US3759548A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Safety trailer hitch
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-11-19
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Granted: 1973-09-18
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Expires: 1991-11-19
Abstract
Abstract A safety trailer hitch in which a ball is mounted on the towing vehicle and a ball clamping coupling is mounted on the trailing vehicle. A member carrying a finger is arranged on the towing vehicle to be positioned with the finger overlying the coupling to prevent the coupling from detaching from the ball even if unlocked. The finger is mounted to be swung out of the way as required to permit the coupling to be disconnected from the ball. In a modified form of the invention a yoke is mounted on the towing vehicle for swinging to a position overlying the coupling to prevent the coupling from being detached from the ball.
Inventors
- 👤 G Kothmann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 23:45
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60D; B60D1/00; B60D1/58; B60D1/583; B60D1/01; B60D1/06; B60D1/065; B60D1/24; B60D1/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
In a safety trailer hitch of the type which includes a tow bar mounted on the towing vehicle carrying a ball and a tongue mounted on the trailing vehicle carrying a coupling for releasably clamping on the ball, the improvement comprising a housing mounted on the tow bar and having the ball positioned therein, a U-shaped yoke secured to said housing at opposite ends thereof on a horizontally extending pivot for pivotal movement to a position overlying the coupling, and means for releasably latching said yoke in its coupling overlying position to prevent the disengagement of the coupling from the ball.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
In a safety trailer hitch of the type which includes a tow bar mounted on the towing vehicle carrying a ball and a tongue mounted on the trailing vehicle carrying a coupling for releasably clamping on the ball, the improvement comprising a housing mounted on the tow bar and having the ball positioned therein, a U-shaped yoke secured to said housing at opposite ends thereof on a horizontally extending pivot for pivotal movement to a position overlying the coupling, and means for releasably latching said yoke in its coupling overlying position to prevent the disengagement of the coupling from the ball.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
A safety trailer hitch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for releasably latching the yoke includes a spring pressed latch pin on said yoke cooperating with an aperture in said housing to latch said yoke in erect position overlying said coupling.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
A safety trailer hitch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing is pivotally mounted on the tow bar for rotation about a vertical axis passing through the ball to align said housing with said coupling.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-17 | 1977-03-19 | 1977-09-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-17 | 1981-03-19 | 1981-09-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-17 | 1985-03-19 | 1985-09-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |