Karl Lee Hacken

US Patent:

6935650, Aug 30, 2005

Filed:

Dec 6, 2004

Appl. No.:

11/006246

Inventors:

James E. Grinde - Farmington MN, US
Karl L. Hacken - Apple Valley MN, US
James J. Jordan - Apple Valley MN, US

Assignee:

Curt Manufacturing, Inc. - Eau Claire WI

International Classification:

B60D001/44
B60D001/50

US Classification:

280435, 280439

Abstract:

An improved fifth wheel hitch for attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle. The hitch includes an outer box support frame having two rails for mounting the trailer hitch to the towing vehicle, a spherical bearing mounted in the frame having a ball joint, and a latch assembly affixed to the spherical bearing to allow the assembly to have two degrees of movement, and a head body. The latch assembly comprises a base plate, a jaw fixed at a first elevation, and a vertically displaceable jaw. A means are provided to raise the vertically displaceable jaw above the level of the fixed jaw to allow release of the king pin latch. When the jaws are coplanar they capture the kingpin of a trailer, and safely lock the trailer to the hitch.

US Patent:

20040145151, Jul 29, 2004

Filed:

Jan 29, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/353515

Inventors:

James Grinde - Farmington MN, US
Karl Hacken - Apple Valley MN, US
James Jordan - Apple Valley MN, US

Assignee:

QA1 Precision Products, Inc. - Lakeville MN

International Classification:

B62D053/06

US Classification:

280/438100

Abstract:

An improved fifth wheel hitch for attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle. The hitch includes an outer box support frame having two rails for mounting the trailer hitch to the towing vehicle, a spherical bearing mounted in the frame having a ball joint, and a latch assembly affixed to the spherical bearing to allow the assembly to have two degrees of movement, and a head body. The latch assembly comprises a base plate, a jaw fixed at a first elevation, and a vertically displaceable jaw. A means are provided to raise the vertically displaceable jaw above the level of the fixed jaw to allow release of the king pin latch. When the jaws are coplanar they capture the kingpin of a trailer, and safely lock the trailer to the hitch.