Pedestal for fifth wheel coupling unit

Abstract

Present invention provides a pedestal (100) for a vehicle. The pedestal (100) for fifth wheel coupling unit (102). The pedestal (100) comprises a main body (112) pivotally mounted to a top plate (104) through a pedestal pin (118). A base member (114) extends from the main body (112). The base member (114) is adapted to engage with a frame of a vehicle. The base member (114) is adapted to support the top plate (104) on the frame. A bush (122) surrounds the pedestal pin (118). The bush (122) prevents direct load transmission to the pedestal pin (118), thereby protecting the pedestal pin (118) by preventing wear and tear due to load transmission from the top plate (104).

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION

[0002] Pedestal for Fifth Wheel Coupling Unit

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004]

[0001] Present invention relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pedestal for a fifth wheel coupling unit of a towing vehicle.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0002] Vehicles such as towing vehicles (also called towing tractors) are specialized handling equipment designed for the transportation of goods through towing. The towing vehicle is coupled to a trailer holding or carrying the goods to be transported. The towing vehicle pulls the trailer for transportation. The coupling or linkage of the towing vehicle and the trailer is critical to provide stability and evenly distribute the load during the transportation.

[0007]

[0003] Typically, a fifth wheel coupling unit is used to link the towing vehicle to the trailer. The fifth wheel coupling unit that is mounted to rear of the towing vehicle engages with a king pin fitted on to the trailer, thereby establishing a linkage between the towing vehicle and the trailer. The fifth wheel coupling unit helps in providing stability to the trailer especially when undertaking heavy loads. Also, without the fifth wheel coupling unit, making turns or maneuvering the vehicle is difficult. In addition, the fifth wheel coupling unit evenly distributes weight between the trailer and towing vehicle, leading to smooth navigation.

[0008]

[0004] The fifth wheel coupling unit is typically provided with a pedestal. The pedestal enables mounting of the fifth wheel coupling unit on the rear of the towing vehicle, particularly with a frame on the rear of the towing vehicle. The pedestal is adapted to bear vertical load of the trailer from one end and cross loads during towing of the trailer. The pedestal is also adapted to bear shocks, bumps and swiveling of the towing vehicle during movement. All these forces or loads may lead to cracking or wearing out of the pedestal, which is undesirable.

[0009]

[0005] In addition, the pedestal is pivotally mounted to a top plate of the fifth wheel coupling unit through a pedestal pin. Thus, the various forces acting on the pedestal will also be transferred to the pedestal pin. Accordingly, the pedestal pin may wear out due to the various loads acting on the pedestal, which may result in top curvature of the pedestal to contact with the top plate. Such a scenario may block swiveling of the top plate during movement of the vehicle over undulated ground surfaces. Consequently, riding dynamics and load dissipation in the fifth wheel coupling unit is affected. Further, contact between the top curvature of the pedestal with the top plate, may lead to direct transfer of forces onto the top plate. Consequently, leading to premature failure of the top plate and the fifth wheel coupling unit, which is undesirable.

[0010]

[0006] In view of the above, there is a need for a pedestal for a fifth wheel coupling unit that overcomes one or more limitations stated above.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012]

[0007] In an aspect, a pedestal for fifth wheel coupling unit is disclosed. The pedestal comprises a main body pivotally mounted to a top plate through a pedestal pin. A base member extends from the main body. The base member is adapted to engage with a frame of a vehicle. The base member is adapted to support the top plate on the frame. Further, a bush surrounds the pedestal pin. The bush prevents direct load transmission to the pedestal pin.

[0013]

[0008] In an embodiment, the main body is triangular in shape.

[0014]

[0009] In an embodiment, the base member is provided with one or more mounting units. The one or more mounting units is provided on a front and a rear portion of the base member. The one or more mounting units are configured to secure the pedestal to the frame of the vehicle.

[0015]

[0010] In an embodiment, the pedestal pin comprises a pin portion and a brace portion. [Oi l] In an embodiment, the pin portion is configured to be inserted into a slot of the main body and an opening on the top plate.

[0016]

[0012] In an embodiment, the brace portion is adapted to engage with one or more mounting units.

[0017]

[0013] In an embodiment, the pedestal is formed from a steel-cast material and is e- coated.

[0018]

[0014] In an embodiment, the pedestal pin is made from a steel material.

[0019]

[0015] In another aspect, the fifth wheel coupling unit is disclosed. The fifth wheel coupling unit comprises the pedestal comprising the main body pivotally mounted to the top plate through the pedestal pin. The base member extends from the main body and engages with a frame of a vehicle. The base member is adapted to support the top plate on the frame. Further, the bush surrounds the pedestal pin. The bush prevents direct load transmission to the pedestal pin.

[0020]

[0016] In another aspect, the vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises the fifth wheel coupling unit having the pedestal comprising the main body pivotally mounted to the top plate through the pedestal pin. The base member extends from the main body and engages with a frame of a vehicle. The base member is adapted to support the top plate on the frame. Further, the bush surrounds the pedestal pin. The bush prevents direct load transmission to the pedestal pin.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]

[0017] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0023] Figure l is a perspective view of a fifth wheel coupling unit having a pedestal, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the fifth wheel coupling unit having the pedestal, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the pedestal, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027]

[0018] The present invention relates to a pedestal for a fifth wheel coupling unit of a towing vehicle. The pedestal of the present invention is pivotally mounted to a top plate of the fifth wheel coupling unit. The pedestal is provided with a pedestal bush and a pedestal pin. The pedestal pin is pivotally mounted to the top plate. The pedestal bush surrounds the pedestal pin during pivotal mounting with the top plate. The pedestal bush reduces the wear and elongates the life span of the pedestal pin. Consequently, life and load bearing characteristics of the pedestal is also enhanced.

[0019] For the purpose of the present invention, a longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle refers to an axis along a length of the towing vehicle, a lateral axis of the towing vehicle refers to an axis along a width of the towing vehicle and a vertical axis of the towing vehicle refers to an axis along the height of the towing vehicle.

[0028]

[0020] For ease of reference and explanation, directional indications for the pedestal are provided in Figure 1, basis mounting of the pedestal on the towing vehicle. As such, the directional notations of the pedestal are to be perceived as seen when seated in the towing vehicle, unless stated otherwise. Accordingly, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “top” and “bottom” direction of the pedestal correspond to front, rear, left, right, top and bottom direction respectively of the vehicle.

[0029]

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fifth wheel coupling unit 102 having a pedestal 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The fifth wheel coupling unit 102 is mounted onto a vehicle, such as a heavy vehicle, a towing vehicle, a heavy towing vehicle ... etc., that is capable of towing a trailer (not shown). The fifth wheel coupling unit 102 comprises a top plate 104 having a top surface 106 adapted to engage a bottom surface (not shown) of the trailer. The top plate 104 also has a bottom surface 108 (shown in Figure 2) that is adapted to engage with a frame (not shown) of the towing vehicle.

[0030]

[0022] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, the bottom surface 108 of the top plate 104 is provided with one or more mounting units 110 for pivotally mounting with the pedestal 100. In the present embodiment, the one or more mounting units 110 are slotted bracket members that extend downwardly from the bottom surface 108 of the top plate 104. In an embodiment, the one or more mounting units 110 are provided on a left side portion (not shown) and a right portion (not shown) of the top plate 104. As such, the top plate 104 is mounted on the frame of the towing vehicle through two pedestals 100.

[0031]

[0023] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, the pedestal 100 is depicted. The pedestal 100 comprises a main body 112 adapted to be pivotally mounted to the top plate 104. In an embodiment, the main body 112 is provided with a slot 120 that enables pivotal mounting with the top plate 104. The main body 112 may be a tapered member (or a triangular-shaped member) that is proj ecting downwardly from the top plate 104. The tapered or triangular shape of the main body 112 provides space necessary for swiveling of the top plate 104, thereby ensuring efficient dissipation of load / shocks generated during maneuvering of the towing vehicle. Also, the main body 112 is adapted to bear the load exerted on the top plate 104 after coupling with the trailer. The tapered construction of the main body 112 ensures that the force / load transmission from the top plate 104 to the frame of the towing vehicle is uniform. In an embodiment, shape of the main body 112 may be altered as per force transmission or load bearing requirements in the fifth wheel coupling unit 102 mounted on the frame of the towing vehicle.

[0032]

[0024] Further, a base member 114 extends from the laterally (i.e. a front-rear direction of the towing vehicle) to the main body 112. The base member 114 is a flat member that provides necessary support for the top plate 104 on the frame of the towing vehicle. In an embodiment, orientation of the base member 114 may be selected as per mounting requirements between the top plate 104 and the frame of the towing vehicle. The base member 114 comprises a front portion 114a provided in front of the main body 112 and a rear portion 114b provided rearwardly of the main body 112. The front portion 114a and the rear portion 114b are provided with one or more mounting members 116 that engage with the frame, for mounting the pedestal 100 onto the frame of the towing vehicle. In the present embodiment, the one or more mounting members 116 may be elongated slots provided on the front portion 114a and the rear portion 114b. Each elongated slot is capable of receiving a fastener (not shown), thereby mounting the pedestal 100 on the frame of the towing vehicle. Also, the elongated slot enables positional adjustment on the frame of the towing vehicle during mounting.

[0033]

[0025] The pedestal 100 further comprises a pedestal pin 118. The pedestal pin 118 comprises a pin portion 118a and a brace portion 118b. The pin portion 118a is a cylindrical member that is capable of being inserted into the slot 120 on the main body 112 and engages with an opening (not shown) provided on the one or more mounting units 110 of the top plate (104). The brace portion 118b is adapted to engage with wall of the one or more mounting units 110a. In an embodiment, the brace portion 118b is provided with openings for receiving fasteners for fastening the pedestal pin 118 onto the one or more mounting units 110 after insertion into the slot 120 on the main body 112 and the slot provided on the one or more mounting units 110.

[0034]

[0026] Further, the pedestal 100 is provided with a bush 122. The bush 122 may be an annular cylindrical member that is capable of being disposed within the slot 120 of the main body 112. The bush 122 is provided onto an inner surface (not shown) of the slot 120 and is adapted to engage with the pin portion 118a of the pedestal pin 118. The bush 122 is adapted to absorb forces that are directed towards the pedestal pin 118, thereby preventing wear and tear of the pedestal pin 118. Consequently, the misalignment due to wear and tear of pedestal pin 118 is mitigated due to the bush 122, thereby enhancing life of pedestal pin 118.

[0035]

[0027] In an operational embodiment, the main body 112 of the pedestal 100 is aligned with the one or more mounting units 110. The bush 122 is inserted into the slot 120 provided in the main body 112. At this juncture, the pin portion 118a of the pedestal pin 118 is inserted into the slot 120, the bush 122 and engages with the slot provided on the one or more mounting unit 110. The pin portion 118a is inserted until the brace portion 118b contacts with the one or more mounting units 110. The brace portion 118b is then fastened onto the one or more mounting units 110 through fasteners, thereby pivotally mounting the pedestal 100 onto the top plate 104 of the fifth wheel coupling unit 102.

[0036]

[0028] In an embodiment, the pedestal 100 is steel-casted and e-coated black to protect the pedestal against corrosion. In another embodiment, the pedestal pin 118 is also made of steel material. In an embodiment, the bush 122 is made of a polymer material. In an embodiment, dimensions of the bush 122 are considered based on the dimensions of the pedestal pin 118 and the slot 120 or based on mounting requirements in the pedestal 100.

[0029]

[0019] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the tapered structure or triangular shape of the main body provides sufficient space for the top plate to swivel about the pivot point, thereby attenuating load or shock loads generated during maneuvering of the towing vehicle. Also, providing the bush between the pedestal pin as well as the slot on the main body, prevents direct load transmission to the pedestal pin from the top plate, thereby enhancing life span of the pedestal as well as the fifth wheel coupling unit. Further, e-coating on the pedestal protects against corrosion. Additionally, the pedestal pin being made of the steel material further enhances its strength, thereby increasing its load bearing capacity.

[0037]

[0030] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0038] List of Reference numerals

[0039] 100 - Pedestal

[0040] 102 - Fifth wheel coupling unit

[0041] 104 - Top plate

[0042] 106 - Top surface of the top plate

[0043] 108 - Bottom surface of the top plate

[0044] 110 - One or more mounting units

[0045] 112 - Main body

[0046] 114 - Base member

[0047] 114a - Front portion of the base member 114b - Rear portion of the base member 116 - One or more mounting members 118 - Pedestal pin

[0048] 118a - Pin portion of the pedestal pin 118b - Brace portion of the pedestal pin 120 - Slot on main body of the pedestal 122 - Bush

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pedestal (100) for fifth wheel coupling unit (102), the pedestal (100) comprising: a main body (112) pivotally mounted to a top plate (104) through a pedestal pin (H8); a base member (114) extending from the main body (112), the base member (114) being adapted to engage with a frame of a vehicle, the base member (114) being adapted to support the top plate (104) on the frame; and a bush (122) surrounding the pedestal pin (118), the bush (122) preventing direct load transmission to the pedestal pin (118).

2. The pedestal (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body (112) being triangular in shape.

3. The pedestal (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base member (114) being provided with one or more mounting members (116), the one or more mounting units (110) being provided on a front portion (114a) and a rear portion (114b) of the base member (114), the one or more mounting members (116) being configured to secure the pedestal (100) to the frame of the vehicle.

4. The pedestal (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pedestal pin (118) comprising a pin portion (118a) and a brace portion (118b).

5. The pedestal (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the pin portion (118a) being configured to be inserted into a slot (120) of the main body (112) and an opening on the top plate (104).

6. The pedestal (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the brace portion (118b) being configured to engage with one or more mounting units (110).

7. The pedestal (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pedestal (100) being formed from a steel-cast material and is e-coated.

8. The pedestal (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pedestal pin (118a) being made from a steel material.

9. A fifth wheel coupling unit (102) comprising: a pedestal (100) for fifth wheel coupling unit (102), the pedestal (100) comprising: a main body (112) pivotally mounted to a top plate (104) through a pedestal pin (118); a base member (114) extending from the main body (112), the base member (114) being adapted to engage with a frame of the vehicle, the base member (114) being adapted to support the top plate (104) on a frame of the vehicle; and a bush (122) surrounding the pedestal pin (118), the bush (122) preventing direct load transmission to the pedestal pin (118).

10. A vehicle comprising: a fifth wheel coupling unit (102) comprising: a pedestal (100) for fifth wheel coupling unit (102), the pedestal (100) comprising: a main body (112) pivotally mounted to a top plate (104) through a pedestal pin (118); a base member (114) extending from the main body (112), the base member (114) being adapted to engage with a frame of the vehicle, the base member (114) being adapted to support the top plate (104) on a frame of the vehicle; and a bush (122) surrounding the pedestal pin (118), the bush (122) preventing direct load transmission to the pedestal pin (118).

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