Lock jaw for a fifth wheel coupling unit

Abstract

Lock Jaw of a Fifth Wheel Coupling Unit Present invention relates to a lock jaw (100) of a fifth wheel coupling unit (10). The lock jaw (100) comprises a main body (102) pivotably connected to a top plate (126) of the fifth wheel coupling unit (10). The lock jaw (100) comprises a first leg (110) and a second leg (120) spaced apart from one another and extending from the main body (102). The first leg (110) has one or more first outer chamfered portions (114) extending towards an outer lateral side of a distal end (110A) of the first leg (110), and a plurality of first inner chamfered portions (116, 118) extending towards an inner lateral side of the distal end (110A). The lock jaw (100) facilitates smooth entry and exit of a king pin (20) from and to an insertion slot (124) aligned with an aperture (146) between the first leg (110) and the second leg (112).

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION

[0002] LOCK JAW FOR A FIFTH WHEEL COUPLING UNIT

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004]

[0001] Present invention relates to a lockjaw for a fifth wheel coupling unit of a vehicle, such as a towing vehicle.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles such as towing vehicles (also known as towing tractor), comprise a fifth wheel coupling unit for coupling with a trailer. The fifth wheel coupling unit is mounted on the towing vehicle and engages with a king pin provided to the trailer for establishing a linkage between the towing vehicle and the trailer. The fifth wheel coupling unit provides stability to the trailer especially when undertaking heavy loads. The fifth wheel coupling unit evenly distributes weight between the towing vehicle and the trailer, leading to smooth navigation.

[0007]

[0003] The fifth wheel coupling unit comprises a lock jaw is pivotally mounted on the top plate and is disposed below an insertion slot provided on the top plate. The lockjaw is pivotally movable between a locked position and an unlocked position about the pivot axis upon actuation of a locking mechanism of the fifth wheel coupling unit. In the locked position, the king pin is rigidly locked within the insertion slot and spaced apart legs of the lockjaw, thereby ensuring connection between the trailer and towing tractor.

[0008]

[0004] Typically, the lock jaw due to its engagement with the king pin, is subjected to various forces in the locked position, such as horizontal pull load of the trailer, cross loads encountered while towing. Additionally, forces resulting from shocks and swivelling of the vehicle are also transmitted to the lock jaw through the king pin from various directions. Furthermore, there exists a possibility of wear and tear of the lockjaw, due to frictional forces acting between the lock jaw and the king pin. This scenario adversely affects the structural integrity and strength of the lock jaw during prolonged use. Consequently, reliability and life of the lock jaw and hence of the fifth wheel coupling unit is decreased. As such, overall ownership costs of the towing vehicle are increased, which is undesirable.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a lockjaw which alleviates or overcomes at least the aforementioned problems.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010]

[0006] In one aspect, a lock jaw for a fifth wheel coupling unit is disclosed. The Lock jaw comprises a main body pivotally connected to a top plate of the fifth wheel coupling unit. A first leg extends from the main body and has a distal end disposed away from the main body. The first leg comprises a plurality of first inner bevelled portions provided on an inner lateral side of the distal end. A second leg also extends from the main body and is spaced apart from the first leg for receiving a king pin of a trailer. The second leg has a distal end disposed away from the main body. The second leg comprises one or more second inner bevelled portions extending towards an inner lateral side of the distal end.

[0011]

[0007] In an embodiment, the one or more first inner bevelled portions are adapted to extend laterally towards the inner lateral side of the distal end.

[0012]

[0008] In an embodiment, the one or more first inner bevelled portions comprises a first inner bevelled portion and a second inner bevelled portion. The first inner bevelled portion extends vertically from a top end of the first leg towards a central portion of the first leg. The first inner bevelled portion is adapted to extend laterally towards the inner lateral side of the distal end. The second inner bevelled portion extends laterally from the central portion of the first leg towards the bottom end of the first leg. The second inner bevelled portion is adapted to extend laterally towards the inner lateral side of the distal end, wherein the first inner bevelled portion has a bevel angle less than the second inner bevelled portion with respect to a horizontal axis of the main body.

[0013]

[0009] In an embodiment, the first leg comprises one or more first outer bevelled portions extending towards an outer lateral side of the distal end.

[0014]

[0010] In an embodiment, the one or more first outer bevelled portions extend laterally from a top end of the first leg to a bottom end of the first leg.

[0015] [Oi l] In an embodiment, the one or more second inner bevelled portions extends vertically from a top end of the second leg to a bottom end of the second leg.

[0016]

[0012] In an embodiment, the second leg comprises one or more second outer bevelled portions. The one or more second outer bevelled portions are adapted to extend vertically from a top end of the second leg to a bottom end of the second leg, wherein a bevel angle formed between the one or more second outer bevelled portions and the one or more second inner bevelled portions about the horizontal axis is equal.

[0017]

[0013] In an embodiment, the main body comprises an opening. The opening is adapted to receive a pivot pin, the opening being elongated in profile.

[0018]

[0014] In another aspect, the fifth wheel coupling unit for a vehicle is disclosed. The fifth wheel coupling unit comprises the top plate and the lockjaw. The lockjaw comprises the main body pivotally connected to the top plate. The first leg extends from the main body and has the distal end disposed away from the main body. The first leg comprises the plurality of first inner bevelled portions provided on the inner lateral side of the distal end. The second leg also extends from the main body and is spaced apart from the first leg for receiving the king pin of the trailer. The second leg has the distal end disposed away from the main body. The second leg comprises the one or more second inner bevelled portions extending towards an inner lateral side of the distal end.

[0019]

[0015] In yet another aspect, the vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises the fifth wheel coupling unit having the top plate and the lock jaw. The lock jaw comprises the main body pivotally connected to the top plate. The first leg extends from the main body and has the distal end disposed away from the main body. The first leg comprises the plurality of first inner bevelled portions provided on the inner lateral side of the distal end. The second leg also extends from the main body and is spaced apart from the first leg for receiving the king pin of the trailer. The second leg has the distal end disposed away from the main body. The second leg comprises the one or more second inner bevelled portions extending towards an inner lateral side of the distal end.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]

[0016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lock jaw for a fifth wheel coupling unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2A is a bottom view of the fifth wheel coupling unit depicting an unlocked position of the lock jaw, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2B is a bottom view of the fifth wheel coupling unit illustrating a locked position of the lock jaw, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025]

[0017] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.

[0026]

[0018] The present invention relates to a lock jaw of a fifth wheel coupling unit of a towing vehicle. In an embodiment, the towing vehicle may be a truck, a semi-truck, a tractor, a heavy-duty vehicle or a commercial vehicle, as per requirement. The fifth wheel coupling unit is provided at a rear end of the towing vehicle. The lock jaw of the fifth wheel coupling unit is adapted to selectively receive and engage with a king pin provided to a trailer. Thus, enabling linkage between the towing vehicle and the trailer. It may be contemplated that the trailer may be another vehicle or a wagon, as the case may be.

[0027]

[0019] Throughout the specification and drawings, the terms ‘left”, “leftward” and “right”, “rightward” refer to the directions as seen from the perspective of a user when seated in the towing vehicle, unless stated otherwise. The terms "up", “top”, "down" and “bottom”, “under”, “underside” refer to directions as may be perceivable in a vertical orientation of the towing vehicle, unless stated otherwise. The terms “front” and “forward” correspond to a direction of forward travel of the towing vehicle and the terms “rear” and “rearward” correspond to a direction of backward travel of the towing vehicle, unless stated otherwise. Further, the terms “inner” and “inward” refer to a direction towards a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and the terms “outer” and “outward” refer to a direction away from the central longitudinal axis, unless stated otherwise.

[0028]

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lock jaw 100 for a fifth wheel coupling unit 10, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The lockjaw 100 is positioned below a top plate 126 of the fifth wheel coupling unit 10 (shown in Figures 2A and 2B), which in turn is mounted at a rear portion of a vehicle (not shown), which can be a towing vehicle. The lockjaw 100 comprises a main body 102. The main body 102 is pivotably connected on the top plate 126. In an embodiment, the main body 102 has an opening 104 that receives a pivot pin (not shown) for facilitating pivotable mounting of the lockjaw 100 to the top plate 126. In an embodiment, the opening 104 is oblong or elongated in profile. That is, the opening 104 is an oblong hole or an elongated hole. The opening 104 may enable adjustment of position of the lockjaw 100 on the top plate 126.

[0029]

[0021] In an embodiment, the lockjaw 100 comprises a flange 106 mounted to the main body 102. The flange 106 comprises a through-hole 108 adapted to receive an end of a first biasing member 128 (shown in Figures 2A and 2B) of a locking mechanism of the fifth wheel coupling unit 10.

[0030]

[0022] The lockjaw 100 further comprises a first leg 110 and a second leg 112. The first leg 110 and the second leg 112 extend from the main body 102 and are spaced apart from one another to form an aperture 146. The aperture 146 between the first leg 110 and the second leg 112 is equal to or greater than a diameter of a king pin 20 (shown in Figure 2B) provided a trailer (not shown). As such, the first leg 110, the second leg 112 and the main body 102 form a substantially U-shaped member in a top view of the lockjaw 100. The aperture 146 receives the king pin 20 between the first leg 110 and the second leg 112.

[0031]

[0023] In an embodiment, the first leg 110 and the second leg 112 are substantially parallel to one another, and the aperture 146 between the first leg 110 and the second leg 112 is constant. In another embodiment, the aperture 146 between the first leg 110 and the second leg 112 may vary across the lengths of each of the first leg 110 and the second leg 112, as per design considerations of the lockjaw 100. The aperture 146 comprises a central portion 146a between the first leg 110 and the second leg 112 that is substantially aligned with an insertion slot 124 (shown in Figure 2A) of the top plate 126. The insertion slot 124 is adapted to receive the king pin 20 for linking the trailer to the towing vehicle. The insertion slot 124 is open in a rearward direction of the towing vehicle to facilitate entry of the king pin 20 towards the insertion slot 124.

[0032]

[0024] In an embodiment, the first leg 110 is disposed rightwards of the second leg 112 in an unlocked position of the trailer with the towing vehicle. In the embodiment, the length of the first leg 110 is greater than the length of the second leg 112. However, it must be appreciated that the relative lengths of the first leg 110 and the second leg 112 may be selected as per the configuration and orientation of the locking mechanism of the fifth wheel coupling unit 10 adapted to lock the king pin 20 mounted to the trailer in a locked position of the trailer with the towing vehicle.

[0033]

[0025] The first leg 110 has a distal end 110A disposed away from the main body 102 of the lock jaw 100. The first leg 110 has one or more first outer bevelled portions 114 extending towards an outer lateral side HOC of the distal end 110A. The first leg 110 further comprises a plurality of first inner bevelled portions 116, 118 provided on an inner lateral side 110B of the distal end 110A. The one or more first outer bevelled portions 114 and the one or more first inner bevelled portions 116, 118 reduce stress concentration in the first leg 110 during or while in engagement with the king pin 20. Consequently, enhancing load bearing capacity and life of the first leg 110. In an embodiment, the one or more first outer bevelled portions 114 and the one or more first inner bevelled portions 116, 118 are chamfered portions. The one or more first outer bevelled portions 114 and the one or more first inner bevelled portions 116, 118 ensures smooth or uninterrupted entry and exit of the king pin 20 to / from the insertion slot 124.

[0034]

[0026] In an embodiment, the first leg 110 comprises one first outer bevelled portion 114 extending laterally from a top end of the first leg 110 towards a bottom end of the first leg 110. Also, a first inner bevelled portion 116 extends vertically from the top end of the first leg 110 towards a central portion of the first leg 110. The first inner bevelled portion 116 extends laterally towards the inner lateral side HOB of the distal end 110A. The first leg 110 further comprises a second inner bevelled portion 118 extending laterally from the central portion of the first leg 110 towards the bottom end of the first leg 110. The second inner bevelled portion 118 extends laterally towards the inner lateral side 112B of the distal end 112A.

[0035]

[0027] In an embodiment, the first inner bevelled portion 116 has a bevel angle (not shown) lesser than that of the second inner bevelled portion 118 with respect to a horizontal axis X-X’ oriented about a front-rear direction of the vehicle. In an embodiment, angles formed by the first inner bevelled portion 116 and the first outer bevelled portion 114 about the horizontal axis X-X’ may be equal or may vary depending on the force transmission requirement in the first leg 110.

[0036]

[0028] In an embodiment, the bevel angle of the first inner bevelled portion 116 ranges from 20 degrees to 25 degrees. In the present embodiment, the bevel angle of the first inner bevelled portion 116 about the horizontal axis is 25 degrees. In an embodiment, the bevel angle of the second inner bevelled portion 118 ranges from 50 degrees to 55 degrees. In the present embodiment, the bevel angle of the first inner bevelled portion 116 about the horizontal axis is 55 degrees.

[0037]

[0029] In an embodiment, the plurality of inner bevelled portions 116, 118 and the one or more first outer bevelled portions 114 converge at the distal end 110A to form a V- shaped profile when viewed in a top view of the lockjaw 100.

[0038]

[0030] The second leg 112 has a distal end 112A disposed away from the main body 102 of the lockjaw 100. The second leg 112 has one or more second outer bevelled portions 120 extending towards an outer lateral side 112C of the distal end 112A. The second leg 112 further comprises one or more second inner bevelled portions 122 extending towards an inner lateral side 112B of the distal end 112A. The one or more second outer bevelled portions 120 and the one or more second inner bevelled portions 122 reduce stress concentration in the second leg 112 during or while in engagement with the king pin 20. Consequently, enhancing load bearing capacity and life of the second leg 112. In an embodiment, the one or more second outer bevelled portions 120 and the one or more second inner bevelled portions 122 are chamfered portions.

[0039]

[0031] In an embodiment, the second leg 112 comprises one second outer bevelled portion 120 and one second inner bevelled portion 122. The second outer bevelled portion 120 extends vertically from a top end of the second leg 112 to a bottom end of the second leg 112. The second outer bevelled portion 120 extends laterally towards the outer lateral side 112C of the second leg 112. The second inner bevelled portion 122 extends vertically from a top end of the second leg 112 to a bottom end of the second leg 112. The second inner bevelled portion 122 extends laterally towards an inner lateral side 112B of the distal end 112A. In an embodiment, angles formed by the second inner bevelled portion 122 and the second outer bevelled portion 120 about the horizontal axis X-X’ are equal or may vary depending on force transmission requirements in the second leg 112.

[0040]

[0032] In an embodiment, the one or more second outer bevelled portions 120 and the one or more second inner bevelled portions 122 converge at the distal end 112A to form a V-shaped profile when viewed in a top view of the lockjaw 100.

[0041]

[0033] The locking mechanism of the fifth wheel coupling unit 10 will now be explained in reference to Figure 2A and Figure 2B, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The lockjaw 100 is loaded by the first biasing member 128 (such as a spring) connected to a frame 130. The lock jaw 100 is rotatable about the pivot pin between the locked position and the unlocked position by the force exerted by the king pin 20 against the lockjaw 100.

[0042]

[0034] Additionally, a locking bar 132 is disposed rearwardly of the main body 102 (or behind) of the lockjaw 100 (as shown in Figure 1). The locking bar 132 comprises a first end hingedly connected to a first linkage member 134 which in-tum is connected to a second linkage member 136. The second linkage member 136 includes a first end (not shown) extending outwardly from the top plate 126 and a second end (not shown) biased by a second biasing member 140 (such as a spring) connected to the frame 13). The first end of the second linkage member 136 is provided with a handle 138 that is capable of being gripped by a user for operating the locking mechanism. Additionally, a stud 142 is provided opposite to the locking bar 132. The stud 142 is adapted to abut with a second end of the locking bar 132 in the locked position, for limiting the linear displacement of the locking bar 132.

[0043]

[0035] The locking bar 132 is displaceable along a left-right direction of the towing vehicle. The locking bar 132 abuts the outer lateral surface of the first leg 110 of the lock jaw 100 in the locked position, thereby preventing unintended rotation of the lock jaw 100 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0044]

[0036] Referring Figure 2A, a bottom view of the fifth wheel coupling unit 10 in the unlocked position of the lock jaw 100 with respect to the king pin 20 mounted to the trailer is illustrated. In the unlocked position, the first leg 110 and the second leg 112 (as shown in Figure 1) of the lock jaw 100 are oriented to enable the king pin 20 to be positioned in the insertion slot 124. Further, in the unlocked position, the first biasing member 128 is in a compressed state, whereas the second biasing member 140 is in an expanded or relaxed state.

[0045]

[0037] Referring Figure 2B, a bottom view of the fifth wheel coupling unit 10 in the unlocked position of the lock jaw 100 with respect to the king pin 20 mounted to the trailer is illustrated. In order to engage the king pin 20 and the trailer with the fifth wheel coupling unit 10, the towing vehicle and / or the trailer is positioned such that the king pin 20 is aligned parallel to the insertion slot 124. Thereafter, the towing vehicle is moved rearwardly for disposing the king pin 20 in the insertion slot 124. At this juncture, the lockjaw 100 rotates about the pivot pin by the force exerted by the king pin 20 in a first circumferential direction (not shown). In an embodiment, the first circumferential direction corresponds to a clockwise direction of rotation of the lock jaw 100 when viewed from below the top plate 126. Upon rotation, the lock jaw 100 is oriented such that the first leg 110 is positioned rearward (or behind) of the king pin 20 disposed in the insertion slot 124, while the second leg 112 is disposed in front of the king pin 20. Accordingly, the first leg 110 prevents displacement of the king pin 20 in the rearward direction. In this scenario, the first leg 110 and the second leg 112 are oriented substantially parallel to the left-right direction of the towing vehicle. Such rotation of the lockjaw 100 brings about an expansion of the first biasing member 140.

[0046]

[0038] Once the king pin 20 is positioned in the insertion slot 124, the second linkage member 136 is pushed in an inward direction (that is, towards the centre of the fifth wheel coupling unit 10) by the user through the handle 138. As the second linkage member 136 is displaced, the second biasing member 140 is compressed. Consequently, the locking bar 132 abuts the first leg 110 and prevents unintended rotation of the lockjaw 100 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0047]

[0039] In order to disengage the king pin 20 from the locked position, the second linkage member 136 is pulled outwards by the user through the handle 138. In this scenario, the locking bar 132 disengages from the first leg 112, thereby allowing the lockjaw 100 to rotate in anti-clockwise direction of rotation of the lockjaw 100 to the unlocked position, when viewed from below the top plate 126. The towing vehicle is then moved in forwardly, thereby positioning the king pin 20 away from the insertion slot 124 and the fifth wheel coupling unit 10 (i.e., disengaging the king pin 20 from the insertion slot 124 and the fifth wheel coupling unit 10).

[0048]

[0040] In an embodiment, a cutout 144 is provided on at least one of the main body 102, the first leg 110 and the second leg 112. The cutout 144 forms a stepped profile between the main body 102 and the first leg 110 and the second leg 112, thereby reducing overall weight of the lockjaw 100. In addition, the cutout 144 is provided around a periphery of the central portion 146a of the aperture 146. The cutout 144 thus ensures that head of the king pin 20 always has a clearance from the stepped profile portion on the main body 104, while a pin portion (not shown) of the king pin 20 is disposed or accommodated within the central portion 146a of the aperture 146 and the insertion slot 124.

[0041] Advantageously, the plurality of inner bevelled portions of the first leg of the lock jaw facilitates smooth entry and exit of the king pin from and to the insertion slot of the fifth wheel coupling unit, while locking and unlocking the king pin by the lock jaw. Consequently, the present invention mitigates the possibility of wear and tear of the lock jaw due to frictional forces acting between the lockjaw and the king pin while engaging the king pin to the locked position and disengaging the king pin to the unlocked position. Thus, structural integrity and strength of the lock jaw during prolonged use of the fifth wheel coupling unit are maintained, leading to increased reliability and life of the lock jaw and hence the fifth wheel coupling unit. Consequently, repair, maintenance and replacement requirements of the lockjaw are reduced. As such, overall ownership costs of the fifth wheel coupling unit and the towing vehicle are reduced.

[0049]

[0042] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0050] List of Reference Numerals and Reference Signs

[0051] 10: Fifth wheel coupling unit

[0052] 20: King pin

[0053] 100: Lockjaw

[0054] 102: Main body of lock jaw

[0055] 104: Opening

[0056] 106: Flange

[0057] 108: Through-hole

[0058] 110: First leg

[0059] 110A: Distal end of the first leg

[0060] HOB - Inner lateral side of the first leg

[0061] HOC - Outer lateral side of the first leg

[0062] 112: Second leg

[0063] 112A: Distal end of the second leg

[0064] 112B - Inner lateral side of the second leg

[0065] 112C - Outer lateral side of the second leg

[0066] 114: First outer bevelled portion 116: First inner bevelled portion

[0067] 118: Second inner bevelled portion

[0068] 120: Second outer bevelled portion

[0069] 122: Second inner bevelled portion 124: Insertion slot

[0070] X-X’ : Horizontal axis

[0071] 126: Top plate

[0072] 128: First biasing member

[0073] 130: Frame 132: Locking bar

[0074] 134: First linkage member

[0075] 136: Second linkage member

[0076] 138: Handle

[0077] 140: Second biasing member 142: Stud

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lock jaw (100) for a fifth wheel coupling unit (10), the lock jaw (100) comprising: a main body (102) pivotally connected to a top plate (126) of the fifth wheel coupling unit (10); a first leg (110) extending from the main body (102), the first leg (110) having a distal end (110A) disposed away from the main body (102), the first leg (110) comprising a plurality of first inner bevelled portions (116, 118), the plurality of first inner bevelled portions (116, 118) being provided on an inner lateral side (HOB) of the distal end (110A); and a second leg (112) extending from the main body (102) and spaced apart from the first leg (110) for receiving a king pin (20) of a trailer, the second leg (112) having a distal end 112A disposed away from the main body (102), the second leg (112) comprising one or more second inner bevelled portions (122) extending towards an inner lateral side (112B) of the distal end (112A).

2. The lock jaw (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more first inner bevelled portions (116, 118) being adapted to extend laterally towards the inner lateral side (HOB) of the distal end (110A).

3. The lock jaw (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more first inner bevelled portions (116, 118) comprises: a first inner bevelled portion (116) extending vertically from a top end of the first leg (110) towards a central portion of the first leg (110), the first inner bevelled portion 116 being adapted to extend laterally towards the inner lateral side (HOB) of the distal end (110A); and a second inner bevelled portion (118) extending laterally from the central portion of the first leg (110) towards the bottom end of the first leg (110), the second inner bevelled portion (118) being adapted to extend laterally towards the inner lateral side (HOB) of the distal end (110A),wherein the first inner bevelled portion (116) has a bevel angle less than the second inner bevelled portion (118) with respect to a horizontal axis (X-X’) of the main body (102).

4. The lock jaw (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first leg (110) comprises one or more first outer bevelled portions (114) extending towards an outer lateral side (HOC) of the distal end (110A).

5. The lock jaw (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more first outer bevelled portions (114) extend laterally from a top end of the first leg (110) to a bottom end of the first leg (110).

6. The lockjaw (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more second inner bevelled portions (122) extends vertically from a top end of the second leg (112) to a bottom end of the second leg (112).

7. The lockjaw (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second leg (112) comprises one or more second outer bevelled portions (120), the one or more second outer bevelled portions (120) being adapted to extend vertically from a top end of the second leg 112 to a bottom end of the second leg H2, wherein a bevel angle formed between the one or more second outer bevelled portions (120) and the one or more second inner bevelled portions (122) about the horizontal axis (X-X’) is equal.

8. The lockjaw as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body comprises an opening, the opening adapted to receive a pivot pin, the opening being elongated in profile.

9. A fifth wheel coupling unit (10) for a vehicle, the fifth wheel coupling unit (10) comprising: a top plate (126); and a lockjaw (100) comprising:a main body (102) pivotally connected to the top plate (126); a first leg (110) extending from the main body (102), the first leg (110) having a distal end (110A) disposed away from the main body (102), the first leg (110) comprising a plurality of first inner bevelled portions (116, 118), the plurality of first inner bevelled portions (116, 118) being provided on an inner lateral side (HOB) of the distal end (110A); and a second leg (112) extending from the main body (102) and spaced apart from the first leg (110) for receiving a king pin (20) of a trailer, the second leg (112) having a distal end 112A disposed away from the main body (102), the second leg (112) comprising one or more second inner bevelled portions (122) extending towards an inner lateral side (112B) of the distal end (112A).

10. A vehicle comprising: a fifth wheel coupling unit (10) comprising: a top plate (126); and a lockjaw (100) comprising: a main body (102) pivotally connected to the top plate (126); a first leg (110) extending from the main body (102), the first leg (110) having a distal end (110A) disposed away from the main body (102), the first leg (110) comprising a plurality of first inner bevelled portions (116, 118), the plurality of first inner bevelled portions (116, 118) being provided on an inner lateral side (HOB) of the distal end (110A); and a second leg (112) extending from the main body (102) and spaced apart from the first leg (110) for receiving a king pin (20) of a trailer, the second leg (112) having a distal end 112A disposed away from the main body (102), the second leg (112) comprising one or more second inner bevelled portions (122) extending towards an inner lateral side (112B) of the distal end (112A).

Images