Interchangeable ball hitch
US4433854A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 1981 |
| Grant date | Feb 28, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/604
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The interchangeable ball hitch connector apparatus of this invention includes a generally spherical ball connector adapted to engage a conventional ball hitch socket, a support base adapted for fastening on the tow bar of a vehicle for supporting the ball connector, and a spring-biased latch pin in the support base for releasably attaching the ball connector to the support base. When the ball connector is assembled with and attached to the support base, the latch pin is contained entirely inside the ball connector and not exposed to damage from the socket or parts thereof on the exterior of the ball connector. A channel in the ball connector allows the latch pin to be readily unlatched from the ball connector by use of an elongated utensil, such as an ignition key.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.