Patent ID: 6164681
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: B60D

Abstract:
An apparatus for coupling a downwardly open trailer socket with an upwardly extending hitch ball, the apparatus comprising:a hitch bar having a first and second end; anda base plate pivotally connected to the first end of the hitch bar for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis, the base plate adapted to have the hitch ball attached to the base plate;a pivot stop surface defined on the base plate for engaging the hitch bar and preventing further downward pivotal movement of the base plate thereby defining a receiving position for receiving the trailer socket; andwherein the base plate is pivotable between the receiving position wherein the base plate is adapted to receive the trailer socket and to define a lower position of the hitch ball, and a final position wherein the base plate is adapted to secure the trailer socket with the hitch ball and to define an upper position of the hitch ball, so that the base plate is adapted to swing the hitch ball upward through an arc into engagement with the downwardly open trailer socket as the base plate pivots between its receiving osition and its final position.