GB764787A - Improvements in or relating to automatic trailer hitches - Google Patents

Abstract

764,787. Vehicle couplings. FORD MOTOR CO., Ltd. Feb. 23, 1955, No. 5442/55. Class 103(5). A tractor has hydraulically movable crank arms which are connected by rods 27, 28, and links 21, 22 in substantially vertical alignment, to a hook member 10 fixed to links 13, 14, pivoted at 15 beneath the tractor, and also comprises a safety member 7 provided with a latch 38 urged by a torsional spring 8 into near engagement with a projection 9 on the member 10. The member 7 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 5 covered by a housing 4 fixed to side brackets 2, 3, so that in the coupled position with the hook raised, the latch is held a distance A below the hook to catch it if the power fails. When the hook 10 is raised from the lowered position, a surface 39 on the hook engages the latch 38 and pivots it and the member 7 against the spring 8 until the hook is in its draught position. The member 7 and latch 38 are then returned by the spring to bring the latch just below the projection 9. When the hook is to be lowered, a knob 30 and rod 29 are pushed downwardly so that the rod 29 abuts a portion 31 of the member 7 to pivot it and the latch 38 away from the hook 10. If the rods 27, 28, are to be connected to a three point linkage, then the links 21, 22 are disengaged by removing pins 25, 26 and then swivelled about ball joints 23, 24, until their upper ends engage over pins 33, 34, on the brackets 2, 3. The links are then held in this stowed position by pins 35, 36. The hook member 10 is provided with lugs 40, 41, to engage the housing 4 and prevent sideways movement, and may also be provided with a guide face 37 for the trailer hook. The part 42 of the housing prevents the hook from disengaging when coupled.