Gooseneck Latching Mechanism

摘要

A detachable gooseneck trailer (20) having a gooseneck (24) and a detachable trailer deck (22) utilizes a trailer attachment assembly (30) to draw the trailer deck (22) toward the gooseneck (24) during attachment. The attachment assembly (30) includes a pivoting carrier (66) having a retainer leg (84) with a rearward facing load carrier engagement surface (90). A slide member (68) is attached to the trailer deck (22) and provides a forward facing slide member engagement surface (94). As actuators (70) pivot the carrier (66) rearward, the load carrier engagement surface (90) slides over the slide member engagement surface (94). A latching mechanism (34) utilizes an elongated latch plate (122) pivotally mounted on the retainer leg (84) to automatically latch the carrier (66) to the trailer deck (22). A latch biasing spring (124) biases the latch plate (122) toward its latched position, so that it automatically engages a catch (126) mounted on the trailer deck. A lift mechanism (36) utilizes lift actuator arms (148) extending from the tops of the load carrier ends (74, 76) to push down carrier arms (144) and support the gooseneck (24) above the ground. A ride height lock assembly (37) includes a pair of pawls (178) and a pair of ratchets (180) to lock the trailer deck at a desired ride height.