초록 ▼

A gooseneck trailer coupler is disclosed which secures a first structure such as a towing vehicle to a second structure such as a trailer. The coupler is provided with a mounting element extending from the first structure, a chuck having a top end and a base at a bottom end opposite the top end, wit

A gooseneck trailer coupler is disclosed which secures a first structure such as a towing vehicle to a second structure such as a trailer. The coupler is provided with a mounting element extending from the first structure, a chuck having a top end and a base at a bottom end opposite the top end, with the chuck attached to the mounting element at the top end and adapted to receive a ball mounted to the second structure. A locking assembly is adapted to releasably secure the ball and the chuck, and comprises a ring gear mounted around the chuck and movable from a locking position where the chuck is secured with the ball and an unlocking position where the chuck is unlocked from the ball, wherein the ring gear translates from the base toward the top end of the chuck as the ring gear moves from the locking position to the unlocking position. The locking assembly can also comprise at least one jaw mounted in the chuck for engaging the ball when the ring gear is in the locked position. A novel release lever assembly is also disclosed which moves the ring gear.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A gooseneck trailer coupler affixed to a first structure and adapted to receive a ball mounted to a second structure comprising, in combination:a mounting element;a chuck having a top end and a base at a bottom end opposite the top end, the chuck attached to the mountin

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A gooseneck trailer coupler affixed to a first structure and adapted to receive a ball mounted to a second structure comprising, in combination:a mounting element;a chuck having a top end and a base at a bottom end opposite the top end, the chuck attached to the mounting element at the top end; anda locking assembly adapted to releasably secure the ball and the chuck, comprising at least one jaw mounted on the chuck and a ring gear mounted around the chuck and movable from a locking position wherein the chuck is secured with the ball, to an unlocking position where the chuck is unlocked from the ball, wherein the ring gear translates from the base toward the top end of the chuck as the ring gear moves from the locking position to the unlocking position;wherein the chuck has an opening corresponding to the at least one jaw wherein the at least one jaw can move in the corresponding opening radially outwardly from the aperture and is restricted from moving entirely into the aperture and wherein the chuck opening has a narrowing and the at least one jaw has a ledge sized to abut against the narrowing to limit radial inward travel of the at least one jaw into the aperture.