Patent ID: 7497458
Filing Date: 2009-03-03
Classification: B60D

Abstract:
1. A retractable hitch assembly for connecting a vehicle to a trailer, comprising: a support member having a rearward edge; a hitch assembly movably coupled to the support member, the hitch assembly having a receiver with a hitch ball, the receiver configured and arranged to be selectively coupled to the trailer; a power actuator engaging the hitch assembly, the power actuator operable to move the hitch assembly between a retracted position, wherein the hitch ball is located on a first side of the rearward edge of the support member and an extended position, wherein the hitch ball is located on a second side of the rearward edge of the support member that is opposite the first side of the rearward edge of the support member; and an interlock requiring a transmission of the vehicle to be in a park position before the controller is operable to move the hitch assembly between the retracted position and the extended position.