Fifth wheel locking coupler

A fifth wheel comprising:

• a top plate defining a throat configured to receive a kingpin of a trailer;
• a lock element moveable between a closed position where the lock element blocks removal of the kingpin from the throat and an open position permitting removal of the kingpin from the throat;
• a lever operatively connected with the lock element;
• a pivot lock operatively connected with the lever at a pivot lock pivot, the pivot lock including a pivot lock first tooth and a pivot lock second tooth distal from the pivot lock pivot;
• and
• a latch plate disposed in proximity to the pivot lock, the latch plate including a first catch and a reset catch distal from the first catch,
• wherein the pivot lock is operable in a locked mode in which the pivot lock first tooth engages the first catch thereby preventing rotation of the lever and thus securing the lock element in the closed position,
• wherein the pivot lock is operable in an unlocked mode in which the pivot lock second tooth engages the reset catch to hold the lever in a position and thus maintain the lock element in the open position,
• whereby the kingpin is removable from the throat to decouple the trailer from the fifth wheel when the lock element is in the open position.

A fifth wheel comprising:

• a top plate defining a throat configured to receive a kingpin of a trailer;
• a lock element movable between a closed position where the lock element impairs removal of the kingpin from the throat and an open position permitting unimpaired removal of the kingpin from the throat;
• a lever operatively connected with the lock element;
• a pivot lock operatively connected with the lever at a pivot lock pivot, the pivot lock including a pivot lock first tooth and a pivot lock second tooth distal from the pivot lock pivot;
• and
• a latch plate disposed in proximity to the pivot lock, the latch plate including a first catch and a reset catch distal from the first catch, the pivot lock first tooth and pivot lock second tooth distal from the lever and protruding toward the latch plate;
• wherein the pivot lock is operable in a locked mode to secure the lock element in the closed position, and in an unlocked mode to maintain the lock element in the open position,
• whereby the kingpin is removable from the throat to decouple the trailer from the fifth wheel when the lock element is in the open position.