US 7,537,235 B2
Lightweight fifth wheel hitch assembly
James H. Flater, Holland, Mich. (US); Gerald W. Hungerink, Holland, Mich. (US); Steven L. Hoek, Holland, Mich. (US); Jason D. C. Howe, Holland, Mich. (US); and Michael H. Ginocchio, Grand Haven, Mich. (US)
Assigned to SAF-Holland, Inc., Holland, Mich. (US)
Appl. No. 10/532,899
PCT Filed Nov. 07, 2003, PCT No. PCT/US03/35409
§ 371(c)(1), (2), (4) Date Apr. 27, 2005,
PCT Pub. No. WO2004/043741, PCT Pub. Date May 27, 2004.
Prior Publication US 2006/0103109 A1, May 18, 2006
Int. Cl. B62D 53/08 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 280—433  [280/438.1] 4 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A top hitch plate adapted for use within a fifth wheel hitch, comprising:
a top surface adapted to support a load thereon;
a bottom surface opposite the top surface;
a forward end having a convex shape;
a rearward end bifurcated into a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion define a throat therebetween for receiving a kingpin therein;
a first laterally extending structural support rib extending downwardly from the bottom surface and located between the forward end and rearward end of the top hitch;
a second laterally extending structural support rib extending downwardly from the bottom surface and located between the first support rib and the rearward end of the top hitch; and
a pair of ears, each being curved along a length thereof with respect to a vertical plane and extending downwardly from the bottom surface and extending longitudinally between the first and second support ribs, wherein each ear includes an aperture extending therethrough adapted to receive a pivot pin therein to pivotably support the top hitch plate on a supporting structure, and wherein each ear includes at least one end that is substantially offset from at least a selected one of the first support rib and the second support rib and defines a gap therebetween.