Trailer hitch guide
US4781394A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 1987 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60D1/363
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A trailer hitch for attachment to a vehicle bumper for providing releasable coupling with a trailer coupling member. The hitch includes a coupling ball partially surrounded by an enclosure extending above the top of the coupling ball. A safety bar is received in slots formed in the surrounding wall. The safety bar, when installed, overlies the coupled arrangement of a ball joint and trailer coupling member so as to prevent their unintended separation. Further, the walls surrounding the coupling ball are pivotally mounted to the vehicle bumper and include a spring which contacts either the vehicle or its bumper to orient the enclosing walls in a preferred direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.