GB414891A - Improvements relating to the coupling together of vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

414,891. Semi - trailer couplings. LAGACHE ET GLASZMANN, 6, Boulevard, VercingÚtorix, Argenteuil, Seine-et-Oise, France. July 10, 1933, Nos. 19533 and 19534. Convention dates, July 8, 1932 and Aug. 2, 1932. [Class 79 (iii).] A semi-trailer coupling comprises a depending king pin 19 surrounded by an annular bearing plate 20 on one vehicle, a corresponding bearing plate 23 on the other vehicle formed with a gap through which the king pin enters laterally into engagement with a locking catch, and means adapted to maintain the bearing plates out of contact with one another while the looking means is being connected with or disconnected from the king pin. For this purpose the king pin is of appropriate length and during coupling or uncoupling operations, the front end of the semi-trailer is supported by a pivoted strut or prop 13 brought into position by fluid pressure acting on a piston in a cylinder 16, the prop being subsequently withdrawn to allow the bearing plate 23 to take the weight. An automatic coupling 22 of known form may be employed adapted to be released through the medium of a lever 27 operable from the driver's seat. Additional security may be provided by a transverse slidable pin 28 operable from the side of the vehicle. In the form shown, the upper bearing plate 20 is pivoted on transverse pins 21 on the trailer frame 11, but alternatively it may be rigidly attached to the trailer and the lower plate 23 may be transversely pivoted on the tractor, in which case the locking catch 22 may be attached either to the bearing plate or the tractor frame.