CA2464240C - Height-adjustable trailer hitch - Google Patents
Height-adjustable trailer hitch Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2464240C CA2464240C CA 2464240 CA2464240A CA2464240C CA 2464240 C CA2464240 C CA 2464240C CA 2464240 CA2464240 CA 2464240 CA 2464240 A CA2464240 A CA 2464240A CA 2464240 C CA2464240 C CA 2464240C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- receiver assembly
- height
- vertically oriented
- hitch
- towing
- 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 - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
- B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
- B60D1/24—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions
- B60D1/42—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for being adjustable
- B60D1/46—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for being adjustable vertically
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- 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
- B60D1/52—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting removably mounted
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Automatic Assembly (AREA)
- Vehicle Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair, Refitting, And Outriggers (AREA)
Abstract
This invention relates to the field of transportation and more particularly to a vehicle accessory for towing and maneuvering trailers. An adjustable trailer hitch is provided which allows the hitch ball of a towing vehicle to be easily raised from a towing position to a loading/unloading position. The hitch ball is attached to a receiver assembly which slides vertically in a guide. The guide includes a tailpiece which can be inserted into a socket extending from the towing vehicle. At the top of the guide is positioned a winch, the cable from which is attached to the receiver assembly. Using the present invention, it possible to easily raise the ball on the towing vehicle by simply engaging the winch. In the loading/unloading position the rear end of the trailer is near the ground to facilitate movement of a payload on or off the trailer.
Description
HEIGHT-~I3JUSTA~LE TIaAILEII. HITCH
BAC.t~OROUIV~D ~F THE INVEI~I~TIC)N
Field of Invention [0001] This invention relates to the field of transportation and more particularly to a vehicle accessory for towing and maneuvering 1-railers.
Description of the Related Prior Art [0002] As those in the art will appreciate, the towing of a trailer by a towing vehicle such as a pick-up tmek involves fixably mounting a hitch ball to a supporting structure of the towing vehicle, such as to a rear bumper of the vehicle. Conventional hitch balls have a spherical head portion, a flange portion with a threaded stem, and a neck portion spacing the head portion above the flange portion. A typical mounting, such as is presently found on some light pick-up trucks, includes a hole formed in a shelf portion of the rear bumper for receiving the stem, which is fastened by a nut that threadingly engages the stem. Alternately, a rearwag°dly extending rectangular socket is formed in the hitch mount for receiving a rectangular hitch shank. The shank may have formed therein a hole for receiving the stem of the ball, but more commonly a flange such as described above is welded to the shank in offset relation thereto. 'fhe shank is typically fixedly retained in the socket by a clevis pin or bolt fastener that engages aligned transverse openings of the shank and the socket.
BAC.t~OROUIV~D ~F THE INVEI~I~TIC)N
Field of Invention [0001] This invention relates to the field of transportation and more particularly to a vehicle accessory for towing and maneuvering 1-railers.
Description of the Related Prior Art [0002] As those in the art will appreciate, the towing of a trailer by a towing vehicle such as a pick-up tmek involves fixably mounting a hitch ball to a supporting structure of the towing vehicle, such as to a rear bumper of the vehicle. Conventional hitch balls have a spherical head portion, a flange portion with a threaded stem, and a neck portion spacing the head portion above the flange portion. A typical mounting, such as is presently found on some light pick-up trucks, includes a hole formed in a shelf portion of the rear bumper for receiving the stem, which is fastened by a nut that threadingly engages the stem. Alternately, a rearwag°dly extending rectangular socket is formed in the hitch mount for receiving a rectangular hitch shank. The shank may have formed therein a hole for receiving the stem of the ball, but more commonly a flange such as described above is welded to the shank in offset relation thereto. 'fhe shank is typically fixedly retained in the socket by a clevis pin or bolt fastener that engages aligned transverse openings of the shank and the socket.
[0003] Several trailer hitches provide for vertical adjustment of the trailer hitch ball relative to the towing vehicle to accommodate different towed vehicles and/or different loadings of the towed and/or towing vehicle. See, for example, U.S. 4,033,601 to Lindahl et al., which discloses a hitch ball which can be physically removed fr~m the mount and repositioned vertically within a limited range. U.S. 4,103.,32 to Sheppard, Jr., discloses a hitch which is able to adjust the vertical offset within a limited range while the towed vehicle is already coupled to the ball. This hitch includes a mounting plate for vertically oriented attachment to the trailer hitch of the towing vehicle, a slide plate .moveable up and down with respect to the mounting plate by means of a jack screw, and a tongue projecting rearwardly from the slide plate for receiving the ball. The arrangement is problematic because the hitch is awkward to use in that a separate device is required for turning the jackscrew. US 6,663,133 to l~osenlund overcomes this deficiency by providing, among other things, a crank for manually tumin,g the jackscrew.
However, like the prior art, this device is focused on providing sufficient clearance for various towed vehicles having widely varying loads to ensure that the towed vehicle does not strike the ground when in motion. The range of motion provided is also restricted to the small vertical range required to manage the clearance problem.
However, like the prior art, this device is focused on providing sufficient clearance for various towed vehicles having widely varying loads to ensure that the towed vehicle does not strike the ground when in motion. The range of motion provided is also restricted to the small vertical range required to manage the clearance problem.
[0004] As will also be appreciated by those in the art, i;here are numerous devices for easily and quickly aligning the tongue and hitch of a trailer with the ball on a towing vehicle, and for lifting the tongue and hitch on and off the ball. U.S.
5,882,029 to Kennedy for example discloses a trailer hitch alignment and lifting device which comprises a vertical post on or connected to the towing vehicle in front of and in close proximity to the ball. The post has a pivotal arm which can rotate from a vertical position to a rearwardly inclined position. The post has a cable guide at or near its top surface.
The pivotal arm also has a cable guide at or near its top surface. The cable guides are for receiving and guiding a cable connected to a winch on the tongue of the trailer. The tongue of the trailer also has a cable guide in front of the winch near the front end of the tongue. The winch in combination with the pivotal arm allows for some vertical movement of the trailer to facilitate aligmnent and placement onto the ball.
[0005] Although the above devices work adequately for their intended purposes, they do not provide for a trailer hitch which facilitates easy unloading and loading of a trailer attached thereto. The prior art does disclose various tilting trailers which assist loading and unloading activities. U.S. 5,924,836 to Kelly for example, provides a trailer with a bed in which the rear section of the trailer can be rotated downwardly with respect to the front to form a ramp. However, it would be preferable to have a universal trailer hitch which could assist with loading and unloading such that a.ny utility trailer could be used.
The prior art discloses at least two such trailer hitches. U.S. 4,929,028 to Underwood discloses a hitch apparatus which may be conveniently mounted to a vehicle for use in hitching a trailer and for lifting one end of the trailer with respect to the vehicle. It uses an hydraulic mechanism for extending and contracting an hydraulic cylinder from a stowed position to an extended position. U.S. 6,155,588 discloses a hitch apparatus which incorporates a pair of pneumatic shocks to allow a main body assembly to rotate from a contracted to an extended position. )3oth of these devices have relatively restricted range of vertical motion and utilize parts which cannot be readily replaced or repaired without the assistance of a professional.
The pivotal arm also has a cable guide at or near its top surface. The cable guides are for receiving and guiding a cable connected to a winch on the tongue of the trailer. The tongue of the trailer also has a cable guide in front of the winch near the front end of the tongue. The winch in combination with the pivotal arm allows for some vertical movement of the trailer to facilitate aligmnent and placement onto the ball.
[0005] Although the above devices work adequately for their intended purposes, they do not provide for a trailer hitch which facilitates easy unloading and loading of a trailer attached thereto. The prior art does disclose various tilting trailers which assist loading and unloading activities. U.S. 5,924,836 to Kelly for example, provides a trailer with a bed in which the rear section of the trailer can be rotated downwardly with respect to the front to form a ramp. However, it would be preferable to have a universal trailer hitch which could assist with loading and unloading such that a.ny utility trailer could be used.
The prior art discloses at least two such trailer hitches. U.S. 4,929,028 to Underwood discloses a hitch apparatus which may be conveniently mounted to a vehicle for use in hitching a trailer and for lifting one end of the trailer with respect to the vehicle. It uses an hydraulic mechanism for extending and contracting an hydraulic cylinder from a stowed position to an extended position. U.S. 6,155,588 discloses a hitch apparatus which incorporates a pair of pneumatic shocks to allow a main body assembly to rotate from a contracted to an extended position. )3oth of these devices have relatively restricted range of vertical motion and utilize parts which cannot be readily replaced or repaired without the assistance of a professional.
[0006) It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable trailer hitch which overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. It is also an object of this invention to provide a self contained hitch apparatus which can be readily attached to a conventional pick-up truck without major modification of the vehicle frame.
Another object of the invention is to provide a hitch apparatus which has a wide vertical range of motion. It is still another object of this invention to provide a hitch apparatus which can be installed, operated and maintained by a vehicle owner having limited technical knowledge.
SUMMARY ~F THE INVENTION
Another object of the invention is to provide a hitch apparatus which has a wide vertical range of motion. It is still another object of this invention to provide a hitch apparatus which can be installed, operated and maintained by a vehicle owner having limited technical knowledge.
SUMMARY ~F THE INVENTION
[0007] The above objects are provided by an adjustable trailer hitch which allows the hitch ball to be easily raised from a lowered position to a raised position.
The hitch ball is attached to a receiver assembly which slides vertically in a guide. The guide includes a tail piece which can be inserted into a standard socket extending from the towing vehicle.
At the top of the guide is positioned a winch, the cable from which is attached to the receiver assembly.
The hitch ball is attached to a receiver assembly which slides vertically in a guide. The guide includes a tail piece which can be inserted into a standard socket extending from the towing vehicle.
At the top of the guide is positioned a winch, the cable from which is attached to the receiver assembly.
[0008] In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a height-adjustable trailer hitch for a towing vehicle to facilitate loading and unloading of a towed vehicle coupled to the height-adjustable trailer hitch comprising: a main unit vertically mounted to the towing vehicle, the main unit comprising a vertically oriented guide; a receiver assembly adapted to slide along the vertically oriented guide; and a lifting mechanism fixed to the main unit and removably coupled to the receiver assembly for guiding the receiver assembly along the vertically oriented guide, wherein the receiver assembly can be vertically adjusted from a first position for towing the towed vehicle to a second position for tilting the towed vehicle.
[0009) Preferably, the lifting mechanism is a winch having a retrievable cable extending therefrom, the cable is coupled to the receiver assembly, and the winch is releasably attached to a mounting plate extending from the main unit.
[00010) More preferably, the main unit comprises an elongate hollow tube having a slot formed therein and a tail piece for removable attaclunent to the towing vehicle.
[00011 ) Even more preferably, the receiver assembly is positioned inside the elongate hollow tube and the receiver assembly further comprises a socket extending perpendicularly from the slot for receiving a hitch ball assembly.
[00012) In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a height-adjustable trailer hitch for a towing vehicle to facilitate loading and unloading of a trailer coupled to said height-adjustable trailer hitch comprising: means for vertically guiding said trailer from a towing position to a tilting position, the means for vertically guiding mounted to the towing vehicle; means for receiving the towed vehicle, the means for receiving adapted to slide along the means for vertically guiding; and means for lifting the means for receiving, the means for lifting fixed to the means for vertically guiding and removably coupled to the means for receiving, wherein said means for lifting is adapted to direct said means for receiving along a vertically oriented slot formed in said means for vertically guiding, [00013] The advantage of the present invention is now readily apparent. Using the adjustable trailer hitch, it is possible to easily raise the ball on a towing vehicle from a towing position to a loading/unloading position by simply engaging the winch.
In the loading/unloading position the rear end of a towed vehicle {e.g. trailer) is near the ground to facilitate movement of a payload on or off the towed vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00014] A better understanding of the invention will be obtained by considering the detailed description below, with reference to the following drawings in which:
Figure 1 depicts the present invention in assembled form;
Figure 2 depicts the main unit of the present invention;
Figure 3 depicts the receiver assembly of the present invention;
Figure 4 depicts the upper end of the present invention in assembled form showing a detailed view of the winch;
Figure 5 depicts the lower end of the present invention in assembled form with a ball hitch assembly attached to the receiver assembly of Figure 3;
Figure 6 depicts a cross-section of Figure 5 about the line A-A;
Figure 7 depicts a vehicle with the present invention attached thereto in the tow position;
and Figure 8 depicts the present a vehicle with the present invention attached thereto in the loading/unloading position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[00015] Referring to Figure l, there is depicted a perspective view of the present invention. The height-adjustable trailer hitch (shown generally at 10) comprises main unit 12, receiver assembly 14 and lifting mechanism 16. Figure 2 highlights main unit 12 which further comprises vertically oriented guide 18, and tailpiece 20 reinforced with opposing gussets 21. Opposing apertures 22 are formed in the lower end of main unit 12, while another set of opposing apertures 24 are formed in tailpiece 20. Figure 3 depicts receiver assembly 14 which includes main body 26 and socket 28 extending perpendicularly therefrom. Formed in main body 26 and socket 28 are opposing sets of apertures 30, 32 and aperture 34. The purpose of opposing apertures 22, 24, 30, 32 and aperture 34 will be described in relation to Figure 5. Figure 4 highlights winch 38 which is bolted to mounting plate 40 with bolts 42. As shown in the drawing, mounting plate 40 is ~~elded to the upper end of vertically oriented guide I8. As will be appreciated by those in the art, winch 38 is manually wound using crank handle 41 and includes a locking mechanism 39 to prevent winch 38 from unwinding. As will also be appreciated by those in the art, although winch 38 shown in Figure 4 is of the manual type, winch 38 could also be of the powered type (e.g. an electric winch which runs off the towing vehicles power supply) and such variation is meant to be included v~~ithin the scope of the invention.
[00416] Figure 5 depicts the Iower end of the height-adjustable txailer hitch 10 with a ball hitch assembly (shown generally at 42) attached to receiver assembly 14.
As can be seen, removable locking pin 46 extends through opposing apertures 22 and 30 and is retained by a clip 47 (see Figure 6) to lock receiver assembly 14 in the towing position.
Bolt 48 extends through aperture 34. Cable 50 extends from winch 38 along vertically oriented guide I8 and is secured to bolt 48 as more clearly shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6. Ball hitch assembly 44 comprises shank 52 which mates with socket 28 and offset flange 54 to which hitch ball 56 is attached as is well known in the art. A bore (not shown) axially aligned with opposing apertures 32 receives retaining pin 58 (secured by retaining clip 60) to ensure that shank 52 remains seated in socket 28.
[00017] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 5 about line A-A. As can be seen in the drawing, locking pin 46 (secured by clip 4 7) extends through vertically oriented guide 18 and main body 26 to secure receiver assembly 14. As can also be seen, bolt 48 extends through main body 26 and has attached thereto cable 50. With locking pin 46 removed, tension applied to cable 50 will cause receiver assembly 14 (along with hitch ball assembly 44) to move vertically along vertically oriented guide 18.
[00018] In a preferred embodiment, vertically oriented guide 18 is constructed of an elongate hollow square tube measuring 4"x 4°', 3/16" in thickness and 40°' long.
Vertically oriented guide 18 includes a slot 2 5/8"x 36" along the length of the tube which enables receiver assembly 14 with its protruding socket 28 to travel up and down the tube. Tailpiece 20 comprises a hollow square tube measuring 2'°x 2", 1/4" in thickness and 11" long which is welded to the Lower end of vertically oriented guide 18 and reinforced with gusset 21. Tailpiece 20 also includes opposing apertures 24, measuring 41/64" in diameter which are drilled 2 1/2" from the distal end, to enable tailpiece 20 to be pinned into a standard 2" receiver hitch 62 of towing vehicle 64 (see Figure 7).
Opposing apertures 22 measure 41/64" in diameter and are positioned 8" from the bottom of vertically oriented guide 18. Main body 26 of receiver assembly 14 is constructed of hollow square tube measuring 31/2"x 31/2", 1/4" in thickness and 10" long.
Socket 28 is constructed of seamless hollow square tube measuring 2 1/2"x 2 1/2" which extends through main body 26 to the back wall and is welded in place. Main body 26 has opposing apertures 30 measuring 41/64" in diameter which are positioned 2 1/4"
from the top to allow locking pin 46 to be inserted through both opposing apertures 22 and 30, thereby locking receiver assembly 14 in the towing position. Aperture 34 of main body 26 measures 1/2" in diameter and is positioned 3" from the top. Reinforcement ridge 36 is constructed of a 3/4" long piece of hollow square tube measuring 3"x3", which is 1/4"
in thickness and welded over the end of socket 28. Mounting plate 40 is a 6"x 4" steel plate, 1/4 in thickness and is welded to the top of main unit 12. V~inch 38 with a 1400 lb rating and 3/16" aircraft cable 50 is attached to mounting plate 40 with 3/8"
bolts 42 and nylock nuts. fable 50 with a thimble and crimped end is attached to receiver assembly 14 with 1/2" bolt 48 (secured by a flat washer and nylock nut) which extends through aperture 34. Vertically oriented guide 18 also includes a further pair of opposing apertures (not shown) 16" up from the tow point for other possible uses.
[00019] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, in operation tailpiece 20 of height-adjustable trailer hitch 10 is secured to receiver hitch 62 which is rigidly attached to the rear of towing vehicle 64. As previously described in relation to Figures 5 and 6, cable 50 extending from winch 38 is attached to bolt 48 which is coupled to receiver assembly 14.
When towed vehicle 64 is being pulled, receiver assembly 14 (with ball hitch assembly 44 attached thereto) is secured at the lower end of vertically oriented guide 18 with locking pin 46. When loading or unloading of towed vehicle 64 is desired, locking pin 46 is removed and winch 48 is engaged using crank handle 41. Tension applied to cable 50 causes receiver assembly 14 (along with hitch ball assembly 44) to move vertically along vertically oriented guide 18. When the desired height is reached by winding crank handle 41 of winch 38, locking mechanism 39 is engaged. Figure 8 depicts towed vehicle 66 in a tilted position which facilitates loading and unloading of a payload (not shown) by minimizing the vertical distance over the payload must be moved.
[00020] Although various exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made which will achieve some of the advantages of tl~e invention without departing from the true scope of the invention. For example, winch 40 could be positioned along the back plate of vertically oriented guide 18 with cable 50 extending over the top of vertically oriented guide 18 to facilitate lifting of receiver assembly 14.
Alternately, tailpiece 20 could be reconfigured for mounting to vehicles not equipped with a standard 2" receiver hitch. Additionally, hitch ball assembly 44 could be reconfigured to accommodate trailers with other coupling mechanisms.
[00021 ] A person understanding this invention may now conceive of alternative structures and embodiments or variations of the above all of which are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow.
[00011 ) Even more preferably, the receiver assembly is positioned inside the elongate hollow tube and the receiver assembly further comprises a socket extending perpendicularly from the slot for receiving a hitch ball assembly.
[00012) In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a height-adjustable trailer hitch for a towing vehicle to facilitate loading and unloading of a trailer coupled to said height-adjustable trailer hitch comprising: means for vertically guiding said trailer from a towing position to a tilting position, the means for vertically guiding mounted to the towing vehicle; means for receiving the towed vehicle, the means for receiving adapted to slide along the means for vertically guiding; and means for lifting the means for receiving, the means for lifting fixed to the means for vertically guiding and removably coupled to the means for receiving, wherein said means for lifting is adapted to direct said means for receiving along a vertically oriented slot formed in said means for vertically guiding, [00013] The advantage of the present invention is now readily apparent. Using the adjustable trailer hitch, it is possible to easily raise the ball on a towing vehicle from a towing position to a loading/unloading position by simply engaging the winch.
In the loading/unloading position the rear end of a towed vehicle {e.g. trailer) is near the ground to facilitate movement of a payload on or off the towed vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00014] A better understanding of the invention will be obtained by considering the detailed description below, with reference to the following drawings in which:
Figure 1 depicts the present invention in assembled form;
Figure 2 depicts the main unit of the present invention;
Figure 3 depicts the receiver assembly of the present invention;
Figure 4 depicts the upper end of the present invention in assembled form showing a detailed view of the winch;
Figure 5 depicts the lower end of the present invention in assembled form with a ball hitch assembly attached to the receiver assembly of Figure 3;
Figure 6 depicts a cross-section of Figure 5 about the line A-A;
Figure 7 depicts a vehicle with the present invention attached thereto in the tow position;
and Figure 8 depicts the present a vehicle with the present invention attached thereto in the loading/unloading position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[00015] Referring to Figure l, there is depicted a perspective view of the present invention. The height-adjustable trailer hitch (shown generally at 10) comprises main unit 12, receiver assembly 14 and lifting mechanism 16. Figure 2 highlights main unit 12 which further comprises vertically oriented guide 18, and tailpiece 20 reinforced with opposing gussets 21. Opposing apertures 22 are formed in the lower end of main unit 12, while another set of opposing apertures 24 are formed in tailpiece 20. Figure 3 depicts receiver assembly 14 which includes main body 26 and socket 28 extending perpendicularly therefrom. Formed in main body 26 and socket 28 are opposing sets of apertures 30, 32 and aperture 34. The purpose of opposing apertures 22, 24, 30, 32 and aperture 34 will be described in relation to Figure 5. Figure 4 highlights winch 38 which is bolted to mounting plate 40 with bolts 42. As shown in the drawing, mounting plate 40 is ~~elded to the upper end of vertically oriented guide I8. As will be appreciated by those in the art, winch 38 is manually wound using crank handle 41 and includes a locking mechanism 39 to prevent winch 38 from unwinding. As will also be appreciated by those in the art, although winch 38 shown in Figure 4 is of the manual type, winch 38 could also be of the powered type (e.g. an electric winch which runs off the towing vehicles power supply) and such variation is meant to be included v~~ithin the scope of the invention.
[00416] Figure 5 depicts the Iower end of the height-adjustable txailer hitch 10 with a ball hitch assembly (shown generally at 42) attached to receiver assembly 14.
As can be seen, removable locking pin 46 extends through opposing apertures 22 and 30 and is retained by a clip 47 (see Figure 6) to lock receiver assembly 14 in the towing position.
Bolt 48 extends through aperture 34. Cable 50 extends from winch 38 along vertically oriented guide I8 and is secured to bolt 48 as more clearly shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6. Ball hitch assembly 44 comprises shank 52 which mates with socket 28 and offset flange 54 to which hitch ball 56 is attached as is well known in the art. A bore (not shown) axially aligned with opposing apertures 32 receives retaining pin 58 (secured by retaining clip 60) to ensure that shank 52 remains seated in socket 28.
[00017] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 5 about line A-A. As can be seen in the drawing, locking pin 46 (secured by clip 4 7) extends through vertically oriented guide 18 and main body 26 to secure receiver assembly 14. As can also be seen, bolt 48 extends through main body 26 and has attached thereto cable 50. With locking pin 46 removed, tension applied to cable 50 will cause receiver assembly 14 (along with hitch ball assembly 44) to move vertically along vertically oriented guide 18.
[00018] In a preferred embodiment, vertically oriented guide 18 is constructed of an elongate hollow square tube measuring 4"x 4°', 3/16" in thickness and 40°' long.
Vertically oriented guide 18 includes a slot 2 5/8"x 36" along the length of the tube which enables receiver assembly 14 with its protruding socket 28 to travel up and down the tube. Tailpiece 20 comprises a hollow square tube measuring 2'°x 2", 1/4" in thickness and 11" long which is welded to the Lower end of vertically oriented guide 18 and reinforced with gusset 21. Tailpiece 20 also includes opposing apertures 24, measuring 41/64" in diameter which are drilled 2 1/2" from the distal end, to enable tailpiece 20 to be pinned into a standard 2" receiver hitch 62 of towing vehicle 64 (see Figure 7).
Opposing apertures 22 measure 41/64" in diameter and are positioned 8" from the bottom of vertically oriented guide 18. Main body 26 of receiver assembly 14 is constructed of hollow square tube measuring 31/2"x 31/2", 1/4" in thickness and 10" long.
Socket 28 is constructed of seamless hollow square tube measuring 2 1/2"x 2 1/2" which extends through main body 26 to the back wall and is welded in place. Main body 26 has opposing apertures 30 measuring 41/64" in diameter which are positioned 2 1/4"
from the top to allow locking pin 46 to be inserted through both opposing apertures 22 and 30, thereby locking receiver assembly 14 in the towing position. Aperture 34 of main body 26 measures 1/2" in diameter and is positioned 3" from the top. Reinforcement ridge 36 is constructed of a 3/4" long piece of hollow square tube measuring 3"x3", which is 1/4"
in thickness and welded over the end of socket 28. Mounting plate 40 is a 6"x 4" steel plate, 1/4 in thickness and is welded to the top of main unit 12. V~inch 38 with a 1400 lb rating and 3/16" aircraft cable 50 is attached to mounting plate 40 with 3/8"
bolts 42 and nylock nuts. fable 50 with a thimble and crimped end is attached to receiver assembly 14 with 1/2" bolt 48 (secured by a flat washer and nylock nut) which extends through aperture 34. Vertically oriented guide 18 also includes a further pair of opposing apertures (not shown) 16" up from the tow point for other possible uses.
[00019] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, in operation tailpiece 20 of height-adjustable trailer hitch 10 is secured to receiver hitch 62 which is rigidly attached to the rear of towing vehicle 64. As previously described in relation to Figures 5 and 6, cable 50 extending from winch 38 is attached to bolt 48 which is coupled to receiver assembly 14.
When towed vehicle 64 is being pulled, receiver assembly 14 (with ball hitch assembly 44 attached thereto) is secured at the lower end of vertically oriented guide 18 with locking pin 46. When loading or unloading of towed vehicle 64 is desired, locking pin 46 is removed and winch 48 is engaged using crank handle 41. Tension applied to cable 50 causes receiver assembly 14 (along with hitch ball assembly 44) to move vertically along vertically oriented guide 18. When the desired height is reached by winding crank handle 41 of winch 38, locking mechanism 39 is engaged. Figure 8 depicts towed vehicle 66 in a tilted position which facilitates loading and unloading of a payload (not shown) by minimizing the vertical distance over the payload must be moved.
[00020] Although various exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made which will achieve some of the advantages of tl~e invention without departing from the true scope of the invention. For example, winch 40 could be positioned along the back plate of vertically oriented guide 18 with cable 50 extending over the top of vertically oriented guide 18 to facilitate lifting of receiver assembly 14.
Alternately, tailpiece 20 could be reconfigured for mounting to vehicles not equipped with a standard 2" receiver hitch. Additionally, hitch ball assembly 44 could be reconfigured to accommodate trailers with other coupling mechanisms.
[00021 ] A person understanding this invention may now conceive of alternative structures and embodiments or variations of the above all of which are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow.
Claims (12)
1. A height-adjustable trailer hitch for a towing vehicle to facilitate loading and unloading of a towed vehicle coupled to said height-adjustable trailer hitch comprising:
(a) a main unit vertically mounted to said towing vehicle, said main unit comprising a vertically oriented guide;
(b) a receiver assembly adapted to slide along said vertically oriented guide;
and (c) a lifting mechanism fixed to said vertically oriented guide and removably coupled to said receiver assembly for guiding said receiver assembly along said vertically oriented guide.
wherein said receiver assembly can be vertically adjusted from a first position for towing said towed vehicle to a second position for tilting said towed vehicle.
(a) a main unit vertically mounted to said towing vehicle, said main unit comprising a vertically oriented guide;
(b) a receiver assembly adapted to slide along said vertically oriented guide;
and (c) a lifting mechanism fixed to said vertically oriented guide and removably coupled to said receiver assembly for guiding said receiver assembly along said vertically oriented guide.
wherein said receiver assembly can be vertically adjusted from a first position for towing said towed vehicle to a second position for tilting said towed vehicle.
2. The height-adjustable trailer hitch of claim 1 further comprising a locking mechanism for securing said receiver assembly in a towing position.
3. The height-adjustable trailer hitch of claim 2 wherein said locking mechanism comprises a removable pin extending perpendicularly through axially aligned apertures formed in said vertically oriented guide and said receiver assembly.
4. The height-adjustable trailer hitch of claim 3 wherein said lifting mechanism is a winch having a retrievable cable extending therefrom and wherein said cable is removably coupled to said receiver assembly, and wherein said winch is releasably attached to a mounting plate affixed to said vertically oriented guide.
5. The height-adjustable trailer hitch of claim 4 wherein said winch comprises a crank handle coupled to said cable to facilitate manual winding of said cable.
6. The height-adjustable trailer hitch of claim 4 wherein said winch comprises an electric motor coupled to said cable to facilitate automatic winding of said cable upon actuation by a user.
7. The height-adjustable trailer hitch of claim 5 wherein said vertically oriented guide comprises an elongate hollow tube having upper and lower ends and a slot formed therein, and wherein a tailpiece extends perpendicularly from said lower end for removable attachment to said towing vehicle.
8. The height-adjustable trailer hitch of claim 7 wherein said receiver assembly further comprises a main body and a socket extending perpendicularly therefrom, and wherein said main body engages said elongate hollow tube for axially guided movement relative thereto, and wherein said socket protrudes from said slot and receives a hitch ball assembly.
9. The height-adjustable trailer hitch of claim 8 wherein said hitch ball assembly comprises a shank for releasable mating with said socket, said shank having extended therefrom an offset flange to which the hitch ball is attached.
10. The height-adjustable trailer hitch of claim 9 wherein said shank is releasably mated to said socket with a pin extending through opposing apertures in said socket and a an axially aligned bore formed in said shank.
11. A height-adjustable trailer hitch for a towing vehicle to facilitate loading and unloading of a trailer coupled to said height-adjustable trailer hitch comprising:
(a) means for vertically guiding said trailer from a towing position to a tilting position, said means for vertically guiding mounted to said towing vehicle;
(b) means for receiving said towed vehicle, said means for receiving adapted to slide along said means for vertically guiding; and (c) means for lifting said means for receiving, said means for lifting fixed to said means for vertically guiding and removably coupled to said means for receiving, wherein said means for lifting is adapted to direct said means for receiving along a vertically oriented slot formed in said means for vertically guiding.
(a) means for vertically guiding said trailer from a towing position to a tilting position, said means for vertically guiding mounted to said towing vehicle;
(b) means for receiving said towed vehicle, said means for receiving adapted to slide along said means for vertically guiding; and (c) means for lifting said means for receiving, said means for lifting fixed to said means for vertically guiding and removably coupled to said means for receiving, wherein said means for lifting is adapted to direct said means for receiving along a vertically oriented slot formed in said means for vertically guiding.
12. A method of loading payload from ground level onto a trailer using an adjustable trailer hitch coupled to a towing vehicle, said trailer having a towing end, a loading end and a pair of wheels, said adjustable trailer hitch having: a main unit vertically mounted to said towing vehicle, said main unit comprising a vertically oriented guide;
a receiver assembly adapted to slide along said vertically oriented guide; and a lifting mechanism fixed to said vertically oriented guide and removably coupled to said receiver assembly for guiding said receiver assembly along said vertically oriented guide, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) coupling said towing end of said trailer to said receiver assembly;
(b) removing a receiver assembly locking pin from said vertically oriented guide;
(c) engaging said lifting mechanism to raise said receiver assembly from a towing position to a loading position, said trailer tilting to a position whereby said loading end is near said ground level;
(d) loading said payload onto said trailer;
(e) engaging said lifting mechanism to lower said receiver assembly from said loading position to said towing position; and (f) inserting said receiver assembly locking pin into said vertically oriented guide.
a receiver assembly adapted to slide along said vertically oriented guide; and a lifting mechanism fixed to said vertically oriented guide and removably coupled to said receiver assembly for guiding said receiver assembly along said vertically oriented guide, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) coupling said towing end of said trailer to said receiver assembly;
(b) removing a receiver assembly locking pin from said vertically oriented guide;
(c) engaging said lifting mechanism to raise said receiver assembly from a towing position to a loading position, said trailer tilting to a position whereby said loading end is near said ground level;
(d) loading said payload onto said trailer;
(e) engaging said lifting mechanism to lower said receiver assembly from said loading position to said towing position; and (f) inserting said receiver assembly locking pin into said vertically oriented guide.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2464240 CA2464240C (en) | 2004-04-14 | 2004-04-14 | Height-adjustable trailer hitch |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2464240 CA2464240C (en) | 2004-04-14 | 2004-04-14 | Height-adjustable trailer hitch |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2464240A1 CA2464240A1 (en) | 2005-10-14 |
| CA2464240C true CA2464240C (en) | 2008-10-14 |
Family
ID=35253730
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2464240 Expired - Fee Related CA2464240C (en) | 2004-04-14 | 2004-04-14 | Height-adjustable trailer hitch |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2464240C (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR101272928B1 (en) * | 2011-11-29 | 2013-06-11 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Hitch receiver apparatus for vehicle |
| DE102014217621A1 (en) * | 2014-09-03 | 2016-03-03 | Rockinger Agriculture Gmbh | Motor vehicle, in particular agricultural motor vehicle, with a load-facilitating device and load-facilitating device for this purpose |
| WO2017083235A1 (en) * | 2015-11-12 | 2017-05-18 | Davis Theodore R | Ever-level adjustable ball hitch |
-
2004
- 2004-04-14 CA CA 2464240 patent/CA2464240C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2464240A1 (en) | 2005-10-14 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20140415 |