Universal semitrailer fifth wheel and sliding tandem pin puller

Abstract

The fifth wheel assembly by which a semitrailer (trailer) is demountably coupled to the tractor of a tractor-trailer vehicle is releasably operated by a special decoupling tool which includes a lever bar or tube having a handle end opposite to a fulcrum end with an elongated hook member pivotally mounted therebetween and an extendable elongated hook member slidably attached to the elongated hook member. To unlock the fifth wheel assembly, to allow decoupling of the tractor and trailer, the extendable hook member is looped over the fifth wheel release handle and the fulcrum end of the lever bar or tube is placed in bearing engagement with a suitable side surface of the vehicle so movement of the lever bar or tube about its fulcrum end will pull the fifth wheel release handle, and, can be altered, by keeping the extendable elongated hook member in the unextended position so the elongated hook member can be used to engage the tandem release handle and so the movement of the lever bar or tube about its fulcrum end will pull the sliding tandem release pins to allow shifting of the weight distribution of the trailer load. There are primarily two manufacturing types of fifth wheel release handle mechanisms and the extendable elongated hook member when in the unextended position permits unlocking the fifth wheel of both manufacturing types. The Holland fifth wheel can be released with the extendable hook in the up or down position depending on the date of manufacture of the fifth wheel. When the hook needs to be in the up position you must lift and pull on the handle. On the Fontaine fifth wheel the extendable hook must be facing up to engage the fifth wheel release handle. Again you must lift and pull. There is a rubber, hard plastic, Neopreem or other suitable material wheel installed on the fulcrum end of the lever bar or tube to absorb shock and eliminate the dragging of metal against metal when placed against the side of the trailer.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.