Gooseneck trailer hitch
US6464241B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 22, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 22, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60D1/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A gooseneck trailer hitch formed of a top plate pivotally attached to a base plate, wherein each plate is formed by investment casting and the components and features of each plate are integrally formed therewith. The top plate is an elongated structure that includes an aperture through which a trailer ball can pass, a ball housing concentrically located over the aperture and a tab at one end of the plate. The base plate is an elongated structure that includes an aperture through which a trailer ball can pass and a spring enclosure formed at one end of the plate, the enclosure including a slot into which the tab of the top plate extends. Contained within the spring enclosure is a spring that bears against the tab. The top plate is pivotally mounted on the base plate so that the two apertures are concentrically aligned, thus permitting a trailer ball to pass through the base plate aperture and seat in the ball housing formed as part of the top plate. By bearing against the tab of the top plate, the spring forces the two apertures out of alignment, thereby shifting the top plate and the base plate relative to one another. When the hitch is mounted on a trailer ball, the plates, when …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.