Patent ID: 6135482
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: B60D

Abstract:
A hitch adapter for use in coupling a trailer which has a kingpin connector with a towing vehicle which has a ball connector, said hitch adapter comprising:an elongate, generally vertical frame having first and second ends;a kingpin receiver mounted on said first end of said frame for attachment to the kingpin connector of the trailer, said kingpin receiver including a load-bearing plate which defines a kingpin-receiving slot, and an elongate locking member mounted on said load-bearing plate for movement between a first orientation wherein said locking member leaves said kingpin-receiving slot clear to receive a kingpin of the kingpin connector and a second orientation wherein said locking member extends transverse to said kingpin-receiving slot to secure the kingpin in said kingpin-receiving slot; anda hitch ball receiver mounted on said second end of said frame for attachment to the ball connector of the towing vehicle, said hitch ball receiver including a base which defines a ball-receiving opening configured to receive a hitch ball of the ball connector, and a keeper mounted on said base for movement between a first position wherein said ball-receiving opening is clear, and a second position wherein said keeper at least partially overlaps said ball-receiving opening to hold the hitch ball in place.