CA1186544A - Extendable and retractable hitch assembly - Google Patents
Extendable and retractable hitch assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- CA1186544A CA1186544A CA000401919A CA401919A CA1186544A CA 1186544 A CA1186544 A CA 1186544A CA 000401919 A CA000401919 A CA 000401919A CA 401919 A CA401919 A CA 401919A CA 1186544 A CA1186544 A CA 1186544A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- hitch
- hitch bar
- supports
- bar
- assembly
- 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.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
- B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
- B60D1/48—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting
- B60D1/54—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting collapsible or retractable when not in use, e.g. hide-away hitches
Abstract
ASSEMBLY OF THE DISCLOSURE
Hitch assemblies for vehicles, particularly vehi-cles such as trucks, are inconvenient when not in use be-cause they extend behind the vehicle and often interfere with ancillary equipment such as auger hoppers, elevator grates and the like as well as causing damage to other equipment associated with the vehicle, particularly when the vehicle is being positioned by backing up. The pre-sent assembly avoids these problems by being extendable for use and retractable under or between the frame for storage purposes. One embodiment swings rearwardly for use and forwardly for storage and is detachably locked in either position. Another embodiment includes a tongue which is locked in the extended rear position when in use and then can be moved forwardly over a frame member and be locked in this position which is the stored position.
An alternative embodiment shows the hitch assembly pre-assembled in a subframe which can be attached to the ve-hicle as a unit.
Hitch assemblies for vehicles, particularly vehi-cles such as trucks, are inconvenient when not in use be-cause they extend behind the vehicle and often interfere with ancillary equipment such as auger hoppers, elevator grates and the like as well as causing damage to other equipment associated with the vehicle, particularly when the vehicle is being positioned by backing up. The pre-sent assembly avoids these problems by being extendable for use and retractable under or between the frame for storage purposes. One embodiment swings rearwardly for use and forwardly for storage and is detachably locked in either position. Another embodiment includes a tongue which is locked in the extended rear position when in use and then can be moved forwardly over a frame member and be locked in this position which is the stored position.
An alternative embodiment shows the hitch assembly pre-assembled in a subframe which can be attached to the ve-hicle as a unit.
Description
3~
, EXTENDABLE AND RFiTR~CTABLE HITCH ASSEMBLY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
.
This invention relates to new and useful improve-ments in hitch assemblies, par-ticularly hitch assemblies for use with trucks, dump trucks, four-wheel drive vehi-cles and the like.
Conventionally, such hitch assemblies are bolted to the frame members or bumper assembly a-t the rear of the vehicle and extend therefrom whether in use or not and this ex-tens:ion can cause inconven.iences par-ticularly when unload-ing grain or the like ei-ther a-t an elevator or into an au-ger assembly for movement to a storage bin or seed drill or the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention shows an extending and re-trac-ting hitch assembly which can be mounted ei-ther between the frame members of a vehicle or the sill members of a dump truck. Alternatively, -the assembly can be pre-assem-bled in-to a subframe which in turn can be bolted between the frame members.
In accordance with the invention there is provided an ex-tendable and retracable hitch assembly for vehicles which include spaced and parallel, longitudinally extend-ing supports such as frame or sill members; comprising in combination a hitch bar, a swinging li.nk component, means to support said link component transversely to adjacent the rear of the supports oE the vehicle, for swinging fore and aft movement from an extended working position to a retracted stored position and v ce-versa, means to pivotal-ly mount said hitch bar adjacent the rear end thereof, to said link component, means mounted to the supports of the vehicle to support the front end of said hitch bar in either position, and means to detachably secure said hitch bar in either said direction.
Another advantage o:F the invention ls :Eound in the simplicity o:E construction which al.lows the hitch to be extended and retracted read:ily and easily and to be de-tachably locked in either of these positions.
A still further advantage of the invention is to provide a device of the character herewithin described which is simple in construction, economical in manufacture and otherwise well suited to the purpose for which it is designed.
With the foregoing in view, and other advantages as will. become apparent to those skill.ed in the art to which this invention relates as this specification proceeds, the invention is herein described by reference to the accompany-$
ing drawings forming a part hereoE, which includes a des-cription of the best mode known to the applicant and of the preferred typical embodiment of the principles of the present invention, in which:
DESCRIPTION OE THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a fragmentary isometric view showing one embodimen-t of the hi-tch assembly in the extended posi-tion and mounted between the frame members of the vehicle.
Figure 2 is a par-t:ially exploded view of the pre-:l0Eerred embodiment with -the rear support lin]cacJe removed for clarity.
Figure 3 is an isometric view of an alternative construction of the hitch bar and front support assembly.
Figure 4 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment shown mounted to the truck chassis.
Figure 5 is an exploded isometric view of the hitch assembly in conjunction with the frame of a vehicle.
Figure 6 is an isometric view of an alternative bracket assembly per se.
20Figure 7 is an isometric view of the hitch as-sembly pre-assembled into a subframe.
In the drawings like characters of reference in-dicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
t~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Proceedlng ~herefore to describe the invention in de-tail, reference should first be made to Figure 1 which shows the hitch assembly collectively designated 10 mounted be-t-ween spaced and parallel sill members 11 of a dump truck or the like (not illustrated) and including the transverse mem-ber 12 adjacent the rear ends 13B of the sills.
The hitch assembly 10 includes a draft or hitch bar 13, a swinging link component collectively designated 14 and a keeper component collectively designated 15 which acts to suppoxt the front end of -the`draft bar 13.
The swinging link component 14 consists of a transver-sely extending bearing member 15A journalled upon pins 16 ex-tending inwardly from the sills 11. These pins may either be welded to -the sill or bolted therethrough, or alterna-tively, may be suppor-ted upon brackets as will hereinafter be described.
The member 15A is preferably in the form of an angle iron with bearing bosses 16A welded thereto at the ends thereof.
A pair of spaced and parallel brackets or lugs 17 are secured intermediate the ends of the member 15A and extend perpendicularly therefrom and bearing tube 18 is secured to the underside of -the hitch bar 13 adjacent the rear end 19 -thereof.
A pivot pin 20 extends through the brackets and through the bearing -tube 18 which is situa-ted between -the f ~
brackets thus mounting the rear end of the hitch bar 13 for partial pivotal movement to the swinging link component as clearly shown.
The keeper assembly includes a pair of angle brackets 21 secured either by welding or bolts -to the under-side of the cross member 12 in spaced and parallel relation-ship. An elongated sleeve 22 having an internal configura-tion similar to the cross sec-tional configuration of -the hi-tch bar 13, is provided with stub shaf-ts 23 on either side oE the front end 24 thereoE which bearingly engage within bearing sleeves 25 secured to the aEoremen-tioned brackets 21 thus mounting -the sleeve assembly for pivotal movement between these brackets.
In Figure 1, the sleeve 22 is relatively short and is open at both ends so that the hitch bar can slide therethrough. An aperture (not illustrated) is provided adjacent the Eront end of the hitch bar engageable by a pin 26 which also engages through apertures within -the up-per and lower walls oE the sleeve -thus holding the hi-tch bar in the extended or towing position illustrated in Fi-gure lo In this connection, a hitch aperture 27 is formed adjacent the rear end of the hitch bar to receive a conven-tional hitch pin so that whatever is being towed, can be detachably secured to -the hitch bar in a conventional ~ ~ ~4 manner.
However, when it is desired to store the hitch assembly in the retracted position, the device being towed is detached from the hitch bar whereupon pin 26 is removed.
The hi-tch bar is then moved forwardly in the direction of arrow 28 with the swinging link components supporting the rear end and the front end sliding through the sleeve 22 until a further aperture 29 aligns with the apertures through the sleeve whereupon pin 26 may be re-engaged thus storing the hitch assembly out of the way.
In Figure 2, the sleeve 22 is longer and a Eront aperture 30 is provided to receive pin 26 through an aper-ture (not illustrated) in the hitch bar. This main-tains the hitch bar in the stored or retracted position. When extended to the extended position, the pin 26 engages through a rear aperture 31 in the sleeve and through the single aper-ture in the hitch bar.
Figure 3 shows a modification in which the hitch bar 13A is provided with a front sleeve por-tion 32 and the keeper 22A consists of an elongated plate 33 with a sleeve bracket 34 adjacent the rear end thereof. Bracket 32 em-braces the keeper plate 33 and bracket 34 embraces the hitch bar 13A.
Figures 5 and 6 show a similar assembly to tha-t illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 designed specifically for a light truck or a four-wheel drive recreational vehicle.
Reference character 35 illustra-tes the spaced and parallel longi-tudinally extending frame members. ~rackets 36 include bearing stub shafts 37 and lugs 38 wi-th the lugs being engageable under -the frame members and the main or vertical portions 39 of the brackets engaging -the outer faces of the frame members. They may be bolted or welded into position.
Similar brackets 39A are si-tuated adjacent -the rear ends 40 of -the members and similar numbers have been glven to -these bracke-ts except that -the sufEix "A" has been added.
The fron-t brackets 36 support the keeper component 15 and the rear brackets 36A support the swinging link com-ponent 14. It will be appreciated that either of -the em-bodiments of the hitch bar and sleeve illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, can be utilized with this embodiment illustrated in Figure 5.
~0 Figure 6 shows an alternative bracke-t arrangement designated 41 including the main or vertical portion 42, bearing stub shaft 43 and a lug 44 extending from the upper edge of the portion 42. These are preferably bolted -to -the lower flange 45 of the frame members 35.
Al-though -the pin 26 may be used wi-thin apertures 29 and 46 in a manner similar to that described in Figure 1, an alternative me-thod of holding -the swinging lin~ and hitch bar in the retracted position includes a lug 47 se-cured as by welding adjacent one end of member 15, said lug having an aperture 48 therethrough. An aperture 49 is formed through the vertical flange 50 of the adjacent frame member 35 and pin 26 may engage through aperture 49 and through the aperture 48 in lug 47 when the assembly is swung to the retracted position, thus hold:ing same in this posi-tion.
When removed, gravity assists in the downward and rearward swinging action of the hitch bar and link as-sembly 14 whereupon pin 26 may be engaged through the sleeve aperture and through the forward aperture 46 of the hitch bar. It will also be noted that the bearing 18 in this embodiment is placed on the upper side of the hitch bar.
:[t will be understood that ei-ther position of the bearing may be used depending upon design parameters.
Figure 4 shows an embodiment which is particularly suitable for use with heavy duty dump trucks in which the assembly may be mounted between the frame members, one of which 35A, is illustrated.
The swinging link component is similar -to that here-inbefore described and includes -the lug 47 and aperture 49 hereinbefore described, for holding the hi-tch assembly in the retracted position.
Ilowever, in this embodiment, sills 50 are mounted upon the frame members 35A and interferes with the re-trac-tion of the hitch bar through sleeve 22.
In this embodiment, a receiver 51 is secured inter-mediate the ends of the transverse tube 52 which is support-ed between -the truck frame members in a manner hereinbefore described.
This receiver includes a base plate or member 53, side members 54 (one only of which is shown) and a top plate 55 with the side plates 54 and top plate 55 ex-tending rear-wardly and around to the base plate 53 to form the bearing tube 52 engaging around a pin 52A suppor-ted from the cross member 12 by brackets 12A depending therefrom. This base plate 53 extends rearwardly beyond the top pla-te 55 to as-sist in the reception of the front end 56 of the hitch bar 57. It rests and slides upon the planar base plate 53 and when in the extended position shown in Figure 4, may be re-tained by means of a pin 26.
However, when it is desired to retract this assem-bly, the pin 26 is removed and the hitch assembly is swung rearwardly in a direction opposite to arrow 28 thus remov-ing the front end 56 of the draw bar 57 from the receivex 51. The hitch bar is then swung upwardly in the direction of arrow 58 to clear the truck frame and -to extend between the sills 50 whereupon the assembly is swung forwardly in the direction of arrow 28 wi-th the front end 56 of the hitch bar engaging over a roller 59 journalled intermediate the sills 50 upon supporting structure (not illustrated).
The assembly is then swung forwardly until pin 26 can be engaged through the aperture 49 and through the apertured lug 47 thus holding the hitch assembly in the retracted position. In order to prevent rattling from occurring due to subsequent wear, a rubber bumper 59~ may be secured to the underside of a cross member 60 be-tween the sill5, rearwardly of roller 59, said rubber bumper being posi-tioned so tha-t it engages the upper surface of the hitch bar 57 when apertures 49 and 48 are aligned and pinned.
Alternatively, a further roller 61 may be provided adjacent and above roller 59 for a similar purpose.
When extending this embodiment, pin 26 is removed thus permitting the assembly to swing rearwardly assisted by gravity until the end 56 res-ts upon the rearwardly ex-tending base 53 of the receiver whereupon, by backing up the truck, it is guided into position so that pin 26 can be engaged through the receiver and through the aperture in the front end 56 of the hitch bar 57.
Figure 7 shows the assembly mounted within a sub-;"t~
frame and although any of the assemblies illustrated and described can be so moun-ted, it is designed primarily for use with the assembly shown in Figure 5 and adapted for securement to light trucks or four-wheel drive recreation-al vehicles and the like.
A pair of spaced and parallel longitudinally ex-tending members 62 are provlded with forwardly and rear-wardly extending angle iron members 63 -thus forming a rec-tangular subframe. Lugs 64 extend forwardly from the ends of the rear member 63 and may be secured as by bolts (not illustrated) to -the bumper brackets (not illustrated).
Plates 65 are secured to and extend from the upper edges oE -the longitudinal members 62 and may be welded or bolts to the underside of the frame members 35 and a pair of these longitudinal members is shown in fragmentary form in Figure 5.
The swinging link component 14 is similar to that described in the previous embodiments and the keeper compo-nent 15 is similar to that described in Figures 1, 2 and 5.
The keeper component 15B in this embodiment and in Figure 5 includes a transverse member 66 with bearing sleeves secured adjacent either end similar to bearing sleeve 16A in Figure 1. Supports pins 67 are supported from the side mem-bers 62 and extend inwardly and engage these bearing sleeves ~ t to support the keeper component 15s. The slee-ve 22 extends rearwardly from the member 66 similar to the sleeve in Figure
, EXTENDABLE AND RFiTR~CTABLE HITCH ASSEMBLY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
.
This invention relates to new and useful improve-ments in hitch assemblies, par-ticularly hitch assemblies for use with trucks, dump trucks, four-wheel drive vehi-cles and the like.
Conventionally, such hitch assemblies are bolted to the frame members or bumper assembly a-t the rear of the vehicle and extend therefrom whether in use or not and this ex-tens:ion can cause inconven.iences par-ticularly when unload-ing grain or the like ei-ther a-t an elevator or into an au-ger assembly for movement to a storage bin or seed drill or the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention shows an extending and re-trac-ting hitch assembly which can be mounted ei-ther between the frame members of a vehicle or the sill members of a dump truck. Alternatively, -the assembly can be pre-assem-bled in-to a subframe which in turn can be bolted between the frame members.
In accordance with the invention there is provided an ex-tendable and retracable hitch assembly for vehicles which include spaced and parallel, longitudinally extend-ing supports such as frame or sill members; comprising in combination a hitch bar, a swinging li.nk component, means to support said link component transversely to adjacent the rear of the supports oE the vehicle, for swinging fore and aft movement from an extended working position to a retracted stored position and v ce-versa, means to pivotal-ly mount said hitch bar adjacent the rear end thereof, to said link component, means mounted to the supports of the vehicle to support the front end of said hitch bar in either position, and means to detachably secure said hitch bar in either said direction.
Another advantage o:F the invention ls :Eound in the simplicity o:E construction which al.lows the hitch to be extended and retracted read:ily and easily and to be de-tachably locked in either of these positions.
A still further advantage of the invention is to provide a device of the character herewithin described which is simple in construction, economical in manufacture and otherwise well suited to the purpose for which it is designed.
With the foregoing in view, and other advantages as will. become apparent to those skill.ed in the art to which this invention relates as this specification proceeds, the invention is herein described by reference to the accompany-$
ing drawings forming a part hereoE, which includes a des-cription of the best mode known to the applicant and of the preferred typical embodiment of the principles of the present invention, in which:
DESCRIPTION OE THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a fragmentary isometric view showing one embodimen-t of the hi-tch assembly in the extended posi-tion and mounted between the frame members of the vehicle.
Figure 2 is a par-t:ially exploded view of the pre-:l0Eerred embodiment with -the rear support lin]cacJe removed for clarity.
Figure 3 is an isometric view of an alternative construction of the hitch bar and front support assembly.
Figure 4 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment shown mounted to the truck chassis.
Figure 5 is an exploded isometric view of the hitch assembly in conjunction with the frame of a vehicle.
Figure 6 is an isometric view of an alternative bracket assembly per se.
20Figure 7 is an isometric view of the hitch as-sembly pre-assembled into a subframe.
In the drawings like characters of reference in-dicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
t~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Proceedlng ~herefore to describe the invention in de-tail, reference should first be made to Figure 1 which shows the hitch assembly collectively designated 10 mounted be-t-ween spaced and parallel sill members 11 of a dump truck or the like (not illustrated) and including the transverse mem-ber 12 adjacent the rear ends 13B of the sills.
The hitch assembly 10 includes a draft or hitch bar 13, a swinging link component collectively designated 14 and a keeper component collectively designated 15 which acts to suppoxt the front end of -the`draft bar 13.
The swinging link component 14 consists of a transver-sely extending bearing member 15A journalled upon pins 16 ex-tending inwardly from the sills 11. These pins may either be welded to -the sill or bolted therethrough, or alterna-tively, may be suppor-ted upon brackets as will hereinafter be described.
The member 15A is preferably in the form of an angle iron with bearing bosses 16A welded thereto at the ends thereof.
A pair of spaced and parallel brackets or lugs 17 are secured intermediate the ends of the member 15A and extend perpendicularly therefrom and bearing tube 18 is secured to the underside of -the hitch bar 13 adjacent the rear end 19 -thereof.
A pivot pin 20 extends through the brackets and through the bearing -tube 18 which is situa-ted between -the f ~
brackets thus mounting the rear end of the hitch bar 13 for partial pivotal movement to the swinging link component as clearly shown.
The keeper assembly includes a pair of angle brackets 21 secured either by welding or bolts -to the under-side of the cross member 12 in spaced and parallel relation-ship. An elongated sleeve 22 having an internal configura-tion similar to the cross sec-tional configuration of -the hi-tch bar 13, is provided with stub shaf-ts 23 on either side oE the front end 24 thereoE which bearingly engage within bearing sleeves 25 secured to the aEoremen-tioned brackets 21 thus mounting -the sleeve assembly for pivotal movement between these brackets.
In Figure 1, the sleeve 22 is relatively short and is open at both ends so that the hitch bar can slide therethrough. An aperture (not illustrated) is provided adjacent the Eront end of the hitch bar engageable by a pin 26 which also engages through apertures within -the up-per and lower walls oE the sleeve -thus holding the hi-tch bar in the extended or towing position illustrated in Fi-gure lo In this connection, a hitch aperture 27 is formed adjacent the rear end of the hitch bar to receive a conven-tional hitch pin so that whatever is being towed, can be detachably secured to -the hitch bar in a conventional ~ ~ ~4 manner.
However, when it is desired to store the hitch assembly in the retracted position, the device being towed is detached from the hitch bar whereupon pin 26 is removed.
The hi-tch bar is then moved forwardly in the direction of arrow 28 with the swinging link components supporting the rear end and the front end sliding through the sleeve 22 until a further aperture 29 aligns with the apertures through the sleeve whereupon pin 26 may be re-engaged thus storing the hitch assembly out of the way.
In Figure 2, the sleeve 22 is longer and a Eront aperture 30 is provided to receive pin 26 through an aper-ture (not illustrated) in the hitch bar. This main-tains the hitch bar in the stored or retracted position. When extended to the extended position, the pin 26 engages through a rear aperture 31 in the sleeve and through the single aper-ture in the hitch bar.
Figure 3 shows a modification in which the hitch bar 13A is provided with a front sleeve por-tion 32 and the keeper 22A consists of an elongated plate 33 with a sleeve bracket 34 adjacent the rear end thereof. Bracket 32 em-braces the keeper plate 33 and bracket 34 embraces the hitch bar 13A.
Figures 5 and 6 show a similar assembly to tha-t illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 designed specifically for a light truck or a four-wheel drive recreational vehicle.
Reference character 35 illustra-tes the spaced and parallel longi-tudinally extending frame members. ~rackets 36 include bearing stub shafts 37 and lugs 38 wi-th the lugs being engageable under -the frame members and the main or vertical portions 39 of the brackets engaging -the outer faces of the frame members. They may be bolted or welded into position.
Similar brackets 39A are si-tuated adjacent -the rear ends 40 of -the members and similar numbers have been glven to -these bracke-ts except that -the sufEix "A" has been added.
The fron-t brackets 36 support the keeper component 15 and the rear brackets 36A support the swinging link com-ponent 14. It will be appreciated that either of -the em-bodiments of the hitch bar and sleeve illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, can be utilized with this embodiment illustrated in Figure 5.
~0 Figure 6 shows an alternative bracke-t arrangement designated 41 including the main or vertical portion 42, bearing stub shaft 43 and a lug 44 extending from the upper edge of the portion 42. These are preferably bolted -to -the lower flange 45 of the frame members 35.
Al-though -the pin 26 may be used wi-thin apertures 29 and 46 in a manner similar to that described in Figure 1, an alternative me-thod of holding -the swinging lin~ and hitch bar in the retracted position includes a lug 47 se-cured as by welding adjacent one end of member 15, said lug having an aperture 48 therethrough. An aperture 49 is formed through the vertical flange 50 of the adjacent frame member 35 and pin 26 may engage through aperture 49 and through the aperture 48 in lug 47 when the assembly is swung to the retracted position, thus hold:ing same in this posi-tion.
When removed, gravity assists in the downward and rearward swinging action of the hitch bar and link as-sembly 14 whereupon pin 26 may be engaged through the sleeve aperture and through the forward aperture 46 of the hitch bar. It will also be noted that the bearing 18 in this embodiment is placed on the upper side of the hitch bar.
:[t will be understood that ei-ther position of the bearing may be used depending upon design parameters.
Figure 4 shows an embodiment which is particularly suitable for use with heavy duty dump trucks in which the assembly may be mounted between the frame members, one of which 35A, is illustrated.
The swinging link component is similar -to that here-inbefore described and includes -the lug 47 and aperture 49 hereinbefore described, for holding the hi-tch assembly in the retracted position.
Ilowever, in this embodiment, sills 50 are mounted upon the frame members 35A and interferes with the re-trac-tion of the hitch bar through sleeve 22.
In this embodiment, a receiver 51 is secured inter-mediate the ends of the transverse tube 52 which is support-ed between -the truck frame members in a manner hereinbefore described.
This receiver includes a base plate or member 53, side members 54 (one only of which is shown) and a top plate 55 with the side plates 54 and top plate 55 ex-tending rear-wardly and around to the base plate 53 to form the bearing tube 52 engaging around a pin 52A suppor-ted from the cross member 12 by brackets 12A depending therefrom. This base plate 53 extends rearwardly beyond the top pla-te 55 to as-sist in the reception of the front end 56 of the hitch bar 57. It rests and slides upon the planar base plate 53 and when in the extended position shown in Figure 4, may be re-tained by means of a pin 26.
However, when it is desired to retract this assem-bly, the pin 26 is removed and the hitch assembly is swung rearwardly in a direction opposite to arrow 28 thus remov-ing the front end 56 of the draw bar 57 from the receivex 51. The hitch bar is then swung upwardly in the direction of arrow 58 to clear the truck frame and -to extend between the sills 50 whereupon the assembly is swung forwardly in the direction of arrow 28 wi-th the front end 56 of the hitch bar engaging over a roller 59 journalled intermediate the sills 50 upon supporting structure (not illustrated).
The assembly is then swung forwardly until pin 26 can be engaged through the aperture 49 and through the apertured lug 47 thus holding the hitch assembly in the retracted position. In order to prevent rattling from occurring due to subsequent wear, a rubber bumper 59~ may be secured to the underside of a cross member 60 be-tween the sill5, rearwardly of roller 59, said rubber bumper being posi-tioned so tha-t it engages the upper surface of the hitch bar 57 when apertures 49 and 48 are aligned and pinned.
Alternatively, a further roller 61 may be provided adjacent and above roller 59 for a similar purpose.
When extending this embodiment, pin 26 is removed thus permitting the assembly to swing rearwardly assisted by gravity until the end 56 res-ts upon the rearwardly ex-tending base 53 of the receiver whereupon, by backing up the truck, it is guided into position so that pin 26 can be engaged through the receiver and through the aperture in the front end 56 of the hitch bar 57.
Figure 7 shows the assembly mounted within a sub-;"t~
frame and although any of the assemblies illustrated and described can be so moun-ted, it is designed primarily for use with the assembly shown in Figure 5 and adapted for securement to light trucks or four-wheel drive recreation-al vehicles and the like.
A pair of spaced and parallel longitudinally ex-tending members 62 are provlded with forwardly and rear-wardly extending angle iron members 63 -thus forming a rec-tangular subframe. Lugs 64 extend forwardly from the ends of the rear member 63 and may be secured as by bolts (not illustrated) to -the bumper brackets (not illustrated).
Plates 65 are secured to and extend from the upper edges oE -the longitudinal members 62 and may be welded or bolts to the underside of the frame members 35 and a pair of these longitudinal members is shown in fragmentary form in Figure 5.
The swinging link component 14 is similar to that described in the previous embodiments and the keeper compo-nent 15 is similar to that described in Figures 1, 2 and 5.
The keeper component 15B in this embodiment and in Figure 5 includes a transverse member 66 with bearing sleeves secured adjacent either end similar to bearing sleeve 16A in Figure 1. Supports pins 67 are supported from the side mem-bers 62 and extend inwardly and engage these bearing sleeves ~ t to support the keeper component 15s. The slee-ve 22 extends rearwardly from the member 66 similar to the sleeve in Figure
2 and is braced by diagonal members 68 upon each side -there-of as shown in Figures 5 and 7. A pin 26 (no-t illustrated in Figures 5 and 7) engages through an aperture 69 adjacent the rear end of sleeve 22 and through one or the other aper-tures 46 or 29 in the hitch bar 13. These apertures are shown in Figure 5 but not in Figure 7. However, the member 14 may be held by a link 47 and pin 70 (shown in Figure 7) in any of the embodiments or by the method of a pin through apertures 29 and 46 as shown in Figure 2.
Since various modifications can be made i.n my inven -tion as hereinabove described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from sucn spiri-t and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the ac-companying specification shall be interpreted as illustra-tive only and not in a limiting sense.
Since various modifications can be made i.n my inven -tion as hereinabove described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from sucn spiri-t and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the ac-companying specification shall be interpreted as illustra-tive only and not in a limiting sense.
Claims
CLAIMS:
(1) An extendable and retractable hitch assembly for vehicles which include spaced and parallel, longitu-dinally extending supports such as frame or sill members;
comprising in combination a hitch bar, a swinging link com-ponent, means to support said link component transversely to adjacent the rear of the supports of the vehicle, for swinging fore and aft movement from an extended working position to a retracted stored position and vice-versa, means to pivotally mount said hitch bar adjacent the rear end thereof, to said link component, means mounted to the supports of the vehicle to support the front end of said hitch bar in either position, and means to detachably se-cure said hitch bar in either said position.
(2) The assembly according to Claim 1 in which seaid link combination includes a transversely extending member, means journalling said transversely extending mem-ber to the supports of the vehicle and a pair of spaced and parallel brackets secured to said transversely extend-ing member and extending perpendicularly therefrom.
(3) The assembly according to Claim 2 in which said means to pivotally mount said hitch bar adjacent the rear end thereof includes a transverse bearing secured to said hitch bar, said bearing being situated between said brackets and a pivot pin operatively extending through said brackets and said bearing.
(4) The assembly according to Claim 1 in which said means to support the front end of said hitch bar in-cludes a keeper component, means mounting said keeper com-ponent transversely to the supports of the vehicle for pi-votal movement, said hitch bar slidably engaging said keep-er component for endwise movement relative thereto.
(5) The assembly according to Claim 2 in which said means to support the front end of said hitch bar in-cludes a keeper component, means mounting said keeper com-ponent transversely to the supports of the vehicle for pi-votal movement, said hitch bar slidably engaging said keep-er component for endwise movement relative thereto.
(6) The assembly according to Claim 3 in which said means to support the front end of said hitch bar in-cludes a keeper component, means mounting said keeper com-ponent transversely to the supports of the vehicle for pi-votal movement, said hitch bar slidably engaging said keep-er component for endwise movement relative thereto.
(7) The assembly according to Claim 4 in which said means to detachably secure said hitch bar in either position includes a pin detachably extending through said keeper component and through any one of a plurality of apertures formed through said hitch bar.
(8) The assembly according to Claim 5 in which said means to detachably secure said hitch bar in either position includes a pin detachably extending through said keeper component and through any one of a plurality of apertures formed through said hitch bar.
(9) The assembly according to Claim 6 in which said means to detachably secure said hitch bar in either position includes a pin detachably extending through said keeper component and through any one of a plurality of apertures formed through said hitch bar.
(10) The assembly according to Claim 4 in which said keeper component includes an elongated sleeve receiv-ing said hitch bar for sliding movement therein and a trans-versely situated bearing tube secured to said sleeve and being mounted for pivotal movement to the supports of the vehicle.
(11) The assembly according to Claim 5 in which said keeper component includes an elongated sleeve receiv-ing said hitch bar for sliding movement therein and a trans-versely situated bearing tube secured to said sleeve and being mounted for pivotal movement to the supports of the vehicle.
(12) The assembly according to Claim 6 in which said keeper component includes an elongated sleeve receiv-ing said hitch bar for sliding movement therein and a trans-versely situated bearing tube secured to said sleeve and being mounted for pivotal movement to the supports of the vehicle.
(13) The assembly according to Claim 7 in which said keeper component includes an elongated sleeve receiv-ing said hitch bar for sliding movement therein and a trans-versely situated bearing tube secured to said sleeve and being mounted for pivotal movement to the supports of the vehicle.
(14) The assembly according to Claim 3 in which said keeper component includes an elongated sleeve receiv-ing said hitch bar for sliding movement therein and a trans-versely situated bearing tube secured to said sleeve and being mounted for pivotal movement to the supports of the vehicle.
(15) The assembly according to Claim 9 in which said keeper component includes an elongated sleeve receiv-ing said hitch bar for sliding movement therein and a trans-versely situated bearing tube secured to said sleeve and being mounted for pivotal movement to the supports of the vehicle.
(16) The assembly according to Claim 5 in which said means to detachably secure said hitch bar in either position includes a first means for maintaining said hitch assembly in the retracted position and second means for maintaining said hitch assembly in the extended position, said first means including an apertured lug situated adja-cent one end of said transversely extending member of said link bar adjacent one of the supports of the vehi-cle, a pin detachably extending through apertured lug and an aperture in said one support when said hitch assembly is in the retracted position, said second means including said pin engaging through an aperture in said keeper com-ponent and an aperture in said hitch member when in the extended position.
(17) The assembly according to Claim 6 in which said means to detachably secure said hitch bar in either position includes a first means for maintaining said hitch assembly in the retracted position and second means for maintaining said hitch assembly in the extended position, said first means including an apertured lug situated adja-cent one end of said transversely extending member of said link bar adjacent one of the supports of the vehi-cle, a pin detachably extending through aperture lug and an aperture in said one support when said hitch assembly is in the retracted position, said second means including said pin engaging through an aperture in said keeper com-ponent and an aperture in said hitch member when in the extended position.
(18) The assembly according to Claim 8 in which said means to detachably secure said hitch bar in either position includes a first means for maintaining said hitch assembly in the retracted position and second means for maintaining said hitch assembly in the extended position, said first means including an apertured lug situated adja-cent one end of said transversely extending member of said link bar adjacent one of the supports of the vehi-cle, a pin detachably extending through apertured lug and an aperture in said one support when said hitch assembly is in the retracted position, said second means including said pin engaging through an aperture in said keeper com-ponent and an aperture in said hitch member when in the extended position.
(19) The assembly according to Claim 9 in which said means to detachably secure said hitch bar in either position includes a first means for maintaining said hitch assembly in the retracted position and second means for maintaining said hitch assembly in the extended position, said first means including an apertured lug situated adja-cent one end of said transversely extending member of said link bar adjacent one of the supports of the vehi-cle, a pin detachably extending through apertured lug and an aperture in said one support when said hitch assembly is in the retracted position, said second means including said pin engaging through an aperture in said keeper com-ponent and an aperture in said hitch member when in the extended position.
(20) The assembly according to Claims 1, 2 or 3 in which said means mounted to the supports of the vehicle to support the front end of said hitch bar in either posi-tion includes first means to support the front end of said hitch bar in said extended position and second means to sup-port said hitch bar in said retracted position, said first means including a transverse support member journalled for partial rotation between the supports of the vehicle and a hitch bar receiver secured to and extending perpendicularly from said transverse support member, said receiver including a planar base and side and top plates to form a receiver having an open rear end to selectively receive the front end of said hitch bar when said hitch bar is in the extended position, means to detachably secure said hitch bar in the extended position, said planar base extending rearwardly be-yond the rear ends of said side and top plates and acting as a support for said hitch bar, said second means including roller means mounted between the supports of the vehicle and spaced above the receiver to support the hitch bar when in the retracted position and means to detachably secure said hitch bar in the retracted position supported by said roller means.
(1) An extendable and retractable hitch assembly for vehicles which include spaced and parallel, longitu-dinally extending supports such as frame or sill members;
comprising in combination a hitch bar, a swinging link com-ponent, means to support said link component transversely to adjacent the rear of the supports of the vehicle, for swinging fore and aft movement from an extended working position to a retracted stored position and vice-versa, means to pivotally mount said hitch bar adjacent the rear end thereof, to said link component, means mounted to the supports of the vehicle to support the front end of said hitch bar in either position, and means to detachably se-cure said hitch bar in either said position.
(2) The assembly according to Claim 1 in which seaid link combination includes a transversely extending member, means journalling said transversely extending mem-ber to the supports of the vehicle and a pair of spaced and parallel brackets secured to said transversely extend-ing member and extending perpendicularly therefrom.
(3) The assembly according to Claim 2 in which said means to pivotally mount said hitch bar adjacent the rear end thereof includes a transverse bearing secured to said hitch bar, said bearing being situated between said brackets and a pivot pin operatively extending through said brackets and said bearing.
(4) The assembly according to Claim 1 in which said means to support the front end of said hitch bar in-cludes a keeper component, means mounting said keeper com-ponent transversely to the supports of the vehicle for pi-votal movement, said hitch bar slidably engaging said keep-er component for endwise movement relative thereto.
(5) The assembly according to Claim 2 in which said means to support the front end of said hitch bar in-cludes a keeper component, means mounting said keeper com-ponent transversely to the supports of the vehicle for pi-votal movement, said hitch bar slidably engaging said keep-er component for endwise movement relative thereto.
(6) The assembly according to Claim 3 in which said means to support the front end of said hitch bar in-cludes a keeper component, means mounting said keeper com-ponent transversely to the supports of the vehicle for pi-votal movement, said hitch bar slidably engaging said keep-er component for endwise movement relative thereto.
(7) The assembly according to Claim 4 in which said means to detachably secure said hitch bar in either position includes a pin detachably extending through said keeper component and through any one of a plurality of apertures formed through said hitch bar.
(8) The assembly according to Claim 5 in which said means to detachably secure said hitch bar in either position includes a pin detachably extending through said keeper component and through any one of a plurality of apertures formed through said hitch bar.
(9) The assembly according to Claim 6 in which said means to detachably secure said hitch bar in either position includes a pin detachably extending through said keeper component and through any one of a plurality of apertures formed through said hitch bar.
(10) The assembly according to Claim 4 in which said keeper component includes an elongated sleeve receiv-ing said hitch bar for sliding movement therein and a trans-versely situated bearing tube secured to said sleeve and being mounted for pivotal movement to the supports of the vehicle.
(11) The assembly according to Claim 5 in which said keeper component includes an elongated sleeve receiv-ing said hitch bar for sliding movement therein and a trans-versely situated bearing tube secured to said sleeve and being mounted for pivotal movement to the supports of the vehicle.
(12) The assembly according to Claim 6 in which said keeper component includes an elongated sleeve receiv-ing said hitch bar for sliding movement therein and a trans-versely situated bearing tube secured to said sleeve and being mounted for pivotal movement to the supports of the vehicle.
(13) The assembly according to Claim 7 in which said keeper component includes an elongated sleeve receiv-ing said hitch bar for sliding movement therein and a trans-versely situated bearing tube secured to said sleeve and being mounted for pivotal movement to the supports of the vehicle.
(14) The assembly according to Claim 3 in which said keeper component includes an elongated sleeve receiv-ing said hitch bar for sliding movement therein and a trans-versely situated bearing tube secured to said sleeve and being mounted for pivotal movement to the supports of the vehicle.
(15) The assembly according to Claim 9 in which said keeper component includes an elongated sleeve receiv-ing said hitch bar for sliding movement therein and a trans-versely situated bearing tube secured to said sleeve and being mounted for pivotal movement to the supports of the vehicle.
(16) The assembly according to Claim 5 in which said means to detachably secure said hitch bar in either position includes a first means for maintaining said hitch assembly in the retracted position and second means for maintaining said hitch assembly in the extended position, said first means including an apertured lug situated adja-cent one end of said transversely extending member of said link bar adjacent one of the supports of the vehi-cle, a pin detachably extending through apertured lug and an aperture in said one support when said hitch assembly is in the retracted position, said second means including said pin engaging through an aperture in said keeper com-ponent and an aperture in said hitch member when in the extended position.
(17) The assembly according to Claim 6 in which said means to detachably secure said hitch bar in either position includes a first means for maintaining said hitch assembly in the retracted position and second means for maintaining said hitch assembly in the extended position, said first means including an apertured lug situated adja-cent one end of said transversely extending member of said link bar adjacent one of the supports of the vehi-cle, a pin detachably extending through aperture lug and an aperture in said one support when said hitch assembly is in the retracted position, said second means including said pin engaging through an aperture in said keeper com-ponent and an aperture in said hitch member when in the extended position.
(18) The assembly according to Claim 8 in which said means to detachably secure said hitch bar in either position includes a first means for maintaining said hitch assembly in the retracted position and second means for maintaining said hitch assembly in the extended position, said first means including an apertured lug situated adja-cent one end of said transversely extending member of said link bar adjacent one of the supports of the vehi-cle, a pin detachably extending through apertured lug and an aperture in said one support when said hitch assembly is in the retracted position, said second means including said pin engaging through an aperture in said keeper com-ponent and an aperture in said hitch member when in the extended position.
(19) The assembly according to Claim 9 in which said means to detachably secure said hitch bar in either position includes a first means for maintaining said hitch assembly in the retracted position and second means for maintaining said hitch assembly in the extended position, said first means including an apertured lug situated adja-cent one end of said transversely extending member of said link bar adjacent one of the supports of the vehi-cle, a pin detachably extending through apertured lug and an aperture in said one support when said hitch assembly is in the retracted position, said second means including said pin engaging through an aperture in said keeper com-ponent and an aperture in said hitch member when in the extended position.
(20) The assembly according to Claims 1, 2 or 3 in which said means mounted to the supports of the vehicle to support the front end of said hitch bar in either posi-tion includes first means to support the front end of said hitch bar in said extended position and second means to sup-port said hitch bar in said retracted position, said first means including a transverse support member journalled for partial rotation between the supports of the vehicle and a hitch bar receiver secured to and extending perpendicularly from said transverse support member, said receiver including a planar base and side and top plates to form a receiver having an open rear end to selectively receive the front end of said hitch bar when said hitch bar is in the extended position, means to detachably secure said hitch bar in the extended position, said planar base extending rearwardly be-yond the rear ends of said side and top plates and acting as a support for said hitch bar, said second means including roller means mounted between the supports of the vehicle and spaced above the receiver to support the hitch bar when in the retracted position and means to detachably secure said hitch bar in the retracted position supported by said roller means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000401919A CA1186544A (en) | 1982-04-29 | 1982-04-29 | Extendable and retractable hitch assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000401919A CA1186544A (en) | 1982-04-29 | 1982-04-29 | Extendable and retractable hitch assembly |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1186544A true CA1186544A (en) | 1985-05-07 |
Family
ID=4122678
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000401919A Expired CA1186544A (en) | 1982-04-29 | 1982-04-29 | Extendable and retractable hitch assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1186544A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0728600A1 (en) * | 1995-02-24 | 1996-08-28 | Frans Pateer Bv | Device with a recractable hook for towing vehicles |
-
1982
- 1982-04-29 CA CA000401919A patent/CA1186544A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0728600A1 (en) * | 1995-02-24 | 1996-08-28 | Frans Pateer Bv | Device with a recractable hook for towing vehicles |
| FR2730953A1 (en) * | 1995-02-24 | 1996-08-30 | Frans Pateer Bv | RELEVABLE HOOK DEVICE FOR TACKING VEHICLES |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |