US20030222426A1 - Trailer hitch elevator - Google Patents

Trailer hitch elevator Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20030222426A1
US20030222426A1 US10/104,321 US10432102A US2003222426A1 US 20030222426 A1 US20030222426 A1 US 20030222426A1 US 10432102 A US10432102 A US 10432102A US 2003222426 A1 US2003222426 A1 US 2003222426A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
hitch
track
guide
unit
guide surface
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
US10/104,321
Other versions
US6663133B1 (en
Inventor
Blaine Rosenlund
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US10/104,321 priority Critical patent/US6663133B1/en
Priority to CA002443798A priority patent/CA2443798A1/en
Publication of US20030222426A1 publication Critical patent/US20030222426A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US6663133B1 publication Critical patent/US6663133B1/en
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60DVEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/24Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions
    • B60D1/42Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for being adjustable
    • B60D1/46Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for being adjustable vertically
    • B60D1/465Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for being adjustable vertically comprising a lifting mechanism, e.g. for coupling while lifting
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60DVEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/01Traction couplings or hitches characterised by their type
    • B60D1/06Ball-and-socket hitches, e.g. constructional details, auxiliary devices, their arrangement on the vehicle
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60DVEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/48Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting
    • B60D1/52Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting removably mounted

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to vehicle trailer hitch adapters, and more particularly to adapters that provide vertically variable offset mounting of trailer hitches relative to fixed hitch mounting structure of towing vehicles.
  • the towing of a trailer (or towed vehicle) by a towing vehicle involves fixably mounting of a hitch ball to a supporting structure of the towing vehicle, such as to a rear bumper of the vehicle.
  • Conventional hitch balls have an approximately spherical head portion, a flange portion with a threaded stem, and a neck portion spacing the head portion above the flange portion.
  • a typical mounting such as is presently found on some light pick-up trucks, includes a hole formed in a shelf portion of the rear bumper for receiving the stem, which is fastened by a nut that threadingly engages the stem.
  • FIG. 1 A hole can be formed in a rearwardly projecting portion of the shank itself for receiving the stem of the ball (the rearwardly projecting portion forming a counterpart of the tab member), but more commonly a counterpart of the tab member is welded to the shank in offset relation thereto.
  • the shank is fixedly retained in the socket by a clevis pin or bolt fastener that engages aligned transverse openings of the shank and the socket.
  • module hitch means the shank and tab member, being typically provided in a variety of vertical offsets from which selection is made for matching the mounted height of the ball to a desired height of a trailer hitch to be coupled thereto.
  • the slide plate is confined between the mounting plate and a pair of laterally spaced face plates that overhang inwardly from a pair of spacer plates, the jack screw being supported by a thrust bearing that is received in a top plate that is mounted at upper extremities of the face plates, spacer plates, and the mounting plate, an upper extremity of the jack screw is formed to receive a wrench or other device by which the screw is turned, and a locking device selectively engages the upper extremity to secure the screw against rotation.
  • a traveler nut that engages the jack screw is captured at an upper extremity of a box structure that is fixed on the slide plate. Also, several set screws are threaded through the face plates for clamping the slide plate.
  • the jack screw, thrust bearing, and traveler nut are subject to excessive wear and premature failure in that the arrangement of set screws is believed to be ineffective for preventing shock loading of the jack screw during towing;
  • the hitch is excessively bulky in relation to the range of adjustment provided, in that the slide plate cannot be raised above the tops of the face plates, being blocked by the top plate, and the vertical height of engagement of the slide plate is diminished to the extent that the slide plate projects below the mounting, spacer, and face plates;
  • the hitch provides an excessively limited amount of ground clearance in relation to elevated positions of the tongue as a consequence of the above disadvantage, particularly when a range of adjustment of the tongue to proximate ground level is required;
  • the hitch is awkward to use in that a separate device is required for turning the jack screw, which device must be removed during locking and unlocking of the jack screw;
  • the hitch is excessively difficult to maintain in that exposed sliding surfaces of the face plates, spacer plate, and mounting plate are relatively inaccessible for cleaning.
  • the present invention meets this need by providing a trailer hitch apparatus with a wide range of vertical adjustment down to proximate ground level, yet has generous ground clearance in its raised positions, using an elevator mechanism that is not subject to shock loading during towing.
  • the apparatus includes a base member adapted for fixable mounting onto the towed vehicle; a guide unit rigidly connected to a rear extremity of the base member and defining a vertically oriented guide surface when the base member is mounted onto the towing vehicle; a track unit defining a track surface engaging the guide surface for axially guided movement relative thereto; means on the track unit for connecting a coupling receiver; an elevator mechanism connected between the guide unit and the track unit for raising and lowering the track unit; and a lock mechanism for positively locking the track member in a selectable one of a plurality of axially spaced positions relative to the guide unit.
  • the guide surface can include a plurality of guide surface portions, each of the guide surface portions being generally inwardly facing relative to others of the guide surface portions, the track surface including a corresponding plurality of generally outwardly facing track surface portions.
  • the track surface can extend fully between opposite end extremities of the guide surface over a full range of travel of the track member.
  • the guide surface can include a rearwardly facing guide surface portion, a spaced pair of forwardly facing guide surface portions, and a laterally spaced pair of inwardly facing guide surface portions.
  • the guide unit can include a guide plate defining the rearwardly facing guide surface portion, and a pair of guide members, the guide members each being fixably connected to the guide plate and defining respective ones of the forwardly facing and inwardly facing guide surface portions.
  • the track unit can include a column member and a laterally spaced pair of track members fixedly connected to the column member, the track surface being formed on the track members.
  • Each of the track members can define a forwardly facing first track surface, a rearwardly facing second track surface disposed rearwardly of the first track surface, and a laterally outwardly facing third track surface.
  • the elevator mechanism can include a jackscrew journaled proximate an upper extremity of the track unit and having threaded engagement with the guide unit proximate an upper extremity thereof.
  • the hitch apparatus can further include a crank for manually turning the jackscrew. The crank can be connected to an upper extremity of the jackscrew.
  • the lock mechanism can include a registration member fixably mounted on the guide unit and having a transverse lock passage formed therein, the track unit having an axially spaced plurality of lock openings formed therein for selective alignment with the lock passage during operation of the elevator mechanism, and a lock pin for engaging the lock passage and the selected one of the lock openings.
  • the lock passage can be one of a vertically spaced plurality of lock passages wherein at least one spacing of the lock passages is different than a spacing of the lock openings for selectable locking of the track unit at position spacings being less than an axial spacing of the lock openings.
  • the means for connecting can include a rearwardly facing first socket member for receiving a modular trailer hitch, the first socket member being fixedly located proximate a lower extremity of the track member and having an opening formed in opposite walls thereof for receiving a hitch retainer pin by which to secure the trailer hitch in fixed engagement with the first socket member.
  • the hitch apparatus can include a hitch stem member of the modular trailer hitch, the hitch stem member being configured for mounting a hitch ball and having a hitch shank portion being insertable into the first socket member, the hitch shank portion having a transverse passage for receiving the hitch retainer pin.
  • the hitch apparatus can further include a hitch ball of the modular trailer hitch, the hitch ball being mountable onto the stem member opposite the shank portion thereof.
  • the means for connecting can further include a rearward facing second socket member counterpart of the first socket member, the second socket member being spaced above the first socket member.
  • the second socket member can be located proximate an upper extremity of the track member.
  • the means for connecting can further include a rearward facing third socket member counterpart of the first socket member, the third socket member being spaced between the first and second socket members.
  • the base member can include a forwardly projecting base stem member having a base shank portion for insertion into a rearwardly opening hitch socket of the towing vehicle, the base stem having a transverse base retainer passage for receiving a hitch retainer pin when the retainer pin also engages a retainer opening of the hitch socket.
  • the base retainer passage can be one of a longitudinally spaced plurality of base retainer passages for longitudinally selective mounting of the apparatus onto the towed vehicle.
  • FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the rear of a towing vehicle coupled to the front of a towed vehicle using adjustable hitch apparatus according to the present invention, the apparatus being in a raised condition;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view as in FIG. 1, the apparatus being in a lowered condition
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged side-oblique perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 installed on the towing vehicle;
  • FIG. 4 is a partially fragmentary side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in a condition intermediate that of FIGS. 1 and 2;
  • FIG. 5 is plan-oblique perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and its connection to the rear of the towing vehicle;
  • FIG. 6 is a detail side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and its connection to the towing vehicle;
  • FIG. 7 is a plan diagram view showing elements defining guide and track surface portions of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
  • the present invention is directed to an adjustable trailer hitch apparatus that is particularly versatile and effective for a wide range of towing applications.
  • a trailer hitch elevator apparatus 10 is removably connected to a fixedly mounted vehicle hitch socket 12 that is formed in a hitch bracket 13 of a towing vehicle 14 , the apparatus 10 having one or more rearwardly projecting receiver sockets 16 that holds a modular hitch 18 to which a hitch coupling 20 connects the front of a towed vehicle or trailer 22 .
  • the apparatus 10 includes a base member 24 having a forwardly projecting shank portion 26 for engaging the vehicle hitch socket 12 , a rear extremity of the base member 24 being rigidly connected to a guide unit 28 that defines a vertically oriented guide surface 30 which is further described below in connection with FIG. 7.
  • a track unit 32 having the first receiver socket 16 fixedly located thereon is movably connected to the guide unit 28 , being axially guided by engagement of a track surface 34 of the track unit with the guide surface 30 of the guide unit 28 .
  • the track unit 32 is vertically adjustably supported by a jackscrew 36 and a lock mechanism 38 , the jackscrew being journaled proximate an upper extremity of the track unit 32 and having threaded engagement with the guide unit 28 as further described below.
  • the guide unit 28 includes a guide plate 40 that is welded to the base member 24 , a plurality of divergently oriented gusset members 42 being welded about the base member for reinforcing the guide plate 40 , the rearwardly facing side of the guide plate forming a first guide surface portion 30 A as shown in FIG. 7.
  • Respective laterally spaced and vertically oriented guide members 44 are fixably connected against the rear of the guide plate 38 by a plurality of guide fasteners 46 , the guide members 44 forming pairs of forwardly facing second guide surface portions 30 B and laterally inwardly facing third guide surface portions 30 C.
  • the track unit 32 includes a column member 48 having respective L-shaped track members 50 welded against opposite sides thereof, one receiver socket, designated first receiver socket 16 A being formed at a lower extremity of the column member 48 .
  • Laterally outwardly projecting flanges 52 of the track members 50 define respective forwardly facing first track surface portions 34 A, rearwardly facing second track surface portions 34 B, and laterally outwardly facing third track surface portions 34 C that slidably engage corresponding portions of the guide surface 30 .
  • the lock mechanism 38 includes a vertically oriented registration member 54 having at least one but preferably a vertically spaced plurality of lock passages 56 formed therein as further described below, the registration member 54 being welded at the rear of the guide plate 40 .
  • At least one of the track members 50 has vertically spaced lock openings 58 formed therethrough, and a lock pin 60 is provided for selectively engaging one of the lock passages 56 and a lock opening 58 to positively lock the track unit in a selected one of a plurality of axially spaced positions relative to the guide unit 28 .
  • the registration member is located between the track members 50 , and aligned counterparts of the lock openings 58 are formed in both track members 50 , the lock pin being inserted through the registration member 54 and both track members 50 .
  • the preferred plurality of lock passages 56 is at least one vertical spacing being different than a spacing of the lock openings 58 of the track members 50 for selectable locking of the track unit 32 at position spacings being less than a vertical or axial spacing of the lock openings 58 .
  • the lock mechanism 38 preferably provides selectable locked positions that are more closely spaced than would be obtainable using a single one of the lock passages 56 .
  • a jackscrew nut 62 is fixedly supported on the registration member 54 proximate an upper extremity of the guide unit 28 , the jackscrew nut providing the threaded engagement of the jackscrew 36 with the guide unit.
  • a bearing support 64 projects forwardly from an upper extremity of the column member 48 , the jackscrew 36 extending through the support 64 and having a pair of thrust washers 66 rotatably bearing against opposite faces of the support and being retained between respective lock nuts 68 on the jackscrew 36 .
  • the track unit Being thus journaled to the track unit 32 and threadingly engaging the guide unit 28 , the track unit can be raised and lowered by rotation of the jackscrew 36 over a range of travel when the lock pin is removed from engagement with the registration member 54 .
  • a suitable crank 70 facilitates rotation of the jackscrew 36 .
  • a stop tab 72 projects forwardly from a bottom extremity of the track unit 32 , the tab 72 defining an upper travel limit of the track unit (shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 , and 6 ).
  • a lower travel limit is reached when the lowermost of the lock nuts 68 abuts the jackscrew nut 62 .
  • the track surface 34 extends fully between opposite end extremities of the guide surface over the full range of travel of the track unit between the upper and lower travel extremities.
  • anchor pin 74 Counterparts of the lock pin, designated anchor pin 74 , are provided for securing the base member shank portion 26 in the vehicle hitch socket 12 as well as securing the modular hitch 18 in a selected one of the receiver sockets 16 in a conventional manner, the pin being inserted through a corresponding pin opening 75 that is formed through the column member 48 and structure of the receiver socket 16 as shown in FIG. 6. Further, the shank portion 26 is provided with an axially spaced plurality of transverse pin passages 76 as shown in FIG. 4 for selective spacing of the guide unit 28 behind the towing vehicle when the hitch bracket 13 is appropriately configured for deep penetration of the shank portion 26 .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vehicle Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair, Refitting, And Outriggers (AREA)
  • Agricultural Machines (AREA)

Abstract

A trailer hitch elevator includes a guide unit for fixable mounting at the rear of a towing vehicle, a track unit axially vertically movable as guided by the guide unit, a jackscrew journaled at the top of the track unit and threadingly engaging the guide unit, and a lock mechanism for locking the track unit in closely vertically spaced positions relative to the guide unit without subjecting the jackscrew to shock loading. One or more rearwardly oriented hitch receiver sockets are formed on the track unit for receiving a moduler trailer hitch. A wide range of vertical travel is provided with full engagement between the guide and track units, and with generous ground clearance in raised positions of the track unit,

Description

    BACKGROUND
  • The present invention relates to vehicle trailer hitch adapters, and more particularly to adapters that provide vertically variable offset mounting of trailer hitches relative to fixed hitch mounting structure of towing vehicles. [0001]
  • Traditionally, the towing of a trailer (or towed vehicle) by a towing vehicle such as an automobile involves fixably mounting of a hitch ball to a supporting structure of the towing vehicle, such as to a rear bumper of the vehicle. Conventional hitch balls have an approximately spherical head portion, a flange portion with a threaded stem, and a neck portion spacing the head portion above the flange portion. A typical mounting, such as is presently found on some light pick-up trucks, includes a hole formed in a shelf portion of the rear bumper for receiving the stem, which is fastened by a nut that threadingly engages the stem. Other mountings include an adapter having a projecting tab member counterpart of the bumper shelf portion that is clamped to a conventional rear bumper (and which may incorporate means for selective vertical offset of the tab member); and a hitch mount that fixably supports the tab member to a chassis frame of the vehicle, either by bolting, clamping, or welding. In recent times so-called “modular” hitches have become common, wherein a longitudinally extending rectangular socket is formed in the hitch mount for receiving a tubular hitch shank. A hole can be formed in a rearwardly projecting portion of the shank itself for receiving the stem of the ball (the rearwardly projecting portion forming a counterpart of the tab member), but more commonly a counterpart of the tab member is welded to the shank in offset relation thereto. The shank is fixedly retained in the socket by a clevis pin or bolt fastener that engages aligned transverse openings of the shank and the socket. As used below, the term “modular hitch” means the shank and tab member, being typically provided in a variety of vertical offsets from which selection is made for matching the mounted height of the ball to a desired height of a trailer hitch to be coupled thereto. [0002]
  • In practice it has been found advantageous to provide for vertical adjustment of the trailer hitch ball relative to the towing vehicle chassis without having to replace the modular hitch. This avoids the need for a correct a priori offset selection, and/or for exchanging the modular hitch to accommodate different towed vehicles and/or different loadings of the towed and/or towing vehicle. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,033,601 to Lindahl et al., and 4,429,895 to Hunter. Further, it is advantageous to be able to adjust the vertical offset while the towed vehicle is already coupled to the ball and both vehicles are loaded. U.S. Pat. No. 4,103,928 to Sheppard, Jr., discloses such a device, including a mounting plate for vertically oriented attachment to the trailer hitch of the towing vehicle, a slide plate moveable up and down with respect to the mounting plate by means of a jack screw, and a tongue projecting rearwardly from the slide plate for receiving the ball. The slide plate is confined between the mounting plate and a pair of laterally spaced face plates that overhang inwardly from a pair of spacer plates, the jack screw being supported by a thrust bearing that is received in a top plate that is mounted at upper extremities of the face plates, spacer plates, and the mounting plate, an upper extremity of the jack screw is formed to receive a wrench or other device by which the screw is turned, and a locking device selectively engages the upper extremity to secure the screw against rotation. A traveler nut that engages the jack screw is captured at an upper extremity of a box structure that is fixed on the slide plate. Also, several set screws are threaded through the face plates for clamping the slide plate. [0003]
  • The adjustable hitch of Sheppard, Jr., has a number of disadvantages. For example: [0004]
  • 1. The jack screw, thrust bearing, and traveler nut are subject to excessive wear and premature failure in that the arrangement of set screws is believed to be ineffective for preventing shock loading of the jack screw during towing; [0005]
  • 2. The arrangement of set screws is awkward to use in that only some of the set screws are located for clamping the slide plate at any particular vertical position thereof, those not clamping the slide plate being loose and subject to falling out unless they are tightened in a way that blocks subsequent adjustment of the slide plate; [0006]
  • 3. The hitch is excessively bulky in relation to the range of adjustment provided, in that the slide plate cannot be raised above the tops of the face plates, being blocked by the top plate, and the vertical height of engagement of the slide plate is diminished to the extent that the slide plate projects below the mounting, spacer, and face plates; [0007]
  • 4. The hitch provides an excessively limited amount of ground clearance in relation to elevated positions of the tongue as a consequence of the above disadvantage, particularly when a range of adjustment of the tongue to proximate ground level is required; [0008]
  • 5. The hitch is awkward to use in that a separate device is required for turning the jack screw, which device must be removed during locking and unlocking of the jack screw; and [0009]
  • 6. The hitch is excessively difficult to maintain in that exposed sliding surfaces of the face plates, spacer plate, and mounting plate are relatively inaccessible for cleaning. [0010]
  • Thus there is a need for an adjustable trailer hitch apparatus that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. [0011]
  • SUMMARY
  • The present invention meets this need by providing a trailer hitch apparatus with a wide range of vertical adjustment down to proximate ground level, yet has generous ground clearance in its raised positions, using an elevator mechanism that is not subject to shock loading during towing. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a base member adapted for fixable mounting onto the towed vehicle; a guide unit rigidly connected to a rear extremity of the base member and defining a vertically oriented guide surface when the base member is mounted onto the towing vehicle; a track unit defining a track surface engaging the guide surface for axially guided movement relative thereto; means on the track unit for connecting a coupling receiver; an elevator mechanism connected between the guide unit and the track unit for raising and lowering the track unit; and a lock mechanism for positively locking the track member in a selectable one of a plurality of axially spaced positions relative to the guide unit. [0012]
  • The guide surface can include a plurality of guide surface portions, each of the guide surface portions being generally inwardly facing relative to others of the guide surface portions, the track surface including a corresponding plurality of generally outwardly facing track surface portions. The track surface can extend fully between opposite end extremities of the guide surface over a full range of travel of the track member. The guide surface can include a rearwardly facing guide surface portion, a spaced pair of forwardly facing guide surface portions, and a laterally spaced pair of inwardly facing guide surface portions. The guide unit can include a guide plate defining the rearwardly facing guide surface portion, and a pair of guide members, the guide members each being fixably connected to the guide plate and defining respective ones of the forwardly facing and inwardly facing guide surface portions. [0013]
  • The track unit can include a column member and a laterally spaced pair of track members fixedly connected to the column member, the track surface being formed on the track members. Each of the track members can define a forwardly facing first track surface, a rearwardly facing second track surface disposed rearwardly of the first track surface, and a laterally outwardly facing third track surface. [0014]
  • The elevator mechanism can include a jackscrew journaled proximate an upper extremity of the track unit and having threaded engagement with the guide unit proximate an upper extremity thereof. The hitch apparatus can further include a crank for manually turning the jackscrew. The crank can be connected to an upper extremity of the jackscrew. [0015]
  • The lock mechanism can include a registration member fixably mounted on the guide unit and having a transverse lock passage formed therein, the track unit having an axially spaced plurality of lock openings formed therein for selective alignment with the lock passage during operation of the elevator mechanism, and a lock pin for engaging the lock passage and the selected one of the lock openings. The lock passage can be one of a vertically spaced plurality of lock passages wherein at least one spacing of the lock passages is different than a spacing of the lock openings for selectable locking of the track unit at position spacings being less than an axial spacing of the lock openings. [0016]
  • The means for connecting can include a rearwardly facing first socket member for receiving a modular trailer hitch, the first socket member being fixedly located proximate a lower extremity of the track member and having an opening formed in opposite walls thereof for receiving a hitch retainer pin by which to secure the trailer hitch in fixed engagement with the first socket member. The hitch apparatus can include a hitch stem member of the modular trailer hitch, the hitch stem member being configured for mounting a hitch ball and having a hitch shank portion being insertable into the first socket member, the hitch shank portion having a transverse passage for receiving the hitch retainer pin. The hitch apparatus can further include a hitch ball of the modular trailer hitch, the hitch ball being mountable onto the stem member opposite the shank portion thereof. The means for connecting can further include a rearward facing second socket member counterpart of the first socket member, the second socket member being spaced above the first socket member. The second socket member can be located proximate an upper extremity of the track member. The means for connecting can further include a rearward facing third socket member counterpart of the first socket member, the third socket member being spaced between the first and second socket members. [0017]
  • The base member can include a forwardly projecting base stem member having a base shank portion for insertion into a rearwardly opening hitch socket of the towing vehicle, the base stem having a transverse base retainer passage for receiving a hitch retainer pin when the retainer pin also engages a retainer opening of the hitch socket. The base retainer passage can be one of a longitudinally spaced plurality of base retainer passages for longitudinally selective mounting of the apparatus onto the towed vehicle.[0018]
  • DRAWINGS
  • These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where: [0019]
  • FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the rear of a towing vehicle coupled to the front of a towed vehicle using adjustable hitch apparatus according to the present invention, the apparatus being in a raised condition; [0020]
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view as in FIG. 1, the apparatus being in a lowered condition; [0021]
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged side-oblique perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 installed on the towing vehicle; [0022]
  • FIG. 4 is a partially fragmentary side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in a condition intermediate that of FIGS. 1 and 2; [0023]
  • FIG. 5 is plan-oblique perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and its connection to the rear of the towing vehicle; [0024]
  • FIG. 6 is a detail side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and its connection to the towing vehicle; and [0025]
  • FIG. 7 is a plan diagram view showing elements defining guide and track surface portions of the apparatus of FIG. 1.[0026]
  • DESCRIPTION
  • The present invention is directed to an adjustable trailer hitch apparatus that is particularly versatile and effective for a wide range of towing applications. With reference to FIGS. [0027] 1-7 of the drawings, a trailer hitch elevator apparatus 10 is removably connected to a fixedly mounted vehicle hitch socket 12 that is formed in a hitch bracket 13 of a towing vehicle 14, the apparatus 10 having one or more rearwardly projecting receiver sockets 16 that holds a modular hitch 18 to which a hitch coupling 20 connects the front of a towed vehicle or trailer 22. According to the present invention, the apparatus 10 includes a base member 24 having a forwardly projecting shank portion 26 for engaging the vehicle hitch socket 12, a rear extremity of the base member 24 being rigidly connected to a guide unit 28 that defines a vertically oriented guide surface 30 which is further described below in connection with FIG. 7. A track unit 32 having the first receiver socket 16 fixedly located thereon is movably connected to the guide unit 28, being axially guided by engagement of a track surface 34 of the track unit with the guide surface 30 of the guide unit 28. The track unit 32 is vertically adjustably supported by a jackscrew 36 and a lock mechanism 38, the jackscrew being journaled proximate an upper extremity of the track unit 32 and having threaded engagement with the guide unit 28 as further described below.
  • In an exemplary configuration of the [0028] hitch apparatus 10, the guide unit 28 includes a guide plate 40 that is welded to the base member 24, a plurality of divergently oriented gusset members 42 being welded about the base member for reinforcing the guide plate 40, the rearwardly facing side of the guide plate forming a first guide surface portion 30A as shown in FIG. 7. Respective laterally spaced and vertically oriented guide members 44 are fixably connected against the rear of the guide plate 38 by a plurality of guide fasteners 46, the guide members 44 forming pairs of forwardly facing second guide surface portions 30B and laterally inwardly facing third guide surface portions 30C.
  • The [0029] track unit 32 includes a column member 48 having respective L-shaped track members 50 welded against opposite sides thereof, one receiver socket, designated first receiver socket 16A being formed at a lower extremity of the column member 48. Laterally outwardly projecting flanges 52 of the track members 50 define respective forwardly facing first track surface portions 34A, rearwardly facing second track surface portions 34B, and laterally outwardly facing third track surface portions 34C that slidably engage corresponding portions of the guide surface 30.
  • The [0030] lock mechanism 38 includes a vertically oriented registration member 54 having at least one but preferably a vertically spaced plurality of lock passages 56 formed therein as further described below, the registration member 54 being welded at the rear of the guide plate 40. At least one of the track members 50 has vertically spaced lock openings 58 formed therethrough, and a lock pin 60 is provided for selectively engaging one of the lock passages 56 and a lock opening 58 to positively lock the track unit in a selected one of a plurality of axially spaced positions relative to the guide unit 28. In a preferred configuration of the lock mechanism 40, the registration member is located between the track members 50, and aligned counterparts of the lock openings 58 are formed in both track members 50, the lock pin being inserted through the registration member 54 and both track members 50. The preferred plurality of lock passages 56 is at least one vertical spacing being different than a spacing of the lock openings 58 of the track members 50 for selectable locking of the track unit 32 at position spacings being less than a vertical or axial spacing of the lock openings 58. Thus the lock mechanism 38 preferably provides selectable locked positions that are more closely spaced than would be obtainable using a single one of the lock passages 56.
  • A [0031] jackscrew nut 62 is fixedly supported on the registration member 54 proximate an upper extremity of the guide unit 28, the jackscrew nut providing the threaded engagement of the jackscrew 36 with the guide unit. A bearing support 64 projects forwardly from an upper extremity of the column member 48, the jackscrew 36 extending through the support 64 and having a pair of thrust washers 66 rotatably bearing against opposite faces of the support and being retained between respective lock nuts 68 on the jackscrew 36. Being thus journaled to the track unit 32 and threadingly engaging the guide unit 28, the track unit can be raised and lowered by rotation of the jackscrew 36 over a range of travel when the lock pin is removed from engagement with the registration member 54. A suitable crank 70 facilitates rotation of the jackscrew 36.
  • A [0032] stop tab 72 projects forwardly from a bottom extremity of the track unit 32, the tab 72 defining an upper travel limit of the track unit (shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 6). A lower travel limit is reached when the lowermost of the lock nuts 68 abuts the jackscrew nut 62. Preferably the track surface 34 extends fully between opposite end extremities of the guide surface over the full range of travel of the track unit between the upper and lower travel extremities. This is achieved in the above-described exemplary configuration of the elevator apparatus by the guide members 44 extending to upper and lower extremities of the guide plate 40, and the track members 50 extending from even with the stop tab 72 to alignment with the bottom of the lower lock nut 68, as adjusted for the extent that the top of the jackscrew nut 62 is not horizontally aligned with the top of the guide plate 40.
  • Counterparts of the lock pin, designated [0033] anchor pin 74, are provided for securing the base member shank portion 26 in the vehicle hitch socket 12 as well as securing the modular hitch 18 in a selected one of the receiver sockets 16 in a conventional manner, the pin being inserted through a corresponding pin opening 75 that is formed through the column member 48 and structure of the receiver socket 16 as shown in FIG. 6. Further, the shank portion 26 is provided with an axially spaced plurality of transverse pin passages 76 as shown in FIG. 4 for selective spacing of the guide unit 28 behind the towing vehicle when the hitch bracket 13 is appropriately configured for deep penetration of the shank portion 26.
  • An experimental prototype of the [0034] apparatus 10 has been built and successfully tested under conditions of launching a power boat from a towed trailer, and retrieving the boat onto the trailer. In these tests, lowering of the track unit 32 such that a modular hitch 18 engaging the first receiver socket 16A is proximate ground level greatly facilitates loading and unloading of the boat when the towing vehicle 14 and the trailer 22 are on a sloping boat ramp. The prototype apparatus was constructed with the base member 24 being a steel bar of 2-inch square cross-section, 12 inches long, the front extremity being welded to the center of the guide plate 40 (8.5 inches wide, 6.5 inches high, 0.75 inch thick)
  • Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For example, any actuator, such as a hydraulic actuator, can be substituted for the jackscrew [0035] 36 and jackscrew nut 62 to provide a suitable elevator mechanism. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not necessarily be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

Claims (21)

What is claimed is:
1. A trailer hitch apparatus for connecting a towed vehicle having a hitch coupling at adjustable height to a towing vehicle, comprising:
(a) a base member adapted for fixable mounting onto the towed vehicle;
(b) a guide unit rigidly connected to a rear extremity of the base member and defining a vertically oriented guide surface when the base member is mounted onto the towing vehicle;
(c) a track unit defining a track surface engaging the guide surface for axially guided movement relative thereto;
(d) means on the track unit for connecting a coupling receiver;
(e) an elevator mechanism connected between the guide unit and the track unit for raising and lowering the track unit; and
(f) a lock mechanism for positively locking the track member in a selectable one of a plurality of axially spaced positions relative to the guide unit.
2. The hitch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guide surface comprises a plurality of guide surface portions, each of the guide surface portions being generally inwardly facing relative to others of the guide surface portions, the track surface comprising a corresponding plurality of generally outwardly facing track surface portions.
3. The hitch apparatus of claim 2, wherein the track surface extends fully between opposite end extremities of the guide surface over a full range of travel of the track member.
4. The hitch apparatus of claim 2, wherein the guide surface comprises a rearwardly facing guide surface portion, a spaced pair of forwardly facing guide surface portions, and a laterally spaced pair of inwardly facing guide surface portions.
5. The hitch apparatus of claim 4, wherein the Guide unit comprises a guide plate defining the rearwardly facing guide surface portion, and a pair of guide members, the guide members each being fixably connected to the guide plate and defining respective ones of the forwardly facing and inwardly facing guide surface portions.
6. The hitch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the track unit comprises a column member and a laterally spaced pair of track members fixedly connected to the column member, the track surface being formed on the track members.
7. The hitch apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of the track members defines a forwardly facing first track surface, a rearwardly facing second track surface disposed rearwardly of the first track surface, and a laterally outwardly facing third track surface.
8. The hitch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elevator mechanism comprises a jackscrew journaled proximate an upper extremity of the track unit and having threaded engagement with the guide unit proximate an upper extremity thereof.
9. The hitch apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a crank for manually turning the jackscrew.
10. The hitch apparatus of claim 9, wherein the crank is connected to an upper extremity of the jackscrew.
11. The hitch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a registration member fixably mounted on the guide unit and having a transverse lock passage formed therein, the track unit having an axially spaced plurality of lock openings formed therein for selective alignment with the lock passage during operation of the elevator mechanism, and a lock pin for engaging the lock passage and the selected one of the lock openings.
12. The hitch apparatus of claim 11, wherein the lock passage is one of a vertically spaced plurality of lock passages wherein at least one spacing of the lock passages is different than a spacing of the lock openings for selectable locking of the track unit at position spacings being less than an axial spacing of the lock openings.
13. The hitch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for connecting comprises a rearwardly facing first socket member for receiving a modular trailer hitch, the first socket member being fixedly located proximate a lower extremity of the track member and having an opening formed in opposite walls thereof for receiving a hitch retainer pin by which to secure the trailer hitch in fixed engagement with the first socket member.
14. The hitch apparatus of claim 13, including a hitch stem member of the modular trailer hitch, the hitch stem member being configured for mounting a hitch ball and having a hitch shank portion being insertable into the first socket member, the hitch shank portion having a transverse passage for receiving the hitch retainer pin.
15. The hitch apparatus of claim 14, further including a hitch ball of the modular trailer hitch, the hitch ball being mountable onto the stem member opposite the shank portion thereof.
16. The hitch apparatus of claim 13, wherein the means for connecting further comprises a rearward facing second socket member counterpart of the first socket member, the second socket member being spaced above the first socket member.
17. The hitch apparatus of claim 16, wherein the second socket member is located proximate an upper extremity of the track member.
18. The hitch apparatus of claim 17, wherein the means for connecting further comprises a rearward facing third socket member counterpart of the first socket member, the third socket member being spaced between the first and second socket members.
19. The hitch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a forwardly projecting base stem member having a base shank portion for insertion into a rearwardly opening hitch socket of the towing vehicle, the base stem having a transverse base retainer passage for receiving a hitch retainer pin when the retainer pin also engages a retainer opening of the hitch socket.
20. The hitch apparatus of claim 19, wherein the base retainer passage is one of a longitudinally spaced plurality of base retainer passages for longitudinally selective mounting of the apparatus onto the towed vehicle.
21. A trailer hitch apparatus for a vehicle having a vehicle hitch socket for receiving a modular trailer hitch, the apparatus comprising:
(a) a base member adapted for fixable mounting onto the towed vehicle;
(b) a guide unit rigidly connected to a rear extremity of the base member and defining a vertically oriented guide surface when the base member is mounted onto the towing vehicle, the guide surface comprising a plurality of guide surface portions, each of the guide surface portions being generally inwardly facing relative to others of the guide surface portions;
(c) a track unit defining a track surface engaging the guide surface for axially guided movement relative thereto, the track surface comprising a plurality of generally outwardly facing track surface portions corresponding to the guide surface portions;
(d) means on the track unit for connecting a coupling receiver;
(e) an elevator mechanism connected between the guide unit and the track unit for raising and lowering the track member; and
(f) a lock mechanism for positively locking the track member in a selectable one of a plurality of axially spaced positions relative to the guide member.
US10/104,321 2002-03-22 2002-03-22 Trailer hitch elevator Expired - Fee Related US6663133B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/104,321 US6663133B1 (en) 2002-03-22 2002-03-22 Trailer hitch elevator
CA002443798A CA2443798A1 (en) 2002-03-22 2003-10-01 Trailer hitch elevator

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/104,321 US6663133B1 (en) 2002-03-22 2002-03-22 Trailer hitch elevator
CA002443798A CA2443798A1 (en) 2002-03-22 2003-10-01 Trailer hitch elevator

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20030222426A1 true US20030222426A1 (en) 2003-12-04
US6663133B1 US6663133B1 (en) 2003-12-16

Family

ID=34634819

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/104,321 Expired - Fee Related US6663133B1 (en) 2002-03-22 2002-03-22 Trailer hitch elevator

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US6663133B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2443798A1 (en)

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1637363A1 (en) * 2004-09-20 2006-03-22 Jaeger Cartronix GmbH Manual drive for a trailer coupling
EP1717067A1 (en) * 2005-04-26 2006-11-02 Jaeger Cartronix GmbH Drive for a trailer coupling
US20080122199A1 (en) * 2006-11-27 2008-05-29 Gary Cearns Trailer hitch
US20080179861A1 (en) * 2006-03-10 2008-07-31 Columbia John R Maximum Security/Maximum Versatility Ball Mount Assembly
US7425015B1 (en) * 2006-08-25 2008-09-16 Leslie Lynn Schipman Height adjustment hitch apparatus
US20100007116A1 (en) * 2006-03-10 2010-01-14 Columbia John R Maximum Security/Maximum Versatility Ball Mount Assembly
US20100084449A1 (en) * 2006-03-10 2010-04-08 Columbia John R Maximum Security/Maximum Versatility Ball Mount Assembly
US20100320728A1 (en) * 2005-03-11 2010-12-23 Columbia John R Multi-Task Trailer Hitch Assembly
US7857287B2 (en) 2007-02-13 2010-12-28 Rucks Willard E Lifting device
US8419039B1 (en) * 2011-05-11 2013-04-16 Osni Magalhaes Adjustable trailer tongue
US8733781B2 (en) * 2012-03-07 2014-05-27 Jerry Sims Trailer hitch system and method
US20150137483A1 (en) * 2013-11-20 2015-05-21 Brian Morga Leveloader
US20160001711A1 (en) * 2014-07-02 2016-01-07 Timothy L. Hughes Trailer Hitch Ball Mount Holder and Storage System
US9630463B2 (en) 2006-03-10 2017-04-25 John R. Columbia Maximum security/maximum versatility ball mount assembly
WO2020047495A1 (en) * 2018-08-31 2020-03-05 Hitch Hotel, Inc. Lifting device
US20220234403A1 (en) * 2021-01-22 2022-07-28 Marcus Brian Ward Trailer Hitch System Including Actuatable Multi-Directional Trailer Hitch and Method

Families Citing this family (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6824156B2 (en) * 2002-10-31 2004-11-30 Jerry R. Smith Adjustable hitch assembly
US6908094B1 (en) * 2003-01-28 2005-06-21 Howard E. Sellers Heavy duty towing hitch
US7219915B2 (en) * 2004-03-15 2007-05-22 Christensen Craig A Trailer ball raising and lowering apparatus
US7425013B1 (en) 2006-02-22 2008-09-16 Bartlett Jerrold R Continuously adjustable hitch assembly
US20080100076A1 (en) * 2006-10-27 2008-05-01 Potts Steven E Cargo carrying system
US20090001109A1 (en) * 2007-06-26 2009-01-01 Wilkins Paul T Trailer hitch tire carrier gate
US8925954B2 (en) 2010-03-09 2015-01-06 Teleswivel, Llc Hitch apparatus for vehicles
US8302987B2 (en) 2010-11-04 2012-11-06 Williams Innovations, Llc Adjustable towing apparatus for vehicles
US9550399B2 (en) * 2012-12-21 2017-01-24 Intelli-Hitch, Llc Tow hitch with brake sensor system and method of use
US20140183841A1 (en) * 2012-12-21 2014-07-03 Dustin Jones Tow Hitch System with Brake Sensor
DE102014217621A1 (en) * 2014-09-03 2016-03-03 Rockinger Agriculture Gmbh Motor vehicle, in particular agricultural motor vehicle, with a load-facilitating device and load-facilitating device for this purpose
US20170136836A1 (en) * 2015-11-12 2017-05-18 Davis Theodore R Ever-level adjustable ball hitch
US10279752B2 (en) * 2016-05-16 2019-05-07 Nitmobi, LLC Cargo carrier attachment system
US10252590B2 (en) 2017-02-08 2019-04-09 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Vertically articulating trailer hitch receiver for vehicle
US20180244209A1 (en) * 2017-02-24 2018-08-30 Tri-R Fabrication LLP Lift apparatus, system and method for loading, unloading and transporting equipment and cargo
US20190135060A1 (en) * 2017-11-08 2019-05-09 W. Paul Frisz Vehicle Lift Tow System
US11130436B2 (en) * 2017-12-23 2021-09-28 Dma, Corp. Vehicle hauling apparatus
US10934134B2 (en) * 2018-02-02 2021-03-02 Mark Willard Storage adapter system for hitch-mounted carrier
US11208052B2 (en) * 2020-03-24 2021-12-28 King Roof Industrial Co., Ltd. Assembling structure for vehicle carrying device
US20230001860A1 (en) * 2021-07-01 2023-01-05 Peter D. Schroeder Raisable bike rack and associated systems and methods

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3035856A (en) * 1960-02-15 1962-05-22 Alexander E Mleczko Load leveler adjustable trailer hitch bar
US3400949A (en) * 1966-07-19 1968-09-10 Ray E. Kendall Trailer hitch with vertically adjustable ball
US3692330A (en) * 1971-06-11 1972-09-19 Ray E Kendall Vertically adjustable two bar assembly
US4033601A (en) * 1976-01-19 1977-07-05 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Adjustable hitch ball mount for a trailer hitch
US5358269A (en) * 1993-08-30 1994-10-25 Jakeman Walter L Trailer hitch

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4103928A (en) 1977-02-18 1978-08-01 Sheppard Jr Walter R Adjustable trailer hitch with interchangeable connecting means
US4570966A (en) 1985-04-09 1986-02-18 Giboney George W Retractable trailer hitch ball
US5205700A (en) 1991-10-31 1993-04-27 Ortho-Kinetics, Inc. Load carrying attachment for motor vehicle
US5234310A (en) 1991-12-19 1993-08-10 Driver Wilfred D Hoist system for flat bed trucks
US5607279A (en) 1995-07-27 1997-03-04 Hill; Richard W. Towing lift accessory
US6042137A (en) 1996-11-04 2000-03-28 Mcintosh; Wesley R. Height adjustable trailer hitch
US5845921A (en) 1996-11-12 1998-12-08 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Three-dimensionally adjustable trailer hitch
US5975553A (en) 1997-05-22 1999-11-02 Van Vleet; Robert D. Height adjustable coupling device with vertical cushioning
US6129371A (en) 1999-02-12 2000-10-10 Powell; Richard A. Dual level hitch
US6126189A (en) 1999-02-25 2000-10-03 Venis; Lonnie A. Trailer hitch apparatus

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3035856A (en) * 1960-02-15 1962-05-22 Alexander E Mleczko Load leveler adjustable trailer hitch bar
US3400949A (en) * 1966-07-19 1968-09-10 Ray E. Kendall Trailer hitch with vertically adjustable ball
US3692330A (en) * 1971-06-11 1972-09-19 Ray E Kendall Vertically adjustable two bar assembly
US4033601A (en) * 1976-01-19 1977-07-05 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Adjustable hitch ball mount for a trailer hitch
US5358269A (en) * 1993-08-30 1994-10-25 Jakeman Walter L Trailer hitch

Cited By (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1637363A1 (en) * 2004-09-20 2006-03-22 Jaeger Cartronix GmbH Manual drive for a trailer coupling
US20100320728A1 (en) * 2005-03-11 2010-12-23 Columbia John R Multi-Task Trailer Hitch Assembly
US8276932B2 (en) 2005-03-11 2012-10-02 Columbia John R Multi-task trailer hitch assembly
EP1717067A1 (en) * 2005-04-26 2006-11-02 Jaeger Cartronix GmbH Drive for a trailer coupling
US8840130B2 (en) * 2006-03-10 2014-09-23 John R. Columbia Maximum security/maximum versatility ball mount assembly
US20100007116A1 (en) * 2006-03-10 2010-01-14 Columbia John R Maximum Security/Maximum Versatility Ball Mount Assembly
US20100084449A1 (en) * 2006-03-10 2010-04-08 Columbia John R Maximum Security/Maximum Versatility Ball Mount Assembly
US8226107B2 (en) * 2006-03-10 2012-07-24 Columbia John R Maximum security/maximum versatility ball mount assembly
US20080179861A1 (en) * 2006-03-10 2008-07-31 Columbia John R Maximum Security/Maximum Versatility Ball Mount Assembly
US8371603B2 (en) * 2006-03-10 2013-02-12 John R. Columbia Maximum security/maximum versatility ball mount assembly
US9630463B2 (en) 2006-03-10 2017-04-25 John R. Columbia Maximum security/maximum versatility ball mount assembly
US7425015B1 (en) * 2006-08-25 2008-09-16 Leslie Lynn Schipman Height adjustment hitch apparatus
US20080122199A1 (en) * 2006-11-27 2008-05-29 Gary Cearns Trailer hitch
US7559570B2 (en) * 2006-11-27 2009-07-14 Gary Cearns Trailer hitch
US7857287B2 (en) 2007-02-13 2010-12-28 Rucks Willard E Lifting device
US8419039B1 (en) * 2011-05-11 2013-04-16 Osni Magalhaes Adjustable trailer tongue
US8733781B2 (en) * 2012-03-07 2014-05-27 Jerry Sims Trailer hitch system and method
US20150137483A1 (en) * 2013-11-20 2015-05-21 Brian Morga Leveloader
US9469171B2 (en) * 2013-11-20 2016-10-18 Brian Morga Leveloader
US20160001711A1 (en) * 2014-07-02 2016-01-07 Timothy L. Hughes Trailer Hitch Ball Mount Holder and Storage System
WO2020047495A1 (en) * 2018-08-31 2020-03-05 Hitch Hotel, Inc. Lifting device
US20220234403A1 (en) * 2021-01-22 2022-07-28 Marcus Brian Ward Trailer Hitch System Including Actuatable Multi-Directional Trailer Hitch and Method
US11833868B2 (en) * 2021-01-22 2023-12-05 Marcus Brian Ward Trailer hitch system including actuatable multi-directional trailer hitch and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6663133B1 (en) 2003-12-16
CA2443798A1 (en) 2005-04-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6663133B1 (en) Trailer hitch elevator
US4832358A (en) Trailer fifth wheel-gooseneck conversion adapter
AU673764B2 (en) Weight distribution hitch
US5465991A (en) Weight distributing hitch
US7448640B2 (en) Pin-engaging drawbar and lock plate wedges
US4662647A (en) Vehicle hitch assembly
US6575488B2 (en) Vertically adjustable trailer hitch
US6520528B2 (en) Underbed gooseneck hitch assembly
US4613149A (en) Self-coupling trailer hitch
CA2764078C (en) Truck bed winch mount device
US6234510B1 (en) Trailer hitch guide
US3731950A (en) Adjustable load stabilizing trailer hitch
EP2092815B1 (en) Tractor draw bar arrangement
US5795115A (en) Apparatus for on-loading and/or off-loading a vehicle on a vehicle carrier and releaseably latching the vehicle thereto
US8556287B1 (en) Adaptor for attaching fifth wheel hitch
US4932639A (en) Door and body jack
US6902181B1 (en) Trailer hitch having rapid adjustment
GB2195304A (en) Load carrier
US4265465A (en) Trailer bumper hitch
US3811706A (en) Trailer hitch
US5454582A (en) Apparatus for hitching a trailer coupler to a hitch ball
US4157189A (en) Trailer hitch bracket
US6077004A (en) Hitch anchoring assembly
US20220161617A1 (en) Quick Mount Hitch Connection
US6109078A (en) Trailer and jack stand lock assembly

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20151216