the saddle frame; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the saddle body, illustrating assembly of the saddle frame and the support plates; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the assembled saddle body illustrated in  FIG. 9 , taken along the line  10 - 10 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the assembled saddle body illustrated in  FIG. 9 , taken along the line  11 - 11 ; and 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the saddle illustrating assembly of the saddle head to the saddle body. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The saddle  50  embodiment includes, in its simplest form, a saddle body, indicated generally at  52  and a saddle head, indicated generally at  54 , as best shown in  FIG. 1 . It will be appreciated that the saddle mount is preferably coupled directly to a truck frame, as described in more detail below, using J-claws, J-bolts, and fasteners. In addition, as would be well known to those skilled in the art, other saddle heads, mounts, assemblies and related towing devices can be used with equal effect and in conjunction with this improved saddle body configuration. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in addition to  FIG. 1 , the saddle body  52  generally includes a top surface plate  55 , a saddle frame assembly  56 , a bottom surface plate  57  and support plates  58  and  60 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the saddle body  52  is substantially symmetrical about an axis C at approximately the midpoint thereof, in order to properly distribute the weight of the towed vehicle to the support plates, as will be discussed in more detail below. Accordingly, the saddle body  52  is divided into two substantially mirror image portions, indicated generally at  30  and  40 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The saddle frame assembly  56  includes a horizontal cross member  62 , constructed of tubing with a substantially rectangular cross section, having an upper surface  64 , a lower surface  66 , lateral side surfaces  68  and  70 , a first open, tapered end  72  and a second open, tapered end  74 . As best illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each of the tapered ends  72  and  74  include an angled portion  76  and  78 , respectively, and a straight portion  80  and  82 , respectively. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the horizontal cross member may be of any geometric cross-section. Consistent with the broader aspects of embodiments of the present invention, the cross member  62  may be a solid member or alternatively include more than one horizontal cross member secured together in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. 
     Coaxially aligned apertures  84  and  86  are provided in the upper and lower surfaces  64  and  66  of the cross member  62 , respectively, and are substantially centered in the cross member  62 . A guide tube  65  extends from the aperture  84  to the aperture  86  and is secured therein to permit a bolt or another elongated member to be passed through the aperture  84 , the guide tube  65  and the aperture  86  for pivotally securing the saddle head  54  to the saddle body  52 , as will be described in more detail below. 
     The cross member  62  further includes two pairs of coaxially aligned apertures, apertures  88  and  90 , and apertures  92  and  94 , respectively, for securing the components of the saddle body  52  together. Additional apertures, bores or holes may be provided in the cross member  62  for securing the components of the saddle body  52  together, as will be well known to those skilled in the art. 
     The saddle frame assembly  56  further includes filler plates/force absorbing members  81  and  83 , of substantially identical configuration. Each of the filler plates  81  and  83  includes a top surface  85  and  87  and a bottom surface  89  and  91 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 5 , each of the lower filler plates  81  and  83  includes a tapered end portion  93  and  95 , respectively, of substantially the same shape as the tapered ends  72  and  74  of the cross member  62 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , in addition to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , each of the lower filler plates  81  and  83  also includes a tabbed end  96  and  97 . The tabbed end  96  includes a bore  99  formed in the bottom surface  89  thereof for securing the components of the saddle body  52  together. Likewise, the tabbed end  97  includes a bore  101  formed in the bottom surface  91  thereof for securing the components of the saddle body  52  together. 
     The saddle frame assembly  56  also includes rectangular plates  103  and  105  for securing the support plates  58  and  60 , respectively, to the saddle frame assembly  56 , as will be described in more detail with respect to  FIG. 4  below. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the support plates  58  and  60  are substantially identical in configuration, each having a top surface  98  and  100 , respectively, a bottom surface  102  and  104 , respectively, and opposing side edges  106  and  108 , and  110  and  112 , respectively. Each of the support plates  58 ,  60  further includes, respectively, a rectangular end portion  114 ,  116 , a tabbed dampening end portion  118 ,  120 , and a notched portion  122 ,  124 , located therebetween. 
     The rectangular end portion  114  of the support plate  58  contains a set of apertures  126  adapted to receive U-bolts or another fastening mechanism for securing the saddle body  52  to the frame, longitudinal bars and/or channels of the lead or towing truck. Likewise, rectangular end portion  116  of the support plate  60  contains a set of apertures  128  adapted to receive U-bolts or another fastening mechanism. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the sets of apertures  126 ,  128  may contain any number, shape and/or size of apertures, depending on the type of fastening mechanism utilized, the towing truck frame design and/or the applicable governmental or industry-required safety standards. 
     The notched portion  122  of the support plate  58  contains a first slot or cavity  130  located near the side edge  106  and a second or cavity  132  located near the side edge  110 . The slots  130 ,  132  are configured to interfit and/or engage the tapered end  72  of the cross member  62 , as will be described in more detail below. Likewise, the notched portion  124  of the support plate  60  contains a first slot or cavity  134  located near the side edge  108  and a second or cavity  136  located near the side edge  112 . The slots  134 ,  136  are configured to interfit and/or engage the tapered end  74  of the cross member  62 . 
     The tabbed end portion  118  of the support plate  58  is dimensioned to fit inside the cross member  62  at the tapered end  72  thereof and includes a bore  138  formed in the top surface  98  for securing the components of the saddle body  52  together. Likewise, tabbed end portion  120  of the support plate  60  is dimensioned to fit inside the cross member  62  at the tapered end  74  thereof and includes a bore  140  formed in the top surface  100  for securing the components of the saddle body  52  together. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 through 8 , in addition to  FIGS. 1 through 5 , assembly of the saddle body  52  is described. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, unless otherwise noted, saddle components are preferably constructed of steel and are assembled using any appropriate welding technique known to those skilled in the art. However, the saddle may be assembled using any method known to those skilled in the art including, but not limited to, brazing and/or mechanical fastening mechanisms, such as pins, bolts, nuts, staples, clamps, etc, or as required by applicable governmental standards or industry regulations, or both. 
     To assemble the portion  30  of the saddle body  52 , the support plate  58  is secured to the top surface  85  of the filler plate  81  such that the bottom surface  102  of the tabbed end  118  of the support plate  58  overlies the tabbed end  96  of the filler plate  81 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . The support plate  58  and the filler plate  81  are arranged such that the bore  99  on the bottom surface  89  of filler plate  81  is coaxially aligned with the bore  138  in the top surface  98  of the support plate  58 . Preferably, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 11  the tabbed end  118  of the support plate  58  is larger in size than the tabbed end  96  of the filler plate  81 , providing sufficient cross-sectional area for a weld joint. However, the tabbed ends  118  and  96  may be of any size required by the given end-use application or fastening mechanism, or both, as is well known to those skilled in the art. 
     The support plate  58  is further secured to the filler plate  81  by welding or otherwise permanently coupling the bottom surface  102  of the support plate  58  to an end portion  150  of the filler plate  81  (best shown in  FIG. 9 ). The support plate  58  can be secured to the filler plate  81  by joining the two components together along any edge, surface and/or joint provided thereby, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 8 , after the support plate  58  and the filler plate  81  are assembled, a section of the tapered end  93  of filler plate  81  overlies slots  130  and  132  in support plate  58 , reducing the size of slots  130  and  132  to properly interfit and/or engage the tapered end  72  of the cross member  62 , as described in more detail below. 
     Turning again to  FIG. 6 , in addition to  FIGS. 8 through 11 , support plate  58  in combination with filler plate  81  are positioned or sandwiched inside the open tapered end  72  of the cross member  62  in such a manner that the aperture  88  in the upper surface  64  of the cross member  62  and the bore  138  in the top surface  98  of the support plate  58  are coaxially aligned. A plug, pin or bolt (not shown) may be inserted therein for retaining the support plate  58  in place relative to the cross member  62 . Alternatively, the support plate  58  may be welded to the cross member  62 . 
     Likewise, the bore  99  in the bottom surface  89  of filler plate  81  and the aperture  90  lower surface  66  of the cross member  62  are coaxially aligned and a plug, pin or bolt (not shown) is inserted therein for retaining the filler plate  81  in place relative to the cross member  62 . Alternatively, filler plate  81  may be welded to the cross member  62 . 
     Positioned in this manner, the notched portion  122  of the support plate  58  engages the tapered end  72  of the cross member  62  such that the side surface  68  of the cross member  62  interfits/mates with the slot  130  and the side surface  70  of the cross member  62  interfits/mates with the slot  132 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the tapered end  93  of the filler plate  81  overlies the tapered end  72  of the cross member  62 . Because the tapered end  93  of the filler plate  81  is smaller in size than the tapered end  72  of the cross member  62 , sufficient cross-sectional welding area is provided along the lower perimeter of the tapered end  72  of the cross member  62 . However, the tapered ends  93  and  72  may be of any size required by the given end-use application of the saddle mount and/or the fastening or securing mechanism utilized, as will be well known to those skilled in the art. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the plate  103  is provided on the upper surface  98  of the support plate  58  and is positioned to abut the straight portion  80  of the tapered end  72  of the cross member  62 . The plate  103 , however, is preferably not secured to the cross member  62 . 
     The portion  40  of the saddle body  52  is assembled in a manner similar to that of portion  30 . Accordingly, the support plate  60  is secured to the top surface  87  of the filler plate  83  such that the bottom surface  104  of the tabbed end  120  of the support plate  60  overlies the tabbed end  97  of the filler plate  83 . The support plate  60  and the filler plate  83  are arranged such that the bore  101  on the bottom surface  91  of filler plate  83  is coaxially aligned with the bore  140  in the top surface  100  of the support plate  60 . Preferably, the tabbed end  120  of the support plate  60  is larger in size than the tabbed end  97  of the filler plate  83 , providing sufficient cross-sectional area for a weld joint, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . However, the tabbed ends  120  and  97  may be of any size required by the given end-use application or fastening mechanism, or both, as is well known to those skilled in the art 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the support plate  60  is further secured to the filler plate  83  by welding or otherwise permanently coupling the bottom surface  104  to an end portion  152  of the filler plate  83 . The support plate  60  can be secured to the filler plate  83  by joining the two components together along any edge, surface and/or joint provided thereby, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     After the support plate  60  and the filler plate  83  are assembled, a section of the tapered end  95  of the filler plate  83  overlies the slots  134  and  136  in the support plate  60 , reducing the size of slots  134  and  136  to properly interfit or engage the tapered end  74  of the cross member  62 . 
     Turning again to  FIG. 6 , in addition to  FIG. 9 , the support plate  60  in combination with the filler plate  83  are positioned inside the open tapered end  74  of the cross member  62  in such a manner that the aperture  90  in the upper surface  64  of the cross member  62  and the bore  140  in the top surface  100  of the support plate  60  are coaxially aligned and a plug, pin or bolt (not shown) is inserted therein for retaining the support plate  60  in place relative to the cross member  62 . Alternatively, the support plate  60  may be welded to the cross member  62 . 
     Likewise, the bore  101  in the bottom surface  91  of filler plate  83  and the aperture  94  in the lower surface  66  of the cross member  62  are coaxially aligned and a plug, pin or bolt (not shown) is inserted therein for retaining filler plate  83  in place relative to cross member  62 . Alternatively, filler plate  83  may be welded to the cross member  62 . 
     Positioned in this manner, the notched portion  124  of the support plate  60  engages the tapered end  74  of the cross member  62  such that the side surface  68  of the cross member  62  interfits or mates with the slot  134  and the side surface  70  of the cross member  62  interfits or mates with the slot  136 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the tapered end  95  of the filler plate  83  overlies the tapered end  74  of the cross member  62 . Because the tapered end  95  of the filler plate  83  is smaller in size than the tapered end  74  of the cross member  62 , sufficient cross-sectional welding area is provided along the lower perimeter of the tapered end  74  of the cross member  62 . However, the tapered ends  95  and  74  may be of any size required by the given end-use application of the saddle mount or the fastening or securing mechanism utilized, or both, as is well known to those skilled in the art. 
     The plate  105  is provided on the upper surface  100  of the support plate  60  and is positioned to abut the straight portion  82  of the tapered end  74  of the cross member  62 . The plate  105 , however, is preferably not secured to the cross member  62 . 
     Top surface plate  55  of the saddle body  52  overlies the plate  103 , the upper surface  64  of the cross member  62  and the plate  105  and includes a platform  185 , substantially centered on the plate  55 , and opposing ends  184  and  186 . The end  184  of the top surface plate  55  is welded or otherwise secured to both the plate  103  and the support plate  58 . Likewise, the end  186  is welded or otherwise secured to the plate  105  and the support plate  60 . A recess  188 , provided on the platform  185 , is coaxially aligned with the apertures  86  and  84  of the cross member  62 , and is dimensioned to receive a saddle head boss, as will be described in more detail below. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the top surface plate  55  may optionally be provided with a security bolt hole if the saddle  50  is to be used in fifth wheel applications. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 11 , the bottom surface plate  57  is welded or otherwise secured to the lower surface  66  of the cross member  62 . An aperture  190 , substantially centered on the bottom surface plate  57  and coaxially aligned with the apertures  86  and  84  of the cross member  62 , is dimensioned to receive a pivot member  192 , such as a bolt or elongated pin. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 3 and 12 , in addition to  FIG. 1 , the saddle head  54  is preferably a self-lubricating saddle head of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,642, to Schuettenberg, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Accordingly, saddle head  54  generally includes a base  200  including an upper surface  202 , a lower lubricating surface  204 , and four ears  206 . The ears  206  are substantially parallel to each other and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper surface  202 . A substantially centered bore (not visible), dimensioned to receive the pivot member  192 , extends from the upper surface  202  and the lower surface  204 . The bore is encircled by a generally cylindrical saddle head boss (also not visible) which is dimensioned to be received in the recess  188  in the top surface of plate  55 . One or more grease fittings  189  may be provided in order to replenish a store of grease or lubricant, also in recess  188 . 
     The ears  206  partition the saddle head  54  into three sections. Ears  202  define three sections, two sections  208  for installing a J-claw  222 , and a third, middle section  210  including the bore and a pair of mounting blocks  226  (only one of which is visible). Each of the ears includes an aperture  230  dimensioned to receive a rocker pin  212 . The rocker pins each have an aperture for receiving a retainer pin  214 . Two J-bolts  223  then secure the front axle (not shown) to the J-claws  222  using nuts  225 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 12 , in addition to  FIGS. 1 through 11 , to assemble the saddle  50 , the pivot member  192  is threaded sequentially through the aperture  190  in the bottom surface plate  57 , the aperture  86 , guide tube  65  and aperture  84  in the cross member  62 , and the bore in the base  200 . 
     The pivot member  192  includes an upper end  232 , and a threaded lower end  234  having an aperture  236  tapped therein. When installed, the upper end  232  extends into the bore of base  200 , the length of the pivot member extends into the saddle head  54 , and the lower end  236  extends through bottom surface plate  57  on the bottom of the saddle body  52 . To hold the pivot member  192  in place, a castle nut  240  and washer  242  are threaded into the lower end  234  of the pivot member  192  and a cotter pin  243  is inserted into the aperture  236  to lock the nut  240  and pivot member  192  in place. See also  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, if required by the given end-use application, a fifth wheel pin can be threaded on to the lower end  234  of the pivot member  192 . 
     Although the saddle head  54  is preferably a self-lubricating saddle head, it will at once be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any type of saddle head assembly can be coupled to saddle body  52 . For example, a saddle head of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,985, to Lichter, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, may also be used in conjunction with the improved saddle  50 . 
     To couple the saddle to a towed truck, the first J-claw  222  is assembled on one side of the saddle head  54 , and a second J-claw  222  is assembled on the opposite side of the saddle head  54 . Each J-claw  222  includes an aperture  213  for receiving a rocker pin  212 . Initially, one J-claw  222  is inserted between ears  206  such that apertures extending through the ears and the J-claw are aligned. The rocker pin  212  is then inserted through the apertures  213 ,  230 , until the innermost end, which is preferably flat as in the shape of a half moon, rests on the rocker pin mounting block  226 . The other J-claw  222  is inserted in a like manner from the opposite side. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 6 , the saddle mount  50  is configured such that the bottom surface of each of the support plates can rest on the frame of the towing vehicle. The support plates  58  and  60  are preferably mounted to the vehicle by coupling U bolts through the apertures  126  and  128  of the support plates  58  and  60 , respectively, with the truck frame. As illustrated, when installed onto a towing vehicle, the saddle body configuration, including the filler plates  81  and  83 , the lower surface  66  of the cross member  62 , and the bottom surface plate  57  are configured to provide minimum interference with a truck&#39;s hydraulic braking system or additional components of the truck beneath the truck frame. 
     Preferably the J-claws are coupled to the front axle of a towed truck, thereby lifting the front wheels of the towed truck off of the ground, and causing the towed truck to roll on the back wheels only. In alternate embodiments, the saddle  50  can be configured to receive a beam and related support apparatus, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 9, 12 and 14 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,677, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In such embodiments, one saddle  50  is coupled to the frame of the leading truck and a second saddle mount  50  is coupled to the frame of the towed truck. The towed truck is reversed, such that the frames of the two trucks are adjacent. The rear wheels of the towed truck are lifted above the ground, and the truck rolls on the front wheels only. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it may be advantageous to utilize the saddle  50  in fifth wheel applications, depending on specific applications of the saddle  50 . In such circumstances a security bolt can be inserted through the security bolt aperture in the top surface plate, if provided, and the security bolt aperture  216  in the saddle head base  200 , to prevent the saddle head  54  from rotating on the top surface plate  55 . In this application, horizontal rotation is provided by the rotation of the fifth wheel pin in the fifth wheel socket on the truck. In applications in which the saddle is mounted directly to the truck frame, however, the saddle head  54  rotates on the surface plate  55  to provide horizontal movement. In this case, the security bolt  260  is removed from the security bolt apertures. In both applications, the J-claws  222  and  224  pivot about the rocker pin  250  to provide motion in the up-down plane. 
     It may therefore be appreciated from the above detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the saddle mount  50  provides a saddle body configuration of lighter weight and enhanced durability over conventional saddle mounts. In particular, contrary to prior art saddles, the use of lower filler plates  81  and  83  and upper plates  103  and  105  can provide, at least in part, members within the saddle configuration that assist in absorbing force and vibrations, distributing the load, and dissipating the load applied to the support plates during service conditions. Indeed, the load applied to the saddle head and the cross member by the towed vehicle is no longer transferred directly and only to the support plates; rather, the plates  81 ,  83 ,  103  and  105  allow the saddle to flex and bend, and thus assisting to absorb and dissipate the forces applied to the support plates. Accordingly, the improved saddle mount described herein has a larger load capacity than conventional designs. 
     Further, the use of plates  81 ,  83  and  103 ,  105  in conjunction with the improved design of the support plates  58 ,  60  and cross member  62  provides additional support for securing the saddle mount together—providing an increased number of redundant or additional weld joints, thereby ensuring against a catastrophic failure. In addition, it can be seen that the saddle body  52  is constructed in a manner that facilitates inspection and repair of the welded joints, if required. 
     Additionally, the assembly of the support plates  58  and  60  and the plates  81  and  83  within the tubular cross member  62  of the saddle frame provide, at least in part, a reinforcing function without requiring additional support members inside the cross member  62 . As such, saddle mount  50  can be constructed in a manner that is lighter and therefore easier to install, transport and remove, when compared to conventional saddle mounts. 
     Although the foregoing description has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and applications thereof, it has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular embodiments and applications disclosed. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, variations, or alterations to the invention as described herein may be made, none of which depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The particular embodiments and applications were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such changes, modifications, variations, and alterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.