US4040641A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Trailer hitch cover
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-02-06
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Granted: 1977-08-09
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Expires: 1996-02-06
Abstract
Abstract A trailer hitch cover is disclosed comprising apparatus for protecting the open end of a tube hitch. The hitch comprises a hollow member such as a square hollow bar extending in back of a vehicle, the tube being adapted to receive an arm from a trailer which fits into the tube and is secured therein by means of a hitch pin that passes through the opening in the tube and the arm. The apparatus of the invention comprises a member having an adjustable extension which may be inserted inside of the tube hitch and projects towards the open end of the tube and to which is secured a plug which seals the end of the tube. The adjustable extension has an opening for receiving the hitch pin and permits the exact positioning of the plug in the end of the tube in order to provide a seal therefore.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond E. Riecke
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 22:20
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60D; B60D1/00; B60D1/58; B60D1/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
Tube hitch protecting apparatus comprising tube insert means for insertion in a tube hitch, said insert means comprising a member, the outer wall of which slidingly engages the inner wall of a tube hitch, first aperture means in said tube insert means for securing said tube insert means to a tube hitch by locking pin means, second aperture means in said tube hitch, said first aperture and said second aperture being alignable for securing said tube insert to a tube hitch by said locking pin means, adjustable extension means comprising threaded shaft means engaging said tube insert means for moving said extension longitudinally into and out of a tube hitch to align said first and second apertures with one another, opening means in said tube insert for receiving said threaded shaft means, said adjustable extension means being secured to and adjustably projecting outwardly from said insert, tube seal means attached to said extension for sealing the end of a tube hitch when said insert means is positioned in and secured to a tube hitch through said first and second aperture means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
Tube hitch protecting apparatus comprising tube insert means for insertion in a tube hitch, said insert means comprising a member, the outer wall of which slidingly engages the inner wall of a tube hitch, first aperture means in said tube insert means for securing said tube insert means to a tube hitch by locking pin means, second aperture means in said tube hitch, said first aperture and said second aperture being alignable for securing said tube insert to a tube hitch by said locking pin means, adjustable extension means comprising threaded shaft means engaging said tube insert means for moving said extension longitudinally into and out of a tube hitch to align said first and second apertures with one another, opening means in said tube insert for receiving said threaded shaft means, said adjustable extension means being secured to and adjustably projecting outwardly from said insert, tube seal means attached to said extension for sealing the end of a tube hitch when said insert means is positioned in and secured to a tube hitch through said first and second aperture means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 1 where said tube seal means comprises a plug insertable in the end of a tube hitch, means around the periphery of said plug for engaging the end of a tube hitch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 2 where said means around the periphery of said plug comprises flange means.
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) | 1980-08-08 | 1981-02-07 | 1981-08-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-08-08 | 1985-02-07 | 1985-08-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-08-08 | 1989-02-07 | 1989-08-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |