Trailer Hitch Coupler

摘要

A trailer hitch coupler is provided that facilitates alignment of a ball mount with the ball socket distal end of the coupler when connecting a towing vehicle to a trailer. The ball socket distal end of the coupler includes an open interior with a rounded interior surface that is adapted to receive a ball mount therein, which can be optionally locked in place. Extending outwardly from the ball socket distal end is a guide flange that is used to guide a ball mount towards the ball socket of the coupler. The guide flange comprises a lower surface that extends radially outward and upwardly from the lower edge ball socket distal end, and bears against a ball mount that is being positioned in the ball socket. In one embodiment, the guide flange has a semi-circular outer edge and includes downward lateral edges that extend laterally outward from the ball socket.

主权项

1) A trailer hitch coupler, comprising:
a hitch coupler having an elongated body portion, a proximal end, and a ball socket distal end; the elongated body portion comprises a substantially rectangular cross section with an upper surface and a pair of side surfaces, whereby the elongated body portion is adapted to be connected to a trailer vehicle; the ball socket distal end further comprising an open interior with a rounded interior surface that is adapted to receive the ball mount of a trailer hitch therein; the ball socket distal end having an outer wall with a lower edge; a guide flange extending outward from the lower edge of the outer wall of the ball socket distal end; the guide flange comprising a lower surface that extends outwardly and upwardly from the lower edge of the outer wall of the ball socket distal end; and whereby the lower surface is adapted to bear against a ball mount and guide the ball mount into the rounded interior surface of the ball socket distal end when connecting the ball mount to the hitch coupler.