US3848895A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Any angle hitch attachment
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-09-18
•
Granted: 1974-11-19
•
Expires: 1993-09-18
Abstract
Abstract An improved trailer hitch, and which has the advantage of being at any angle respective to a trailer hitch ball during coupling operation, the device consisting of a tubular housing having a winch for pulling a cable connected to a socket placeable over the trailer hitch ball so to pull the ball into the tubular housing and secure the ball and the socket behind a latch.
Inventors
- 👤 R Christopher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 07:11
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60D; B60D1/00; B60D1/24; B60D1/36; B60D1/38
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
In a trailer hitch, in combination: a trailer tongue and a coupling ball having a reduced neck secured to and projecting upwardly from said tongue; a socket having a bottom opening through which said ball is freely receivable to couple said ball and socket; a tubular housing attachable to a towing vehicle, said housing having at its rear end an open mouth for entry of the coupled ball and socket, and having in its bottom a longitudinal slot in open communication with said mouth so as to receive said reduced neck while said socket is received in said housing, said socket having at its forward end a nose so related to said open mouth of the housing as to provide for easy entry of the socket into the housing; a winch carried by said housing, and a cable attached to said nose and adapted to be wound upon said winch to draw the coupled ball and socket into the housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
160 words
In a trailer hitch, in combination: a trailer tongue and a coupling ball having a reduced neck secured to and projecting upwardly from said tongue; a socket having a bottom opening through which said ball is freely receivable to couple said ball and socket; a tubular housing attachable to a towing vehicle, said housing having at its rear end an open mouth for entry of the coupled ball and socket, and having in its bottom a longitudinal slot in open communication with said mouth so as to receive said reduced neck while said socket is received in said housing, said socket having at its forward end a nose so related to said open mouth of the housing as to provide for easy entry of the socket into the housing; a winch carried by said housing, and a cable attached to said nose and adapted to be wound upon said winch to draw the coupled ball and socket into the housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A trailer hitch as defined in claim 1, wherein said housing has at its rear end an outwardly flared bell defining its said open mouth, and wherein said socket nose is tapered to facilitate entry through said mouth.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
A trailer hitch as defined in claim 2, wherein said socket is of shell form, including a cylindrical body and a closed rear end for towing engagement against said ball, said tapered nose being conical, and said housing being cylindrical to receive said cylindrical socket body.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A trailer hitch as defined in claim 3, wherein said closed rear end of the socket is dished rearwardly to provide a hollow in which said ball is receivable.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
A trailer hitch as defined in claim 4, including a latch having a finger projecting through an opening in said housing and engageable behind said socket to retain the socket in the housing.
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) | 1977-11-18 | 1978-05-20 | 1978-11-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-18 | 1982-05-20 | 1982-11-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-18 | 1986-05-20 | 1986-11-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |