Patent ID: 8827297
Filing Date: 2014-09-09
Classification: B60D,B62D

Abstract:
1. A sliding fifth wheel hitch assembly, comprising; a longitudinal rail having a substantially vertical side member, a first end portion, and a second end portion; at least one carriage bracket slidably engaged with the longitudinal rail, the carriage bracket adapted to support a hitch plate; an engagement assembly coupled with the carriage bracket for releasably engaging the longitudinal rail along a length of the longitudinal rail between the first and second end portions; and a slide stop laterally extending from the side member of the longitudinal rail proximate at least a select one of the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein the slide stop is positioned to abut the carriage bracket, thereby limting a sliding motion of the hitch plate with respect to the longitudinal rail, wherein the slide stop includes a body portion abutting the side member and a pair of protrusions laterally extending from the body portion and engaging a corresponding pair of engagement apertures extending through the side member, wherein the slide stop includes a mounting aperture between the pair of protrusions and a fastener engaging the mounting aperture and one engagement aperture in the side member to secure the slide stop with the longitudinal rail, and wherein the pair of protrusions are configured to transfer force to the longitudinal rail that is received from limiting the sliding motion of the hitch plate.