Patent Publication Number: US-2021170818-A1

Title: Weight measuring hitch ball assembly for measuring weight of a trailer supported by a tow vehicle

Description:
PRIORITY DATA 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/931,108 filed on Nov. 5, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to trailer hitch devices, systems, and associated methods. Accordingly, the present invention involves the mechanical arts field. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     When towing a trailer behind a vehicle, one factor that can significantly affect safety is the hitch or tongue weight (i.e., static downward force) that the trailer applies to the hitch of the tow vehicle. If the hitch or tongue of the trailer does not apply enough downward force to the tow vehicle hitch, a dangerous condition called trailer sway could result. If the hitch or tongue of the trailer applies too much downward force to the tow vehicle hitch, then the rear tires of the tow vehicle can be overloaded, thus pushing the rear of the vehicle around and compromising steering and/or braking of the tow vehicle. A generally acceptable tongue weight for a “bumper pull” trailer is somewhere between 9% and 15% of the gross trailer weight (GTW), and a generally acceptable hitch weight for a “bed mount” (e.g., gooseneck) trailer is somewhere between 15% and 25% of the GTW. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Weight measuring hitch ball assemblies are provided. In one embodiment, a weight measuring hitch ball assembly can include a hitch ball having a ball and a lower portion. The assembly can also include a body portion defining a hitch ball opening that slidably receives the lower portion of the hitch ball. The assembly can further include a load measurement device operably associated with the body portion and the hitch ball to determine a magnitude of a force acting on the hitch ball. Additionally, the assembly can include a hitch mount interface configured to interface with an attachment structure that facilitates coupling the weight measuring hitch ball assembly to a tow vehicle. 
     In other embodiments, there are provided weight measuring hitch ball systems. In still other embodiments, there are provided methods of measuring weight of a trailer supported by a tow vehicle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a trailer hitch system for measuring a hitch weight of a trailer, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a weight measuring hitch ball assembly of the trailer hitch system of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate a weight measuring hitch ball assembly in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 3C-3E  illustrate a weight measuring hitch ball system in which the weight measuring ball mount assembly of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  is incorporated, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3F  illustrates a weight measuring hitch ball system in which the weight measuring ball mount assembly of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  is incorporated, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3G  illustrates a weight measuring hitch ball system in which the weight measuring ball mount assembly of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  is incorporated, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrate a weight measuring hitch ball assembly in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  is a side cross-sectional view of the weight measuring hitch ball assembly of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4C  is a top cross-sectional view of the weight measuring hitch ball assembly of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5A  illustrate a weight measuring hitch ball assembly in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 5B and 5C  are side cross-sectional views of the weight measuring hitch ball assembly of  FIG. 5A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Definitions 
     In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set forth below. 
     The singular forms “a,” “an,” and, “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint. 
     In this disclosure, “comprises,” “comprising,” “containing” and “having” and the like can have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent law and can mean “includes,” “including,” and the like, and are generally interpreted to be open ended terms. The terms “consisting of” or “consists of” are closed terms, and include only the components, structures, steps, or the like specifically listed in conjunction with such terms, as well as that which is in accordance with U.S. Patent law. “Consisting essentially of” or “consists essentially of” have the meaning generally ascribed to them by U.S. Patent law. In particular, such terms are generally closed terms, with the exception of allowing inclusion of additional items, materials, components, steps, or elements, that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics or function of the item(s) used in connection therewith. For example, trace elements present in a composition, but not affecting the composition&#39;s nature or characteristics would be permissible if present under the “consisting essentially of” language, even though not expressly recited in a list of items following such terminology. When using an open ended term, like “comprising” or “including,” it is understood that direct support should also be afforded to “consisting essentially of” language as well as “consisting of” language as if stated explicitly and vice versa. 
     The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Similarly, if a method is described herein as comprising a series of steps, the order of such steps as presented herein is not necessarily the only order in which such steps may be performed, and certain of the stated steps may possibly be omitted and/or certain other steps not described herein may possibly be added to the method. 
     The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as directly or indirectly connected in an electrical or nonelectrical manner. Objects or structures described herein as being “adjacent to” each other may be in physical contact with each other, in close proximity to each other, or in the same general region or area as each other, as appropriate for the context in which the phrase is used. Occurrences of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in one aspect,” herein do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or aspect. 
     As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint. However, it is to be understood that even when the term “about” is used in the present specification in connection with a specific numerical value, that support for the exact numerical value recited apart from the “about” terminology is also provided. 
     As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, a composition that is “substantially free of” particles would either completely lack particles, or so nearly completely lack particles that the effect would be the same as if it completely lacked particles. In other words, a composition that is “substantially free of” an ingredient or element may still actually contain such item as long as there is no measurable effect thereof. 
     As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. 
     Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described. 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 62/249,730 filed on Nov. 2, 2015, 62/325,607 filed on Apr. 20, 2016, 61/826,247 filed on May 22, 2013, 61/928,166 filed on Jan. 16, 2014, 61/948,487 filed on Mar. 5, 2014, and 61/948,456 filed Mar. 5, 2014, are each incorporated herein by reference. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/639,987 filed on Mar. 5, 2015, Ser. No. 14/639,987 filed on Mar. 5, 2015, and Ser. No. 14/284,273 filed on May 21, 2014, are each incorporated herein by reference. 
     PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US16/21266 filed on Mar. 7, 2016, is incorporated herein by reference. 
     The Invention 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is a trailer hitch system  100  for measuring hitch weight (e.g., ball weight, pin weight, or tongue weight) of a trailer, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. In general, the trailer hitch system  100  can include a weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  associated with a tow vehicle  103 , and a trailer  104  operable to couple to the tow vehicle  103 . A schematic illustration of the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  is shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  can be included in a weight measuring hitch ball system  102 , which can also include an attachment structure  117  that facilitates coupling the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  to the tow vehicle  103  ( FIG. 1 ). Attachment structures are discussed in more detail below. The weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  can include a hitch ball  107  (e.g., a goose ball, a ball mount, etc.) configured to engage with a coupling device  105  ( FIG. 1 ) of the trailer  104  (e.g., a gooseneck, a tongue, etc.), and a load measurement device  130  ( FIG. 2 ) operable to determine a magnitude of a downward force  151  acting on the hitch ball  107 . 
     Although the trailer hitch system  100  includes what is generally referred to as a “hitch ball” throughout the present disclosure for coupling with a trailer, it should be recognized that the trailer hitch system can include any suitable form of coupling with a trailer, such as a lunette ring and pintle hook. Aspects of the present disclosure that facilitate measuring hitch weight of a trailer as disclosed herein can be incorporated into such coupling arrangements. 
     The weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  can also include a support structure or body portion  160 . The hitch ball  107  can include a ball  138  and a lower portion  162 . The ball  138  can be configured to interface with a coupling device of a trailer (e.g., a trailer tongue, gooseneck, etc.). The ball  138  and the lower portion  162  can be separate and distinct structures coupled to one another (i.e., rigidly and fixedly coupled) or the ball  138  and the lower portion  162  can form a single, monolithic structure. In either case, the hitch ball  107  can be a single structure comprised of multiple component parts or portions that remain in a fixed relationship to one another. 
     The load measurement device  130  can be operably associated with the body portion  160  and the hitch ball  107  to determine a magnitude of the force  151  acting on the hitch ball  107  (e.g., through the trailer interface with the ball  138 ). For example, the body portion  160  can include or define a hitch ball opening or socket  161  to slidably receive the lower portion  162  of the hitch ball  107 . The hitch ball opening  161  can be configured to constrain translational movement of the hitch ball  107  to a single degree of freedom (i.e., parallel to the downward force  151 ), which can facilitate the hitch ball  107  exerting a force on the load measurement device  130 . 
     The load measurement device  130  can comprise any suitable type of load measurement device or mechanism described herein. For example, the load measurement device  130  can comprise a load cell or transducer, such as a strain gage load cell, a mechanical load cell, a hydraulic load cell, and/or a pneumatic load cell, or any other suitable type of force and/or pressure sensor. In some examples, the load measurement device  130  can comprise a force gauge, such as a spring scale. In some embodiments, the load measurement device  130  can include a piston, a hydraulic medium (e.g., a fluid), and a pressure sensor or a load gauge as described in several examples hereinabove and hereinbelow. For instance, as described in other examples disclosed herein, the load measurement device  130  can include a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with a load gauge, and the fluid reservoir can comprise at least one of a hydraulic fluid or a pneumatic fluid. In one aspect, the lower portion of the hitch ball can act against a separate piston, which in turn acts on the fluid in the fluid reservoir as a means to determine the downward force  151  acting on the hitch ball. In another aspect, a bottom  168  of the lower portion  162  of the hitch ball  107  can form a piston operable to act on fluid in the fluid reservoir. In this case, the hitch ball may act directly on the fluid in the fluid reservoir, with no intermediate structures between the hitch ball and the fluid. Thus, the hitch ball  107  may be configured with an integrally formed piston to act on the fluid. In one aspect, the body portion  160  can define various features of the load measurement device  130  in addition to interfacing with and supporting the hitch ball  107 . For example, the body portion  160  can form or define, at least in part, a fluid reservoir of the load measurement device  130 . 
     In addition, the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  can include a display  140  for displaying or otherwise indicating force or load information obtained by the load measurement device  130 . For example, the display  140  can be configured to indicate the magnitude of the downward force, as determined by the load measurement device  130 . Thus, the display  140  can be an analog and/or digital display of a sensor or load cell (e.g., a pressure gauge) located local to the load measurement device  130  and/or a separate display device distinct from the load measurement device  130  (e.g., a remote display associated with the tow vehicle and/or a mobile electronic device). The display  140  can be wired and/or wirelessly connected to the load measurement device  130 . Thus, in one example, the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  can include a wireless transmitter, as described herein, to wirelessly transmit force measurements to a remote display. 
     In one aspect, the display  140  can be associated with the body portion  160 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The display  140  can be any suitable type of display, such as an analog or a digital display. The display  140  can be coupled to the load measurement device  130  in any suitable manner such that the display can properly indicate the magnitude of the load on the hitch ball  107 . In one aspect, the display can be mechanically, electrically, hydraulically, and/or pneumatically coupled to the load measurement device  130 . The load measurement device  130  and/or the display  140  can therefore include any suitable mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and/or pneumatic device or mechanism that can facilitate the determination and/or display of the magnitude of the load on the hitch ball  107 . For example, the load measurement device  130  and/or the display  140  can include a processor and/or memory to determine the magnitude of the load on the hitch ball  107 . In one aspect, a mobile device, such as a smartphone or a tablet, can include a processor and/or memory used to determine the magnitude of the load on the hitch ball  107 , such as by executing an application. In another aspect, the display  140  can be calibrated to indicate the magnitude of the load on the hitch ball  107 , based on mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and/or pneumatic input from the load measurement device  130 . In a particular aspect, therefore, the display  140  can be integral with the load measurement device  130  in determining the magnitude of the load on the hitch ball  107 . 
     In some examples, the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  can include a transmitter  142  such that load data pertaining to the magnitude of the downward force on the hitch ball  107  can be wired or wirelessly transmitted to the display  140 . In one aspect, the transmitter can transmit load data to a location remote from the ball hitch, such as to a remote display  141 . For example, the display  141  can be located inside the vehicle and can receive load data for display to the driver or operator of the vehicle. The transmission of load data can be via vehicle wiring, such as the taillight wiring, which can be utilized to communicate load data via a signal to the interior of the vehicle. In another aspect, a wireless transmission of load data can be accomplished via a Bluetooth connection, a cellular network, LAN, WIFI, an RF signal, an infrared signal, or any other suitable type of wireless network, connection, and/or protocol. In one aspect, the display  141  can comprise a screen of a mobile device, such as a smartphone or a tablet. Thus, the load data can be communicated to any suitable location, in or out of the vehicle. It should therefore be recognized that the display  140 ,  141  can be disposed in any suitable location and can be in communication with the load measurement device  130  via any suitable means. In one aspect, the load measurement device  130 , the display  140 , and/or the transmitter  150 , or any other related item or device, such as a processor, memory, a battery, or a RF receiver, can be located in or on the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101 . 
     In one aspect, the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  of  FIG. 2  can be configured to capture the hitch ball  107  to prevent the hitch ball from unwanted separation from the body portion  160 . For example, the assembly  101  can include a retention coupling  167  that secures the hitch ball  107  to the body portion  160  while also facilitating slidable movement of the hitch ball  107  within the hitch ball opening  161  to determine the magnitude of the force  151  acting on the hitch ball  107 . The retention coupling  167  can have one or more retention recesses  163   a - b  and one or more retention protrusions  164   a - b,  which are schematically represented in  FIG. 2 . The one or more retention recesses  163   a - b  can be associated with the hitch ball  107  (e.g., formed within the lower portion  162  of the hitch ball  107 ) and/or associated with the body portion  160  (e.g., formed within the body portion  160 ). The one or more retention protrusions  164   a - b  can also be associated with the hitch ball  107  (e.g., coupled to the lower portion  162  of the hitch ball  107 ) and/or associated with the body portion  160  (e.g., coupled to the body portion  160 ). Each of the retention recesses  163   a - b  can receive at least one of the retention protrusions  164   a - b  to secure the hitch ball  107  to the body portion  160 . For example, the retention protrusions  164   a - b  can extend into the respective retention recesses  163   a - b.  The retention recesses  163   a - b  and the retention protrusions  164   a - b  can be configured to facilitate movement of the hitch ball  107  against the load measurement device  130  in response to the downward force  151  on the hitch ball. For example, an upper clearance between the retention protrusions  164   a - b  and the retention recesses  163   a - b  can be sized equal to or greater than a range of motion of the load measurement device  130  (e.g., maximum deflection or piston travel) in response to a maximum allowable force  151  applied to the hitch ball  107 . This can ensure that the retention protrusions  164   a - b  will not hinder downward movement of the hitch ball  107 , which could interfere with a proper measurement of the downward force  151  on the hitch ball  107 . The shapes and/or sizes of the retention protrusions  164   a - b  and the retention recesses  163   a - b  can be of any suitable configuration (e.g., cross-sectional shapes that are circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular, etc.), structure (e.g., a notch, a groove, a channel, a hole, etc.), or dimension. For example, the retention protrusions  164   a - b  can comprise at least one of a pin, a bolt, a screw, a rod, a shaft, a tab, a flange, or a ball. In addition, the retention recesses  163   a - b  and the retention protrusions  164   a - b  can be included in any suitable quantity and in any suitable location or pattern. In one example, the retention protrusions  164   a - b  and the retention recesses  163   a - b  can include similar features (e.g., a ball and opening) found in the securing mechanism shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C  and described below. 
     In one aspect, ends of the retention protrusions  164   a - b  can terminate within the retention recesses  163   a - b  (e.g., within the lower portion  162  of the hitch ball  107  or within the body portion  160 ). In other words, the retention protrusions  164   a - b  do not extend all the way through the hitch ball  107  (e.g., through the lower portion  162 ) or the body portion  160 , as applicable. In a particular aspect, one or more of the retention recesses  163   a - b  can be blind openings or holes (e.g., openings or holes that do not extend all the way through the lower portion  162  of the hitch ball  107  or the body portion  160 ). Thus, one or more of the retention recesses  163   a - b  can be blind openings or through openings and the retention protrusions  164   a - b  may not extend all the way through the hitch ball  107  or body portion  160 . 
     In one aspect, the lower portion  162  of the hitch ball  107  and the body portion  160  can have a dimensional relationship that results in a relatively “thin-walled” body portion  160  forming the hitch ball opening  161  and surrounding the lower portion  162  of the hitch ball  107 . Thus, in some examples, an outer dimension  169   a  of the lower portion  162  of the hitch ball  107  can be greater than or equal to 50% of an outer dimension  169   b  of the body portion  160  about the lower portion  162  of the hitch ball  107 . 
     The weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  can be adapted to serve as a hitch ball or ball mount for a variety of different hitch configurations. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the attachment structure  117   a  can be a part of or comprise an above-bed attachment structure (e.g., an above-bed gooseneck hitch system). In another example, the attachment structure  117   b  can be any typical vertically-oriented hitch receiver, such as a square hitch receiver (typically aftermarket) or a round hitch receiver (typically OEM) for receiving bed-mount style hitches (e.g., gooseneck hitches). In yet another example, the attachment structure  117   c  can be any typical horizontally-oriented hitch receiver, such as a standard 2½″, 2″, or 1¼″ size square hitch receiver for receiving hitch components (e.g., drawbars) for “bumper pull” style hitches. In another example, the attachment structure  117   d  can be or include a hitch or hitch portion (e.g., a drawbar) configured to interface with another attachment structure  117   e  (e.g., a hitch receiver) integrated with or otherwise attached to a tow vehicle. In one aspect, an attachment structure as disclosed herein can be a portion of the tow vehicle  103 , such that the assembly  101  is coupled directly to the tow vehicle  103 . 
     Accordingly, the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  can include a hitch mount interface  152  configured to interface with an attachment structure as disclosed herein. In one example, the hitch mount interface  152  can be at least partially defined by the body portion  160 . In this case, the body portion  160  can be configured to interface directly with the attachment structure  117   a.  In addition, the hitch mount interface  152  can facilitate coupling with the attachment structure  117   a,  which can be a part of or comprise an above-bed attachment structure (e.g., an above-bed gooseneck hitch system). The hitch mount interface  152  can be located at any suitable location or position on or about the body portion  160 . In one aspect, the hitch mount interface  152  can be located at an upper end  166   a  of the body portion  160 , a lower end  166   b  of the body portion  160 , or both. 
     In one aspect, the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  can include a hitch portion extending from the body portion. The hitch mount interface  152  can be at least partially defined by the hitch portion. Thus, the hitch portion can be configured to interface with an attachment structure as disclosed herein. In one example, a hitch portion  110  can extend downward from the body portion  160  below the hitch ball  107 . In this case, the attachment structure  117   b  can comprise a goose ball receiver socket mounted on or otherwise associated with a tow vehicle. In another example, a hitch portion  110 ′ can extend laterally from the body portion  160  on a lateral side of the hitch ball  107 . In this case, the attachment structure  117   c  can comprise a hitch receiver. In the above examples, the hitch portions  110 ,  110 ′ can be permanently attached (e.g., integrally formed) with the body portion  160  or removably coupled to the body portion  160 . 
     The hitch mount interface  152  can be or include any suitable geometry or configuration to facilitate interfacing, coupling, joining, mating, etc. with a given attachment structure. For example, the hitch mount interface  152  can comprise at least one of a planar interface surface or a curved interface surface. In some examples, a planar interface surface can at least partially define a rectangular profile. In some examples, a curved interface surface can at least partially define a circular profile. These aspects of the hitch mount interface  152  are discussed in more detail below. 
     In one aspect, the hitch mount interface  152  can comprise one or more coupling features operable to facilitate securing the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  to a given attachment structure. Such a coupling feature can be or include any suitable coupling configuration known in the art, such as a threaded coupling feature (e.g., external threads or internal threads), a shaft, a rod, a hole, a recess, a groove, a pin, or any other feature suitable for coupling the assembly  101  to an attachment structure and/or a tow vehicle and maintaining structural integrity during towing. In one aspect, a coupling feature as disclosed herein can be associated with the body portion  160  and/or be at least partially defined by the body portion (e.g., an opening, a hole, a stud, etc.). In another aspect, a coupling feature can be associated with a hitch portion. In one example, the hitch portions  110 ,  110 ′ can include coupling features  112 ,  112 ′ (e.g., openings, holes, or other suitable features) to facilitate securing the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  to the respective attachment structures  117   b,    117   c.  In a particular example, the openings  112 ,  112 ′ can be operable to receive a pin, rod, or threaded fastener, which can extend through the openings  112 ,  112 ′ of the assembly  101  and through holes of the respective attachment structures  117   b,    117   c.  In another example, a coupling feature  111  can be operable to couple the ball mount assembly  101  to the attachment structure  117   d.  In one aspect, the coupling feature  111  can extend downward from the body portion  160  below the hitch ball  107 , although any other suitable location and/or orientation of the coupling feature  111  is contemplated. In a particular example, the coupling feature  111  can comprise a threaded coupling feature that extends downward from the body portion  160  below the hitch ball  107 . In this case the attachment structure  117   d  can comprise a hitch or hitch portion (e.g., a draw bar) that can couple with another attachment structure  117   e  (e.g., hitch receiver) that is associated with a tow vehicle. 
     One benefit of the coupling feature  111  is that it enables the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  to be removably coupled to a given attachment structure  117  (e.g., a hitch or hitch portion, drawbar, hitch receiver, etc.) that is operable to facilitate coupling the assembly  101  to the tow vehicle  103 . As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, coupling devices of trailers (e.g., goosenecks, trailer tongues, etc.) have a variety of sizes and can require differing hitch ball sizes to securely couple a trailer to a towing vehicle. Some standard hitch ball sizes can include 1⅞″, 2″, 2 5/16″, and 3″ diameters. Thus, an assembly  101  having a suitable ball  138  size can be selected for coupling with a given structure  117  (e.g., a hitch or hitch portion, drawbar, hitch receiver, etc.) to accommodate a given size/configuration of trailer coupling device. 
     A method of measuring weight of a trailer supported by a tow vehicle can comprise engaging a coupling device of a trailer (e.g., a tongue or a gooseneck) with a weight measuring ball mount assembly as disclosed herein (e.g., the weight measuring ball mount assembly  101 ), with the weight measuring ball mount assembly being operably coupled to a tow vehicle, such as by an attachment structure associated with the tow vehicle. 
     The weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  of  FIG. 2  has been shown and described as a generic representation of such an assembly.  FIGS. 3A-5C  include illustrations of various weight measuring hitch ball assemblies that are more specific examples of the generic weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  of  FIG. 2 . Thus, the description of the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  101  in  FIG. 2  may describe aspects of the various assemblies of  FIGS. 3A-5C , as applicable, which may not be described with particular reference to  FIGS. 3A-5C . Furthermore, certain specific aspects and features described in one example may be present in another example, although not specifically discussed with reference to that example. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate a weight measuring hitch ball assembly  201  in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. In this example, a load measurement device  230  is illustrated as including a reservoir  232  having a fluid  233  and a piston  234  disposed therein, as shown in  FIG. 3B . In this case, the piston  234  is integrally formed with a hitch ball  207  (e.g., a bottom  268  of a lower end  262  of the hitch ball  207  forms the piston  234 ). The piston  234  can affect a pressure of the fluid  233  as a result of a downward force on the hitch ball  207 . The load measurement device  230  also includes a pressure sensor  236 , or gauge, in fluid communication with the reservoir  232 , such as via a conduit  237 , to indicate a quantity of the downward force acting on the hitch ball  207  based on the pressure of the fluid. The pressure sensor  236  can be calibrated to indicate the force acting on the hitch ball  207 . Although a particular load measurement device configuration is illustrated, it should be recognized that any suitable load measurement device disclosed herein can be utilized. 
     In one aspect, a display  240  for the pressure sensor or gauge can be included to indicate the magnitude of the load or downward force acting on the hitch ball  207 . Such a display can be located proximate the pressure sensor  236  or included with a gauge. It should be recognized that a pressure sensor, a gauge, or a display can be disposed in any suitable location. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the pressure sensor  236  and associated display  240  can be located at a distance from the body portion  260 . In this case, the pressure sensor  236  can be in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir via the conduit  237  external to the body portion  260 . In one aspect, multiple pressure sensors and/or displays can be utilized to present force information in various directions and/or locations. 
     The weight measuring hitch ball assembly  201  can be configured to capture the hitch ball  207  to prevent the hitch ball from unwanted separation from the body portion  260 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3B , the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  201  can include a retention coupling  267  that secures the hitch ball  207  to the body portion  260  while also facilitating slidable movement of the hitch ball  207  within a hitch ball opening  261  of the body portion  260  to determine the magnitude of a force acting on the hitch ball  207 . 
     In the illustrated example, the retention coupling  267  can have one or more retention recesses  263   a - b  associated with the hitch ball  207  (e.g., formed within the lower portion  262  of the hitch ball  207 ). The retention coupling  267  can also have one or more retention protrusions  264   a - b  associated with the body portion  260  (e.g., coupled to the body portion  260 ). Each of the retention recesses  263   a - b  can receive at least one of the retention protrusions  264   a - b  to secure the hitch ball  207  to the body portion  260 . For example, the retention protrusions  264   a - b  can extend into the respective retention recesses  263   a - b.  The retention recesses  263   a - b  and the retention protrusions  264   a - b  can be configured to facilitate movement of the hitch ball  207  against the load measurement device  230  in response to the downward force  251  on the hitch ball. For example, an upper clearance  265  between the retention protrusions  264   a - b  and the retention recesses  263   a - b  can be sized equal to or greater than a range of motion of the load measurement device  230  (e.g., maximum deflection or piston travel) in response to a maximum allowable force  251  applied to the hitch ball  207 . This can ensure that the retention protrusions  264   a - b  will not hinder downward movement of the hitch ball  207 , which could interfere with a proper measurement of the downward force  251  on the hitch ball  207 . The shapes and/or sizes of the retention protrusions  264   a - b  and the retention recesses  263   a - b  can be of any suitable configuration (e.g., cross-sectional shapes that are circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular, etc.), structure (e.g., a notch, a groove, a channel, a hole, etc.), or dimension. For example, the retention protrusions  264   a - b  can comprise at least one of a pin, a bolt, a screw, a rod, a shaft, a tab, a flange, or a ball. In addition, the retention recesses  263   a - b  and the retention protrusions  264   a - b  can be included in any suitable quantity and in any suitable location or pattern. 
     In one aspect, ends of the retention protrusions  264   a - b  can terminate within the retention recesses  263   a - b  (e.g., within the lower portion  262  of the hitch ball  207 ). In other words, the retention protrusions  264   a - b  do not extend all the way through the hitch ball  207  (e.g., through the lower portion  262 ). In a particular aspect, one or more of the retention recesses  263   a - b  can be blind openings or holes (e.g., openings or holes that do not extend all the way through the lower portion  262  of the hitch ball  207 ). Thus, one or more of the retention recesses  263   a - b  can be blind openings or through openings and the retention protrusions  264   a - b  may not extend all the way through the hitch ball  207 . 
     Although the retention recesses  263   a - b  have been shown and described as being associated with the hitch ball  207  and the retention protrusions  264   a - b  have been shown and described as being associated with the body portion  260 , it should be recognized that retention recesses and retention protrusions can be associated with a hitch ball and/or a body portion, in any suitable arrangement or combination, as desired. For example, retention recesses can be associated with a body portion, and retention protrusions can be associated with a hitch ball. In another example, retention recesses and retention protrusions can be associated with both a hitch ball and a body portion. 
     The weight measuring hitch ball assembly  201  can include a hitch mount interface  252  configured to interface with an attachment structure as disclosed herein. For example, the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  201  can be adapted to interface with and be integrated into a variety of different gooseneck hitch systems, as shown in  FIGS. 3C-3G .  FIGS. 3C-3E  illustrate the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  201  incorporated into an above-bed gooseneck hitch system  202  where the body portion  260  interfaces with an attachment structure  217 .  FIG. 3F  illustrates the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  201  incorporated into an above-bed gooseneck hitch system  202 ′ where the body portion  260  interfaces with an attachment structure  217 ′.  FIG. 3G  illustrates the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  201  incorporated into an above-bed gooseneck hitch system  202 ″ where the body portion  260  interfaces with an attachment structure  217 ″. Although above-bed attachment structures are shown in these examples, it should be recognized that the assembly  201  can be adapted to interface with and be integrated into a below-bed gooseneck hitch system. 
     In one aspect, the hitch mount interface  252  can be at least partially defined by the body portion  260 . In this case, the body portion  260  can be configured to interface directly with an above-bed attachment structure  217 ,  217 ′,  217 ″ as shown in  FIGS. 3C-3G . In another aspect, the hitch mount interface  252  can comprise one or more coupling features operable to facilitate securing the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  201  to a given above-bed attachment structure  217 ,  217 ′,  217 ″ as shown in  FIGS. 3C-3G . Such a coupling feature can be or include any suitable coupling configuration known in the art, such as a threaded coupling feature (e.g., external threads or internal threads), a shaft, a rod, a hole, a recess, a groove, a pin, or any other feature suitable for coupling the assembly  201  to an attachment structure and/or a tow vehicle and maintaining structural integrity during towing. In one aspect, a coupling feature as disclosed herein can be associated with the body portion  260  and/or be at least partially defined by the body portion (e.g., an opening, a hole, a stud, etc.). For example, the hitch mount interface  252  can include coupling features  255  (e.g., openings, holes (threaded or otherwise), or other suitable features) to facilitate securing the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  201  to a given above-bed attachment structure  217 ,  217 ′,  217 ″. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIGS. 3C-3E , the attachment structure  217  can include an upper portion  218  and a lower mounting plate  219 . The hitch mount interface  252  can be located at any suitable location or position on or about the body portion  260 . In one aspect, the hitch mount interface  252  can be located at an upper end  266   a  of the body portion  260 , a lower end  266   b  of the body portion  260 , or both, or anywhere in between. For example, the hitch mount interface  252  can comprise at least one of a planar interface surface  253   a - b  or a curved interface surface  254 , as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Such interface surfaces can form or be a part of any suitable shape or geometry. For example, the planar interface surfaces  253   a - c  can at least partially define a rectangular profile (e.g., a rectangular cuboid shape) and the curved interface surface  254  can at least partially define a circular profile (e.g., a cylindrical shape). The curved interface surface  254  can be configured to fit within an opening in the upper portion  218  and interface with the upper portion  218 . The planar interface surface  253   a  can interface with an underside of the upper portion  218 . The top or upper coupling features  255  can be operable to receive a threaded fastener  256  ( FIG. 3C ) to couple the hitch ball assembly  201  to the upper portion  218 . A bottom or lower coupling feature (e.g., an opening or hole (threaded or otherwise) obscured from view) can be operable to receive a threaded fastener  257  ( FIGS. 3D and 3F ) to couple the hitch ball assembly  201  to the lower mounting plate  219 . The lower mounting plate  219  can be coupled to the upper portion  218  with a threaded fastener  258  ( FIGS. 3C-3E ). The attachment structure  217  can also include a mounting bracket  259 , tab, or other such structure operable to couple the attachment structure  217  to a tow vehicle (e.g., a bed of the tow vehicle). 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate a weight measuring hitch ball assembly  301  in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. As with the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  201  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  discussed above, in this example, the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  301  of  FIGS. 4A-4C  includes a load measurement device  330  with a reservoir  332  having a fluid  333  and a piston  334  integrated with a hitch ball  307  disposed in the reservoir  332 , as shown in  FIG. 4B . In this case, a pressure sensor  336 , or gauge, and associated display  340  are located on, or mounted to, a body portion  360 . Although a particular load measurement device configuration is illustrated, it should be recognized that any suitable load measurement device disclosed herein can be utilized. 
     The weight measuring hitch ball assembly  301  can include a hitch mount interface  352  configured to interface with an attachment structure as disclosed herein. In the illustrated example, the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  301  can include a hitch portion  310  extending downward from the body portion  360  below the hitch ball  307 . The hitch portion  310  can be permanently attached (e.g., integrally formed) with the body portion  360  or removably coupled to the body portion  360 . The hitch mount interface  352  can be at least partially defined by the hitch portion  310 . Thus, the hitch portion  310  can be configured to interface with an attachment structure as disclosed herein. In this example, an attachment structure  317  can comprise a goose ball receiver socket mounted on (e.g., below-bed) or otherwise associated with a tow vehicle. Thus, the hitch portion  310  can be adapted to interface with an attachment structure  317  configured as a goose ball receiver socket mounted on (e.g., below-bed) or otherwise associated with a tow vehicle. In particular, the hitch portion  310  comprises a rectangular cuboid configuration, which may be sized and configured to fit within a given below-bed attachment structure. A typical cross-sectional size for the hitch portion  310  may be a 2-inch by 2-inch square. 
     The hitch mount interface  352  can be or include any suitable geometry or configuration to facilitate interfacing, coupling, joining, mating, etc. with a given attachment structure. For example, the hitch mount interface  352  can comprise at least one of a planar interface surface  353  or a curved interface surface. In some examples, the planar interface surface  353  can at least partially define a rectangular profile. In some examples, a curved interface surface can at least partially define a circular profile. 
     In one aspect, the hitch mount interface  352  can comprise one or more coupling features  312  operable to facilitate securing the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  301  to the attachment structure  317 . Such a coupling feature can be or include any suitable coupling configuration known in the art, such as a threaded coupling feature (e.g., external threads or internal threads), a shaft, a rod, a hole, a recess, a groove, a pin, or any other feature suitable for coupling the assembly  301  to the attachment structure  317  and/or a tow vehicle and maintaining structural integrity during towing. In one aspect, the coupling feature  312  can be associated with the hitch portion  310 . In one example, the hitch portion  310  can include coupling features  312  (e.g., openings, holes, or other suitable features) to facilitate securing the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  301  to the attachment structure  317 . In a particular example, the opening  312  can be operable to receive a pin, rod, shaft, or threaded fastener  315 , which can extend through the openings  312  of the hitch portion  310  and through similar openings or holes  316  of the attachment structure  317  aligned with the opening  312 . 
     The top cross-sectional view of  FIG. 4C  further illustrates an arrangement of retention recesses  363   a - d  and the retention protrusions  364   a - d  that serve to secure the hitch ball  307  to the body portion  360 . In this case, four retention protrusions  364   a - d  extend into four respective retention recesses  363   a - d,  which are equally spaced about the circumference of the body portion  360  and the hitch ball  307 , although any suitable configuration may be utilized. 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate a weight measuring hitch ball assembly  401  in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. As with other weight measuring hitch ball assemblies discussed above, in this example, the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  401  includes a load measurement device  430  with a reservoir  432  having a fluid  433  and a piston  434  integrated with a hitch ball  407  disposed in the reservoir  432 , as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . In this case, a pressure sensor  436 , or gauge, and associated display  440  are located on, or mounted to, a body portion  460 . Although a particular load measurement device configuration is illustrated, it should be recognized that any suitable load measurement device disclosed herein can be utilized. 
     The weight measuring hitch ball assembly  401  can include a hitch mount interface  452  configured to interface with an attachment structure as disclosed herein. In the illustrated example, the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  401  can include a hitch portion  410  extending downward from the body portion  460  below the hitch ball  407 . The hitch portion  410  can be permanently attached (e.g., integrally formed) with the body portion  460  or removably coupled to the body portion  460 . The hitch mount interface  452  can be at least partially defined by the hitch portion  410 . Thus, the hitch portion  410  can be configured to interface with an attachment structure as disclosed herein. In this example, an attachment structure  417  can comprise a goose ball receiver socket mounted on (e.g., below-bed) or otherwise associated with a tow vehicle. Thus, the hitch portion  310  can be adapted to interface with an attachment structure  317  configured as a goose ball receiver socket mounted on (e.g., below-bed) or otherwise associated with a tow vehicle. In this case, the hitch portion  410  comprises a cylindrical configuration (e.g., a circular cross-section), which may be sized and configured to fit within a given below-bed attachment structure. Such a configuration is typically associated with OEM-type goose ball hitch attachment structures. 
     The hitch mount interface  452  can be or include any suitable geometry or configuration to facilitate interfacing, coupling, joining, mating, etc. with a given attachment structure. For example, the hitch mount interface  452  can comprise at least one of a planar interface surface or a curved interface surface  453 . In some examples, a planar interface surface can at least partially define a rectangular profile. In some examples, the curved interface surface  453  can at least partially define a circular profile (e.g., a cylindrical shape). 
     In one aspect, the hitch mount interface  452  can comprise a coupling feature operable to facilitate securing the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  401  to the attachment structure  417 . OEM-type goose ball hitch attachment structures typically utilize a radiused or semicircular-shaped groove  416  configured to receive and interface with one or more balls  493   a - b  extending laterally from the hitch portion  410 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . Accordingly, in one aspect, the hitch mount interface  452  coupling feature can comprise a securing mechanism  492  operable to secure the assembly  401  to a suitable attachment structure  417 . For example, the coupling feature or securing mechanism  492  can include a movable ball  493   a - b  operable to extend into the groove  416  in the attachment feature  417  to secure the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  401  to the attachment feature  417  and to retract from the groove  416  to facilitate removal of the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  401  from the attachment feature  417 . The balls  493   a - b  can be laterally movable within respective openings  478   a - b  in the hitch portion  410 . The ball  493  can be operable to engage the attachment structure  417  (e.g., via a radiused or semicircular-shaped groove  416 ). The securing mechanism  492  can also include a cam  494  operable to maintain the balls  493   a - b  laterally outward in a secured position ( FIG. 5B ) or allow movement of the ball  493  laterally inward in a release position ( FIG. 5C ). The cam  494  can include a wide portion  494   a  configured to contact the balls  493   a - b  and maintain the balls in the outward, secured position. The cam  494  can also include a narrow portion  494   b  that is configured to allow the balls to retract inward in the release position. The secured and release positions can be achieved by a 90-degree rotation of the cam  494 . 
     In one aspect, the securing mechanism  492  can include a shaft  495  coupled to and extending from the cam  494 , a gear  496  associated with the shaft  495 , and a gear  497  operably coupled to the gear  496 . In one aspect, the gears  496 ,  497  can be located in, and supported by, a body portion  460  of the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  401 . The gear  497  can be associated with a user interface  498  ( FIG. 5A ) to operate the cam  494 . At least one of the gear  496  or the gear  497  can be rotatable to operate the cam  494 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C , the gear  496  can be a spur gear rotatable about a longitudinal axis  499   a  of the shaft  495  and the gear  497  can be a worm gear rotatable about an axis  499   b  oriented non-parallel (e.g., perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis  499   a  of the shaft  495 . In another example, the gear  496  can be a pinion gear rotatable about the longitudinal axis  499   a  of the shaft  495 , and the gear  497  can be a rack gear translatable in a direction non-parallel (e.g., perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis  499   a  of the shaft  495 . In this case, the cam  494  can be actuated by a press type (e.g., button) user interface. 
     In one aspect, the securing mechanism  492  can include a locking mechanism  479  (e.g., a lock core) operable to alternately lock and release the gear  497  when the cam  494  is in the secured position to prevent unwanted release of the weight measuring hitch ball assembly  401  from the attachment structure. In one aspect, the user interface  498  can comprise an engagement feature for a key to the locking mechanism  479 . 
     Of course, it is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.