Gooseneck trailer coupler

Details Gooseneck trailer coupler Gooseneck trailer coupler

2000-04-04

2001-07-24

DePumpo, Daniel G. (Department: 3611)

Land vehicles

Wheeled

Articulated vehicle

C280S504000, C280S511000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06264229

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to couplers for releasably connecting components together, and more particularly to improvements in gooseneck trailer couplers for securing a trailer to a tow vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Gooseneck trailer couplers are used to secure a first structure such as a towing vehicle to a second structure such as a trailer. Examples of known trailer couplers include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,513,871 to Johnson, 5,263,735 to Mann, and 5,382,109 to Nyman. Such known designs typically rely on plates actuated by a handle, with the plates grabbing around a ball neck to secure a ball mounted on the trailer with the towing vehicle. It would be highly desirable to provide a gooseneck trailer coupler which is of a compact, high strength design and which provides a clear indication that the trailer coupler is locked.
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gooseneck trailer coupler which is of simple construction and low cost, and which locks with the ability to endure high loading. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a gooseneck trailer coupler that provides clear indication to the operator that the lock is in place. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a gooseneck trailer coupler that is highly reliable in operation and which can be manufactured efficiently. Additional objects and optional features of the invention will be apparent form the following disclosure and detailed discussion of preferred embodiments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect, a gooseneck trailer coupler is affixed to a first structure and comprises a mounting element, a chuck having a top end and a base at a bottom end opposite the top end, the chuck attached to the mounting element at the top end and adapted to receive a ball mounted to a second structure, and a locking assembly adapted to releasably secure the ball and the chuck. The locking assembly comprises a ring gear mounted around the chuck and movable from a locking position wherein the chuck is secured with the ball, to an unlocking position where the chuck is unlocked from the ball, and the ring gear translates from the base toward the top end of the chuck as the ring gear moves from the locking position to the unlocking position.
In accordance with another aspect, a gooseneck trailer coupler is provided wherein at least one jaw is mounted in the chuck, and the ring gear moves from a locking position where the ring gear urges the jaw into an aperture in the chuck to secure a ball within the aperture to an unlocking position where the jaw is free to move sufficiently out of the aperture to permit a ball to be disengaged from the chuck.
From the foregoing disclosure and the following more detailed description of various preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention provides a significant advance in the technology and art of gooseneck trailer couplers. Particularly significant in this regard is the potential the invention affords for enhanced locking and providing high strength. Additional features and advantages of various preferred embodiments will be better understood in view of the detailed description provided below.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2202753 (1940-05-01), Bugatti
patent: 2696392 (1954-12-01), Case
patent: 2755105 (1956-07-01), Wells
patent: 3650546 (1972-03-01), Koenig
patent: 4176853 (1979-12-01), Brock
patent: 5219436 (1993-06-01), Abbott
patent: 6050588 (2000-04-01), Kissack

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