Spring and pendulum system for shock attenuation in trailer hitches

Abstract

A system is described for attenuating intermittent forces at the interconnection between a towing vehicle and a trailer. The system includes a linear rocking member suspended between the towing vehicle and the trailer, a shock absorber between the linear rocking member and the vehicle, and a pendulum having a fulcrum connected to the vehicle and a swinging component rotationally connected to the linear rocking member, and a fastening device connecting the linear rocking member to the trailer to be towed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of the present invention that is suitable for use with a ball and socket type of hitch located forward of the rear axle of the towing vehicle such as those generally used on gooseneck trailers.

FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration of the present invention that is suitable for use with a kingpin type of trailer hitch, which is also located forward of the rear axle of the towing vehicle.

FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration of the present invention that is suitable for use with a ball and socket type of hitch located behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle. These hitches are known as receiver hitches or as bumper hitches.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the pendulum subassembly and illustrates a simplified technique for making a short sturdy pendulum.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a shock attenuation system which is useful in the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for attenuating intermittent forces at the interconnection between a towing vehicle and a trailer, the system comprising: (a) a linear rocking member suspended between said towing vehicle and said trailer;(b) means for absorbing mechanical energy mounted between said linear rocking member and said towing vehicle;(c) a pendulum comprising a fulcrum and a swinging component, wherein said fulcrum is rotationally connected to said towing vehicle and said swinging component is rotationally connected to said linear rocking member near one end of said linear rocking member; and(d) a fastening device for connecting said linear rocking member to said trailer.

2. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said fastening device is located near the midpoint of said linear rocking member and said means for absorbing mechanical energy is located near the particular end of said linear rocking member that is opposite to the end connected to said pendulum.

3. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for absorbing mechanical energy is located near the midpoint of said linear rocking member and said fastening device is located near the rearward end of said linear rocking member.

4. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said fastening device comprises a ball and socket hitch.

5. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said fastening device comprises a kingpin type hitch.

6. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for absorbing mechanical energy is an air spring.

7. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said swinging component of said pendulum is constructed by joining two aligned and parallel cylindrical bushings together.

8. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said swinging component of said pendulum comprises a rod having first and second ends; and further comprising damping means secured to said ends of said rod for damping movement of said pendulum.

9. The system in accordance with claim 8, wherein said damping means comprises a rubber member having an opening for receiving one said end of said rod; wherein said rubber member is carried within a housing secured to a support for said pendulum.