Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
  • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
  • B60D1/01—Traction couplings or hitches characterised by their type
  • B60D1/02—Bolt or shackle-type couplings
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
  • B62D25/00—Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for
  • B62D25/20—Floors or bottom sub-units
  • B62D25/2081—Jack receiving devices
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
  • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
  • B60D1/01—Traction couplings or hitches characterised by their type
  • B60D1/07—Multi-hitch devices, i.e. comprising several hitches of the same or of a different type; Hitch-adaptors, i.e. for converting hitches from one type to another
  • B60D1/075—Hitch-adaptors
• • 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
  • B60D1/485—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting mounted by means of transversal members attached to the frame of a vehicle
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
  • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
  • B60D1/58—Auxiliary devices

Definitions

• the present invention relates generally to receiver assemblies and, more particularly, to a receiver assembly incorporating two or more accessory receivers for receiving and holding various useful accessories including but not limited to a bike rack, ski rack, cargo carrier, directable light, flag holder and brash bar.
• towing hitches that are mounted to vehicles in order to allow the towing of trailers or the like.
• hitches have been designed to include a receiver box having a rearwardly directed opening or cavity for the receipt of a hitch or draw bar that carries a hitch ball or other means allowing connection to a trailer.
• Examples of such a structure include the Insta-Hitch II and Custom Hitch Receiver 35365 as manufactured by Reese Products, Inc. of Elkhart, Indiana.
• Such a hitch receiver is also disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 3,768,837 to Reese.
• the present invention relates to an apparatus allowing for or accommodating the mounting of just such an accessory. More specifically, an assembly with one or more accessory receivers is provided.
• an improved receiver assembly for towing a trailer behind a towing vehicle.
• the receiver assembly includes a central frame member and a hitch receiver box carried on the central frame member.
• the hitch receiver box is adapted to receive a hitch bar or draw bar for towing a trailer.
• the receiver assembly also includes vehicle mounting brackets carried on the central frame member that allow the receiver assembly to be secured to the towing vehicle. Additionally, the receiver assembly includes a first accessory receiver and a first accessory receiver mounting bracket secured to the first accessory receiver as well as to the central frame member.
• the first accessory receiver mounting bracket is a mounting plate having a first slot for receiving the first accessory receiver and a second slot for receiving the central frame member.
• the first slot is rectangular and the second slot is semicircular.
• the first slot includes a first axis of symmetry and the second slot includes an axis of symmetry wherein lines A and B along the axes of symmetry define an included angle of between about 20° to about 60° and more typically from about 45° to about 50°.
• the first accessory receiver mounting bracket is a pair of cooperating mounting plates.
• Each of the pair of cooperating mounting plates includes an aperture for receiving and engaging the first accessory receiver.
• the central frame member has an outer dimension D
• the pair of cooperating plates are spaced apart a distance D corresponding to the outer dimension D whereby the pair of cooperating plates engage opposing points on the central frame member.
• the first accessory receiver mounting bracket is a pair of cooperating mounting plates wherein each of the pair of cooperating mounting plates includes a first slot for receiving and engaging the central frame member. Each of the first slots is semicircular. Additionally, where the first accessory receiver has an outer dimension D l5 the pair of cooperating mounting plates are spaced apart a distance Dj corresponding to the outer dimension D,. In this manner the pair of cooperating plates engage opposing points on the first accessory receiver.
• multiple accessory receivers are provided on the receiver assembly.
• the receiver assembly may be further defined as including a second accessory receiver and a second accessory receiver mounting bracket. The second accessory receiver mounting bracket is secured to the second accessory receiver as well as to the central frame member.
• the second accessory receiver mounting bracket is a mounting plate having a first slot for receiving the second accessory receiver and a second slot for receiving the central frame member.
• the first slot is rectangular and the second slot is semicircular.
• the first slot includes a first axis of symmetry A and the second slot includes an axis of symmetry B wherein the axes of symmetry A and B define an included angle of between about 20° to about 60° and more typically about 45° to about 50°.
• the second accessory receiver mounting bracket is a pair of cooperating mounting plates.
• Each of the mounting plates includes an aperture for receiving and engaging the second accessory receiver.
• the pair of cooperating plates are spaced apart a distance D corresponding to the outer dimension D whereby the pair of cooperating plates engage opposing points on the central frame member.
• the second accessory receiver mounting bracket is a pair of cooperating mounting plates.
• Each of the pair of cooperating mounting plates includes a first slot for receiving and engaging the central frame member.
• Each of the first slots is semicircular.
• the second accessory receiver has an outer dimension Dj and the pair of cooperating mounting plates are spaced apart a distance Dj corresponding to the outer dimension D l5 the pair of cooperating plates engage opposing points on the second accessory receiver.
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the receiver assembly of the present invention holding an accessory;
• Figures 2a - 2b are respective detailed perspective and side elevational views of the accessory receiver mounting bracket of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;
• Figures 3a - 3b are respective detailed perspective and side elevational views of an alternative embodiment of the accessory receiver mounting bracket
• Figures 4a - 4b are respective detailed perspective and rear side elevational views of another alternative embodiment of the accessory receiver mounting bracket
• Figure 5 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment wherein the assembly includes accessory mounting receivers but no receiver box;
• Figure 6 is a partially exploded perspective view showing still another alternative embodiment wherein the accessory receiver mounting bracket includes a slot for engaging the central frame member and the wall of the port includes a slot for engaging the body of the mounting bracket.
• the receiver assembly 10 includes a central frame member or cross member 12 preferably formed from a pair of tubular steel sections 14 welded to the opposing side walls 16 of a centrally located receiver box 18 so as to project outwardly in opposing directions.
• the tubular steel sections 14 may be formed with a round cross section as shown in the drawing figures, a square, elliptical, hexagonal or octagonal cross section or any other appropriate shape providing the necessary strength to function as a trailer hitch assembly.
• the receiver box 18 includes a reinforced lip 20 defining an opening leading to a hitch bar receiving cavity 22. Aligned apertures 24 in the opposing side walls 16 of the receiver box 18 allow the secure connection of a hitch bar in the receiver box in a manner well known in the art by means of a connecting pin and cooperating pin clip (not shown).
• a chain plate 26 is welded to the receiver box 18 and tubular steel sections 14 in order to strengthen the connection. As is known in the art, chain plate 26 includes two apertures 28. The safety chains of a trailer may be connected to the chain plate 26 through engagement in these apertures 28.
• Vehicle mounting brackets 30 are mounted adjacent the distal end of each tubular section 14. More specifically, the brackets 30 are welded to the tubular sections 14 in order to complete the connection.
• the mounting brackets 30 each include a mounting flange 34 with apertures 38. Nut and bolt fasteners (not shown) are extended through these apertures 38 and cooperating apertures drilled in the frame of the towing vehicle in order to mount the receiver assembly 10 thereto.
• the receiver assembly 10 incorporates a pair of accessory receivers 40 carried on the tubular sections 14 of the central frame member 12.
• Each of the accessory receivers 40 is formed from a steel tube that is welded to an accessory receiver mounting bracket 42 that is, in turn, welded to one of the tubular sections 14 so that one accessory receiver is positioned between the receiver box 18 and each mounting bracket 30.
• each accessory receiver 40 includes a circular port or opening 44 and cooperating aligned apertures 46 in the sidewall thereof to allow secure connection of a selected accessory, such as the vehicle body guard or brush bar 50 shown, by means of a connecting pin and pin clip of a type well known in the art (not shown) such as utilized to secure the hitch bar in the receiver box 18.
• Accessory receiver 40 shown in the drawing as a round cross section may also be square, rectangle or any appropriate shape providing the necessary strength and function.
• each of the accessory receivers 40 is oriented with respect to the central frame member 12, receiver box 18 and the towing vehicle upon which the assembly 10 is mounted so as to be readily accessible by the towing vehicle operator. More specifically, the hitch receiver box 18 extends in a substantially horizontal plane and each accessory receiver 40 has a longitudinal axis extending in a second plane projecting upwardly from the plane of the receiver box 18 and frame member 12 at an included angle of about 10° to about 30° and more typically 20°.
• the sections 14 of the central frame member 12 are positioned directly under the bumper of the vehicle. Both the receiver box 18 and the accessory receivers 40 project from the sections 14 so as to extend to or beyond the rear edge of the bumper. Additionally, the accessory receivers 40 project upwardly at an angle of about 10° to about 30° (e.g., about 20°) with respect to the receiver box 18, the frame member 12 and the horizontal. Thus, the circular ports or openings 44 of the accessory receivers 40 are both readily visible and accessible.
• the user engages the ports or openings 44 of the accessory receivers 40 with the mounting ends 52 of the vehicle body guard or brush bar 50.
• the lower lip of the accessory receivers 40 function to support the weight of the accessory 50 as the accessory is being inserted, thereby providing more convenient ease of manipulation.
• the circular shape of the accessory ports or openings 44 and cooperating mounting ends 52 further insure ease of connection.
• the ends 52 and the openings 44 in the receivers 40 are both round, they present continuous, uninterrupted mating sidewalls. Accordingly, it is not necessary to index the mounting ends 52 in any way to insure proper geometry for mating; simple alignment is all that is necessary.
• mounting ends 52 may be flexed slightly in virtually any direction during mating as an additional aid when making the connection.
• the mounting ends 52 slide readily into the receivers 40.
• cross apertures (not shown) in the ends 52 are in alignment with the apertures 44.
• a connecting pin (not shown) is then positioned in these apertures and a pin clip (not shown) is used to secure the pin in position.
• the resulting two point connection through the receivers 40 dramatically increases the stability of the connection between the vehicle body guard or brush bar 50 and the vehicle.
• the vehicle body guard/brush bar 50 may be easily removed by removing the pin clips and connecting pins and pulling the ends 52 from the receivers 40.
• the mounting bracket 42 comprises a mounting plate having a first slot 60 for receiving the accessory receiver 40 and a second slot 62 for receiving a tubular section 14 of the central frame member 12.
• first slot 60 is rectangular in shape
• second slot 62 is semicircular in shape.
• slots 60, 62 are shaped to correspond to the shape of the receiver 40 and tubular section 14 of the central frame member 12, respectively, no matter what shape they assume.
• Weld beads illustrated at W complete the connection of the receiver 40, the mounting bracket 42 and the tubular section 14.
• the slots 60, 62 are provided in a particular orientation best illustrated in Figure 2b.
• the first slot 60 includes a first axis of symmetry.
• the second slot 62 includes a second axis of symmetry. Lines A and B extending along these axes of symmetry define an included angle G of between about 20° to about 60° and more typically about 45° to about 50°.
• This mounting bracket 42 ' comprises a pair of cooperating mounting plates 70.
• Each of the mounting plates 70 includes an aperture 72 for receiving and engaging the accessory receiver 40.
• the tubular section 14 of the central frame member 12 has an outer dimension D.
• the pair of cooperating plates 70 are spaced apart a distance D corresponding to the outer dimension D of the tubular section 14. In this manner the pair of cooperating plates 70 engage opposing points 74 on the tubular section 14 of the central frame member 12.
• the plates 70 are formed from steel like the accessory receiver 40 and the tubular section
• weld beads W may be utilized to complete the connection of these component parts.
• FIGS. 4a and 4b Yet another embodiment of the accessory receiver mounting bracket 42 " is shown in Figures 4a and 4b.
• the mounting bracket 42 " of this embodiment is a pair of cooperating mounting plates 80.
• Each of the mounting plates 80 includes a first slot 82 for receiving and engaging the tubular section 14 of the central frame member 12. Where that tubular section is circular the configuration of the slot 82 is semicircular or circular.
• the slot 82 is configured to match at least a portion of the peripheral outline of the tubular section 14 regardless of its configuration or shape (e.g., square, rectangular, hexagonal, elliptical).
• the accessory receiver 40 has an outer dimension D,.
• the pair of cooperating plates 80 are spaced apart a distance Dj corresponding to the outer dimension Dj of the accessory receiver 40.
• the cooperating plates 80 engage opposing points 84 on the accessory receiver 40.
• weld beads W may be provided to complete the secure connection between the accessory receiver 40, the mounting bracket 42 " and the tubular section 14 of the central frame member 12.
• such an embodiment may include a single piece central frame member or cross bar 90 if desired. While not useful for towing a trailer such embodiments allow one to transport and utilize various accessories in a convenient and efficient manner. Further, such an assembly is suitable for use on smaller, relatively low power vehicles that are not suited for trailer towing but are capable of accommodating and transporting a desired accessory.
• the accessory mounting bracket 42"' may only include a slot 62 for engaging the outer wall of the central frame member 12.
• the wall of the receiver 40 includes a pair of slots 63 for receiving the body of the bracket 42'". Where all component parts 42'", 40 are steel, the connection may be completed by welding.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Transportation (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=23005987

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

Families Citing this family (1)

Citations (6)

Family Cites Families (4)

• 2001
  • 2001-10-02 WO PCT/US2001/030778 patent/WO2002058960A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2001-10-02 CA CA002435882A patent/CA2435882A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2001-10-02 EP EP01979369A patent/EP1360087A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2001-10-02 JP JP2002559272A patent/JP2004520996A/ja active Pending
  • 2001-10-02 KR KR10-2003-7009853A patent/KR20030079963A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation

Patent Citations (6)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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