Patent ID: 7537235

Claim:
A top hitch plate adapted for use within a fifth wheel hitch, comprising: a top surface adapted to support a load thereon; a bottom surface opposite the top surface; a forward end having a convex shape; a rearward end bifurcated into a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion define a throat therebetween for receiving a kingpin therein; a first laterally extending structural support rib extending downwardly from the bottom surface and located between the forward end and rearward end of the top hitch; a second laterally extending structural support rib extending downwardly from the bottom surface and located between the first support rib and the rearward end of the top hitch; and a pair of ears, each being curved along a length thereof with respect to a vertical plane and extending downwardly from the bottom surface and extending longitudinally between the first and second support ribs, wherein each ear includes an aperture extending therethrough adapted to receive a pivot pin therein to pivotably support the top hitch plate on a supporting structure, and wherein each ear includes at least one end that is substantially offset from at least a selected one of the first support rib and the second support rib and defines a gap therebetween.