# US 2019/0168554 A1 · Safety connector apparatus for trailer hitches

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- Number: US 2019/0168554 A1
- Document ID: US20190168554A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 16/208,281
- Filed: 2018-12-03
- Published: 2019-06-06
- Earliest claimed: 2017-12-01
- Assignees: Brc Holdings, LLC
- Inventors: Charles B. Reinken
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190168554A1

## CPC

- B60D 1/60: Covers, caps or guards {, e.g. comprising anti-theft devices}
- B60D 1/06: Ball-and-socket hitches
- B60D 1/28: for preventing unwanted disengagement, e.g. safety appliances
- B60D 1/583: {Holding-down means, e.g. holding-down retainers}
- B60D: VEHICLE CONNECTIONS

## Abstract

A ball-style hitch safety connector apparatus with a spoon safety connector made, as well as alternative designs, is disclosed herein. In an embodiment a spoon element is secured on the underside of the hitch, the spoon element including a spoon- or cup-shaped portion along with a handle. This spoon element presses up on the bottom of the ball assembly, in particular the underside where the nut and bolt are located that secure the ball to in place.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A safety connector apparatus for a trailer hitch, the safety receiver comprising:
a) a base comprising a hole for receiving the treaded base of a hitch ball;
b) side walls extending up from the base;
c) a plate having at least two holes; and
d) a bent rod extending through the two holes as well as over the top of the hitch ball; the bent locking rod being configured to move up and down above the hitch ball and to pivot away from the hitch ball to allow for insertion of a trailer hitch onto the ball;
wherein the bent rod can be positioned above the ball and trailer hitch and lowered into place and secured to prevent the trailer hitch from releasing and being removed from the ball without first releasing the bent rod.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The safety connector of claim 1, further comprising a cylinder into which an end of the bent locking rod is inserted.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The safety connector of claim 1, wherein the bent rod comprises two downward extensions for fitting into the holes on the plate.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The safety connector of claim 1, wherein the safety connector comprises to plates, each having at least two holes.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The safety connector of claim 1, wherein the safety connector comprises to plates, each having at least four holes.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The safety connector of claim 1, wherein the side walls are tapered down from a high point near the vehicle to a low point distal from the vehicle.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The safety connector of claim 1, wherein the side walls near the vehicle are taller than the side walls further from the vehicle, so as to allow the side walls near the vehicle to support the plates and bent locking rod and the side walls distal from the vehicle are shorter to allow for freedom of movement of the trailer hitch.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The safety connector of claim 1, wherein the side walls near the vehicle are at least 2 times the height of the side walls distal from the vehicle.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The safety connector of claim 8 wherein the side walls near the vehicle are at least 3 times the height of the side walls distal from the vehicle.

### Claim 10 (depends on 8)

The safety connector of claim 8, wherein the side walls near the vehicle are at least 4 times the height of the side walls distal from the vehicle.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The safety connector of claim 1, wherein the plate includes holes for locking the plates together.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The safety connector of claim 1, wherein the bent rod has a v-shaped top when viewed from above.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The safety connector of claim 1, wherein the bent rod has a u-shaped top when viewed from above.

### Claim 14

A safety connector apparatus for a trailer, the safety connector comprising:
a spoon element configured to be secured on the underside of the hitch, the spoon element including a spoon shaped portion and a handle, wherein the spoon shaped portion presses up on the bottom of a ball assembly when installed, in particular the underside where the nut and bolt are located that secure the ball to in place; and
two pairs of fastening bars holding the spoon element in place.