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US Patent Number

4281847

Publication Date

8-4-1981

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a trailer hitch for a vehicle. The trailer hitch is designed to be connected to a vehicle and permits two degrees of freedom for the hitchpoint. The first degree of freedom is in a lateral direction which permits the hitchpoint to have freedom to move horizontally in a lateral direction. This degree of freedom is dampened by a viscous dampener to improve the lateral stability of a trailer connected to the hitchball. Further, springs are provided to resist lateral movement and to restore the hitchpoint to its original position during the pulling of a trailer. In addition, a second degree of freedom is provided which permits rotation of the hitchball about a longitudinal axis. Permitting the rotation of the hitchball permits the accidental overturning of a towed vehicle without overturning the towing vehicle.

Assignees

University of Kentucky Research Foundation, Lexington, Ky.

Application Number

68,699

Filing Date

08/22/1979

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