Patent ID: 6193260
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: B60D

Abstract:
A hitch pin retainer assembly, comprising:a shear pin assembly including a head portion opposite a tapered end;a hitch plate assembly having a base plate formed with an aperture adapted to receive the shear pin assembly and having a retainer ledge, the hitch plate assembly also including a latch plate carried from the base plate and formed with a latch pin hole;a retainer latch assembly that incorporates a receptacle substantially centered about the latch pin hole and projecting from the latch plate and formed with an interior recess having an open end adapted to receive a latch pin slidable between a retracted and an extended position, the latch pin sized to extend, when in the extended position, through the recess and into the latch cage and formed with an engagement end having a retainer pin configured to releasably engage the retainer ledge and an opposite end having a handle, the latch pin also formed with a medial portion between the engagement end and opposite end including a spring seat pin, the retainer latch assembly also including a receptacle cap attached to the open end of the receptacle to capture an extension spring received about the medial portion and within the recess and operative to bias the latch pin towards the extended position; andwherein the base plate is adapted to be fixedly attached to a trailer hitch member formed with at least one shear pin aperture whereby the latch pin in the extended position is disposed above the head portion of the shear pin to obstruct displacement during use of the retainer hitch assembly.