Patent ID: 9114678
Filing Date: 2015-08-25
Classification: B60D

Abstract:
1. A hitch apparatus for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a base adapted at a forward end thereof for attachment to the towing vehicle; a lower jaw fixed to and extending rearward from the base, and a male hitch member extending upward from a rear end of the lower jaw; an upper jaw fixed to and extending rearward from the base above the lower jaw to a rear end thereof located above the male hitch member such that a gap is formed between the rear end of the upper jaw and a top end of the male hitch member; a lock plate pivotally attached to a rear portion of the upper jaw about a pivot axis oriented substantially perpendicular to an operating travel direction; a closed stop and an open stop, the stops operative to limit pivoting movement of the lock plate to a pivot range from a closed position through a balanced position to an open position; wherein the lock plate is configured such that when the lock plate is in the pivot range between the closed position and the balanced position gravity biases the lock plate toward the closed position, and when the lock plate is between the balanced position and the open position gravity biases the lock plate toward the open position; wherein when the lock plate is in the closed position, a locking portion of the lock plate extends downward from the pivot axis into the gap and the closed stop prevents rearward movement of the locking portion; wherein the locking portion of the lock plate moves forward and upward as the lock plate pivots from the closed position to the open position, and when the lock plate is in the open position, the locking portion extends upward from the pivot axis and the open stop prevents rearward movement of the locking portion.