Fifth wheel locking mechanism

US9327782B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Fontaine Fifth Wheel Company · US

Inventors

• Steven Alldredge · Cullman, US
• Robert Todd Shelton · Trussville, US
• Charles Rosato · Pell City, US
• Timothy Norman Johnson · Freeport, US
• James H. Adams · Jasper, US
• Robert Keith Laney · Vinemont, US
• Carl Gaufin · Madison, US
• Thomas Hewer · Dayton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 24, 2014
• Grant date: May 3, 2016
• Expiry date: Jun 24, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D53/10
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A fifth wheel includes a top plate having a throat that is adapted to receive a kingpin of a trailer. The fifth wheel is equipped with a locking mechanism including a jaw slidably connected to the top plate and slidable between a closed position where the jaw blocks passage of a kingpin out of the throat of the fifth wheel and an open position where a kingpin may pass into and out of the throat of the fifth wheel. The jaw has an edge adapted to engage a kingpin positioned in the throat of the fifth wheel when the jaw is in the closed position. A bias device urges the jaw towards the closed position. The fifth wheel further includes a mechanism for moving the jaw between the open and closed positions. Further, the top plate of the fifth wheel is configured to allow service and/or replacement of the jaw from the top of the fifth wheel while it is assembled to a vehicle.