Fifth wheel coupler release apparatus
OwnerRuss Andersoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This fifth wheel coupler release apparatus for adding to a fifth wheel hitch. The fifth wheel coupler provides a manner of releasing the coupling mechanism of a fifth wheel from a more accessible position and in a manner that can overcome any resistance through a lever arm type assembly.
Claims18
A fifth wheel coupler release apparatus for use on a fifth wheel said fifth wheel having lock jaws for locking about a kingpin, said fifth wheel further having a jaw release cam for selectively opening and closing said lock jaws and a drop handle for controlling said jaw release cam, said fifth wheel coupler release apparatus comprising:
- a release bracket having an elongate lever arm portion said release bracket being fixedly attached to said jaw release cam such that an elongate lever arm portion of said release bracket extends beyond said jaw release cam;
- said elongate lever arm portion forming a handle attachment hole;
- and
- an elongate handle assembly pivotally attached to said handle attachment hole.
A fifth wheel coupler release apparatus for use on a fifth wheel attached to a vehicle frame said fifth wheel having lock jaws for locking about a kingpin, said fifth wheel further having a jaw release cam for selectively opening and closing said lock jaws and a drop handle for controlling said jaw release cam, said fifth wheel coupler release apparatus comprising:
- a release bracket having an elongate lever arm portion said release bracket being fixedly attached to said jaw release cam such that an elongate lever arm portion of said release bracket extends beyond said jaw release cam;
- said elongate lever arm portion forming a handle attachment hole;
- an elongate pivot arm having an upper and lower pivot arm section and central pivot fulcrum pivotally attaching said elongate pivot arm to said vehicle frame;
- and
- an activation rod having a first and second end with said first end being pivotally connected to said handle attachment hole and said second end being pivotally attached to said lower pivot arm section.
A fifth wheel coupler release apparatus for use on a fifth wheel attached to a vehicle frame, said fifth wheel having lock jaws for locking about a kingpin, said fifth wheel further having a jaw release cam for selectively opening and closing said lock jaws and a drop handle for controlling said jaw release cam, said fifth wheel coupler release apparatus comprising:
- a release bracket having an elongate lever arm portion said release bracket being fixedly attached to said jaw release cam such that an elongate lever arm portion of said release bracket extends beyond said jaw release cam;
- said elongate lever arm portion forming a handle attachment hole;
- and
- a handle means for controlling said release bracket.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.