{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "description": "A coupling/locking mechanism, that includes a first and second coupling/locking portion, each having their respective housing that includes (i) first/second prongs comprising first/second cavities and tapered engaging ends, (ii) first/second semi-spherical ball locks configured in the cavities, and…",
  "path": "/patents/1424867",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-23T00:00:00.000Z",
  "site": "at://did:plc:oql6ds5vnff4ugar6rruliwd/site.standard.publication/3mn3ohu7oxx5w",
  "tags": [
    "B60D1/28",
    "Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft"
  ],
  "textContent": "A coupling/locking mechanism, that includes a first and second coupling/locking portion, each having their respective housing that includes (i) first/second prongs comprising first/second cavities and tapered engaging ends, (ii) first/second semi-spherical ball locks configured in the cavities, and (iii) first/second openings. During engagement, the first tapered end is configured to contact a face of the second semi-spherical ball lock locking portion through the second opening, and the second tapered end is configured to contact a face of the first semi-spherical ball lock locking portion through the first opening to rotatably align the first and second semi-spherical balls along a joining plane to form a spherical ball lock in the cavity of the first prong and the cavity of the second prong. A spur gear engages with the spherical ball lock to rotatably offset the spherical ball lock from the joining plane to a configured offset plane.",
  "title": "Vehicle trailer coupling mechanism and vehicle support"
}