Abstract: An improved trailer hitch housing is provided having a pair of integrated ribs extending the length of each side of the housing. The ribs strengthen and stiffen the housing by decreasing the tendency of the sides to bend when subjected to stress. The need for internal bracing or end flanges, which are used in prior art devices for strength and stiffness, is eliminated by the use of the ribs.

Abstract: A trailer break away safety mechanism which brings a trailer to a controlled stop after disengagement with a pulling vehicle. The mechanism consists of a cable which remains attached to the trailer after the trailer has disengaged from the pulling vehicle. As the trailer slows in relationship to the pulling vehicle, the cable actuates a braking mechanism on the trailer. Once the breaking mechanism has been fully actuated, the S-hook which attaches the cable to the pulling vehicle straightens, thereby completely releasing the trailer from the pulling vehicle. The cable is connected to a lever which pivots to actuate the braking system on the trailer. A catch spring and catch pin are provided to prevent the lever from inadvertently moving to its nonactuation position after the trailer has separated from the pulling vehicle. The use of the lever allows accurate and positive engagement of the trailer braking system which may be easily released by simply lifting a catch pin up and away from the actuated lever.

Abstract: A lockout device for selectively locking out the trailer brake actuator on a hitching device to allow for backing. The lockout device works on a hitching device having an inner housing connected to a pulling vehicle and an outer housing connected to a trailer. A brake actuator to activate the trailer brakes is connected between the inner housing and the outer housing. During towing, the actuator will activate the trailer brakes if the trailer approaches the pulling vehicle, as for example when the pulling vehicle slows and the trailer's inertia carries it towards the pulling vehicle. When the lockout device is in a lockout orientation, the lockout device prevents the inner housing from sliding rearward in the outer housing, thereby preventing the actuator from activating the trailer brakes. Upon an initial movement forward by the pulling vehicle, the lockout device will return to a neutral position so that the actuator is functional.

Abstract: A trailer break away safety mechanism which brings a trailer to a controlled stop after disengagement with a pulling vehicle. The mechanism consists of a cable which remains attached to the trailer after the trailer has disengaged from the pulling vehicle. As the trailer slows in relationship to the pulling vehicle, the cable actuates a braking mechanism on the trailer. Once the breaking mechanism has been fully actuated, the S-hook which attaches the cable to the pulling vehicle straightens, thereby completely releasing the trailer from the pulling vehicle. The cable is connected to a lever which pivots to actuate the braking system on the trailer. A catch spring and catch pin are provided to prevent the lever from inadvertently moving to its nonactuation position after the trailer has separated from the pulling vehicle. The use of the lever allows accurate and positive engagement of the trailer braking system which may be easily released by simply lifting a catch pin up and away from the actuated lever.

Abstract: A self-latching trailer hitch for securing and releasing a hitch ball attached to a towing vehicle. The hitch maintains itself in a ball receiving position and when placed over the hitch ball, automatically locks into a ball securement position without the need for manual manipulation of a locking device. The hitch is provided with a release handle so that the hitch may be quickly and easily released from the hitch ball.

Abstract: A trailer breakaway safety mechanism which brings a trailer to a controlled stop after disengagement with a pulling vehicle. The mechanism consists of a cable which remains attached to the trailer after the trailer has disengaged from the pulling vehicle. As the trailer slows in relationship to the pulling vehicle, the cable activates a breaking mechanism on the trailer. Once the breaking mechanism has been fully actuated, the hook which attaches the cable to the pulling vehicle fails thereby completely releasing the trailer from the pulling vehicle. Steel balls are swaged to the cables so that when the cable is released from the pulling vehicle, a spring lock can engage the balls and prevent the cable from retracting and releasing the actuated brake. After the trailer has come to a complete stop, a screwdriver or other tool may be inserted into the housing of a mechanism to push back the spring lock and release the steel balls which thereby allows the cable to release the trailer brake.

Abstract: An automatic brake lockout for restricting operation of a trailer hitch surge suppressor as a trailer is being backed by a pulling vehicle. The automatic brake lockout works on a two-part trailer hitch with a first member sliding toward a second member to activate the surge suppressor. When actuated, the automatic brake lockout restricts movement of the first member toward the second member to allow the trailer to be backed without the surge suppressor being actuated. Once the trailer has been adequately backed, the pulling vehicle need only move slightly forward to release the automatic brake lockout device and leave the surge suppressor operable.