The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 22, 1991
Filed:
Jul. 09, 1990
Jan D Holt, St. Charles, MO (US);
ACF Industries, Incorporated, Earth City, MO (US);
Abstract
A trailer hitch (1) for use on a railcar (C) is movable between an erect position and a retracted position. A first strut (9) has its lower end pivotally mounted to the railcar. A second strut (25) has its lower end movable in a horizontal direction relative to the railcar. A hitch head (3) is carried on the upper ends of the struts for engaging a trailer loaded on the railcar to hold it in place. A cushioning unit (49) is carried by the second strut to cushion the trail from impacts. A latching mechanism (57) automatically latches the hitch in its erect position and maintains it there. The latching mechanism also allows for a safe release of the hitch so it can be retracted.