Low movement trailer hitch
View Patent ↗A rigid trailer hitch is disclosed that uses pressure produced by a wedge into force against trailer hitch receiver walls, while still retaining a retaining pin as a backup. The wedge can be driven by rotary force translated through a compound miter or a split wedge across a retaining pin.
1. A trailer hitch, comprising:
a shank including a first end, a central longitudinal hole, and a transverse slot, the slot being configured to accept a retaining pin;
an attachment member including a split wedge comprising a body, the body having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be inserted within the first end of the shank, and the second end comprising first and second wedge segments; and
a rod configured to be placed within the central longitudinal hole of the shank and connect with the attachment member such that lateral movement induced by rotation of the rod is transferred to the attachment member;
wherein the trailer hitch is receivable in a hitch receiver such that the retaining pin may be inserted through the hitch receiver and the transverse slot of the shank and between the first and second wedge segments; and
wherein lateral movement of the attachment member within the trailer hitch receiver causes both the first and second wedge segments to engage the retaining pin, and wherein engagement of the retaining pin with the first and second wedge segments causes deformation of the split wedge such that lateral movement of the attachment member is substantially limited by friction between the split wedge and the trailer hitch receiver.
2. The trailer hitch of claim 1 , wherein the rod is connected to the attachment member with a threaded engagement.
3. The trailer hitch of claim 1 , further comprising a rod retainer on the rod, wherein the rod retainer includes a head section and a central abutment, the head section forming a flange having a diameter larger than the diameter of the central longitudinal hole, the central abutment fixedly attached to the rod and having a flange with a diameter larger than the diameter of the central longitudinal hole.
4. The trailer hitch of claim 3 , wherein the rod retainer includes at least one washer attached to the rod.