Fifth wheel hitch with a remotely-engaging handle
A remotely-engaging handle for a fifth wheel hitch system is provided. The remotely-engaging handle may comprise a body and a latching assembly that may be securely attached to the body and capable of engaging with a fifth wheel hitch. The latching assembly may comprise a locking member and an actuating member. The actuation of the actuating member may position a portion of the locking member from an unlocked position to a locked position. The locking member may comprise a latching arm rotating about a pivot point and a biasing member operatively attached the body. The biasing member may bias the locking member into a transitory position. In one embodiment, the actuating member may further comprise an electrically-operated button or a software-based interface. In particular embodiment, the locking member may further actuated by a solenoid and the connecting member may further comprise a wireless device.
1 . A remotely-engaging handle comprising:
a body;
a latching arm connected to the body;
a lever connected to the body opposite the latching arm; and
a cable connecting the latching arm and the lever;
wherein movement of the lever or actuation of an actuating member selectively drives the cable and engages the latch.
2 . The remotely-engaging handle of claim 1 , wherein the latching arm is connected to a biasing member.
3 . The remotely-engaging handle of claim 2 , wherein the actuating member urges the latching arm to rotate about a pivot to engage or disengage a fifth wheel pin mounted on a fifth wheel hitch.
4 . The remotely-engaging handle of claim 3 , wherein the engagement of the fifth wheel pin places the fifth wheel hitch in a locked position and disengagement of the fifth wheel pin places the fifth wheel hitch in an unlocked position.
5 . The remotely-engaging handle of claim 1 , wherein the actuating member is selected from the group consisting of: a button, a slider, and a twisting knob.