Patent ID: 7185906
Filing Date: 2007-03-06
Classification: B60G,B62D,B62K

Abstract:
1. A fifth wheel coupling apparatus for connecting a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle, including a kingpin attached to the towed vehicle and a fifth-wheel receiver attached to the towing vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a wishbone bracket that spans a pair of frame members of said towing vehicle, including a central portion on which said fifth-wheel receiver is mounted and downwardly extending arms that straddle said frame members; and swinging linkage members disposed outboard of the frame members and pivotably coupled to said frame members and said downwardly extending arms of said wishbone bracket so as to permit limited longitudinal and vertical displacement of said receiver and kingpin with respect to said frame members as the towing vehicle initiates forward longitudinal movement, whereafter said receiver and trailer also experience forward longitudinal movement.