Vertically articulating trailer hitch receiver for vehicle
US10252590B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 2017 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60D1/62
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The disclosed inventive concept provides a vertically articulating trailer hitch assembly for use with a vehicle, and particularly for use with an autonomous vehicle. The trailer hitch assembly is pivotally attached to the vehicle frame. The hitch assembly is allowed to swing away from the vehicle frame from a lowered position in which the trailer ball is uncoupled from the hitch coupler of the trailer to a raised position in which the trailer ball is coupled to the hitch coupler. The hitch assembly typically includes a receiver that has a long axis. The vehicle frame has a long axis. When the hitch assembly is in its lowered position, the long axis of the receiver is out of alignment with the long axis of the frame. When the hitch assembly is in its raised position, the long axis of the receiver is aligned with the long axis of the frame.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.