Patent · US Expired

Trailer hitch assembly

US7431321B2 · kind B2 · utility

7Cited by
22References
37Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 27, 2004
Grant dateOct 7, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 25, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S285/917
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A trailer hitch assembly includes a receiver portion including a cylindrically-shaped cavity, a bushing member received within the cavity of the receiver portion, and a hitch member that includes a shaft pivotally received within the bushing member. At least a selected one of the bushing member and the shaft is constructed of a material that substantially eliminates the need for using a separately applied lubricant during use of the trailer hitch assembly. The hitch member also includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member coupled to the first jaw member and operable between open and closed positions, a primary latch coupled with the second jaw member and operable between a locked position preventing opening of the second jaw member, and an unlocked position allowing opening of the second jaw member, and a secondary latch coupled with the primary latch and operable between a locked position preventing unlocking of the primary latch, and an unlocked position, wherein the primary latch may be moved to the unlocked position thereof.

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