US 11,912,080 B2
Automatic hitch system
Amanda Kalhous, Ajax (CA); Norman J Weigert, Whitby (CA); and Radu D. Sotir, Richmond Hill (CA)
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Apr. 18, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/659,585.
Prior Publication US 2023/0331051 A1, Oct. 19, 2023
Int. Cl. B60D 1/48 (2006.01)
CPC B60D 1/48 (2013.01) 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A hitch system comprising:
an attachment bar assembly including a housing bar that is tubular, with a pin-hole through the housing bar;
a pin-lever pivotably mounted in the housing bar, the pin-lever including a pin configured to retract into the housing bar and to extend out of the pin-hole;
a ramp-component in the housing bar that is engageable with the pin-lever; and
an actuator configured to move the ramp-component to selectively retract and extend the pin relative to the housing bar, by selectively enabling pivoting of the pin-lever,
wherein the ramp-component is configured to engage the pin-lever to lock the pin.