Patents by Inventor Thomas Coy

Thomas Coy has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7963545
    Abstract: An interchangeable hitch ball assembly is provided having hitch post, a removable hitch ball, and a connector pin. The hitch post defines an annular groove proximate to the top end that is sized to receive spaced-apart prongs of the connector pin along opposing sides of the hitch post. Removable hitch ball defines a pin recess aligned with the annular groove of the hitch post. The user can remove the hitch ball by extracting the connector pin. In this manner, the user can utilize hitch balls of different sizes, as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Coy
  • Publication number: 20100308560
    Abstract: An interchangeable hitch ball assembly is provided having hitch post, a removable hitch ball, and a connector pin. The hitch post defines an annular groove proximate to the top end that is sized to receive spaced-apart prongs of the connector pin along opposing sides of the hitch post. Removable hitch ball defines a pin recess aligned with the annular groove of the hitch post. The user can remove the hitch ball by extracting the connector pin. In this manner, the user can utilize hitch balls of different sizes, as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Coy
  • Patent number: 7823904
    Abstract: A hitch assembly is provided having a hitch shank configured to be received within an opening of a hitch receiver of a tow vehicle and a wedge member disposed about the hitch shank. The wedge member has first and second surfaces on opposing sides of the wedge member, angled relative to one another. An engagement device is coupled to the wedge member to press the wedge member to an engaged position that causes the hitch shank to bias away from the receiver tube to minimize play therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Coy
  • Publication number: 20090115165
    Abstract: A hitch assembly is provided having a hitch shank configured to be received within an opening of a hitch receiver of a tow vehicle and a wedge member disposed about the hitch shank. The wedge member has first and second surfaces on opposing sides of the wedge member, angled relative to one another. An engagement device is coupled to the wedge member to press the wedge member to an engaged position that causes the hitch shank to bias away from the receiver tube to minimize play therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Coy
  • Patent number: 7334809
    Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly better secures a trailer to a vehicle trailer hitch. By restricting vertical travel of the trailer coupling, a hitch ball on a draw bar is better engaged by the trailer coupling as any vertical dislodgement of the trailer coupling from the hitch ball is restricted by the underlying trailer hitch assembly. The underlying trailer hitch assembly cannot travel upward when locked into position as the draw bar obstructs its upward travel, thus preventing the trailer coupling from disengaging the hitch ball. The trailer hitch assembly is lockably pivotable away from the underside of the draw bar in order to allow controlled disengagement of the trailer coupling from the hitch ball. The trailer hitch assembly may act as a support when placed in the vertical or downward position with a wheel, pad, or skid providing support for the accompanying trailer and its load. Additionally, a new trailer hitch ball system is detachably attachable to the draw bar without a shank, nut, or washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Coy
  • Publication number: 20060170194
    Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly better secures a trailer to a vehicle trailer hitch. By restricting vertical travel of the trailer coupling, a hitch ball on a draw bar is better engaged by the trailer coupling as any vertical dislodgement of the trailer coupling from the hitch ball is restricted by the underlying trailer hitch assembly. The underlying trailer hitch assembly cannot travel upward when locked into position as the draw bar obstructs its upward travel, thus preventing the trailer coupling from disengaging the hitch ball. The trailer hitch assembly is lockably pivotable away from the underside of the draw bar in order to allow controlled disengagement of the trailer coupling from the hitch ball. The trailer hitch assembly may act as a support when placed in the vertical or downward position with a wheel, pad, or skid providing support for the accompanying trailer and its load. Additionally, a new trailer hitch ball system is detachably attachable to the draw bar without a shank, nut, or washer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas Coy
  • Patent number: D660933
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventors: John P. Mathiesen, Thomas Coy