Fifth wheel hitch
First Claim
1. A fifth wheel hitch for attaching a towed vehicle to a pulling vehicle comprising:
- pulling vehicle engagement means carried on the towed vehicle for engaging a fifth wheel hitch means mounted on the pulling vehicle;
an engagement means mount, shiftable between an extended position and a retracted position;
powered adjustable jack means operably mounted on the towed vehicle for adjusting, relative to the pulling vehicle, the height of said engagement means mount;
an obstruction sensor operable to detect, as the pulling vehicle and the towed vehicle are closingly moved relative one another, the presence of an obstruction on the pulling vehicle which, with further closing, would impact said engagement means;
warning means operable with said sensor to alert the operator of the presence of the obstacle; and
towed vehicle level sensing means and leveling circuit means, operable with said powered jack means, to adjust the towed vehicle to a level condition.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The secured enclosure of the instant invention includes a multi-compartmental enclosure, each compartment having a watertight door. The enclosure includes a powered vent system to provide circulation of air through the enclosure and a hitch receiving well formed in the enclosure for receiving a hitch for attaching a pulled vehicle to the pickup truck frame. The fifth wheel hitch of the invention includes engagement means for engaging a pulling vehicle, a mount for the engagement means, which is shiftable between an extended and retracted position, and an obstruction sensor which is operable to detect an impending impact between the pulling vehicle and the towed vehicle during the hitching process. Warning means are operable with the sensor to alert the operator of the impending impact.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A fifth wheel hitch for attaching a towed vehicle to a pulling vehicle comprising:
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pulling vehicle engagement means carried on the towed vehicle for engaging a fifth wheel hitch means mounted on the pulling vehicle; an engagement means mount, shiftable between an extended position and a retracted position; powered adjustable jack means operably mounted on the towed vehicle for adjusting, relative to the pulling vehicle, the height of said engagement means mount; an obstruction sensor operable to detect, as the pulling vehicle and the towed vehicle are closingly moved relative one another, the presence of an obstruction on the pulling vehicle which, with further closing, would impact said engagement means; warning means operable with said sensor to alert the operator of the presence of the obstacle; and towed vehicle level sensing means and leveling circuit means, operable with said powered jack means, to adjust the towed vehicle to a level condition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13)
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6. The hitch of claim said sensor includes a deflectable portion operable to deflect upon impact with an obstruction, said deflectable portion producing a warning signal upon such impact, said warning signal being operable to activate said warning means.
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7. A fifth wheel hitch for attaching a towed vehicle to a pulling vehicle comprising:
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pulling vehicle engagement means for engaging a fifth wheel hitch means mounted on the pulling vehicle; an engagement means mount, shiftable between an extended position and a retracted position; an obstruction sensor operable to detect, as the pulling vehicle and the towed vehicle are closingly moved relative one another, the presence of an obstruction on the pulling vehicle which, with further closing, would impact said engagement means;
said obstruction sensor including sensor shifting means, operable with said engagement means mount, to shift said sensor between an operating position and a rest position as said engagement means mount shifts from said retracted position to said extended position; andwarning means operable with said sensor to alert the operator of the presence of the obstacle. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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Specification