Abstract: A trailer hitch arrangement control system including a trailer sensor for sensing the position of a trailer relative to a trailer hitch assembly, a lock sensor for sensing the position of a locking mechanism, a control valve in fluid communication with a brake assembly of a trailer and operable between closed and open positions, wherein the brake assembly is engaged and disengaged, respectively, and wherein the brake assembly is positively biased toward the engaged position, and a controller coupled to the trailer sensor, the lock sensor and the control valve for determining whether the trailer hitch assembly is properly coupled to the hitch and generating a control signal to the control valve to actuate the control valve from the open position to the closed position when the trailer hitch assembly is improperly coupled to the hitch, such that the brake assembly remains in the engaged position.

Abstract: The latch assembly of a fifth wheel hitch plate comprises a latch member movable between lock and unlocked positions, a plunger member movable between engaged and unengaged positions, an actuator movable between coupled and uncoupled positions, a locking member movable between first and second positions, and a biasing member that biases the locking member from the disengaged position to the engaged position, wherein the latch member abuts the locking member as the latch member is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position, thereby moving the locking member from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Jaws of a fifth wheel hitch have front arms that overlap each other. The jaws are linked for simultaneous movement at the same speed and corresponding positions when closing around the kingpin, and a pawl holds the jaws closed. A handle moves a pawl to unlock the hitch to allow ejection of the kingpin, and once the jaws are open the pawl holds them open. A position indicator is linked both to the handle and to one of the jaws. The position indicator moves between three indications: locked, unlocked and open.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch apparatus for connecting a kingpin to a towing vehicle includes a mounting mechanism having plate and skirt portions with an opening for ingress and egress of the kingpin, and a clamping mechanism having opposing first and second clamp elements. A first resilient device biases first and second lever arms of the respective first and second clamp elements to displace the first and second clamp elements into an opened configuration. Direct contact of the kingpin with the first and second clamp elements pivotally and positively displaces the first and second clamp elements from the opened configuration to a closed configuration to cooperatively capture the kingpin therebetween. A biased locking mechanism is releasably retained in an unlocked configuration and locks the first and second clamp elements in the closed configuration. In a modified embodiment, the first and second clamp elements are connected together to also pivot relative to each other about a common third pivot axis.

Abstract: In a fifth wheel hitch, a locking mechanism for retaining a trailer kingpin within a fifth wheel slot. The locking mechanism includes a jaw assembly comprised of two opposing jaw members pivotally attached at one end to the underside of the hitch plate, a longitudinally sliding cam interposed between the jaw members with a tip that contacts a bumper. The bumper is pivotally attached to tie bar that has its rear most end pivotally attached to the underside of the hitch plate. The mechanism also includes a wedge member and a secondary lock member pivotally attached thereto, where the lock member has a guide extension inserted through a guide hole in the tie bar. Rotation of the tie bar inward causes the wedge member and secondary lock to move inward until the wedge member is seated to the rear of the closed jaw assembly and the secondary lock rotates to engage a detent.

Abstract: A hitch includes a control linkage having a single handle on a control bar. The control linkage doubles to provide both a positive safety feature and a movement feature to the hitch, permitting single handed operation of both the positive safety feature and the opening of the hitch with the single handle. A release throw of four inches or less opens jaws of the hitch. A latch is included which can secure the control bar in either a secured position or in a release position. A follower is secured to one of the jaws to maintain timing between the jaws, and the follower doubles as a hitch position indicator so an operator to easily visually discern the position of the hitch. By including kingpin recesses of appropriate location and depth on the jaws, the hitch can be used with or without a lube plate over the skid plate.

Abstract: A slidable trailer hitch apparatus comprises a trailer hitch head operable to receive a cooperating portion of a trailer, the trailer hitch head adapted to be slidable and rotatable relative to the vehicle about an axis of rotation, first and second parallel spaced part guides fixedly located relative to the vehicle, and a body affixed to and rotatable with the trailer hitch head, the body having a center of rotation about the axis and a distal surface adapted to engage either of the first or second guides when the body is rotated relative to the first and second guides. The engagement of the distal surface upon either of the first or second guides displaces the center of the body and the trailer hitch head parallel to the first or second guide when the trailer hitch head is rotated relative to the first and second guides.

Abstract: A hitch includes a control linkage having a single handle on a control bar. The control linkage doubles to provide both a positive safety feature and a movement feature to the hitch, permitting single handed operation of both the positive safety feature and the opening of the hitch with the single handle. A release throw of four inches or less opens jaws of the hitch. A latch is included which can secure the control bar in either a secured position or in a release position. A follower is secured to one of the jaws to maintain timing between the jaws, and the follower doubles as a hitch position indicator so an operator to easily visually discern the position of the hitch. By including kingpin recesses of appropriate location and depth on the jaws, the hitch can be used with or without a lube plate over the skid plate.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a hitch plate and a locking mechanism. The hitch plate includes a throat for receiving a kingpin of a trailer. The locking mechanism locks the kingpin in the throat and includes a pair of lock jaws whose lock jaw contact surface, which contacts the kingpin, is treated with an alloy obviating the need for a lubricant while maintaining the wear life of the pair of lock jaws.

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.

Abstract: A kingpin coupler for allowing a user to connect a trailer having a kingpin to a towing vehicle. The kingpin coupler includes a head assembly, casting, jaws and a locking slide bar. The jaws are pivotably mounted in the housing and are biased into the open position by springs. When the jaws are in the open position and the locking slide bar is unlocked, the jaws prevent the locking slide bar from moving to the closed position. When the hitch ball is moved between the jaws, the jaws move to the closed position and, the unlocked, locking slide bar automatically moves to the closed position across the front of the jaws when the jaws are in the closed position.

Abstract: A device is described for indicating the locking state of a fifth wheel coupling and an arrangement of a first and a second sensor. According to the prior art, the first sensor is arranged on the underside of the locking latch and monitors the position of the kingpin in relation to the locking latch. A second sensor that is used is an inductive proximity switch that monitors a safety mechanism against loosening. In practice, this type of positioning of the first sensor has led to damage of the locking latch and the first sensor, while the signals of the second sensor were often false signals. Thus, the object of the invention is to provide a device for indicating the locking state, which maximizes operational availability and minimizes false signals. A further object of the invention is to optimize the arrangement of the first and the second sensor.

Abstract: An electronic system that includes a trailer sensor, a lock sensor and a control circuit determine whether a trailer hitch assembly is properly coupled to a trailer. The trailer sensor senses the position of the trailer relative to the trailer hitch assembly and the lock sensor senses the position of the locking mechanism. The control circuit is coupled to the trailer sensor and the lock sensor and masks an output of the lock sensor for a first predetermined stabilization period after the control circuit initially determines that the trailer hitch assembly is properly coupled to the trailer.

Abstract: An electronic system monitors a trailer hitch assembly that has a hitch plate with a throat for receiving a kingpin of a trailer and a locking mechanism for locking the kingpin in throat. The system determines whether the trailer hitch assembly is properly coupled to the trailer and includes a trailer sensor, a lock sensor, and a control circuit. The trailer sensor senses the position of the trailer relative to the trailer hitch assembly and the lock sensor senses the position of the locking mechanism. The control circuit is coupled to the trailer sensor and the lock sensor. The control circuit determines whether the trailer hitch assembly is properly coupled to the trailer by taking into account the sequence in which the trailer sensor and the lock sensor sense the respective positions of the trailer and the locking mechanism, as well as, the time periods elapsing between the sensing at such positions.

Abstract: A powered, adjustable height, fifth wheel hitch comprising a support plate having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a fifth wheel plate above the support plate having a front portion and a bifurcated rear portion, coaxial transverse trunnion pins supporting the fifth wheel plate on the support plate, a pair of spaced rear mounts on the support plate rear end portion, torque frame linkage between the rear mounts and the trunnion pins, a pair of spaced forward slides on the support plate front end portion, a pair of spaced forward links between the torque frame linkage and the slides, lock pin receiving openings in the forward links, interconnected lock pins shiftable simultaneously between lock position in the openings and unlock position out of the openings, a pair of laterally spaced cam follower rollers on respective torque frame linkage, a pair of laterally spaced, slidably movable, vertically tapered wedging cams on the support plate, engageable beneath respective ones of the cam followers, a pa

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for mounting on a towing vehicle comprises a pair of parallel, horizontal plates that define an opening for receiving a pin oriented perpendicular to the plates, the pin being part of an assembly adapted to be mounted on a vehicle to be towed. A pair of jaws is pivotally mounted between the plates to be movable between a closed position coupling with the pin and an open position releasing the pin. These jaws have rear faces that in the closed position define a space. A downwardly spring-urged locking member is slidably mounted for vertical movement through the upper plate between a downward, locking position in which it extends through the space between the jaw faces and into engagement with the lower plate to retain the jaws in their closed position by engagement with the jaw faces, and an upward, withdrawn position in which the jaws are permitted to move to their open position under the action of a spring to release the pin.

Abstract: A king pin locking plate assembly having a locking plate provided on the underside with a pair of cooperating jaws pivotally supported under the locking plate and being urged into open position by a spring member positioned between the two jaws, the two jaws having a frontal portion facing a king pin, the frontal portion defining a lock surface which is adapted to be abutted by a free end of a jaw lock pivotally supported in the king pin receiving slot by a pivot which engages a bifurcated end of the jaw lock. A jaw lock stop is situated in the bifurcated end of the jaw lock and, because of its internal elongated opening, is capable of maintaining the jaw lock in either a king pin securing position or in a king pin releasing position.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling for connection of a semitrailer to a tractor unit is disclosed in which a pair of symmetrical, swivel-articulated closing jaws having semicircular recesses for grasping the king pin have a split bearing comprising an outer bearing half fixed in each closing jaw and inner bearing halves rotatable with respect to the outer bearing halves. The split bearing includes a mechanism for returning each inner bearing half to a position aligned with its respective outer bearing half for uncoupling. The split bearing eliminates friction between the king pin and the closing jaws and is substantially free from wear and maintenance.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling for connecting a semitrailer to a towing vehicle, which provides two swivel-articulated closing jaws with semicircular clearances for grasping a semitrailer king pin, and means for opening and closing the jaws which provide a hydraulic cylinder, a piston disposed therein with a rod having a central bore, a tappet disposed within the bore and protruding into the semicircular clearances, piston head and piston rod spaces, and a channel connecting the spaces which is closable by the tappet. Pressurization of the hydraulic cylinder opens the jaws, and contact of the semitrailer king pin against the tappet automatically closes the jaws.

Abstract: A trailer hitch mountable on an upwardly facing surface of a vehicle capable of movement in a forward direction includes a base which can be fixedly secured to the upwardly facing surface and a coupling arrangement supported on the base and adapted to releasably grip a coupling element of a trailer. The base includes two support elements adapted to be fixedly secured at spaced locations to the upwardly facing surface, and a unitary pedestal which can be releasably fixedly secured to the two support elements. The coupling arrangement includes a hitch member having an upwardly facing surface and a slot which extends forwardly thereinto from a rear edge thereof, and two jaws supported for relative pivotal movement about respective pivot axes between a gripping position and a release position. An arrangement for actuating the jaws includes an elongate, transversely extending rod and a link element which extends between and is operatively coupled to the rod and a first of the jaws.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for a king pin, including a plate member formed with an outer peripheral rib, a pair of jaws for receiving the king pin, a locking member for locking the jaws in its king pin engaging position, a lever for moving the locking member into its jaw unlocking position, which is pivotally and axially movably connected with the locking member, and a stopper member for preventing the locking member in its jaw locking position from moving into the jaw unlocking position, which is operatively associated with the lever so as to be pivotally projected into and retracted from between the outer peripheral rib and the locking member in the jaw locking position and in the jaw unlocking position, respectively.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch includes a kingpin locking mechanism having a pair of pivoting locking jaws which form a socket in which the kingpin is retained. An adjustment device varies the angular position of the closed jaws to vary the side-to-side dimension of the socket, and thereby compensate for side wear in the hitch. A stationary, semicircular bearing is fixedly mounted in the hitch to form a portion of the forward half of the socket, such that pivotal adjustment of the closed jaws also varies the fore-to-aft dimension of the socket, and thereby compensate for end wear in the hitch.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a lock block link 34 has a first end 36 connected to a trailer hitch bumper block 22 and a second end 40 which engages a lock block 46 which holds the hitch jaws 16 in closed position. The lock block link 34 is supported by an operating shaft link 54 extending from a manual operating shaft 50 extending to the side of the hitch. When the bumper block 22 is engaged by a tractor, the bumper block rotates about pins 30 connecting the bumper block to the hitch head 10. This rotation moves the lock block link 34 and in turn the lock block 46 rearwardly, which allows the jaws 16 to rotate to open position to allow exit of the trailer king pin. A lost motion connection 31 is provided in the connection between the first end of the lock block link and the bumper block to allow the lock block link 34 to move relative to the bumper block when the lock block 46 is moved rearwardly manually by the operating shaft.

Abstract: A hitch head or fifth wheel is provided including a pair of pivotable jaws which in closed position hold in place a kingpin of a highway trailer. A horizontally movable lock block engages the rear portion of the jaws and holds the jaws in closed position. The lock block is movable to a position out of engagement with the jaws to allow escape of the kingpin. The rear surfaces of the jaws and the side surface of the lock block are provided with cooperating tapers which reduce frictional drag when the lock block is moved to open position, and when it returns to locked position, compensate for manufacturing tolerances which tend to create misalignment between the lock block and the rear portion of the jaws, compensate for wear in the engaging surfaces of the jaws and lock block, and provide a tight fit without undue clearance when the lock block engages the jaws.

Abstract: A hitch head or fifth wheel is provided including a pair of pivotable jaws which hold in place a kingpin of a highway trailer. A horizontally movable lock block, biased by a stiff spring to closed position, engages the jaws and holds them in closed position, maintaining the kingpin in place. The lock block is movable to an open position by a finger extending through an opening in the lock block. The finger is movable to an overcenter position which allows the lock block to move to a position engaging the rear portion of the jaws, holding the jaws open until another kingpin enters the jaws and pivots the jaws to closed position. The front portion of the lock block is provided with a cam surface. If a first jaw begins to move to closed position and the other jaw does not, the first jaw will move the lock block rearwardly and a lock block cam surface protrusion will engage the finger and pivot the finger whereby the finger will engage a rear external surface of the other jaw.

Abstract: In a railway car trailer hitch in which a yoke maintains a pair of jaws in position engaging the trailer king pin in closed position, a pivotably mounted cam assembly is provided which moves the yoke to the open position and a stop is automatically activated when the yoke reaches the open position which maintains the yoke in open position for removal of the trailer from the hitch.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch having three kingpin engagement jaws, two being pivotally shiftable and the third being a plunger slidable in a track to engage the kingpin and simultaneously project between the two pivotal jaws to prevent opening thereof. A wedge is transversely shiftable by a two-way fluid cylinder between the plunger and stop surface on the track to lock the jaws closed.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling for mounting on a towing vehicle and for coupling to a trailer king pin, comprising a coupling plate, a pair of jaws operatively connected to the plate and having opposing king pin receiving recesses with their centers forwardly of the axis of rotation of the jaws and having faces forming a rearwardly directed recess when the jaws are closed, a locking plunger movable with respect to the plate and urged into the recess, a trip member mounted on the plate and urged to maintain the plunge in an inoperative position out of said recess and trippable by closing movement of at least one of the jaws, a locking block movable with respect to the plate and plunger from an inoperative position to an operative position in which it prevents movement of the plunger out of the recess, and an actuating member mounted on the plate and movable, by movement of the block to its inoperative position, to move the plunger out of the recess to free the jaws.

Abstract: A semi-trailer is provided with a pair of laterally spaced drop-leg assemblies operated by a tubular cross shaft mounted on the trailer frame. These drop-leg assemblies are widely spaced and are positioned near the side boundaries of the frame. A jaw member is mounted to turn on the frame at a location forward of the drop-leg assemblies and has an open-ended channel to accept the king pin on the truck. A pair of cables each having one end attached to the jaw member each contact the drum surface and extend partially around the cross shaft in opposite directions. Adjustable means are provided for securing one end of each cable to the cross shaft so that turning movement of the jaw member causes corresponding turning movement of the cross shaft. One end of one of the cables is pivotally attached to the jaw member to compensate for limited arcuate length of the drum occasioned by presence of the open-ended channel to receive the king pin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for releasably connecting a crane superstructure and a crane carrier. The apparatus includes a segmented clamp assembly which hydraulically engages mating flanges carried by the superstructure and the carrier respectively. The clamp assembly includes an arcuate segment to which two other arcuate segments are pivotally connected. The mating flanges may be tapered and one may comprise a lower appendage of the turntable. Centering devices are disclosed to assure proper positioning of the mating flanges during assembly. Suitable tensioning means are provided to create a tensile stress in the clamp and thereby wedge the mating flanges together. The methods disclosed concern disconnecting, attaching, and securing a crane superstructure to a carrier by circumferentially clamping mating flanges therebetween.