Hitch release system

Abstract

A hitch release system for releasing the locked engagement of a hitch, the hitch having a manually operable release bar coupled to a locking mechanism, the hitch release system includes a selectively actuatable power assist system, the power assist system being releasably, operably coupled to the release bar, wherein actuation of the power assist system acts to translate the release bar in a first axial direction, such translation acting to release the locking mechanism. A method of release is further included.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a detachable gooseneck trailer;

FIG. 2 shows a detachable gooseneck trailer with the gooseneck removed;

FIG. 3 shows an control schematic of the a pneumatic embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 a shows an control schematic of the a hydraulic embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 b shows an control schematic of the an electric embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a regulator in one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows an actuator, pivoting arm and contact element according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a contact element of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a detachable gooseneck trailer according to the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a detachable gooseneck trailer according to an embodiment of the invention with the gooseneck removed and payload placed thereon;

FIG. 9 shows a detached gooseneck and trailer in an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows a gooseneck mounted to the a trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a dual release system of the invention;

FIG. 12 shows an elevation view of an embodiment of a dual release system of the invention;

FIG. 13 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a dual release system of the invention; and

FIG. 14 shows an operator interface of an embodiment of the dual release system according to the invention.

Claims

1. A hitch release system for releasing the locked engagement of a hitch, the hitch having a manually operable release bar coupled to a locking mechanism, the hitch release system comprising: a selectively actuatable power assist system, the power assist system being releasably, operably coupled to the release bar for effecting translation thereof in a selected axial direction, the power assist system being spaced apart from the hitch.

2. The hitch release system of claim 1, wherein actuation of the power assist system acts to translate the release bar in a first axial direction, such translation acting to release the locking mechanism.

3. The hitch release system of claim 1, the power assist system being releasably, operably coupled to the release bar by a coupler, the release bar being free to translate axially with respect to the coupler when the release bar is manually actuated.

4. The hitch release system of claim 3, the coupler being a pivotable arm.

5. The hitch release system of claim 4, the pivotable arm having a forked, cammed engaging portion.

6. The hitch release system of claim 3, the power assist system being selectively pneumatically, hydraulically, electrically, or pneumatically/hydraulically actuatable.

7. The hitch release system of claim 1, the power assist system including a power assist actuator, the actuator being operably coupled to a pivot arm, the pivot arm being operably coupled to the release bar.

8. The hitch release system of claim 1, the power assist system including a manually actuatable switch being operably coupled to a power assist actuator for selectively actuating the power assist actuator.

9. The hitch release system of claim 1, including a biasing element, the biasing element acting on the release bar to bias the release bar in a locked disposition.

10. A hitch release system for releasing the locked engagement of a hitch, the hitch having a manually operable release bar coupled to a locking mechanism and being mounted on the bed of a gooseneck trailer, the hitch release system comprising: a pneumatically actuatable power assist system, the power assist system being releasably, operably coupled to the release bar, wherein actuation of the power assist system acts to translate the release bar in a first axial direction, such translation acting to release the locking mechanism.

11. The hitch release system of claim 10, the power assist system being releasably, operably coupled to the release bar by a coupler, the release bar being free to translate axially with respect to the coupler when the release bar is manually actuated.

12. The hitch release system of claim 11, the coupler being a pivotable arm.

13. The hitch release system of claim 12, the pivotable arm having a forked, cammed engaging portion.

14. The hitch release system of claim 10, the power assist system being hydraulically powered.

15. The hitch release system of claim 11, the power assist system including a power assist actuator, the actuator being operably coupled to a pivot arm, the pivot arm being operably coupled to the release bar.

16. The hitch release system of claim 10, the power assist system including a manually actuatable switch being operably coupled to a power assist actuator for selectively actuating the power assist actuator.

17. The hitch release system of claim 10, including a biasing element, the biasing element acting on the release bar to bias the release bar in a locked disposition.

18. A method of releasing the locked engagement of a hitch, the hitch having a manually operable release bar coupled to a locking mechanism, the method comprising: releasably, operably coupling a power assist system to the release bar;selectively actuating a power assist system;translating the release bar in a first axial direction by means of the actuation of the power assist system; andeffecting release the locking mechanism by means of such translation.

19. The method of claim 18, including releasably, operably coupling the power assist system to the release bar by a coupler and freely, axially translating the release bar with respect to the coupler when the release bar is manually actuated.

20. The method of claim 18, including selectively pneumatically, hydraulically, electrically, or pneumatically/hydraulically actuating the power assist system.