Land vehicles – Wheeled – Articulated vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
2001-01-17
2003-01-14
Hurley, Kevin (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Articulated vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
active
06505848
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a simple and convenient, tongue mounted receiving end of a “ball” coupler, of the type commonly used for trailers, recreational vehicles, and boats. The device is also adaptable to general coupling applications, e.g., gate and door fasteners, shelving, and other applications wherein it is desirable to couple two objects together simply and quickly.
With regard to couplers in particular, many coupler devices are currently available which connect to the typical hitch ball. However, most of these include unduly large and complicated mechanisms, with many having a multiplicity of parts. Furthermore, most require manual manipulation of the device during the attachment process. In some, manual input is required to move the device from the open to the closed position.
It is a principal object of this invention to provide a compactly configured and easy-to-use hitch ball receiving mechanism, having an uncomplicated locking mechanism and a minimum of moving parts.
Another object is to provide a mechanism which requires no manual manipulation during the process in which the hitch ball is secured.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Our invention is an easy to use coupling device having an uncomplicated latching mechanism and a minimum of moving parts. It is particularly suited for receiving a typical trailer hitch ball. Our device is compactly configured and requires no manual manipulation of the latching mechanism during the attachment of the device to a typical hitch ball.
An apparatus for receiving and securing a ball is provided, comprising: a frame, the frame having an interior, the frame interior having a front section, the frame front interior section being shaped and sized for closely receiving portions of a generally round ball, the frame further having an opening, the frame opening being shaped and positioned to allow ball passage into the frame front interior section; a pivoting ball support, the pivoting ball support having a pivot point, the pivoting ball support being attached to the frame at the pivoting ball support pivot point, the pivoting ball support being movable from a first position to a second position, the pivoting ball support further having: a first face, the pivoting ball support first face having a recess, the pivoting ball support first face being at least partially beneath a portion of the ball when the pivoting ball support is in the first position, the frame front interior section being sized and shaped such that the pivoting ball support first face prevents the ball from passing through the frame opening when the pivoting ball support is in the first position, the pivoting ball support first face recess being positioned for encounter with the ball when the pivoting ball support is in the first position; a second face, the pivoting ball support second face having a recess, the second face recess being positioned for encounter with the ball as the ball is inserted into the frame opening; a spring, the spring having a first and second end, the spring's first end being positioned against the pivoting ball support, the spring's second end being positioned against the frame, such that movement of the pivoting ball support from the first position to the second position is resisted; and a rotation member, the rotation member being attached to the pivoting ball support such that movement of the rotation member causes rotation of the pivoting ball support.
In another embodiment, the pivoting ball support further has a hollow, the hollow being sized to receive the spring first end, and the frame further has a hollow, the hollow being sized to receive the spring second end.
In another embodiment, the frame further has a rear interior portion, the rear interior portion defining a rear cavity, the frame hollow being positioned in the frame rear interior portion.
In another embodiment, the frame further has a rear interior wall portion, the frame hollow being positioned in the rear interior wall portion.
In another embodiment, the spring length is less than the ball diameter when the pivoting ball support is in the first position.
In another embodiment, the degree of pivot between the pivoting ball support first position and second position is not more than 21 degrees.
In another embodiment, the ratio of the pivoting ball support width to the frame width at the pivot point is not less than 0.70.
In another embodiment, the ratio of the pivoting ball support width at the pivot point to the ball diameter is not less than 0.70.
In another embodiment, the frame further has a slot and the rotation member comprises an extension member extending from the pivoting ball support through the frame slot.
In another embodiment, the pivoting ball support extension member has an end portion, the end portion being shaped to form an acute angle with respect to the frame.
In another embodiment, the ratio of the ball diameter to the maximum frame width at the pivot point is not less than 0.95.
In another embodiment, the frame further has a top and at least two non-intersecting ridges on the frame top.
In another embodiment, the frame further has a slot and a pair of top extensions, the frame top extensions each having a hole, and the pivoting ball support further has a top extension, the pivoting ball support top extension having a hole, the pivoting ball support top extension being configured such that the pivoting ball support top extension extends through the frame slot, the frame top extensions being positioned on the frame such that the pivoting ball support top extension hole coincides with the frame top extension holes, when the pivoting ball support is in the first position, such that a pin may be simultaneously positioned within the pivoting ball support top extension hole and the frame top extension holes, the frame top extensions each having a downwardly tapered front portion, each front portion joining one of the frame top ridges.
In another embodiment, the frame further has a slot and a top extension, and the pivoting ball support further has a top extension, the pivoting ball support top extension having a hole, the pivoting ball support top extension being configured such that the pivoting ball support top extension extends through the frame slot, the frame top extension being positioned on the frame such that a pin within the pivoting ball support top extension is adjacent the frame top extension when the pivoting ball support is in the first position, the frame top extension preventing the movement of the pivoting ball support from the first position.
In another embodiment, the frame has a slot, and the pivoting ball support further has a top extension, the pivoting ball support top extension having a hole, the pivoting ball support top extension being configured such that the pivoting ball support top extension extends through the frame slot, and the apparatus further comprises a pin, the pin having at least two portions having different diameters, and a pin retaining member having a first end attached to the pin first portion, and a second end having a loop, the loop having a substantially straight lower side, the second end being biased to encompass another of the pin portions when the pin is inserted into the pivoting ball support hole, the second end encompassing the other pin portion such that the loop lower side is closely received between the other pin portion and the frame, the loop lower side preventing the movement of the pivoting ball support from the first position.
In another embodiment, the frame further has a top extension, the frame top extension being positioned on the frame such that the inserted pin's first portion is adjacent the frame top extension when the pivoting ball support is in the first position, the frame top extension preventing the movement of the pivoting ball support from the first position.
In another embodiment, the number of pin portions is three, the middle portion being closely received by the pivoting ball support extension hole.
In another embodiment, the frame further ha
Brown Danny Richard
Brown David Richard
Brown Stacy Ray
Gray George S.
Hurley Kevin
LandOfFree
Device for receiving and securing a ball does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device for receiving and securing a ball, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device for receiving and securing a ball will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3020632