Trailer coupler and safety chain apparatus and system

• US 7,926,832 B1
• Filed: 05/19/2008
• Issued: 04/19/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/05/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Barry Hall
• Original Assignee: Barry Hall
• Inventors: Hall, Barry
• Primary Examiner(s): Silbermann; Joanne
• Assistant Examiner(s): WILLIAMS, MAURICE L
• Application Number:
  US12/152,981
• Time in Patent Office: 1,065 Days
• Field of Search: 280/511, 280/417.1, 280/441.2, 280/491.1, 280/457, 280/901
• US Class Current: 280/441.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/065 characterised by the hitch mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/28 for preventing unwanted disengagement, e.g. safety appliances
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/58 Auxiliary devices

Abstract

A new and improved trailer coupler for connecting a trailer to a ball hitch mounted on a towing vehicle comprising a housing having a recessed socket, a retractable latching plate, a locking mechanism, an access port, a visual indicator, an alarm system for indicating coupling and decoupling, and a mechanical means to assist an operator to remotely attach and remove safety chains generally used in conjunction with trailers without need for the operator to climb into the truck bed.

Claims

1. A safety chain system for use with a trailer having a gooseneck and a towing vehicle having a ball mounted in the bed for coupling with said gooseneck comprising:

a first safety chain having a hook wherein said first safety chain is attached to said trailer;

a second safety chain having a hook wherein said second safety chain is attached to said trailer;

a capture system attached to said towing vehicle comprising;

a first aperture for receiving and selectively securing said first safety chain hook;

a first pin for selectively sliding into said first hook;

a second aperture for receiving and selectively securing said second safety chain hook;

a second pin for selectively sliding into said second hook; and

a spring biased lever in communication with said first pin and said second pin for selectively sliding said first pin in said first aperture and said second pin in said second aperture.