Patent ID: 8851501
Filing Date: 2014-10-07
Classification: B60D

Abstract:
1. A latch assembly adapted to operably couple to a fifth wheel hitch plate and adapted to engage a kingpin, the latch assembly comprising: a latch member movable between a locked position, wherein the latch member is adapted to retain the kingpin within a relief of the fifth wheel hitch plate, and an unlocked position, wherein the kingpin may be removed from within the relief of the fifth wheel hitch plate; a plunger member movable between an engaged position, wherein the plunger member engages the latch member, thereby preventing the latch member from being moved from the locked position to the unlocked position, and an unengaged position, wherein the latch member may be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position; an actuator assembly movable between a coupled position, wherein the actuator assembly moves the plunger member to the engaged position, and an uncoupled position, wherein the actuator assembly moves the plunger member to the disengaged position; a locking member movable between a first position, wherein the locking member engages the plunger member, thereby preventing the plunger member from being moved from the disengaged position to the engaged position, and a second position, wherein the locking member is disengaged from the plunger member allowing the plunger member to be moved from the disengaged position to the engaged position; and a biasing member that exerts a biasing force that biases the locking member from the second position to the first position; wherein the latch member abuts the locking member to overcome the biasing force 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.