Tamper resistant trailer hitch
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A trailer hitch for connection to a hitch ball, said trailer hitch comprising:
- a housing at least partially defining an open sided ball receiving cavity therein;
coupling means on said housing for coupling engagement with said hitch ball when said hitch ball is positioned in said cavity, said coupling means being characterized by a gate member pivotally connected to said housing and forming a portion of said ball receiving cavity, said gate member having;
an uncoupled position pivoted away from said housing wherein said hitch ball may be inserted into and removed from said cavity; and
a coupled position pivoted toward said housing for couplingly engaging said hitch ball in said cavity and preventing removal of said hitch ball from said cavity; and
closure means for preventing undesired removal of said hitch ball from said cavity and for covering the open side of said cavity when said hitch ball is removed form said cavity, said closure means comprising;
a ring rotatably mounted with respect to a neck portion extending from said housing, said ring being rotatable between;
a first position spread from said gate member;
a second position engaging said gate member and retaining said gate member in said coupled position thereof; and
a third position; and
a cover extending from said ring, said cover being disposed across said open side of said cavity when said ring is in said third position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A tamper resistant trailer hitch. The trailer hitch includes a body with a hitch ball receiving cavity therein and a conventional coupling mechanism. The hitch may be locked in a coupled position on the hitch ball or in an uncoupled position in which the ball receiving cavity is covered to provide tamper resistance. In a first embodiment, a side opening coupling configuration is used with the cover mounted on a rotating locking ring. In a second embodiment, a pivoting locking plate is mounted on the lower side of the hitch. In a third embodiment, a sliding locking plate is mounted on the lower side of the hitch.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A trailer hitch for connection to a hitch ball, said trailer hitch comprising:
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a housing at least partially defining an open sided ball receiving cavity therein; coupling means on said housing for coupling engagement with said hitch ball when said hitch ball is positioned in said cavity, said coupling means being characterized by a gate member pivotally connected to said housing and forming a portion of said ball receiving cavity, said gate member having; an uncoupled position pivoted away from said housing wherein said hitch ball may be inserted into and removed from said cavity; and a coupled position pivoted toward said housing for couplingly engaging said hitch ball in said cavity and preventing removal of said hitch ball from said cavity; and closure means for preventing undesired removal of said hitch ball from said cavity and for covering the open side of said cavity when said hitch ball is removed form said cavity, said closure means comprising; a ring rotatably mounted with respect to a neck portion extending from said housing, said ring being rotatable between; a first position spread from said gate member; a second position engaging said gate member and retaining said gate member in said coupled position thereof; and a third position; and a cover extending from said ring, said cover being disposed across said open side of said cavity when said ring is in said third position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A trailer hitch comprising:
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a body defining a notch in a side thereof and further defining a portion of a ball receiving cavity therein; a gate member pivotally attached to said body for pivotation in said notch, said gate member defining another portion of said ball receiving cavity and having a rear portion; a neck extending rearwardly from said body, said neck having a substantially cylindrical outer surface; and a locking ring rotatably disposed around said neck, said locking ring having a cover portion extending forwardly therefrom and having a substantially cylindrical inner surface, said locking ring being rotatable between; a first position spaced rearwardly from said body such that said gate member is free for outward pivotation to an open position for permitting insertion of a hitch ball into said cavity and removal of said hitch ball from said cavity; a second position forward of said first position wherein said locking ring covers said rear portion of said gate member for preventing outward pivotation of said gate member with respect to said body such that removal of said hitch ball from said ball receiving cavity is prevented; and a third position forwardly of said first position wherein said locking ring covers said rear portion of said gate member for permitting outward pivotation of said gate member with respect to said body such that said cover member is positioned across an open side of said cavity for preventing access thereto. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification