Patent ID: 6053521
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: B60D

Abstract:
A readily interchangeable load sensing trailer ball hitch, comprising:a) a shaped ball member readily removably mountable on a vehicle,b) the ball member formed by a large unitary ball portion and a smaller T-shaped cap piston, the cap piston forming a spherical closure on the ball member, the lower ball portion having a passageway therein extending downward partially therethrough and including the T-shaped cap piston movable within the passageway;c) a force sensing member at the bottom of the passageway between the piston and the interior of the ball member, the piston being in direct contact with the force sensing member;d) the force sensing member having a force sensing spring extending longitudinally across the passageway, including a stop mechanism and a strain measuring device in contact with the spring, whereby increases and decreases in the force exerted on the ball member are measured therein.