Dico, Inc.

Martin L Denny

Alan Maddaford

An improved trailer hitch housing is provided having a pair of integrated ribs extending the length of each side of the housing. The ribs strengthen and stiffen the housing by decreasing the tendency of the sides to bend when subjected to stress. The need for internal bracing or end flanges, which are used in prior art devices for strength and stiffness, is eliminated by the use of the ribs.

Strengthening rib

A self-latching trailer hitch for securing and releasing a hitch ball attached to a towing vehicle. The hitch maintains itself in a ball receiving position and when placed over the hitch ball, automatically locks into a ball securement position without the need for manual manipulation of a locking device. The hitch is provided with a release handle so that the hitch may be quickly and easily released from the hitch ball.

Automatic trailer hitch lock

An automatic brake lockout for restricting operation of a trailer hitch surge suppressor as a trailer is being backed by a pulling vehicle. The automatic brake lockout works on a two-part trailer hitch with a first member sliding toward a second member to activate the surge suppressor. When actuated, the automatic brake lockout restricts movement of the first member toward the second member to allow the trailer to be backed without the surge suppressor being actuated. Once the trailer has been adequately backed, the pulling vehicle need only move slightly forward to release the automatic brake lockout device and leave the surge suppressor operable.

Growing community of inventors

Des Moines, IA, United States of America

Martin L Denny