Removable ball hitch
US8955866B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2013 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 25, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/592
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A ball hitch has an actuator substantially disposed in a towing ball member. The actuator includes a pivotable handle, which in the stowed position forms part of the outer profile of the ball, but which can be pivoted upward to be used to rotate a shaft portion of the actuator. As the shaft rotates, it rotates a paddle with a cam surface housed in a support base for the ball hitch, which pushes on two interference balls. In the stowed position, the cam surface maintains the interference balls projecting outward from openings in the support base to secure the ball hitch into the towing vehicle. When the actuator turns the shaft, the cam surface allows the balls to retract into the support base without changing elevation of the shaft and cam surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.