Towing safety device
US6637765B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 10, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60D1/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A towing safety device for securing a trailer hitch of a trailer in a coupled configuration with a hitch ball of a towing vehicle. In one embodiment, the towing safety device includes a base plate for attachment to the towing vehicle, at least one arm mount socket provided on the base plate and a lock arm having at least one pivot pin inserted in the arm mount socket, respectively. The lock arm can be pivoted between a lock position in which the lock arm engages the trailer hitch and prevents inadvertent uncoupling of the trailer hitch from the hitch ball, and an unlock position in which the lock arm disengages the trailer hitch to facilitate coupling and uncoupling of the trailer hitch and the hitch ball. In another embodiment, the towing safety device includes a lock bracket for extension over the trailer hitch, which lock bracket is provided with multiple shackle openings. A shackle is extended through the shackle openings and engages the lower curvature of the hitch ball such that the trailer hitch and the hitch ball are interposed between the lock bracket and the shackle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.