Ball-type coupler for trailers and the like

Abstract

A ball-type coupler is disclosed for attaching a trailer to a ball. The coupler includes a housing having an inner wall defining a void formed therein with a generally hemispherical end for receiving a ball. One or more elongate rotatable rods are disposed through the housing so that distal and proximal portions of the rods are disposed at least partially within the housing, and so that a portion of the rotatable rods are disposed so as to intersect and selectively extend into the void. The rotatable rods have a noncylindrical section, typically a curvature formed therein, such that when the rotatable rods are rotated about their central axis of rotation into a first position, the exterior surface of the rods align with the curvatures of the inner wall so as to enable a ball to be slid into the void past the rotatable rods. Once the ball is disposed adjacent the hemispherical end, the rotatable rods are rotated to a second position wherein the exterior surface of the rotatable rod is not aligned with the wall of the housing and extends into the housing at a position adjacent the lower curvature of the ball to prevent withdrawal of the ball from the housing. An actuator mechanism is also taught which moves the arms between the first and second positions. The actuator mechanism ensures that the rods stay in the proper position during use.