US4254968A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Removable ball guide attachment for trailer hitches
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1979-10-02
•
Granted: 1981-03-10
•
Expires: 1999-10-02
Abstract
Abstract A removable ball guiding attachment to the tongue of a trailer hitch having two diverging members guiding the ball of the trailer hitch in correct position with respect to the clamp on the tongue of the hitch.
Inventors
- 👤 Evo DelVecchio
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 13:38
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60D; B60D1/00; B60D1/24; B60D1/36; B60D1/363
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
A separable attachment for the tongue of a trailer hitch to assist alignment therewith of the ball of the hitch, said attachment including means to fix and release the same in desired location on the tongue, and a widened access guide member facing out away from the tongue to receive the ball even if out of line with the tongue, the means to fix and release the attachment on the tongue including a fastener to selectively clamp or unclamp the attachment to the tongue.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
84 words
A separable attachment for the tongue of a trailer hitch to assist alignment therewith of the ball of the hitch, said attachment including means to fix and release the same in desired location on the tongue, and a widened access guide member facing out away from the tongue to receive the ball even if out of line with the tongue, the means to fix and release the attachment on the tongue including a fastener to selectively clamp or unclamp the attachment to the tongue.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The attachment of claim 1 wherein the means to fix the attachment on the tongue clamps the tongue in one position and releases it in another position, the attachment being removable downwardly from the tongue.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The attachment of claim 2 wherein said element having an angled motion relative to the tongue, clamping it in one position and clearing it in another position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
The attachment of claim 3 wherein the element is threaded.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
103 words
A separable attachment for the tongue of a trailer hitch to assist alignment therewith of the ball of the hitch, said attachment including means to fix and release the same in desired location on the tongue, and a widened access guide member facing out away from the tongue to receive the ball even if out of line with the tongue, wherein the tongue includes horizontal side flanges and the means to fix and release the attachment to the tongue includes an adjustable element for each flange, said elements each being adjustable on a slant to overlie its respective flange or to clear it.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
103 words
A separable attachment for the tongue of a trailer hitch to assist alignment therewith of the ball of the hitch, said attachment including means to fix and release the same in desired location on the tongue, and a widened access guide member facing out away from the tongue to receive the ball even if out of line with the tongue, wherein the tongue includes horizontal side flanges and the means to fix and release the attachment to the tongue includes an adjustable element for each flange, said elements each being adjustable on a slant to overlie its respective flange or to clear it.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The attachment of claim 5 wherein the elements lines of adjustment are angled relative to each other.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The attachment of claim 6 wherein the elements are adjustable longitudinally.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The attachment of claim 7 wherein the elements are threaded and are in mesh with threaded supports on the attachment.
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) | 1984-03-09 | 1984-09-08 | 1985-03-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-03-09 | 1988-09-08 | 1989-03-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-03-09 | 1992-09-08 | 1993-03-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |