Patent ID: 8876143

Claim:
An apparatus for a trailer hitch, the apparatus comprising: a first member defining a threaded opening dimensioned to receive a shank extending from a hitch ball, the shank defining a substantially matching thread pattern such that rotation of the first member with respect to the shank extending through a portion of a drawbar results in the hitch ball being mounted to the drawbar, the first member further defining one or more tool-engaging surfaces to facilitate installation or removal of the first member to or from the shank; a second member removably installed to the first member, the second member defining an opening dimensioned to receive and cover at least a portion of the first member such that when the second member is installed to the first member, the second member inhibits access of the one or more tool-engaging surfaces by a tool sufficiently to inhibit removal of the first member from the shank; and a first coupling mechanism releasably retaining the second member installed to the first member, such that when the coupling mechanism couples the second member to the first member, the second member is allowed to rotate about the shank and with respect to the first member such that rotation of the second member does not result in rotation of the first member when the first member is installed to the shank.