Abstract: A mechanism is provided for a fifth wheel to eliminate squirting and to provide automatic adjustment for slack in the locking system. The mechanism is able to keep the wedge and jaw of a fifth wheel locking mechanism and trailer king pin within specified ranges of tolerance. The mechanism utilizes a self-adjusting or automatic ratchet lock system which may be positioned to work in relation to the operating handle or lever arm and utilize the leverage forces available allowed by the design of the lever arm. The invention also provides for a fully retractable lock release pull handle which may be retracted into the fifth wheel whether the locking mechanism is open or closed. The invention further incorporates electronic induction switches to indicate open and closed positions of the locking mechanism and to indicate whether the king pin is properly seated in the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanism for locking and unlocking of a king pin of a fifth wheel. The mechanism includes a jaw member, a wedge member, a bumper member and a lever member interconnecting the jaw member, the wedge and the bumper member. A handle member includes a handle extension member. The system may be operated by a two-way air cylinder, a one-way air cylinder or in an alternate embodiment, may be incorporated into an existing manually operated fifth wheel system as a retrofit assembly so as to convert existing fifth wheel locking mechanisms to the arrangement of the present invention.

Abstract: A simpler, more direct mechanism for locking and unlocking of a king pin of a fifth wheel is provided. The mechanism includes a jaw member, a wedge member, a bumper member and a lever member interconnecting the jaw member, the wedge and the bumper member. The system may be operated by a two-way air cylinder, a one-way air cylinder or in an alternate embodiment, may be incorporated into an existing manually operated fifth wheel system as a retrofit assembly so as to convert existing fifth wheel locking mechanisms to the arrangement of the present invention.

Abstract: A fifth wheel of the kind having a king pin jaw and locking wedge is provided with means accessible from the outside of the fifth wheel to free the wedge in the event it becomes impossible to move the same with the usual operating handle. The member for moving the wedge is adapted to be struck with a tool such as a hammer to impart a shock force, thus to free the wedge. Also, the member is adjustable toward and from the wedge thus to permit the wedge to compensate for wear of the jaw.