Automatic lock system for vehicle hitch assembly

摘要

A hitch coupler, comprising a frame is disclosed, wherein the frame includes a plurality of vertically spaced apart plates having apertures disposed there through. A vertically extending clevis pin is adapted to slide within the apertures of the vertically spaced apart plates between an extended position and a retracted position. The pin further includes a pin housing having a guide slot, wherein the guide slot has an offset portion used to lock the pin in either the extended position or the retracted position. Further, the pin houses an internal spring having a torsional bias that urges the pin to a locked position in either the extended or retracted position.

主权项

1. A hitch coupler, comprising:
a frame member including a plurality of vertically spaced apart plates extending outwardly from the frame member; a pin member slidably received within apertures disposed on the vertically spaced apart plates, the pin member moveable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the pin member includes a pin housing having a hollow interior; a guide slot vertically disposed on the pin housing having upper and lower ends and an offset portion disposed therebetween; a guide member extending from the frame member, wherein the guide member is slideably received in the guide slot of the pin housing to guide the pin member between the extended position and the retracted position; and a biasing mechanism disposed within the hollow interior of the pin housing, the biasing mechanism operably coupled to a portion of the frame member at a first end and operably coupled to a lower portion of the pin housing at a second end, wherein the biasing mechanism is adapted to bias the pin member towards the extended position, and wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to impart torsional force on the pin housing.