Patent · US Expired

Underbed gooseneck hitch assembly

US6520528B2 · kind B2 · utility

62Cited by
13References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 25, 2001
Grant dateFeb 18, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 25, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60D1/52
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An underbed gooseneck hitch assembly includes a channel housing that is secured to a pair of angle brackets. The angle brackets are secured to a pair of frame mounting brackets, which are in turn mounted to the frame rails of the vehicle. The hitch assembly also includes a ball socket for receiving a ball hitch. A pull cable handle assembly includes a spring biased retaining pin that can be retracted from and inserted into the ball hitch to secure the ball hitch for use. The ball hitch protrudes above the cargo bed and is attachable to a gooseneck trailer. Insertion of the ball hitch is accomplished by turning the handle of the pull cable handle assembly to an unlocked position, rotating the handle to a locked position, and inserting the ball hitch into the ball socket. The ball hitch is properly aligned with the retaining pin by inserting the ball hitch completely into the ball socket and aligning indicia on the ball hitch with a notch on the ball socket. Removal of the ball hitch is accomplished by turning the handle of the pull cable handle assembly to the unlocked position, pulling the handle outwardly until the retaining pin is no longer received in the ball hitch, rotating th…

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