The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 18, 2003
Filed:
Mar. 09, 2001
Greg Laarman, Holland, MI (US);
Jost International Corp., Grand Haven, MI (US);
Abstract
A fifth wheel assembly for connecting a tractor trailer combination has a pressure actuated piston operated from within the cab of the tractor which releases the locking jaw from the trailer king pin. A piston rod has an internal floating rod which has a safety latch mechanism attached to its outer end to prevent premature movement of a locking lever which locks and unlocks the locking jaws. The safety latch mechanism has a pivotally mounted spring biased clevis which is moved to an unlatched position by outward movement of the piston rod when actuated to move the lever and connected locking jaw to the unlocked position. The locking jaw is retained in the unlocked position by the lever until the jaw is automatically actuated by an incoming king pin eliminating any manipulation of the locking mechanism by the vehicle operator.