Patent ID: 6217054
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: B60D

Abstract:
In combination:a towing vehicle, having a rearwardly extending tow bar which has a first opening formed therein at the rearward end thereof;a hitch ball including a ball sphere having a threaded shank extending downwardly therefrom which is received in said first opening;a nut on said threaded shank below said tow bar for maintaining said hitch ball on said tow bar;a towed vehicle including a forwardly extending tongue;a coupling device mounted on the forward end of said tongue for coupling said tongue to said hitch ball;said coupling device comprising:(a) a first plate having rearward and forward ends, and upper and lower sides;(b) said first plate having means at its rearward end for securing said first plate to said tongue;(c) said first plate having a generally circular-shaped opening formed therein at the forward end thereof for receiving said ball sphere;(d) said first plate having an elongated slot formed therein which extends forwardly from said circular-shaped opening for receiving said shank;(e) a second plate, having rearward and forward ends, selectively slidably mounted on said upper side of said first plate;(f) said second plate being movable between a forward position and a rearward position with respect to said first plate;(g) said forward end of said second plate having a semi-circular opening formed therein which at least partially receives said shank below said ball sphere when said second plate is in its said forward position to prevent said coupling device from being detached from said hitch ball;(h) and means for securing said second plate in its said forward position.