Patent ID: 6908093
Filing Date: 2005-06-21
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A coupling device for mounting on a towing vehicle for connecting a towed vehicle having a kingpin to the towing vehicle, which comprises: (a) a plate having a first end and a second end with a first surface and a second surface extending therebetween with the second surface attached to the towing vehicle; (b) a pair of jaws each having an outer side and an inner side with a first end extending therebetween and pivotally mounted adjacent the first surface of the plate such that the outer side of the jaws is adjacent the first end of the plate and a space is provided between the jaws, wherein in an open position, the first ends of the jaws are spaced apart, and wherein when the kingpin is moved between the spaced apart, first ends of the jaws into the space between the jaws, the kingpin contacts the jaws at the inner side of the jaws and pivots the jaws into a closed position such that the first ends of the jaws move towards each other; (c) a stop mounted adjacent the inner sides of the jaws such that when the jaws are in the closed position and the inner sides of the jaws are spaced apart, the stop extends between the spaced apart inner sides of the jaws; (d) a locking slide bar mounted adjacent the outer sides of the jaws such that in a closed position with the jaws in the closed position, the locking slide bar extends adjacent the outer sides of the jaws and prevents the jaws from pivoting into the open position; (e) a locking lever having a first end and a second end and pivotally mounted adjacent the locking slide bar and having a biasing means which biases the locking lever into a locked position; and (f) a handle attached to the locking slide bar, wherein the second end of the locking lever is connected to the handle such that when the handle is rotated, the first end of the locking lever is moved into and out of contact with the handle to lock and unlock the locking slide bar to which the handle is attached.