Trailer hitch
US6846000B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D53/0828
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved fifth wheel hitch for attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle. The hitch includes an outer box support frame having two rails for mounting the trailer hitch to the towing vehicle, a spherical bearing mounted in the frame having a ball joint, and a latch assembly affixed to the spherical bearing to allow the assembly to have two degrees of movement, and a head body. The latch assembly comprises a base plate, a jaw fixed at a first elevation, and a vertically displaceable jaw. A means are provided to raise the vertically displaceable jaw above the level of the fixed jaw to allow release of the king pin latch. When the jaws are coplanar they capture the kingpin of a trailer, and safely lock the trailer to the hitch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.