A safety device for use with a fifth wheel trailer hitch. The safety device is mounted to a first and second rail, these rails secure both the fifth wheel hitch and the safety device to the frame of a vehicle. The safety device is generally U-shaped and extends rearwardly of the fifth wheel hitch to a catch. The catch is defined as the base of the U and serves to catch the king pin of a trailer in case the king pin is loosed from the fifth wheel hitch.

The present invention relates to a handle, in particular a release handle, for a coupling device, in particular for a fifth wheel assembly, wherein the handle is configured to trigger a locking and/or opening of the coupling device, wherein the handle includes an end portion at a free axial end of the handle where at least the end portion of the handle is configured to actively emit light, and/or wherein the handle includes a signal portion that includes a light emitting element configured to emit a light signal, and/or wherein the handle includes a light guiding portion configured to guide light.

The present invention relates to a handle, in particular a release handle, for a coupling device, in particular for a fifth wheel assembly, wherein the handle is configured to trigger a locking and/or opening of the coupling device, wherein the handle includes an end portion at a free axial end of the handle where at least the end portion of the handle is configured to actively emit light, and/or wherein the handle includes a signal portion that includes a light emitting element configured to emit a light signal, and/or wherein the handle includes a light guiding portion configured to guide light.

A method for automatically verifying a coupling between a tractor and a first trailer unit, the method comprising engaging a wheel brake on the first trailer unit, generating a propulsion torque by the tractor, determining a first coupling force between the tractor and the first trailer unit, and verifying the coupling between the tractor and the first trailer unit based on the determined first coupling force.

A method for automatically verifying a coupling between a tractor and a first trailer unit, the method comprising engaging a wheel brake on the first trailer unit, generating a propulsion torque by the tractor, determining a first coupling force between the tractor and the first trailer unit, and verifying the coupling between the tractor and the first trailer unit based on the determined first coupling force.

A trailer coupler (e.g., gooseneck coupler) lock assembly includes a lock housing (housing), a retainer plate (retainer) and a coupler head case (case). The retainer and case each include a tab with a hole that extends through a window in the lock housing and is engaged by a shackle of a hidden shackle padlock, which locks the retainer and case to the housing. The housing and the case define a volume for receiving a gooseneck coupler head, with upper panels of the case and housing protecting and impeding removal of the gooseneck coupler head. A ball profile extends from a base of the case into a socket of the head of the coupler. The retainer and/or one or more notches in the lock housing secure a latching mechanism of the gooseneck coupler in a locked position, preventing disengagement of the ball profile.

A trailer coupler (e.g., gooseneck coupler) lock assembly includes a lock housing (housing), a retainer plate (retainer) and a coupler head case (case). The retainer and case each include a tab with a hole that extends through a window in the lock housing and is engaged by a shackle of a hidden shackle padlock, which locks the retainer and case to the housing. The housing and the case define a volume for receiving a gooseneck coupler head, with upper panels of the case and housing protecting and impeding removal of the gooseneck coupler head. A ball profile extends from a base of the case into a socket of the head of the coupler. The retainer and/or one or more notches in the lock housing secure a latching mechanism of the gooseneck coupler in a locked position, preventing disengagement of the ball profile.

The present disclosure relates generally to a fifth wheel hitch and, more particularly, to a fifth wheel hitch having a latching system that is viewable to a user. In another instance, the present disclosure relates to a fifth wheel hitch having a latching system that permits a user to restrict movement of the fifth wheel hitch in at least two different planes of motion.

The present disclosure relates generally to a fifth wheel hitch and, more particularly, to a fifth wheel hitch having a latching system that is viewable to a user. In another instance, the present disclosure relates to a fifth wheel hitch having a latching system that permits a user to restrict movement of the fifth wheel hitch in at least two different planes of motion.

Method and apparatus for locking the king pin of a trailer within a conventional fifth wheel as is commonly used on highway truck-tractors. The locking system is designed to operate independently of and without interference with any release mechanism that is used on conventional fifth wheels in use at this time. The device includes a sliding rod member which slides transversely across the throat of the opening into the slot of the lock jaw where the king pin is normally secured to the fifth wheel. The sliding rod member slides reciprocatedly through mating oppositely disposed holes in the walls of the sides of the opening into the slot of the fifth wheel so that when the rod member is positioned across the throat, the king pin is prevented from becoming dislodged from the fifth wheel.