Retractable intermodal vehicle

Abstract

A retractable intermodal vehicle for supporting and connecting modified semitrailers end-to-end to form a train of trailers capable of being operated on a railroad track; the semitrailers also able to be operated on a highway as regular semitrailers. The intermodal vehicle is comprised of two lower frames, with a wheel/axle assembly mounted to each, and each pivoted from and supporting a single upper frame assembly; the pivoting of these lower frames providing a limited steering of the rail axles relative to the upper frame. Inflatable air springs are mounted between the lower frames and upper frame assembly to allow the upper frame to be raised and lowered. The upper frame assembly is comprised of two gravity load carrying structures, each for supporting one end of a superimposed trailer; two coupler bodies, each containing a coupler tongue, the tongue being arranged to enter a complimentary coupler tongue receiving socket at either end of the superimposed trailer; and two upwardly movable coupling pins, each pin capable of being raised to enter concentric apertures in a coupler tongue and an a complimentary trailer mounted socket to effect a coupling between these elements; and each pin being capable of being lowered to permit the withdrawal of the coupler tongue from the trailer socket. In an alternative design two separate upper frames are provided.