Patent ID: 6092825
Filing Date: 2000-07-25
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A fifth wheel hitch, actuator and lock assembly comprising:a bifurcated hitch plate;a kingpin engagement jaw movable between a closed position for engaging a kingpin and an open position for releasing a kingpin;a lever coupled with said jaw and operatively shiftably attached to said assembly for movement of said jaw from said closed position to said open position when operatively shifted;a release handle attached to said lever and movable for shifting said lever to thereby move said jaw to said open position;said release handle having an outer end with a hand grip thereon;a pivotal lock on said release handle, movable between an extended condition and a retracted condition, said pivotal lock in said extended condition being positioned to lockingly engage said hitch plate in a manner to prevent said release handle from moving to shift said lever, and in said retracted position to allow said release handle to move to shift said lever;a lock actuator extending between said pivotal lock and said hand grip, and movable to pivot said pivotal lock from said extended condition to said retracted condition; anda biasing spring positioned to bias said pivotal lock to said extended condition.