Trailer hitch
OwnerJoseph John McGinnesinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A trailer coupling (1) is disclosed having a first interconnection (2, 12) to a prime mover (4) and a second interconnection (14) to a trailer. A pivot mechanism which includes a universal joint (13) interconnects the first and second interconnections. The first interconnection is a frusto-conical spigot (2) and a frusto-conical sleeve housing (12). This interconnection is rigid and does not permit any movement between the prime mover and the sleeve housing (12). The universal joint (13) is rotatably mounted to permit movement between the trailer and the prime mover about a vertical axis (136), a left to right horizontal axis (137) and a front to rear horizontal axis (34).
Claims28
A coupling having a first interconnection between a prime mover and said coupling, a second interconnection between said coupling and a trailer, and a pivot mechanism to permit said trailer to pivot relative to said prime mover, wherein said pivot mechanism is located intermediate said first and second interconnections and is spaced from said first interconnection.
A coupling for connecting a prime mover to a trailer and having a first interconnection between said prime mover and said coupling, wherein said first interconnection does not permit movement between said prime mover and said coupling.
A method of interconnecting a prime mover with a trailer using a coupling, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) making a first interconnection between said prime mover and said coupling,
- (b) making a second interconnection between said trailer and said coupling,
- (c) locating a pivot mechanism between said first and second interconnections, and
- (d) spacing said pivot mechanism from said first interconnection.
A method of interconnecting a prime mover to a trailer using a coupling, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) making a first interconnection between said prime mover and said coupling, and
- (b) making said first interconnection rigid to thereby prevent movement between said prime mover and said coupling.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.