Patent ID: 8746726
Filing Date: 2014-06-10
Classification: B60D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A trailer coupler for installation at a forward end of a trailer, the coupler configured to attach to a hitch of a towing vehicle, the hitch defining a ball and a neck below the ball, the coupler comprising: a. a coupler body including b. a clamping bar defining a first end within the first end of the channel, a curved middle portion adjacent the opening, and a second end extending out of the laterally-facing aperture of the channel, the second end of the clamping bar including a bracket, wherein the bracket includes an open channel and the flange is received therewithin, the clamping bar movable between a locked position and an open position, the curved middle portion of the clamping bar in the locked position being positioned to partially block the opening and configured to contact the neck of the ball to hold the ball in the socket; and a pivot joint adjacent the first end of the bar and the first end of the internal channel of the coupler body, the pivot joint coupling the clamping bar to the coupler body to allow pivotal movement of the clamping bar between the locked position and the open position, wherein the bracket and the flange cooperate to provide a range of motion for the clamping bar to move between the locked position and the open position.