Hitch with trailer brake actuator

TLDR: In this paper, a trailer hitch and brake actuator with lower production costs and improved operation is provided, which includes a rear component carrying a brake cylinder with a spring on the piston rod of the brake cylinder being engaged by a rigid member which is movable with a forward component.

Abstract: A trailer hitch and brake actuator having lower production costs and improved operation is provided. The housings of the actuator are of stamped, low cost construction, employing fewer separate pieces. The actuator includes a rear component carrying a brake cylinder with a spring on the piston rod of the brake cylinder being engaged by a rigid member which is movable with a forward component and is connected directly with a shock absorber. The shock absorber is carried by the rear component and is parallel to the piston rod of the brake cylinder and to the movement of the forward component of the actuator. The brake cylinder is located directly above the shock absorber to minimize the space required and accordingly enable the actuator to be reduced in size. The forward component is of tubular cross section and is received in a passage of the rear actuator component and slidably carried thereby through plastic bearings. The actuator also has a break-away lever employing an over-center linkage with the lever acting on the brake piston rod spring and moved to an over-center position by a flexible link attached to the towing vehicle in the event the trailer becomes separated therefrom.