Flip-down ball mount cover assembly
US6439595B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60D1/06
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flip-down ball-mount cover assembly (10) which functions in combination with a ball-mount (130) as is typically attached to a trailer and is inserted into a ball-mount receiver (120) that is attached to and extends from the rear of a vehicle. The assembly (10) consists of a detent hinge (50) having one end that is fastened to an assembly attachment collar (30) that attaches to the ball-mount receiver (120) and a second end that is attached to a receiver cover (12). When the vehicle is not towing a trailer the receiver cover (12) is hingedly pressed against the opening of the ball-mount receiver (120). When a ball-mount (130) is to be used, the receiver cover (12) is rotated downward from its closed position into an open position which remains open due to the detent action of the hinge (50). To enhance the utility and the aesthetics of the assembly (10) an indicia plate (108) can be fastened to the receiver cover (12) which allows the indicia to be viewed when the cover (12) is in the closed position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.