Fifth wheel hitch engagement system
A fifth wheel hitch assembly is shown and described. The fifth wheel hitch system may comprise a jaw fixed about a pivot pin and a biasing member biasing the jaw to a closed position. The fifth wheel hitch assembly may also include a kingpin guide positioned opposite the jaw, where the kingpin guide is adapted to engage and retain a kingpin against the jaw.
1. A fifth wheel hitch system comprising:
a head;
a jaw fixed about a pivot pin;
a biasing member biasing the jaw to a closed position;
a kingpin guide positioned opposite the jaw rigidly fixed to an underside of the head, wherein the kingpin guide is adapted to engage and retain a kingpin against the jaw, wherein the kingpin guide comprises:
a first flange portion; and
a second flange portion, wherein the first flange portion is attached to the underside of the head and the second flange portion is adapted to engage a minor diameter of the kingpin.
2. The fifth wheel hitch system of claim 1 , wherein the kingpin guide further comprises a longitudinal portion positioned between the first and second flange portions.
3. The fifth wheel hitch system of claim 1 , wherein the kingpin guide provides visual notice of the kingpin being operatively engaged with the jaw.
4. The fifth wheel hitch system of claim 1 , wherein the first flange portion provides visual notice of the kingpin being operatively engaged with the jaw.
5. The fifth wheel hitch system of claim 1 , wherein the kingpin guide prevents the jaw from closing when the kingpin is not in a lockable position relative to the jaw.
6. A fifth wheel hitch system comprising:
a head having a throat portion;
an arm fixed about a pivot point, a portion of the arm extending into the throat portion;
an indicator arm operatively secured with the arm, wherein engagement of the arm by a kingpin pivots the arm about the pivot point rotating the indicator arm from a first position to a second position; and
a window positioned in the head, wherein the window is positioned opposite the throat portion.
7. The fifth wheel hitch system of claim 6 further comprising an indicator face attached with the indicator arm.
8. The fifth wheel hitch system of claim 7 , wherein only a portion of the indicator face is viewable through the window.
9. The fifth wheel hitch system of claim 8 , wherein the indicator face comprises two sensor states.
10. The fifth wheel hitch system of claim 8 further comprising a jaw fixed about a pivot pin and a kingpin guide positioned opposite the jaw, wherein the kingpin guide is adapted to engage and retain a kingpin against the jaw.
11. The fifth wheel hitch system of claim 6 further comprising a handle pivotally attached to the head.
12. The fifth wheel hitch system of claim 11 further comprising a guide slot positioned in the handle wherein the guide slot permits movement of the handle along a predefined path.
13. The fifth wheel hitch system of claim 12 , wherein the jaw and handle are biased towards coupled position relative to a kingpin.
14. A fifth wheel hitch system comprising:
a head having a throat portion;
a jaw fixed about a pivot pin;
a biasing member biasing the jaw to a closed position, wherein a portion of the jaw is positioned in the throat portion;
a kingpin guide positioned opposite the jaw and rigidly fixed to an underside of the head, wherein the kingpin guide is adapted to engage and retain a kingpin against the jaw;
an arm fixed about a pivot point, a portion of the arm extending into the throat portion;
an indicator arm operatively secured with the arm, wherein engagement of the arm by a kingpin pivots the arm about the pivot point rotating the indicator arm from a first position to a second position; and
a window positioned in the head, wherein the window is positioned opposite the throat portion.
15. The fifth wheel hitch of claim 14 , wherein the indicator arm comprises an indicator face having two sensor states.
16. A fifth wheel hitch system comprising:
a head having a throat portion;
a jaw fixed about a pivot pin configured to receive a kingpin;
a biasing member biasing the jaw to a closed position, wherein a portion of the jaw is positioned in the throat portion;
an arm fixed about a pivot point, a portion of the arm extending into the throat portion;
a handle pivotally attached with the head and a handle lockout selectively engageable with the handle; and
a kingpin guide positioned opposite the jaw rigidly fixed to an underside of the head, wherein the kingpin guide is adapted to engage and retain a kingpin against the jaw.
17. The fifth wheel hitch of claim 16 , wherein upon full insertion of a kingpin the handle lockout holds the handle in a rotated position, keeping the jaw clear from the throat portion.
18. The fifth wheel hitch of claim 16 , wherein the handle lockout is disengagable from the handle allowing biasing of the jaw and handle to rotate the handle and jaw towards a coupled position.