摘要 |
In a tractor towed chassis having a telescoping, articulated stinger, a two function locking mechanism is disclosed complementary to the non-articulating and articulating functions of the chassis. In the non-articulating function, the chassis hauls short containers, has the stinger telescoped to a non-articulating disposition and conventionally pivots with respect to the towing tractor at a fifth wheel. In the articulating function, the chassis extends to expose the articulated portion of the stinger, is locked at the forward portion to the towing tractor for articulation and when turning of the tractor relative to the chassis occurs the rear wheels turn to assist in turning the tractor towed chassis. The locking mechanism has two discrete locks, a bolster lock that is engaged only when the chassis does not articulate and a fifth wheel lock that is engaged only when the chassis does articulate. The bolster lock extends between the fifth wheel portion of the chassis and the bolster and locks the bolster in parallel relation to the chassis when articulation of the chassis does not occur. The fifth wheel lock extends between the pin gathering surface on the fifth wheel of the towing tractor and the fifth wheel engagement portion of the chassis and locks the forward portion of the chassis to turn with the tractor. The bolster lock and the fifth wheel lock are interconnected to move together. In the non-articulating disposition of the chassis, the bolster lock is engaged and the fifth wheel lock is disengaged. In the articulating disposition of the chassis, the bolster lock is disengaged and the fifth wheel lock is engaged.
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