a novel interconnection of the jaw , wedge and operating handle in a fifth wheel facilitates the provision of a secondary locking mechanism which further insures the security of the system . in the invention , the jaw is connected to the operating handle by a pivoting timing lever which pivots off a pin on the jaw such that the jaw remains engaged with the fifth wheel until the wedge is substantially removed from engagement with the jaw . in cooperation with the primary locking mechanism , a secondary lock is provided at the end of the operating handle such that a pin arrangement engages a stop on the fifth wheel assembly until positively released by the operator .