High lock warning system for fifth wheel hitches

摘要

The high lock warning system for fifth wheel hitches provides audible and/or visual warning to the operator of a towing vehicle in the event that the king pin of the trailer passes beyond the forward edge of the fifth wheel hitch plate of the towing vehicle during hitching operations. The system includes a panel pivotally attached to the forward portion of the fifth wheel. One or more warning devices are activated if the panel is deflected by the king pin during hitching operations, i.e., a high lock condition. The system may also include an indicator to show proper engagement of the king pin in the fifth wheel hitch. The high lock warning actuator panel may be secured in its normal position by a shear pin that breaks in the event of a high lock, and/or a spring to return the panel to its normal position after a high lock.

主权项

1. A fifth wheel hitch and a high lock warning system therefor, comprising:
a fifth wheel hitch plate having a king pin receptacle, a forward portion, and a forward edge; a plurality of panel attachment members extending from the forward portion of the hitch plate; a panel support arm pivotally attached to and extending forward from each of the panel attachment members; an actuator panel extending across the panel support arms, the panel support arms being biased to support the panel in a substantially horizontal position; at least one warning annunciator; and an electrical switch disposed on the actuator panel, the switch being configured to close and actuate the at least one warning annunciator when the actuator panel is deflected downward by a king pin sliding past the fifth wheel hitch plate in a high lock state.