摘要 |
<p>A mechanical linkage 202 for a detachable tow ball comprises a housing 2, a shuttle 8 movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position and an actuation shaft 26. The actuation shaft includes first and second interface lugs (121,122, fig 6C) which cooperate with first and second interface slots 101,102 on the shuttle. Rotation of the actuation shaft in a first direction drives the shuttle in the direction from its second position to its first position. When the shuttle is moved in the direction from its second position to its first position, to rotatably drive the actuation shaft, an abutment section of the second interface lug contacts an abutment section of the shuttle and prevents the shuttle from reaching its first position. The mechanical linkage may comprise a handle 24 that is releasably connectable to the actuation shaft. The handle may be disposed at a position off the rotational axis of the actuation shaft. The actuation shaft may comprise interface lugs and slots configured to meshingly engage to form a rack and pinion mechanism, where each interface lug includes an arcuate portion which is substantially in the shape of a segment of a cylinder.</p> |