Trailer hitch ball assembly
OwnerFrancis E. Morrisinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A trailer hitch ball assembly includes a vertical post for attachment to a vehicle drawbar. The post has a smooth cylindrical upper portion and a circumferential retainer groove for receiving and retaining a ball while permitting rotation of the ball. The ball includes a central bore which receives the post upper portion and a retainer screw for engaging the retainer groove. A threaded lower portion and two nuts are utilized to secure the post on the drawbar. The threaded portion may include an exposed free portion for storing a replacement ball of the same or different diameter.
Claims9
A trailer hitch ball assembly adapted to be attached to a vehicle drawbar for towing a trailer, said assembly comprising:
- a. cylindrical post means having an a top end and a smooth upper portion for receiving and supporting a substantially spherical ball and a threaded lower portion;
- b. said smooth upper portion having a circumferential retainer groove formed therein;
- c. a substantially spherical ball having a central bore formed therein for engaging said upper portion;
- d. retainer means in said ball for selectively engaging said retainer groove to retain said ball on said upper portion while permitting rotation of said ball on said upper portion;
- e. nut means for securing said threaded portion of said post on said vehicle drawbar;
- f. said post means including a second circumferential groove formed in said upper portion and spaced beneath said retainer groove;
- and,
- g. snap ring means for engaging said second groove for supporting said ball when in place on said post.
A trailer hitch ball assembly adapted to be attached to a vehicle drawbar for towing a trailer, said assembly comprising:
- a. cylindrical post means having an a top end and a smooth upper portion for receiving and supporting a substantially spherical ball and a threaded lower portion;
- b. said smooth upper portion having a circumferential retainer groove formed therein;
- c. a substantially spherical ball having a central bore formed therein for engaging said upper portion;
- d. retainer means in said ball for selectively engaging said retainer groove to retain said ball on said upper portion while permitting rotation of said ball on said upper portion;
- e. nut means for securing said threaded portion of said post on said vehicle drawbar;
- and,
- f. said threaded lower portion of said post including peripheral groove means formed therein for being selectively engaged by the retainer means of said ball for storing said ball when not in use.
A trailer hitch ball assembly adapted to be attached to a vehicle drawbar for towing a trailer, said assembly comprising:
- a. cylindrical post means having an a top end and a smooth upper portion for receiving and supporting a substantially spherical ball and a threaded lower portion;
- b. said smooth upper portion having a circumferential retainer groove formed therein;
- c. a substantially spherical ball having a central bore formed therein for engaging said upper portion;
- d. retainer means in said ball for selectively engaging said retainer groove to retain said ball on said upper portion while permitting rotation of said ball on said upper portion;
- e. nut means for securing said threaded portion of said post on said vehicle drawbar;
- and,
- f. said upper portion of said post including a generally axially extending groove formed therein and extending from the top of said post to said retainer groove.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.