Patent ID: 6375211
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: B60D,B60T

Abstract:
A trailer hitch assembly for a trailer having hydraulically actuated brakes, said assembly comprising:a forward coupler for mounting to a towing vehicle; a rear housing movably mounted with respect to said forward coupler for rigidly affixing to a tongue of a trailer; a hydraulic brake fluid reservoir; a hydraulic brake system having a master cylinder innerconnected between said forward coupler and said rear housing adapted to hydraulically brake the trailer, said brake system being actuated in response to said rear housing moving toward said forward coupler; a hydraulic dampener innerconnected between said forward coupler and said rear housing hydraulically dampening the motion of said rear housing relative to said forward coupler, wherein said hydraulic dampener actuates independently of the actuation of said hydraulic brake system; and said hydraulic brake fluid reservoir in fluid communication with both said hydraulic dampener and said master cylinder and arranged to provide brake fluid to both said hydraulic dampener and said master cylinder and arranged to starve the hydraulic dampener of brake fluid upon starving said master cylinder of brake fluid.