LATCHING WARNING DEVICE FOR FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLIES

• US 3,697,974 A
• Filed: 10/26/1970
• Issued: 10/10/1972
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Julian Taylor Harris, Thomas Adkins Turner
• Original Assignee: Julian Taylor Harris, Thomas Adkins Turner
• Inventors: Harris, Julian Taylor, Turner, Thomas Adkins
• Primary Examiner(s): Caldwell, John W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Swann, III, Glen R.
• Application Number:
  US05/083,738
• Time in Patent Office: 715 Days
• Field of Search: 340/275,274,52R 200/51.1,51.09,61.64 307/1R 180/111,103,82 280/432,433,438A,438R 339/10
• US Class Current: 340/431
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 53/12 engaging automatically

Abstract

A safety system is provided for fifth wheel assemblies or other trailer connecting devices which includes several switches connected to warning devices which are actuated to warn the operator of improper coupling conditions.

Claims

1. In a trailer latching means, a first switch actuated by the trailer connection in series with a second switch actuated by a latching means said first switch and said second switch selectively connected in series with a signal means.

2. A safety alarm system for a two vehicle connection connecting two vehicles comprising:

A. an electrical energy source;

B. a first switch means selectively connected in series with said energy source, said first switch means being positioned in a female part of one of said two vehicles, said first switch means actuable by a male part on the other of said two vehicles;

C. a second switch means actuable by securing means for said male part, said second switch means selectively connected in series with said energy source and said first switch means;

D. warning means selectively connected in series with said electrical energy source, said first and said second switch means;

E. said first switch means and said second switch means being connected in series electrically upon actuation of one but not both said switch means.

3. The safety alarm system of claim 2 wherein the first switch is actuated by a king pin connection.

4. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said male part comprises a king pin and said female part comprises a fifth wheel assembly.

5. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first switch means and said second switch means comprise single pole double throw switches, and said device further comprising between said first switch means and said second switch means two electrical connections selectively connected by said first and said second switch means.

6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pole of said first switch means and the pole of said second switch means are positioned so that said first switch means and said second switch means are connected in series electrically upon actuation of one but not both said switch means.