CA2049713A1 - Fifth wheel bracket plate mounting assembly - Google Patents

Fifth wheel bracket plate mounting assembly

Info

Publication number
CA2049713A1
CA2049713A1 CA 2049713 CA2049713A CA2049713A1 CA 2049713 A1 CA2049713 A1 CA 2049713A1 CA 2049713 CA2049713 CA 2049713 CA 2049713 A CA2049713 A CA 2049713A CA 2049713 A1 CA2049713 A1 CA 2049713A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
clamp
plate
mounting plate
top flange
retaining means
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2049713
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Charles N. Ii Hood
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Amsted Industries Inc
Original Assignee
Amsted Industries Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Amsted Industries Inc filed Critical Amsted Industries Inc
Publication of CA2049713A1 publication Critical patent/CA2049713A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Landscapes

  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A mounting plate system for fifth wheel connection to a tractor frame where fifth wheel brackets are secured to mounting plates and the plates, in turn, have captively held clamps along an inner edge, which clamps are slipped over and tightened upon a flange of the tractor frame.

-i-

Description

Case $986 CEB:am FIFTH WHEEI. BRACKET PLATE MOUNTING ASSEM ~Q~ 3 Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to fifth wheels for over the highway tractors by which trailers are demountably connected to the tractors, and more particularly to an improved mounting structure and fastener for securing the fifth wheel mounting brackets to the tractor frame.
ackaround of th~ InYention:
Tractor frames to which fifth wheels are 3ecured generally include a pair of longitudinally extending and transversely spaced channel members of C-shaped cross section, each having top and bottom flanges directed inwardly of the frame. The fifth wheels are mounted on the channel top flanges by brackets. The brackets transmit lateral inertial force~ and moments from curving and rocking of the trailer, and longitudinal forces and moments from acceleration or deceleration of the trailer and downward forces on the fifth wheel ramps eccentric to the rear of the bracket pivot center.
These conditions can produce locally high lifting forces between the bracket and the tractor frame.
In order to minimize twisting of the frame and channels, it is desirable that loads assumed by the frame through the fifth wheel be transmitted near to the shear center of the total frame structure and near to the vertical web of each channel. While it is possible to weld the mounting brackets ' , : , .
.

.
, ~:

directly to the Erame channels, that construction is not favored because of costs and heat degradation of the channel.
Instead it has been more usual to weld, or otherwise secure, each mounting bracket to a mounting plate that is, in turn, secured to a frame channel by mechanical fasteners. The latter construction must avoid any penetration of the channel top flange which otherwise might weaken the frame. In prior U.S. patent No. 4,762,334 to Altherr a mounting system is disclosed wherein a mounting plate is indirectly bolted to the vertical web of the channel and clamped to the inner free edge of the top flange. However, either a special curled edge is formed in the mounting plate or separate clamps with transverse spacer bars must be provided to prevent s~paration at the free edge of the top of flange. The former is expensive to manufacture and the latter involve~ structure that spans the open frame of a tractor where it is exposed to being struck and damaged.
.~ummary of_th~_~re~en~ Invention:
It is an object of the present invention to provi.de a simple and economical bracket mounting plate and captive fasteners engagable with the inner edge of a tractor frame channel.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fastener that may be captively retained on a fifth wheel bracket mounting plate so as to be tightenable against the plate so as to grip the plate against the inner edge of a tractor fram~e.

;~ , :

. :

:, . :
.~

Basically the present invention i~ a mounting plate system to which a fifth wheel bracket i~ ~ecured with an inner edge of the plate overhanging the inner edge of a tractor frame top flange and having provision to bolt the plate outer edge to a frame outrigger and at least a pair of clamps captively retained on the plate at the inner edge, each clamp having a jaw to tightly grip the frame top flange and securing means to loosely retain the clamp on the plate.
Brief D~scription of the Drawi~s:
Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein:
Figure 1 i9 a ~ide view of a tractor with a fifth wheel;
Figure 2 is a fragmentary top plan view of a tractor frame showing a fifth wheel bracket mounting plate system embodying the structure of the present invention;
Figure 3 i~ an enlarged cross-section view taken generally along the line 3-3 of Figure 2 and showing details of a bracket and mounting plate 3ystem;
Figure 4 i~ a bottom plan view of an embodiment of a clamp member ~hown in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an end view of the clamp taken at line 5-5 of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a clamp member of the present invention; and .
.
~' ~

Figure 7 is a side elevation view of the clamp of Figure 6.
escription of the P~efer~ed Embodiment o~_the Invention:
Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown an over the road tractor 10 with a fifth wheel bracket mounting arrangement generally 12 resting on a frame generally 14 of the tractor and supporting a trailer. The frame 14 includes a pair of hori~ontal, longitudinally extending and transversely spaced channels generally 16 of substantially C-shaped cross section. The channels 16, better seen in Figures 2 and 3, are each positioned with a vertical web 18 and top and bottom horizontal flanges 20 and 22, respectively, extending inboard toward the center of the tractor Erame 14.
As shown a fifth wheel 30, having pick up ramps 32, is mounted on the channels 16 by means of the bracket mounting arrangement. An embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 2 and 3, includes bracket mounting plates 40, on each of which there is mounted a bracket 42 having an arched bearing surface 44 to support the fifth wheel 30 and a pin hole 46 for receiving the bracket retaining pins of the fifth wheel 30. The bracket 42 is preferably welded to plate 40 but other securing means may be employed.
An outrigger generally 50 is secured to the outside of each of the channels 16. Usually the outrigger is in the form of an angle member having one leg 52 secured to the vertical web 18 by bolts 54, or the like, with the other leg 56 ..
..

:, :. ~
:, located to have its upper surface co planar with the upper surface 58 of the top flange 20 of channel 16. The mounting plate 40 overlays the outrigger 50 and top flange 18 and may be a quadrilateral shape with an outer edge 66 positioned substantially co extensive with the outrigger 50 and an inner edge 68 overhanging an inner edge 70 of the top flange 20.
The outer portion of mounting plate 40 is secured to the horizontal leg 56 of outrigger 50 with a plurality of spaced fastening means, preferably bolt~ 74 as illustrated, which may penetrate the leg 56; and the inner portion of plate 40 is clamped to the channel top flange 20 with a plurality of clamping means that are captively fastened to the plate 40 along its inner edge 68.
As may be best seen in Figures 3-5 a preferred embodiment of each clamping means comprises a clamp member generally 80 with a substantially rectangular body 82 having first and second stepped surfaces 84, 86 which are vertically spaced to enyage the undersides of the bracket mounting plate 40 and the top flange 20, re~pectively. Preferably step surface 86 contain~ a groove 88 adjacent the step to surface 84. The rectangular body 82 ha~ a domed profile 90 opposite the stepped 3urfaces 84, 8~ and a recessed seat 92 therein to receive a nut 94 and lock washer 96 which engage a threaded bolt lO0 extending through the inner portion of the mounting plate 40. Preferably the clamp member 80 also includes a lug 102 upstanding from inner step surface 84 to prevent rotation '` ,', ;

of the clamp member 80. A corresponding notch L04 may be provided in the inner edge 68 of mounting plate 40 to receive the lug 102.
Thus it will be understood that the present mounting plate system may be partially preassembled with each mounting bracket 42 fixedly secured, as by welding or the like, to the bracket mounting plate and at least two clamp members 80 loosely secured by nuts 94, washers 96 and bolts 100 with first step surfaces 84 opposing the underside of plate 40 adjacent the inner edge 68 thereof. Two such preassembled mounting plate systems are then loosely slipped upon the inner edges 70 of the flanges 20 of both channels 16 in a tractor frame 14. ~It is to be understood that the brackets 42 are located on the respective plates 40 to provide proper spacing, usually 29 inches, between bracket centers when installed on the tractor frame 14.) The mounting plates 40 are then gripped to the respective channels 16 by emplacing and tightening bolt 74 to the outriggers 50 and by tightening nuts 94 on bolts 100 90 as to draw the first qtepped surfaces 84 flush against the plate 40 undersides. It will be understood that the perpendicular distance separating the first and second ~tepped surfaces 84, 86 of each clamp member 80 preferably is very slightly less than the thickness of channel top flange 20 and thus the second step surface 86 of each clamp acts as a jaw to tightly grip the top flange 20 against the mounting plate 40. Notably the groove 88 along step ,: . :
.....
. .

surface 86 provide~ for stress relief of the body 82 which is conveniently composed of metal such as steel or aluminum.
Another clamp member embodlment generally 80' shown in Figures 6 and.7 comprises a "C" shaped body 110 having upper and lower jaws 112, 114 with a space therebetween greater than the combined thickness of a mounting plate 40' and channel top flange 20'. The upper jaw contains a cavity L16 and a threaded set screw 118 that may be turned to tighten the screw end and lower jaw 114 against the plate 40' and top flange 20' respectively. The cavity 116 also contains a portal 120 for a securing safety clip, such as a bendable cotter pin 122, that extends through a hole 124 located near the inner edge 68' of the plate 40'. A locking tab 126 may be included beneath the head of the set screw 118. This embodiment permits a somewhat smaller overhang between plate 40' and top flange 20' as compared to the clamp 80 of Figures 3, 4 and 5 but otherwise functions similarly thereto.
The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding and to provide a complete description of preferred embodiments of the invention.
Variou~ modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and ~cope of the invention which is defined in the following claims.

, ~ ~ '

Claims (15)

1. An improved mounting plate system for attaching a fifth wheel mounting bracket to an inwardly directed top flange of a tractor frame comprising:
a quadrilateral plate for receiving a mounting bracket, said plate having bolt holes near an outer edge whereby to secure said plate to an outrigger of said tractor frame, said plate being of a dimension for an inner portion thereof to overhang an inner edge of said top flange and having a plurality of inner holes along said inner portion thereof;
at least a pair of clamp members positioned along said inner portion of said plate adjacent an inner edge thereof, each of said clamp members having a jaw to engage the underside of said top flange at the inner edge thereof;
retaining means to loosely secure each said clamp through said inner holes, and means to tighten said clamp members against said plate and said underside of said top flange.
2. The mounting plate system of claim 1 wherein said clamp member includes a step jaw having first and second surfaces to engage the undersurfaces of said plate and said top flange.
3. The mounting plate system of claim 2 wherein said retaining means and said means to tighten comprise a threaded bolt and nut thereon which bolt extends through one of said inner holes and through said clamp member.
4. The mounting plate system of claim 2 wherein said clamp member includes a lug opposite said step jaw, said lug engaging the inner edge of said plate.
5. The mounting plate system of claim 1 wherein said clamp member includes a "C" shaped body having upper and lower jaws to envelope said plate and said top flange.
6. The mounting plate system of claim 5 wherein said retaining means is a bendable pin extended through a hole in said clamp and one of said inner holes in said plate.
7. The mounting plate system of claim 5 wherein said means to tighten comprises a set screw in one of said upper and lower jaws of said clamp.
8. The mounting plate system of claim 7 wherein said set screw is mounted in said upper jaw and is engagable with said plate.
9. An improved clamp member for use with a fifth wheel mounting plate, said clamp member comprising:
a body member having first and second surfaces engagable with said plate and with an undersurface of a tractor frame top flange, said body member having a portal extending through said first surface;
retaining means extending through said portal, said retaining means being operable to loosely hold said body member captive to said plate; and tightening means on said body member, said tightening means being operable to grip said second surface against said top flange.
10. The clamp of claim 9 wherein said body member is rectangular and said first and second surfaces are stepped on one side of said body.
11. The clamp of claim 10 wherein said retaining means and said tightening means comprise a threaded bolt and nut thereon.
12. The claim of claim 9 wherein said body member is "C"
shaped having upper and lower jaws containing said first and second surfaces.
13. The clamp of claim 12 wherein said retaining means is a bendable pin extended through said portal.
14. The claim of claim 12 wherein said tightening means is a set screw extending through one of said upper and lower jaws.
15. The clamp of claim 12 wherein said retaining means is a pin extended through a portal in said upper jaw, and said tightening means is a set screw extending through said upper jaw.
CA 2049713 1991-01-14 1991-08-22 Fifth wheel bracket plate mounting assembly Abandoned CA2049713A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US64083991A 1991-01-14 1991-01-14
US07/640,839 1991-01-14

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2049713A1 true CA2049713A1 (en) 1992-07-15

Family

ID=24569899

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2049713 Abandoned CA2049713A1 (en) 1991-01-14 1991-08-22 Fifth wheel bracket plate mounting assembly

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2049713A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5368324A (en) * 1994-01-10 1994-11-29 Amsted Industries Incorporated Mounting system for fifth wheels

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5368324A (en) * 1994-01-10 1994-11-29 Amsted Industries Incorporated Mounting system for fifth wheels

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8915682B2 (en) Jigs and fixtures of CNG containers for motor vehicles
US6350089B1 (en) Pickup truck bed portable tie-down apparatus
US4700917A (en) Adjustable load binding hook
US4762334A (en) Fifth wheel bracket mounting assembly
US4316688A (en) Reinforcing removable post pocket tie-down
US6702347B1 (en) Integrated mounting system for the bumper, recovery rings and winch of a motor vehicle
JP3520768B2 (en) Vehicle battery and air tank mounting structure
CA2049713A1 (en) Fifth wheel bracket plate mounting assembly
JP3695141B2 (en) LPG fuel tank mounting structure for trucks
JPH0743951Y2 (en) Vehicle battery holding device
JP6327740B2 (en) Laying board laying method
JPH0423702Y2 (en)
JPH0238157A (en) Roof carrier for vehicle
US11932065B2 (en) Easy trailer hitch attachment hold-down device
JPS5911524Y2 (en) Assembly fittings for heavy temporary gantry
JP2001012308A (en) Fuel cylinder mounting structure for automobile with fuel cylinder
JPH0649707Y2 (en) Mounting device for ridge boards, etc.
CN217401905U (en) Be applied to pipeline installation support on steel construction spare
JP2590845Y2 (en) Heavy load mounting structure
JP6730761B1 (en) Roof plate mounting bracket
CN220662470U (en) Guard board, vehicle suspension rear swing arm assembly and vehicle
CN215331348U (en) H-shaped beam operating platform
JP3041476B2 (en) Frame plate of the fuselage
CN219619217U (en) Chassis assembly of vehicle and vehicle
CN213619565U (en) Pedal support and vehicle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
FZDE Dead