US 11,701,930 B2
Trailer coupler assemblies and related methods
David E. Heitzmann, Union, MI (US); and Brian Opfer, Dowagiac, MI (US)
Assigned to MORRYDE INTERNATIONAL, INC., Elkhart, IN (US)
Filed by MORRYDE INTERNATIONAL, INC., Elkhart, IN (US)
Filed on Feb. 11, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/670,184.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/148,984, filed on Feb. 12, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0258549 A1, Aug. 18, 2022
Int. Cl. B60D 1/06 (2006.01); B60D 1/58 (2006.01); B60D 1/56 (2006.01); B60D 1/145 (2006.01)
CPC B60D 1/06 (2013.01) [B60D 1/145 (2013.01); B60D 1/56 (2013.01); B60D 1/583 (2013.01)] 31 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A trailer coupler assembly comprising:
a ball coupler;
a rod member having a first end and an opposite second end;
a trailer frame;
a first pivot connection pivotably connecting the first end of the rod member to the ball coupler, such that the rod member can rotate within a vertical plane relative to the ball coupler;
a second pivot connection pivotably connecting the rod member to the trailer frame, such the trailer frame can rotate around the rod member; and
a lock out member configured to releasably engage the first pivot connection to thereby restrict pivoting of the rod member relative to the ball coupler.