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:
Apr. 26, 2005
Filed:
Nov. 24, 2003
Jerry R. Smith, Littleton, CO (US);
Jerry R. Smith, Littleton, CO (US);
Other;
Abstract
A hitch ball assembly includes a mounting element secured to a vehicle and having an upright post with a cylindrical end portion provided with a key structure and a hitch ball that is keyed to be mated on that end portion in one rotational state. The hitch ball may be rotated to a second rotational state wherein the key structure is trapped in a cavity in the ball. A latch notch is provided in either the ball or the post, and a latch element in provided the other of them. The latch element can move between a latch position to prevent rotation of the ball thereby to maintain engagement and an unlatch position to permit rotation and thereby separation of the ball from the post. A spring clip may be used to hold the latch element in the latch position.