![]() The block 16 also includes an open end slot 18 substantially vertically aligned with the slot 14. A block 16 is secured to the underneath surface 13 by a plurality of bolts 17. The fifth wheel plate 11 is of generally conventional construction including a slot 14 open at its forward end and including a pair of converging vertical gathering surfaces 15. 1, a trailer hitch 10 comprises a fifth wheel plate 11 having an upper surface 12 and a lower surface 13. 6 is a schematic view of a kingpin locking mechanism and indicating means. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 5-5 of FIG. 1 with the fifth wheel plate, however, placed in a normal operating position įIG. 4 is a view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a fifth wheel plate disposed in an upright position and having certain portions broken away įIG. 1 showing a closed position of a kingpin jaw and related mechanism įIG. 1 is a plan view of a fifth wheel plate viewing the underneath side of said plate įIG. Thus the operator need observe only one indicator to know that the proper connection of hitching is achieved.įIG. The single indicating means thus serves two functions, that of indicating that the jaws are properly locked and also indicating that the kingpin is in place since otherwise the jaws could not move to their locked position. Upon such relation the kingpin engages the end of the actuating means or bar which in turn functions to mechanically displace a latch from the path of movement of the locking mechanism and thus the locking mechanism is able to function to lock the jaws about the kingpin since the kingpin is properly seated within the jaws. The actuating means includes a bar which is disposed in the path of movement of the kingpin and jaw when the the kingpin and jaw are moved into locked relation. This is achieved by a single locking means combined with an actuating mechanism which prevents the locking means from entering into a locked relation with respect to the jaw means if the kingpin is not properly seated. The present invention provides a single lock which indicates that the locking mechanism is properly locked and also that the kingpin is in place. Thus, the locking mechanism would indicate that the jaws are closed and yet the kingpin may be improperly seated resulting in the possibility of the trailer breaking loose from the trailer hitch during train operations. While in the aforementioned patent, the locking means indicates when the jaws are closed, it is possible that during a failure in the hitching operation that the jaws close and yet the kingpin might not be seated or improperly seated within the jaws of the fifth wheel plate. In the operation of fifth wheel plates for trailer hitches of the type which may be used for supporting a trailer on railway flat car, it is possible during the engagement of the trailer kingpin with the jaw that the kingpin is not properly positioned within the slot and jaw means of the fifth wheel plate. This patent shows a substantially similar locking mechanism for locking a rotating kingpin receiving jaw in a closed position. 3,358,955, which is incorporated herein by reference. ![]() (On some fifth wheels, the latch must be put in place by hand.The present invention is an improvement over the Wille et al. Check that safety latch is in position over locking lever.Check that locking lever is in the "lock" position.Make sure the fifth wheel jaws have closed around the shank of the kingpin. Go under trailer and look into the back of the fifth wheel.If there is space, something is wrong (kingpin may be on top of closed fifth wheel jaws trailer would come loose very easily). Make sure there is no space between upper and lower fifth wheel.Shut off engine and take key with you so someone else will not move truck while you are under it.Pull tractor gently forward while trailer brakes are still locked to check that the trailer is locked onto the tractor.Raise trailer landing gear slightly off ground.
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