Patent ID: 6527292
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: B60D

Abstract:
A trailer hitch ball mount member receiver for mounting on a vehicle comprising:a frame member adapted to be mounted on a vehicle; a generally hollow hitch receiver adapted to selectively receive herein a ball mount member; hinge means fixed to at least one side of said hitch receiver; hinge means formed with said frame member to operatively align with said hinge means fixed to said hitch receiver; hinge pin means operatively engaged with said hitch receiver and frame member hinge means; said frame member and hitch receiver hinge means being positioned on said frame member and hitch receiver to permit rotation of said receiver relative to said frame member so as to retract said receiver, and ball mount member mounted therein, from protruding beyond the outer surface of the vehicle on which said frame member and hitch receiver are to be mounted; latching means operatively connected to said hitch receiver and said frame member for selectively securing said hitch receiver in towing position and stored position relative to a vehicle on which said frame member is mounted; whereby a ball mount member fixed in said hitch receiver, positioned in the stored position, will not protrude beyond the rear surface of a vehicle so as to be a hazard to the shins of passersby.