CA2191059A1 - Weight distributing hitch with spring bar hanging bracket - Google Patents
Weight distributing hitch with spring bar hanging bracketInfo
- Publication number
- CA2191059A1 CA2191059A1 CA 2191059 CA2191059A CA2191059A1 CA 2191059 A1 CA2191059 A1 CA 2191059A1 CA 2191059 CA2191059 CA 2191059 CA 2191059 A CA2191059 A CA 2191059A CA 2191059 A1 CA2191059 A1 CA 2191059A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- channel
- spring bar
- set forth
- hanging bracket
- hitch 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
A weight distributing hitch assembly includes a hitch bar for mounting to a vehicle, a ball mount head carried on the hitch bar and a hitch ball carried on the ball mount head.
Additionally, the hitch assembly includes a pair of cooperating spring bar hanging brackets mounted to a trailer to be towed and a pair of spring bars for distributing trailer tongue weight relative to the axles of the towing vehicle and trailer. Each spring bar hanging bracket includes a proximal end that is secured to the trailer and a distal end defining a channel for receiving one of the spring bars. The channel may also include a friction pad to provide a measure of sway control. A pin and spring clip are provided to capture the spring bar in the channel.
Additionally, the hitch assembly includes a pair of cooperating spring bar hanging brackets mounted to a trailer to be towed and a pair of spring bars for distributing trailer tongue weight relative to the axles of the towing vehicle and trailer. Each spring bar hanging bracket includes a proximal end that is secured to the trailer and a distal end defining a channel for receiving one of the spring bars. The channel may also include a friction pad to provide a measure of sway control. A pin and spring clip are provided to capture the spring bar in the channel.
Description
~ 91059 Technical Field The present invention relates generally to the towing field and, more particularly, to a new and improved weight distributing hitch assembly incorporating a novel spring bar hanging bracket that is mounted to the trailer and receives the distal end of a spring bar so as to provide more even weight distribution over the axles of a towing vehicle.
Background of the Invention Hitch assemblies for more evenly distributing the tongue weight of a trailer over the front and rear axles of a towing vehicle are well known in the art. A particularly advanced design of weight distributing hitch assembly is disclosed in the assignee's issued U.S. Patent 5,375,872 to Kass et al. entitled "Weight Distributing Hitch". This hitch assembly includes a hitch bar for receipt in a receiver mounted to the vehicle and a ball mount head for mounting on the hitch bar at a selected tilt angle. A pair of spring bars are mounted at their proximal end to the ball mount head. The distal ends of these spring bars are connected by means of cooperating lift units and chains to the frame of the trailer. Such state of the art lift units are exemplified by Reese Products, Inc. product number 21160 incorporating a body that is mounted to the trailer frame, a chain hook with pivoting locking lever and a safety pin for securing the chain hook and lever in an operative position. As is known in the art, the amount of leveling or load transfer to the front axle of the vehicle is adjusted by engaging different links of the chains with the chain hooks of the lift units.
While such an arrangement is effective for its intended 2 219105~
purpose, the lift units must be properly mounted to the trailer frame and the proper chain links engaged in the chain hooks in order to provide proper operation and a desired, more even distribution of weight. While relatively simple, these procedures require some time to complete and may frustrate and annoy some vehicle operators. Accordingly, a need is identified for a weight distributing hitch assembly allowing even greater ease and convenience of installation and operation.
It should also be appreciated that the state of the art lift unit connection between the spring bars and trailer frame provides no effective means of resisting or controlling trailer sway: that is, undesirable lateral movement of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle. In fact, such sway may arise as a result of a number of factors often encountered during towing operation including uneven, rough and/or winding road conditions;
gusty cross-wind weather conditions, uneven trailer loading conditions; and/or result from inherently incompatible trailer or towing vehicle suspension characteristics. Accordingly, a need is also identified for a weight distributing hitch assembly that provides some inherent control of trailer sway to maximize driver confidence, comfort and control during towing.
Summary of the Invention Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a weight distributing hitch assembly of an improved design overcoming the above-described limitations and disadvantages of the prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a weight distributing hitch assembly incorporating a unique spring bar mounting bracket that is secured to the trailer to be towed 3 Zl910~9 and receives and holds the spring bar in a manner that provides not only weight distribution but also an effective measure of sway control so as to improve towing performance and overall driver comfort.
Additional objects, advantages and other novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, an improved weight distributing hitch assembly is provided for towing a trailer behind a vehicle. The weight distributing hitch assembly includes a hitch bar of a type known in the art for mounting to the towing vehicle. More specifically, the hitch bar includes a mounting post that is received in the receiver box of a hitch receiver that is secured to the frame of the towing vehicle in a known manner.
The weight distributing hitch assembly also includes a ball mount head for mounting on the distal or head-receiving end of a hitch bar. Preferably, a hitch ball, also of a type well known in the art, is carried on the ball mount head. Such a hitch ball is adapted for receipt in a cooperating trailer coupler socket of the trailer to be towed behind the vehicle. Additionally, the weight distributing hitch assembly includes means in the form of a pair of spring bars for distributing trailer weight relative to the vehicle. More specifically, each of the spring bars 21glO59 includes a mounting trunnion at its distal end. Each mounting trunnion includes oppositely disposed and outwardly projecting pivot pins that are received in a pair of spaced, substantially aligned sockets adapted to mount the spring bars in the ball mount head.
The cantilevered, distal ends of the spring bars are received and held in a pair of cooperating spring bar hanging brackets that are secured to the frame of the trailer. Each spring bar hanging bracket includes a proximal end having means for fixing the hanging bracket to the trailer and a distal end in a shape of a hook that defines a channel for receiving the cantilevered or distal end of the associated spring bar. Thus, it should be appreciated that each spring bar hanging bracket is substantially J-shaped.
Still more specifically, the means for fixing each hanging bracket to the frame of the trailer includes a mounting flange adjacent the proximal end thereof for engaging the trailer and specifically overlapping the upper surface of the trailer frame.
The fixing means also includes fasteners such as bolts or welds for securing the hanging bracket in position.
In accordance with another important aspect of the present invention, the channel defined by the hook-shaped distal end of each hanging bracket may also include a friction pad overlying the bottom wall thereof. Each such friction pad functions to engage the spring bar received and held in the hanging bracket.
Preferably, the pad is ~ormed from a high friction material such as NA-104 so as to provide frictional resistance to relative sliding movement of the spring bar through the channel. As a result lateral movement of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle is resisted and, therefore, an effective anti-sway mechanism is advantageously provided. Further, this frictional resistance is readily overcome during operator controlled vehicle maneuvering so that relative pivotal movement of the trailer about the hitch ball and coupler socket is freely allowed during turning. Thus, trailer sway is resisted without compromising any operator control. Of course, the weight distributing hitch assembly may also include a means for securely retaining the spring bar in the channel of the hanging bracket. More particularly, a pair of aligned apertures may be provided in the hanging bracket. These apertures are spaced from the bottom wall of the channel a distance slightly greater than the cross sectional dimension of the spring bar being held therein. A pin is then received in the aligned apertures so as to capture the spring bar in the channel. A spring clip may be provided to secure the pin in the proper position.
Still other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of this invention, simply by way of illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
Brief Description of the Drawinq The accompanying drawing incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrates several aspects of the present invention and together with the description serves to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawing:
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the weight distributing hitch assembly of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a detailed fragmentary and partially sectional view showing the positioning of a spring bar in one of the hanging brackets; and Figure 3 is a detailed perspective of one of the hanging brackets.
Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
Detailed Description of the Invention Reference is now made to Figure 1 showing the weight distributing hitch assembly 10 of the present invention. As should be appreciated, the hitch assembly 10 includes a hitch bar 12 of a type known in the art including a tubular mounting post 14 for engagement in a receiver box R of a hitch receiver mounted to a vehicle (not shown). Such a hitch receiver is, for example, a Class III 35 Series hitch receiver as manufactured by Reese Products, Inc. of Elkhart, Indiana, the assignee of the present invention.
The distal end of the hitch bar 12 includes a split end mounting rack 16 having a series of aperture sets 18 allowing for height adjustment of the ball mount head 20. The ball mount head 20 may be a one-piece, integral construction cast from ductile iron. The ball mount head 20 is secured to the mounting rack 16 of the hitch bar 12 by means of two cooperating fasteners shown as bolts 22 and cooperating locking nuts 24. Washers 26 may be provided on the lower bolt 22 if desired.
~191~59 More specifically the ball mount head 20-1ncludes a substantially U-shaped spring bar mounting bracket 28 and a pair of spaced, parallel mounting flanges 30 so as to form a yoke adapted to received the mounting rack 16. When properly mounted, the lower bolt 22 extends through the aligned cooperating apertures 32 (only one visible in Figure 1) in the mounting flanges 30, the two washers 26 and the one aligned aperture set 18 in the interdisposed mounting rack 16.
Similarly, upper bolt 22 extends through an indexable, eccentric washer 35, the aligned cooperating arcuate slots 34 in the mounting flanges 30 and through a second aligned aperture set 18 in the interdisposed mounting rack 16. The accurate slots 34 allow the ball mount head 20 to be pivoted relative to the hitch bar 12 about the lower bolt 22. The locking nuts 24 are then placed upon the bolt 22 and tightened. This arrangement allows the tilt angle of the ball mount head 20 to be selected by manipulation of the indexable, eccentric washer 35 in a manner described in detail in previously referenced U.S. Patent 5,375,872 to Kass et al.
As also shown in Figure 1, the weight distributing hitch assembly 10 includes a pair of spring bars 36. Each spring bar 36 includes a trunnion 38 at its proximal end for mounting in the ball mount head 20. More specifically, each mounting trunnion 38 includes a pair of oppositely disposed and outwardly projecting pivot pins 40. As is known in the art, the pivot pins 40 are received in a first set of cooperating sockets 42 in the upper and lower legs or platforms 44, 46 of the spring bar mounting bracket 28. A more detailed presentation of the trunnion connection of the spring bars 36 to the ball mount head 20 is presented in the assignee's co-pending U.S. Patent Application 8 2l91059 Serial No. 08/319,908, filed on October 7, 1994, entitled "Weight Distributing Hitch Assembly", the disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference. The upper platform 44 of the mounting bracket 28 also includes an aperture 48 for receiving a hitch connector such as hitch ball 52. The hitch ball 52 is secured to the upper platform 44 by a weld or other appropriate means known in the art.
The distal or cantilevered ends of the spring bars 36 extending from the ball mount head 20 are operatively connected to the frame of the trailer T by means of a pair of spring bar hanging brackets 60. Preferably, the spring bar hanging brackets 60 are constructed from a high strength material such as steel.
Each hanging bracket 60 is substantially J-shaped so as to include a mounting flange 62 adjacent a proximal end thereof for engaging the frame of the trailer T and a substantially hook shaped distal end 64 defining a channel 66.
One spring bar hanging bracket 60 is mounted to the frame of the trailer T directly behind the trailer coupler socket (not shown) along each side of the trailer. In this position, each hanging bracket 60 is oriented to receive a distal end of one of the spring bars 36. The mounting of the hanging brackets 60 to the frame of the trailer T may be accomplished by any appropriate means known in the art including, for example, nuts 84 and bolts 86 with lock washers 88 or welds.
A friction pad 68 is preferably bonded or otherwise fastened to the bottom wall of the channel 66. Thus, when the spring bar 36 is received in the channel 66, it rests upon the friction pad 68. Preferably, the friction pad 68 is constructed from a high friction material such as NA-104. The friction pad 68 resists free sliding movement of the spring bar 36 through the channel 68. Such sliding movement is, of course, generated whenever the trailer T begins to sway in response to, for example, rough, uneven and/or winding road conditions, gusts and crosswinds and uneven trailer loading. At these and certain other times the frictional forces generated by the pads 68 oppose or resist the lateral movement of the towed trailer T relative to the towing vehicle. Trailer sway is consequently reduced or virtually eliminated under substantially any anticipatable operating conditions.
It should be appreciated, however, that the degree of resistance to transverse movement is not great enough to interfere with the relative pivotal motion of the trailer about the hitch ball and coupler socket that occurs as a result of driver input during normal vehicle operation. Thus, the trailer still properly tracks behind the vehicle during towing. Thus, it should be appreciated that sway control is advantageously provided without any compromise of other important operating characteristics.
As further shown with reference to the drawing figures, a 20 means, generally designated as reference numeral 70 is provided for retaining the spring bar 36 in the channel 66 of the hanging brackets 60. More specifically, the retainer 70 includes two aligned apertures 72, one aperture in the intermediate body portion 74 and tip portion 76 of the bracket 60. With the distal or cantilevered end of the spring bar 36 received in the channel 66, a connecting pin 78 is extended through the aligned apertures 72. The sprina clip 80 is then received in a groove 82 on the connecting pin 78 in order to secure the connecting pin in position. It should be noted that sufficient clearance is provided between the connecting pin 78 and the friction pad 68 on ~191059 the bottom wall of the channel 66 so as to allow the free and unencumbered passage of the spring bar 36 during sliding movement.
The spring bar 36 is, however, captured by the connecting pin 78 so that the spring bar is unable to jump free from the channel 66.
In use, the forward end of the trailer T including the coupler socket is initially raised using a tongue jack (not shown). The vehicle and trailer T is then positioned so that the hitch ball 52 underlies the coupler socket. Using the tongue jack, next the front end of the trailer T is lowered so that the coupler socket nests over the hitch ball 52. The coupler latch is then closed to secure the trailer to the towing vehicle through the hitch assembly 10.
Next the front of the trailer T and the rear of the tow vehicle are raised about 2-3 inches by operation of the tongue jack. From this position, an individual may grasp an intermediate portion of the spring bar 36 adjacent to the distal end thereof and flex the spring bar upwardly. By shifting the 20 spring bar 36 laterally once it clears the tip 76 of the hanging bracket 60, the spring bar may be released and dropped into the channel 66. Next the connecting pin 78 is inserted through the aligned apertures 72 and the spring clip 80 iS secured in the groove 82. The individual operator then positions the second spring bar 36 in the same manner. The trailer tongue jack is then retracted so that the hitch assembly 10 is distributing the full trailer tongue weight over the front and rear axles of the towing vehicle in the desired manner.
Advantageously, by simply bending the flexible spring bars 30 36, one is able to operatively position the spring bars within '~191059 the channels 66 of the hanging brackets 60 to provide the desired weight distributing action. Full retention of each spring bar 36 is insured by a simple connection of the connecting pin 78 and associated spring clip 80. This is a simple and efficient operation that may be completed at the utmost convenience, confidence and satisfaction of the individual. There is no need to select a proper chain link or secure a lift bracket with a safety clip as required by the state of the art lift units commonly utilized in this field.
Additionally, the present weight distributing hitch assembly 10 goes a step further than prior art weight distributing hitch assemblies by providing control of trailer sway. Specifically, the friction pads 68 provide sufficient resistance to dampen swaying motion without actually interfering with proper pivotal movements of the trailer and sliding motion of the spring bars initiated by vehicle operator inputs when turning during the towing operation. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the present invention represents a significant advance in design that achieves more than the prior art weight distributing hitch designs.
The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
12 '~; 9 1059 All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.
Background of the Invention Hitch assemblies for more evenly distributing the tongue weight of a trailer over the front and rear axles of a towing vehicle are well known in the art. A particularly advanced design of weight distributing hitch assembly is disclosed in the assignee's issued U.S. Patent 5,375,872 to Kass et al. entitled "Weight Distributing Hitch". This hitch assembly includes a hitch bar for receipt in a receiver mounted to the vehicle and a ball mount head for mounting on the hitch bar at a selected tilt angle. A pair of spring bars are mounted at their proximal end to the ball mount head. The distal ends of these spring bars are connected by means of cooperating lift units and chains to the frame of the trailer. Such state of the art lift units are exemplified by Reese Products, Inc. product number 21160 incorporating a body that is mounted to the trailer frame, a chain hook with pivoting locking lever and a safety pin for securing the chain hook and lever in an operative position. As is known in the art, the amount of leveling or load transfer to the front axle of the vehicle is adjusted by engaging different links of the chains with the chain hooks of the lift units.
While such an arrangement is effective for its intended 2 219105~
purpose, the lift units must be properly mounted to the trailer frame and the proper chain links engaged in the chain hooks in order to provide proper operation and a desired, more even distribution of weight. While relatively simple, these procedures require some time to complete and may frustrate and annoy some vehicle operators. Accordingly, a need is identified for a weight distributing hitch assembly allowing even greater ease and convenience of installation and operation.
It should also be appreciated that the state of the art lift unit connection between the spring bars and trailer frame provides no effective means of resisting or controlling trailer sway: that is, undesirable lateral movement of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle. In fact, such sway may arise as a result of a number of factors often encountered during towing operation including uneven, rough and/or winding road conditions;
gusty cross-wind weather conditions, uneven trailer loading conditions; and/or result from inherently incompatible trailer or towing vehicle suspension characteristics. Accordingly, a need is also identified for a weight distributing hitch assembly that provides some inherent control of trailer sway to maximize driver confidence, comfort and control during towing.
Summary of the Invention Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a weight distributing hitch assembly of an improved design overcoming the above-described limitations and disadvantages of the prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a weight distributing hitch assembly incorporating a unique spring bar mounting bracket that is secured to the trailer to be towed 3 Zl910~9 and receives and holds the spring bar in a manner that provides not only weight distribution but also an effective measure of sway control so as to improve towing performance and overall driver comfort.
Additional objects, advantages and other novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, an improved weight distributing hitch assembly is provided for towing a trailer behind a vehicle. The weight distributing hitch assembly includes a hitch bar of a type known in the art for mounting to the towing vehicle. More specifically, the hitch bar includes a mounting post that is received in the receiver box of a hitch receiver that is secured to the frame of the towing vehicle in a known manner.
The weight distributing hitch assembly also includes a ball mount head for mounting on the distal or head-receiving end of a hitch bar. Preferably, a hitch ball, also of a type well known in the art, is carried on the ball mount head. Such a hitch ball is adapted for receipt in a cooperating trailer coupler socket of the trailer to be towed behind the vehicle. Additionally, the weight distributing hitch assembly includes means in the form of a pair of spring bars for distributing trailer weight relative to the vehicle. More specifically, each of the spring bars 21glO59 includes a mounting trunnion at its distal end. Each mounting trunnion includes oppositely disposed and outwardly projecting pivot pins that are received in a pair of spaced, substantially aligned sockets adapted to mount the spring bars in the ball mount head.
The cantilevered, distal ends of the spring bars are received and held in a pair of cooperating spring bar hanging brackets that are secured to the frame of the trailer. Each spring bar hanging bracket includes a proximal end having means for fixing the hanging bracket to the trailer and a distal end in a shape of a hook that defines a channel for receiving the cantilevered or distal end of the associated spring bar. Thus, it should be appreciated that each spring bar hanging bracket is substantially J-shaped.
Still more specifically, the means for fixing each hanging bracket to the frame of the trailer includes a mounting flange adjacent the proximal end thereof for engaging the trailer and specifically overlapping the upper surface of the trailer frame.
The fixing means also includes fasteners such as bolts or welds for securing the hanging bracket in position.
In accordance with another important aspect of the present invention, the channel defined by the hook-shaped distal end of each hanging bracket may also include a friction pad overlying the bottom wall thereof. Each such friction pad functions to engage the spring bar received and held in the hanging bracket.
Preferably, the pad is ~ormed from a high friction material such as NA-104 so as to provide frictional resistance to relative sliding movement of the spring bar through the channel. As a result lateral movement of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle is resisted and, therefore, an effective anti-sway mechanism is advantageously provided. Further, this frictional resistance is readily overcome during operator controlled vehicle maneuvering so that relative pivotal movement of the trailer about the hitch ball and coupler socket is freely allowed during turning. Thus, trailer sway is resisted without compromising any operator control. Of course, the weight distributing hitch assembly may also include a means for securely retaining the spring bar in the channel of the hanging bracket. More particularly, a pair of aligned apertures may be provided in the hanging bracket. These apertures are spaced from the bottom wall of the channel a distance slightly greater than the cross sectional dimension of the spring bar being held therein. A pin is then received in the aligned apertures so as to capture the spring bar in the channel. A spring clip may be provided to secure the pin in the proper position.
Still other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of this invention, simply by way of illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
Brief Description of the Drawinq The accompanying drawing incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrates several aspects of the present invention and together with the description serves to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawing:
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the weight distributing hitch assembly of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a detailed fragmentary and partially sectional view showing the positioning of a spring bar in one of the hanging brackets; and Figure 3 is a detailed perspective of one of the hanging brackets.
Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
Detailed Description of the Invention Reference is now made to Figure 1 showing the weight distributing hitch assembly 10 of the present invention. As should be appreciated, the hitch assembly 10 includes a hitch bar 12 of a type known in the art including a tubular mounting post 14 for engagement in a receiver box R of a hitch receiver mounted to a vehicle (not shown). Such a hitch receiver is, for example, a Class III 35 Series hitch receiver as manufactured by Reese Products, Inc. of Elkhart, Indiana, the assignee of the present invention.
The distal end of the hitch bar 12 includes a split end mounting rack 16 having a series of aperture sets 18 allowing for height adjustment of the ball mount head 20. The ball mount head 20 may be a one-piece, integral construction cast from ductile iron. The ball mount head 20 is secured to the mounting rack 16 of the hitch bar 12 by means of two cooperating fasteners shown as bolts 22 and cooperating locking nuts 24. Washers 26 may be provided on the lower bolt 22 if desired.
~191~59 More specifically the ball mount head 20-1ncludes a substantially U-shaped spring bar mounting bracket 28 and a pair of spaced, parallel mounting flanges 30 so as to form a yoke adapted to received the mounting rack 16. When properly mounted, the lower bolt 22 extends through the aligned cooperating apertures 32 (only one visible in Figure 1) in the mounting flanges 30, the two washers 26 and the one aligned aperture set 18 in the interdisposed mounting rack 16.
Similarly, upper bolt 22 extends through an indexable, eccentric washer 35, the aligned cooperating arcuate slots 34 in the mounting flanges 30 and through a second aligned aperture set 18 in the interdisposed mounting rack 16. The accurate slots 34 allow the ball mount head 20 to be pivoted relative to the hitch bar 12 about the lower bolt 22. The locking nuts 24 are then placed upon the bolt 22 and tightened. This arrangement allows the tilt angle of the ball mount head 20 to be selected by manipulation of the indexable, eccentric washer 35 in a manner described in detail in previously referenced U.S. Patent 5,375,872 to Kass et al.
As also shown in Figure 1, the weight distributing hitch assembly 10 includes a pair of spring bars 36. Each spring bar 36 includes a trunnion 38 at its proximal end for mounting in the ball mount head 20. More specifically, each mounting trunnion 38 includes a pair of oppositely disposed and outwardly projecting pivot pins 40. As is known in the art, the pivot pins 40 are received in a first set of cooperating sockets 42 in the upper and lower legs or platforms 44, 46 of the spring bar mounting bracket 28. A more detailed presentation of the trunnion connection of the spring bars 36 to the ball mount head 20 is presented in the assignee's co-pending U.S. Patent Application 8 2l91059 Serial No. 08/319,908, filed on October 7, 1994, entitled "Weight Distributing Hitch Assembly", the disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference. The upper platform 44 of the mounting bracket 28 also includes an aperture 48 for receiving a hitch connector such as hitch ball 52. The hitch ball 52 is secured to the upper platform 44 by a weld or other appropriate means known in the art.
The distal or cantilevered ends of the spring bars 36 extending from the ball mount head 20 are operatively connected to the frame of the trailer T by means of a pair of spring bar hanging brackets 60. Preferably, the spring bar hanging brackets 60 are constructed from a high strength material such as steel.
Each hanging bracket 60 is substantially J-shaped so as to include a mounting flange 62 adjacent a proximal end thereof for engaging the frame of the trailer T and a substantially hook shaped distal end 64 defining a channel 66.
One spring bar hanging bracket 60 is mounted to the frame of the trailer T directly behind the trailer coupler socket (not shown) along each side of the trailer. In this position, each hanging bracket 60 is oriented to receive a distal end of one of the spring bars 36. The mounting of the hanging brackets 60 to the frame of the trailer T may be accomplished by any appropriate means known in the art including, for example, nuts 84 and bolts 86 with lock washers 88 or welds.
A friction pad 68 is preferably bonded or otherwise fastened to the bottom wall of the channel 66. Thus, when the spring bar 36 is received in the channel 66, it rests upon the friction pad 68. Preferably, the friction pad 68 is constructed from a high friction material such as NA-104. The friction pad 68 resists free sliding movement of the spring bar 36 through the channel 68. Such sliding movement is, of course, generated whenever the trailer T begins to sway in response to, for example, rough, uneven and/or winding road conditions, gusts and crosswinds and uneven trailer loading. At these and certain other times the frictional forces generated by the pads 68 oppose or resist the lateral movement of the towed trailer T relative to the towing vehicle. Trailer sway is consequently reduced or virtually eliminated under substantially any anticipatable operating conditions.
It should be appreciated, however, that the degree of resistance to transverse movement is not great enough to interfere with the relative pivotal motion of the trailer about the hitch ball and coupler socket that occurs as a result of driver input during normal vehicle operation. Thus, the trailer still properly tracks behind the vehicle during towing. Thus, it should be appreciated that sway control is advantageously provided without any compromise of other important operating characteristics.
As further shown with reference to the drawing figures, a 20 means, generally designated as reference numeral 70 is provided for retaining the spring bar 36 in the channel 66 of the hanging brackets 60. More specifically, the retainer 70 includes two aligned apertures 72, one aperture in the intermediate body portion 74 and tip portion 76 of the bracket 60. With the distal or cantilevered end of the spring bar 36 received in the channel 66, a connecting pin 78 is extended through the aligned apertures 72. The sprina clip 80 is then received in a groove 82 on the connecting pin 78 in order to secure the connecting pin in position. It should be noted that sufficient clearance is provided between the connecting pin 78 and the friction pad 68 on ~191059 the bottom wall of the channel 66 so as to allow the free and unencumbered passage of the spring bar 36 during sliding movement.
The spring bar 36 is, however, captured by the connecting pin 78 so that the spring bar is unable to jump free from the channel 66.
In use, the forward end of the trailer T including the coupler socket is initially raised using a tongue jack (not shown). The vehicle and trailer T is then positioned so that the hitch ball 52 underlies the coupler socket. Using the tongue jack, next the front end of the trailer T is lowered so that the coupler socket nests over the hitch ball 52. The coupler latch is then closed to secure the trailer to the towing vehicle through the hitch assembly 10.
Next the front of the trailer T and the rear of the tow vehicle are raised about 2-3 inches by operation of the tongue jack. From this position, an individual may grasp an intermediate portion of the spring bar 36 adjacent to the distal end thereof and flex the spring bar upwardly. By shifting the 20 spring bar 36 laterally once it clears the tip 76 of the hanging bracket 60, the spring bar may be released and dropped into the channel 66. Next the connecting pin 78 is inserted through the aligned apertures 72 and the spring clip 80 iS secured in the groove 82. The individual operator then positions the second spring bar 36 in the same manner. The trailer tongue jack is then retracted so that the hitch assembly 10 is distributing the full trailer tongue weight over the front and rear axles of the towing vehicle in the desired manner.
Advantageously, by simply bending the flexible spring bars 30 36, one is able to operatively position the spring bars within '~191059 the channels 66 of the hanging brackets 60 to provide the desired weight distributing action. Full retention of each spring bar 36 is insured by a simple connection of the connecting pin 78 and associated spring clip 80. This is a simple and efficient operation that may be completed at the utmost convenience, confidence and satisfaction of the individual. There is no need to select a proper chain link or secure a lift bracket with a safety clip as required by the state of the art lift units commonly utilized in this field.
Additionally, the present weight distributing hitch assembly 10 goes a step further than prior art weight distributing hitch assemblies by providing control of trailer sway. Specifically, the friction pads 68 provide sufficient resistance to dampen swaying motion without actually interfering with proper pivotal movements of the trailer and sliding motion of the spring bars initiated by vehicle operator inputs when turning during the towing operation. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the present invention represents a significant advance in design that achieves more than the prior art weight distributing hitch designs.
The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
12 '~; 9 1059 All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.
Claims (25)
1. A weight distributing hitch assembly for towing a trailer behind a towing vehicle, comprising:
a hitch bar for mounting to the vehicle;
a ball mount head carried on said hitch bar;
a hitch connector carried on said ball mount head;
a spring bar for distributing trailer weight relative to said vehicle; and a spring bar hanging bracket including a proximal end securing said hanging bracket to said trailer and a distal end defining a channel for receiving said spring bar means.
a hitch bar for mounting to the vehicle;
a ball mount head carried on said hitch bar;
a hitch connector carried on said ball mount head;
a spring bar for distributing trailer weight relative to said vehicle; and a spring bar hanging bracket including a proximal end securing said hanging bracket to said trailer and a distal end defining a channel for receiving said spring bar means.
2. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 1, wherein said hanging bracket is substantially J-shaped.
3. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 2, wherein said proximal end includes a mounting flange for engaging said trailer and fasteners are provided for securing said hanging bracket to said trailer.
4. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 3, wherein said channel includes a friction pad for engaging said spring bar and providing frictional resistance to movement of said spring bar relative to said hanging bracket for purposes of sway control.
5. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 4, further including a retainer for retaining said spring bar in said channel.
6. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 5, wherein said retainer is a pair of aligned apertures in said hanging bracket spaced from a bottom wall of said channel and a pin received in said aligned apertures so as to capture said spring bar in said channel.
7. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 6, wherein said retainer further includes a spring clip for securing said pin in position in said aligned apertures.
8. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 1, wherein said proximal end includes a mounting flange for engaging said trailer and fasteners are provided for securing said hanging bracket to said trailer.
9. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 8, wherein said channel includes a friction pad for engaging said spring bar and providing frictional resistance to movement of said spring bar relative to said hanging bracket for purposes of sway control.
10. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 9, further including a retainer for retaining said spring bar in said channel.
11. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 10, wherein said retainer is a pair of aligned apertures in said hanging bracket spaced from a bottom wall of said channel and a pin received in said aligned apertures so as to capture said spring bar means in said channel.
12. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 11, wherein said retainer further includes a spring clip for securing said pin in position in said aligned apertures.
13. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 1, wherein said channel includes a friction pad for engaging said spring bar and providing frictional resistance to movement of said spring bar relative to said hanging bracket for purposes of sway control.
14. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 13, further including a retainer for retaining said spring bar in said channel.
15. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 14, wherein said retainer is a pair of aligned apertures in said hanging bracket spaced from a bottom wall of said channel and a pin received in said aligned apertures so as to capture said spring bar in said channel.
16. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 15, wherein said retainer further includes a spring clip for securing said pin in position in said aligned apertures.
17. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 1, further including a retainer for retaining said spring bar in said channel.
18. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 17, wherein said retainer is a pair of aligned apertures in said hanging bracket spaced from a bottom wall of said channel and a pin received in said aligned apertures so as to capture said spring bar in said channel.
19. The weight distributing hitch assembly set forth in claim 18, wherein said retainer further includes a spring clip for securing said pin in position in said aligned apertures.
20. A hanging bracket for a weight distributing hitch assembly including a spring bar, comprising:
a body including a proximal end for mounting to a trailer and a distal end defining a channel for receiving a spring bar.
a body including a proximal end for mounting to a trailer and a distal end defining a channel for receiving a spring bar.
21. The hanging bracket of claim 20, wherein said body is substantially J-shaped.
22. The hanging bracket set forth in claim 20, wherein said channel includes a friction pad for engaging said spring bar and providing sway control.
23. The hanging bracket set forth in claim 22, further including a retainer for retaining said spring bar in said channel.
24. The hanging bracket set forth in claim 23, wherein said retainer is a pair of aligned apertures in said hanging bracket spaced from a bottom wall of said channel and a pin received in said aligned apertures so as to capture said spring bar in said channel.
25. The hanging bracket set forth in claim 24, wherein said retainer further includes a spring clip for securing said pin in position in said aligned apertures.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US57228295A | 1995-12-13 | 1995-12-13 | |
| US08/572,282 | 1995-12-13 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2191059A1 true CA2191059A1 (en) | 1997-06-14 |
Family
ID=24287131
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2191059 Abandoned CA2191059A1 (en) | 1995-12-13 | 1996-11-22 | Weight distributing hitch with spring bar hanging bracket |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU7421996A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2191059A1 (en) |
-
1996
- 1996-11-22 CA CA 2191059 patent/CA2191059A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-12-06 AU AU74219/96A patent/AU7421996A/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU7421996A (en) | 1997-06-19 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |