Patent · US Expired

Box hitch receiver lock

US6412315B1 · kind B1 · utility

16Cited by
14References
14Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 24, 1999
Grant dateJul 2, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 24, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T70/5982
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A receiver lock for a trailer box hitch designed to secure a ball mount in place and protect it from unauthorized removal. The receiver lock consists of a solid metallic cylindrical pin (20) with a head (28) on one end and round end (40) on the other end. The pin includes a body (22) with a notched recess (32) essentially adjacent to the head with a bore (38) running through the head and body communicating with the recess. A cam lobe (42) is located within the recess and has a shape that conforms to the body when in an unlocked position, and extends above the body when locked. A circular keyway lock (48) is placed in the bore in the head and held captive with a set screw (50). A hexagonal lock connecting rod (56) joins the cam lobe to the lock through the bore. The invention functions by using the principle that when the lock is in the unlocked position the cam lobe is flush with the outside surface of the pin and insertable in the existing holes through both the box hitch and ball mount, and when in a locked position the cam is extended above the pin interfacing with the inside wall of the ball mount, thereby denying removal of the receiver lock and correspondingly the ball mount …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.