Patent ID: 8444169
Filing Date: 2013-05-21
Classification: B60D

Abstract:
1. A trailer hitch coupler to couple a trailer to a trailer hitch, said trailer hitch coupler comprising: a neck; a socket connected with said neck and adapted for receiving a trailer hitch ball; a clamp associated with said socket and operable for engaging said trailer hitch ball when said trailer hitch ball is positioned within said socket; a sensor operatively connected with said socket, said sensor being operable for determining a distance between an inner surface of said socket and an outer face of said trailer hitch ball when said trailer hitch ball is positioned within said socket; a clamp prevention device operatively connected with said socket and with said clamp, said clamp prevention device being operable to prevent engagement of said clamp with said trailer hitch ball; and a release mechanism operatively connected with said sensor and said clamp prevention device and operatively connecting said sensor with said clamp prevention device, said release mechanism operable to release said clamp prevention device, thereby allowing said clamp to engage said trailer hitch ball, when said sensor communicates a desired hitch condition.