Patent attributes
A fifth wheel coupling device is adapted for a towing vehicle that vertically receives a kingpin of a trailer. The device includes a plate having a kingpin hole formed therethrough defining a vertical path adapted to permit entry of the kingpin into the kingpin hole and through the plate along the vertical path, and to prevent release of the kingpin out of the kingpin hole along a lateral path leading outside the plate. A support base is attached to the plate, and is adapted to mount the plate to the towing vehicle. A lifting mechanism is operatively connected to the plate and is adapted to be mounted on the towing vehicle for raising and lowering the plate relative to the trailer. A locking mechanism is movably attached to the plate and is provided with an actuating portion. The locking mechanism is configured to be automatically actuable and adapted for releasably locking the kingpin relative to the plate and the locking mechanism upon engagement of the kingpin with the actuating portion of the locking mechanism.
