Patent ID: 7384056
Filing Date: 2008-06-10
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A fifth wheel coupler release apparatus for use on a fifth wheel attached to a vehicle frame said fifth wheel having lock jaws for locking about a kingpin, said fifth wheel further having a jaw release cam for selectively opening and closing said lock jaws and a drop handle for controlling said jaw release cam, said fifth wheel coupler release apparatus comprising: a release bracket having an elongate lever arm portion said release bracket being fixedly attached to said jaw release cam such that an elongate lever arm portion of said release bracket extends beyond said jaw release cam; said elongate lever arm portion forming a handle attachment hole; an elongate pivot arm having an upper and lower pivot arm section and central pivot fulcrum pivotally attaching said elongate pivot arm to said vehicle frame; and an activation rod having a first and second end with said first end being pivotally connected to said handle attachment hole and said second end being pivotally attached to said lower pivot arm section.