US20150266348A1 - Removable trailer tow hitch - Google Patents
Removable trailer tow hitch Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150266348A1 US20150266348A1 US14/664,376 US201514664376A US2015266348A1 US 20150266348 A1 US20150266348 A1 US 20150266348A1 US 201514664376 A US201514664376 A US 201514664376A US 2015266348 A1 US2015266348 A1 US 2015266348A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- clamping portion
- tow hitch
- lever arm
- tongue
- engage
- 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
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Classifications
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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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- 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
- B60D1/06—Ball-and-socket hitches, e.g. constructional details, auxiliary devices, their arrangement on the vehicle
- B60D1/065—Ball-and-socket hitches, e.g. constructional details, auxiliary devices, their arrangement on the vehicle characterised by the hitch mechanism
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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
- B60D1/56—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting securing to the vehicle bumper
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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
- B60D1/56—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting securing to the vehicle bumper
- B60D1/565—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting securing to the vehicle bumper having an eyelet
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
- B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
- B60D2001/001—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices specially adapted for use on vehicles other than cars
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a trailer tow hitch removably secured to a small vehicle, such as a golf cart.
- a removable trailer tow hitch is provided.
- the removable trailer tow hitch includes a tongue having a first clamping portion at a first end and a second end configured to receive a towing connection.
- the first clamping portion is configured to engage a vehicle bumper.
- a lever arm having a second clamping portion, configured to engage a vehicle frame, is pivotally attached to the tongue. The second clamping portion removably secures the trailer tow hitch to a vehicle when the lever arm is moved from an open position to a closed position.
- a golf cart is provided.
- the golf cart includes a frame and a bumper secured to the frame.
- a tow hitch having a first clamping portion is configured to engage the bumper.
- a lever arm having a second clamping portion is pivotally affixed to the tow hitch and is configured to engage the frame. The tow hitch is secured to the golf cart when the first clamping portion engages the bumper and the lever arm transitions from an open position to a closed position such that the second clamping portion engages the frame.
- a detachable tow hitch is provided.
- the detachable tow hitch includes a tongue having a towing connection at a first end and a first clamping portion at a second end.
- the first clamping portion is configured to engage a bumper.
- a lever arm, having a second clamping portion configured to engage a frame, is pivotally affixed to the tongue. The detachable tow hitch is secured to a vehicle when the first clamping portion engages the bumper and the lever arm transitions from an open position to a closed position such that the second clamping portion engages the frame.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a removable trailer tow hitch illustrating an open position and a closed position of a lever arm having a clamping portion;
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the removable trailer tow hitch shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a clamping portion of the removable trailer tow hitch shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a towing connection of the removable trailer tow hitch shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the towing connection of the removable trailer tow hitch shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 illustrates the removable trailer tow hitch in the closed position when attached to a bumper and frame of a vehicle
- FIG. 7 illustrates the removable trailer tow hitch attached to a golf cart.
- a removable trailer tow hitch has a tongue with a first clamping portion located at one end, and the tongue is configured to receive a towing connection at the other end.
- the first clamping portion is configured to engage a vehicle bumper.
- a lever arm having a second clamping portion is pivotally attached to the tongue.
- the second clamping portion is configured to removably secure the trailer tow hitch to a vehicle when the lever arm is moved from an open position to a closed position.
- the second clamping portion is configured to engage a vehicle frame, such as a frame of a golf cart.
- a locking mechanism is used to secure the lever arm in the closed position.
- the first end of the tongue may include a slot for receiving the lever arm.
- the first clamping portion may be C-shaped and configured to engage a top portion and two side portions of the vehicle bumper.
- the second clamping portion of the lever arm may include at least one contacting surface that is configured to engage the vehicle frame.
- the second clamping portion of the lever arm may be adjustable relative to the vehicle frame.
- the second end of the tongue may include an aperture that is configured to receive the towing connection.
- the towing connection may include a threaded portion that is configured to secure the towing connecting to the tongue with a bolt.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a removable trailer tow hitch 10 .
- the trailer tow hitch 10 includes a tongue 12 that has a first end 14 and a second end 16 .
- the first end 14 includes a first clamping portion 18 .
- the first clamping portion 18 may be C-shaped and configured to engage a top portion and two side portions of a vehicle bumper.
- a lever arm 20 having a second clamping portion 22 which is configured to engage a vehicle frame.
- the end of the lever arm 20 that is opposite of the clamping portion 22 may include a gripping portion 25 .
- the gripping portion 25 is preferably made from a material that is suitable for allowing a user to grasp the lever arm 20 , such as rubber or soft plastic materials.
- the first clamping portion 18 and the second clamping portion 22 may include engagement pads 23 that are configured to engage with the vehicle bumper and vehicle frame.
- the engagement pads 23 are preferably made from a rubber or soft plastic material that exhibits elastic and cushioning properties.
- the tongue 12 may include a slot 21 into which the lever arm 20 is received.
- the lever arm 20 is pivotally attached to the tongue 12 .
- the attachment of the lever arm 20 to the tongue 12 may include a pin 24 that is inserted through a pair of apertures 26 in the tongue 12 and single aperture 28 that is located on the lever arm 20 .
- the pin 24 may also be press fit into the pair apertures 26 in the tongue 12 to prevent the pin 24 from slipping along its longitudinal axis 30 , and slip fit into the single aperture 28 in the lever arm 20 to allow lever arm 20 to pivot relative to the tongue 12 .
- a bushing 32 may also be inserted into the single aperture 28 to decrease friction and wear of the moving parts.
- the pin 24 may be press fit into the single aperture 28 in the lever arm 20 to prevent the pin 24 from slipping along its longitudinal axis 30 , and slip fit into the pair apertures 26 in the tongue 12 to allow lever arm 20 to pivot relative to the tongue 12 .
- a pair of bushings (not shown) may be inserted into each of the pair apertures 26 to decrease friction and wear of the moving parts.
- the removable trailer tow hitch 10 may be secured to a vehicle when the lever arm 20 is moved from an open position 34 to a closed position 36 . While in the closed position 36 , the first clamping portion 18 engages a top portion and two side portions of a vehicle bumper, and the second clamping portion 22 engages a vehicle frame.
- a locking mechanism 38 may be incorporated into the removable trailer tow hitch 10 to secure the lever arm 20 in the closed position 36 . Securing the lever arm 20 in the closed position 36 prevents the trailer tow hitch from transitioning to the open position 34 , which in turn ensures that the removable trailer tow hitch 10 will remain secured to the vehicle.
- the locking mechanism 38 consists of a pair of tabs 40 that extend from the tongue 12 , each tab 40 having an aperture 42 .
- the locking mechanism also includes a locking pin with a retainer 44 that may be inserted into the apertures 42 in the pair of tabs 40 and an aperture 46 located in the lever arm 20 to secure the lever arm 20 in the closed position 36 .
- a hitch pin coupled with a cotter pin, spring pin, R-clip, hairpin cotter pin, bridge pin, or spring cotter pin may be used in place of the locking pin with a retainer 44 .
- the locking mechanism 38 was described as a locking pin with a retainer 44 that engages a series of apertures, other locking mechanisms 38 may be utilized to lock the lever arm 20 in the closed position 36 , such as a clipping mechanism having a biasing element that retains the lever arm 20 in the closed position 36 or a ratcheting mechanism.
- a second locking mechanism 45 may be pivotally connected to the lever arm 20 .
- a threaded bolt 41 and a nut 43 may pass through aligned apertures 37 in the locking mechanism 45 and lever arm 20 to secure the second locking mechanism 45 to the lever arm 20 .
- a washer (not shown) may be utilized in securing the nut 43 to the threaded bolt 41 .
- the aligned apertures 37 may define an axis 39 in which the second locking mechanism 45 may pivot about.
- the second locking mechanism 45 may have a handle portion 47 and a latching portion 49 that is configured to engage a retaining portion 51 that is affixed to the tongue 12 .
- the retaining portion 51 may consist of a loop or an eyelet.
- the second locking mechanism 45 may also include a biasing element 53 , such as a spring, to bias the latching portion 49 so that it remains engaged with the retaining portion 51 .
- the second locking mechanism 45 may also include a stop 55 that is configured to contact the lever arm 20 in order to prevent the second locking mechanism 45 from pivoting beyond a certain point.
- the second clamping portion 22 of the lever arm 20 may be depicted having a contacting surface 48 and a threaded portion 50 .
- the contacting surface 48 may be utilized for engaging vehicle frames or portions of vehicle frames that are made from materials having significant gaps in the material, such as extruded steel, extruded aluminum, extruded rigid plastics, or other extruded materials.
- the contacting surface 48 of the clamping portion 22 of the lever arm 20 may be covered with a layer of flexible material, such as rubber or soft plastic, for engaging the vehicle frame.
- the layer of flexible material may correspond to the engagement pads 23 previously referred to.
- the clamping portion 22 may be fixed to the lever arm 20 by securing a nut 52 to the threaded portion 50 , once the threaded portion has been extending through an aperture 54 in the lever arm 20 .
- a washer (not shown) may be utilized in securing the nut 52 to the threaded portion 50 .
- the clamping portion 22 may be fixed to the lever arm 20 in some other manner, such as by a welding process.
- FIG. 3 Another embodiment of the second clamping portion 22 is illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- the clamping portion is depicted as a stopper 56 having a threaded portion 58 .
- the stopper 56 may be utilized for engaging vehicle frames or portions of vehicle frames that are made from materials having substantially flat surface areas.
- the stopper may be made from a flexible material, such as rubber or soft plastic.
- the stopper 56 may be fixed to the lever arm 20 by securing the nut 52 to the threaded portion 58 , once the threaded portion 58 has been extended through the aperture 54 in the lever arm 20 .
- a washer (not shown) may be utilized in securing the nut 52 to the threaded portion 58 .
- both the embodiments of the clamping portion 22 are shown as bolted to the lever arm 20 , they may be permanently fixed to (by processes such as welding) or an integral part of the lever arm 20 .
- the clamping portion 22 either having the contacting surface 48 or the stopper 56 , may also be adjustable up and down along the longitudinal axis 60 defined by the aperture 54 .
- the second end 16 of the tongue 12 is configured to receive a towing connection 62 .
- the towing connection 62 may include a threaded portion 64 that is received in an aperture 66 located in the second end 16 of the tongue 12 .
- the towing connection 62 may be fixed to the tongue 12 by securing a nut 68 to the threaded portion 64 , once the threaded portion 64 has been extended through the aperture 66 in the tongue 12 .
- a washer (not shown) may be utilized in securing the nut 68 to the tongue 12 .
- the towing connection 62 may be welded to the tongue 12 .
- the towing connection 62 may include threaded portions that are fed through a plurality of apertures located on the tongue 12 , which is then secured in position by a plurality of bolts.
- the tongue 12 may have one or more threaded studs that are that are fed through apertures located on the towing connecting 62 or apertures located on a metal plate that is connected to the towing connection 62 , which is then secured in position by one or more bolts.
- the towing connecting 62 may be a tow ball 70 as depicted in FIG. 2 , which is configured to receive a tow ball coupler which typically is a ball socket.
- the towing connecting may also be a tow hook 72 as depicted in FIG. 4 , which is configured to receive an eyebolt, lunette ring, or some other form of eye coupler; or a pintle hook 74 as depicted in FIG. 5 , which is also configured to receive an eyebolt, lunette ring, or some other form of eye coupler.
- the type of towing connection should not be construed as limited to the types towing connection listed herein and should be construed to cover all types of towing connections such as a shackle that engages an eyebolt.
- FIG. 6 illustrates how the first end 14 of the vehicle trailer tow hitch 10 attaches to a vehicle.
- the first clamping portion 18 is secured to a vehicle bumper 76 and the second clamping portion 22 is secured to a vehicle frame 78 , when the trailer tow hitch is in the closed position.
- the vehicle bumper 76 may have a top portion 80 and side portions 82 .
- the second clamping portion 22 is depicted as having a contacting surface 48 for engaging the vehicle frame 78 in FIG. 6 , it should be understood that the alternative embodiment having a stopper 56 (depicted in FIG. 3 ) may be substituted for the second clamping portion 22 having the contacting surface 48 .
- Cross sections of the vehicle bumper 76 and vehicle frame 78 are depicted in FIG. 6 to clarify how the trailer tow hitch 10 attaches to the vehicle by eliminating unnecessary details.
- FIG. 7 illustrates the removable trailer tow hitch 10 when attached to a golf cart 100 .
- the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are shown engaging the frame and bumper of golf cart in order to secure the trailer tow hitch to the golf cart, as described above.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
- Handcart (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
Abstract
A removable trailer tow hitch is provided. The removable trailer tow hitch includes a tongue having a first clamping portion located at one end and is configured to receive a towing connection at the other end. The first clamping portion is configured to engage a vehicle bumper. A lever arm having a second clamping portion is pivotally attached to the tongue. The second clamping portion is configured to removably secure the trailer tow hitch to a vehicle when the lever arm is moved from an open position to a closed position. The second clamping portion is configured to engage a vehicle frame.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/969,353 filed Mar. 24, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
- The present disclosure relates to a trailer tow hitch removably secured to a small vehicle, such as a golf cart.
- It is common in some communities, such as retirement communities, for the primary mode of transportation to be vehicles smaller than automobiles, such as golf carts. Golf carts and other small vehicles have smaller cargo space than that of a typical automobile. Accordingly, devices have been proposed to increase the usable cargo space of golf carts and other small vehicles. On such proposal is a trailer tow hitch that is permanently secured to the golf cart. This proposal has certain drawbacks that have not been addressed by the existing devices.
- A removable trailer tow hitch is provided. The removable trailer tow hitch includes a tongue having a first clamping portion at a first end and a second end configured to receive a towing connection. The first clamping portion is configured to engage a vehicle bumper. A lever arm having a second clamping portion, configured to engage a vehicle frame, is pivotally attached to the tongue. The second clamping portion removably secures the trailer tow hitch to a vehicle when the lever arm is moved from an open position to a closed position.
- A golf cart is provided. The golf cart includes a frame and a bumper secured to the frame. A tow hitch having a first clamping portion is configured to engage the bumper. A lever arm having a second clamping portion is pivotally affixed to the tow hitch and is configured to engage the frame. The tow hitch is secured to the golf cart when the first clamping portion engages the bumper and the lever arm transitions from an open position to a closed position such that the second clamping portion engages the frame.
- A detachable tow hitch is provided. The detachable tow hitch includes a tongue having a towing connection at a first end and a first clamping portion at a second end. The first clamping portion is configured to engage a bumper. A lever arm, having a second clamping portion configured to engage a frame, is pivotally affixed to the tongue. The detachable tow hitch is secured to a vehicle when the first clamping portion engages the bumper and the lever arm transitions from an open position to a closed position such that the second clamping portion engages the frame.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a removable trailer tow hitch illustrating an open position and a closed position of a lever arm having a clamping portion; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the removable trailer tow hitch shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a clamping portion of the removable trailer tow hitch shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a towing connection of the removable trailer tow hitch shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the towing connection of the removable trailer tow hitch shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 illustrates the removable trailer tow hitch in the closed position when attached to a bumper and frame of a vehicle; and -
FIG. 7 illustrates the removable trailer tow hitch attached to a golf cart. - As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
- It would be desirable and advantageous to increase the overall cargo space of a golf cart or other relatively small vehicle by removably connecting a trailer or wagon to the vehicle. In an illustrative embodiment, a removable trailer tow hitch is disclosed. The removable trailer tow hitch has a tongue with a first clamping portion located at one end, and the tongue is configured to receive a towing connection at the other end. The first clamping portion is configured to engage a vehicle bumper. A lever arm having a second clamping portion is pivotally attached to the tongue. The second clamping portion is configured to removably secure the trailer tow hitch to a vehicle when the lever arm is moved from an open position to a closed position. The second clamping portion is configured to engage a vehicle frame, such as a frame of a golf cart.
- In one aspect, a locking mechanism is used to secure the lever arm in the closed position. The first end of the tongue may include a slot for receiving the lever arm. The first clamping portion may be C-shaped and configured to engage a top portion and two side portions of the vehicle bumper. The second clamping portion of the lever arm may include at least one contacting surface that is configured to engage the vehicle frame. The second clamping portion of the lever arm may be adjustable relative to the vehicle frame. The second end of the tongue may include an aperture that is configured to receive the towing connection. The towing connection may include a threaded portion that is configured to secure the towing connecting to the tongue with a bolt.
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FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a removabletrailer tow hitch 10. Thetrailer tow hitch 10 includes atongue 12 that has afirst end 14 and asecond end 16. Thefirst end 14 includes afirst clamping portion 18. Thefirst clamping portion 18 may be C-shaped and configured to engage a top portion and two side portions of a vehicle bumper. Also included is alever arm 20 having asecond clamping portion 22 which is configured to engage a vehicle frame. The end of thelever arm 20 that is opposite of theclamping portion 22 may include a grippingportion 25. The grippingportion 25 is preferably made from a material that is suitable for allowing a user to grasp thelever arm 20, such as rubber or soft plastic materials. Thefirst clamping portion 18 and thesecond clamping portion 22 may includeengagement pads 23 that are configured to engage with the vehicle bumper and vehicle frame. Theengagement pads 23 are preferably made from a rubber or soft plastic material that exhibits elastic and cushioning properties. Thetongue 12 may include aslot 21 into which thelever arm 20 is received. - The
lever arm 20 is pivotally attached to thetongue 12. As shown inFIG. 2 , the attachment of thelever arm 20 to thetongue 12 may include apin 24 that is inserted through a pair ofapertures 26 in thetongue 12 andsingle aperture 28 that is located on thelever arm 20. Thepin 24 may also be press fit into thepair apertures 26 in thetongue 12 to prevent thepin 24 from slipping along itslongitudinal axis 30, and slip fit into thesingle aperture 28 in thelever arm 20 to allowlever arm 20 to pivot relative to thetongue 12. Abushing 32 may also be inserted into thesingle aperture 28 to decrease friction and wear of the moving parts. Alternatively, thepin 24 may be press fit into thesingle aperture 28 in thelever arm 20 to prevent thepin 24 from slipping along itslongitudinal axis 30, and slip fit into thepair apertures 26 in thetongue 12 to allowlever arm 20 to pivot relative to thetongue 12. Also alternatively, a pair of bushings (not shown) may be inserted into each of thepair apertures 26 to decrease friction and wear of the moving parts. Although the pivotal attachment was described in terms of a pin and apertures, other pivotal attachments may be utilized to pivotally attach thelever arm 20 to thetongue 12. - The removable
trailer tow hitch 10 may be secured to a vehicle when thelever arm 20 is moved from anopen position 34 to aclosed position 36. While in theclosed position 36, thefirst clamping portion 18 engages a top portion and two side portions of a vehicle bumper, and thesecond clamping portion 22 engages a vehicle frame. - A
locking mechanism 38 may be incorporated into the removabletrailer tow hitch 10 to secure thelever arm 20 in theclosed position 36. Securing thelever arm 20 in theclosed position 36 prevents the trailer tow hitch from transitioning to theopen position 34, which in turn ensures that the removabletrailer tow hitch 10 will remain secured to the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, thelocking mechanism 38 consists of a pair oftabs 40 that extend from thetongue 12, eachtab 40 having anaperture 42. The locking mechanism also includes a locking pin with aretainer 44 that may be inserted into theapertures 42 in the pair oftabs 40 and anaperture 46 located in thelever arm 20 to secure thelever arm 20 in theclosed position 36. A hitch pin coupled with a cotter pin, spring pin, R-clip, hairpin cotter pin, bridge pin, or spring cotter pin may be used in place of the locking pin with aretainer 44. Although thelocking mechanism 38 was described as a locking pin with aretainer 44 that engages a series of apertures,other locking mechanisms 38 may be utilized to lock thelever arm 20 in theclosed position 36, such as a clipping mechanism having a biasing element that retains thelever arm 20 in theclosed position 36 or a ratcheting mechanism. - A
second locking mechanism 45 may be pivotally connected to thelever arm 20. A threadedbolt 41 and anut 43 may pass through alignedapertures 37 in thelocking mechanism 45 andlever arm 20 to secure thesecond locking mechanism 45 to thelever arm 20. A washer (not shown) may be utilized in securing thenut 43 to the threadedbolt 41. The alignedapertures 37 may define anaxis 39 in which thesecond locking mechanism 45 may pivot about. Thesecond locking mechanism 45 may have ahandle portion 47 and a latchingportion 49 that is configured to engage a retainingportion 51 that is affixed to thetongue 12. The retainingportion 51 may consist of a loop or an eyelet. Thesecond locking mechanism 45 may also include a biasingelement 53, such as a spring, to bias the latchingportion 49 so that it remains engaged with the retainingportion 51. Thesecond locking mechanism 45 may also include astop 55 that is configured to contact thelever arm 20 in order to prevent thesecond locking mechanism 45 from pivoting beyond a certain point. - The
second clamping portion 22 of thelever arm 20 may be depicted having a contactingsurface 48 and a threadedportion 50. The contactingsurface 48 may be utilized for engaging vehicle frames or portions of vehicle frames that are made from materials having significant gaps in the material, such as extruded steel, extruded aluminum, extruded rigid plastics, or other extruded materials. The contactingsurface 48 of the clampingportion 22 of thelever arm 20 may be covered with a layer of flexible material, such as rubber or soft plastic, for engaging the vehicle frame. The layer of flexible material may correspond to theengagement pads 23 previously referred to. The clampingportion 22 may be fixed to thelever arm 20 by securing anut 52 to the threadedportion 50, once the threaded portion has been extending through anaperture 54 in thelever arm 20. A washer (not shown) may be utilized in securing thenut 52 to the threadedportion 50. The clampingportion 22 may be fixed to thelever arm 20 in some other manner, such as by a welding process. - Another embodiment of the
second clamping portion 22 is illustrated inFIG. 3 . In this embodiment, the clamping portion is depicted as astopper 56 having a threadedportion 58. Thestopper 56 may be utilized for engaging vehicle frames or portions of vehicle frames that are made from materials having substantially flat surface areas. The stopper may be made from a flexible material, such as rubber or soft plastic. Thestopper 56 may be fixed to thelever arm 20 by securing thenut 52 to the threadedportion 58, once the threadedportion 58 has been extended through theaperture 54 in thelever arm 20. A washer (not shown) may be utilized in securing thenut 52 to the threadedportion 58. - Although both the embodiments of the clamping
portion 22, either having the contactingsurface 48 or thestopper 56, are shown as bolted to thelever arm 20, they may be permanently fixed to (by processes such as welding) or an integral part of thelever arm 20. In addition, the clampingportion 22, either having the contactingsurface 48 or thestopper 56, may also be adjustable up and down along thelongitudinal axis 60 defined by theaperture 54. - Referring again to
FIG. 2 , thesecond end 16 of thetongue 12 is configured to receive atowing connection 62. The towingconnection 62 may include a threadedportion 64 that is received in anaperture 66 located in thesecond end 16 of thetongue 12. The towingconnection 62 may be fixed to thetongue 12 by securing anut 68 to the threadedportion 64, once the threadedportion 64 has been extended through theaperture 66 in thetongue 12. A washer (not shown) may be utilized in securing thenut 68 to thetongue 12. - Alternative forms of coupling the towing connecting 62 to the
tongue 12 are included in one or more embodiments. For example, the towingconnection 62 may be welded to thetongue 12. As another example, the towingconnection 62 may include threaded portions that are fed through a plurality of apertures located on thetongue 12, which is then secured in position by a plurality of bolts. Furthermore, thetongue 12 may have one or more threaded studs that are that are fed through apertures located on the towing connecting 62 or apertures located on a metal plate that is connected to thetowing connection 62, which is then secured in position by one or more bolts. - The towing connecting 62 may be a
tow ball 70 as depicted inFIG. 2 , which is configured to receive a tow ball coupler which typically is a ball socket. In the alternative, the towing connecting may also be atow hook 72 as depicted inFIG. 4 , which is configured to receive an eyebolt, lunette ring, or some other form of eye coupler; or apintle hook 74 as depicted inFIG. 5 , which is also configured to receive an eyebolt, lunette ring, or some other form of eye coupler. The type of towing connection should not be construed as limited to the types towing connection listed herein and should be construed to cover all types of towing connections such as a shackle that engages an eyebolt. -
FIG. 6 illustrates how thefirst end 14 of the vehicletrailer tow hitch 10 attaches to a vehicle. Thefirst clamping portion 18 is secured to avehicle bumper 76 and thesecond clamping portion 22 is secured to avehicle frame 78, when the trailer tow hitch is in the closed position. Thevehicle bumper 76 may have atop portion 80 andside portions 82. Although thesecond clamping portion 22 is depicted as having a contactingsurface 48 for engaging thevehicle frame 78 inFIG. 6 , it should be understood that the alternative embodiment having a stopper 56 (depicted inFIG. 3 ) may be substituted for thesecond clamping portion 22 having the contactingsurface 48. Cross sections of thevehicle bumper 76 andvehicle frame 78 are depicted inFIG. 6 to clarify how thetrailer tow hitch 10 attaches to the vehicle by eliminating unnecessary details. -
FIG. 7 illustrates the removabletrailer tow hitch 10 when attached to agolf cart 100. The first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are shown engaging the frame and bumper of golf cart in order to secure the trailer tow hitch to the golf cart, as described above. - While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.
Claims (20)
1. A removable trailer tow hitch comprising:
a tongue having a first clamping portion at a first end and a second end configured to receive a towing connection, the first clamping portion configured to engage a vehicle bumper; and
a lever arm having a second clamping portion, the lever arm pivotally attached to the tongue, wherein second clamping portion removably secures the trailer tow hitch to a vehicle when the lever arm is moved from an open position to a closed position, the second clamping portion configured to engage a vehicle frame.
2. The removable trailer tow hitch of claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism used to secure the lever arm in the closed position.
3. The removable trailer tow hitch of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the tongue includes a slot for receiving the lever arm.
4. The removable trailer tow hitch of claim 1 , wherein the first clamping portion is C-shaped and is configured to engage a top portion and side portions of the bumper.
5. The removable trailer tow hitch of claim 1 , wherein the second clamping portion of the lever arm includes at least one contacting surface that is configured to engage the vehicle frame.
6. The removable trailer tow hitch of claim 1 , wherein the second clamping portion of the lever arm is adjustable relative to the vehicle frame.
7. The removable trailer tow hitch of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the tongue includes an aperture that is configured to receive the towing connection.
8. The removable trailer tow hitch of claim 1 , wherein the towing connection includes a threaded portion that is configured to secure the towing connecting to the tongue with a bolt.
9. A golf cart comprising:
a frame;
a bumper secured to the frame; and
a tow hitch having a first clamping portion configured to engage the bumper; and
a lever arm pivotally affixed to the tow hitch, the lever arm having a second clamping portion configured to engage the frame,
wherein the tow hitch is secured to the golf cart when the first clamping portion engages the bumper and the lever arm transitions from an open position to a closed position such that the second clamping portion engages the frame.
10. The golf cart of claim 9 , wherein the tow hitch has a tongue portion, adjacent to the first clamping portion, configured to receive a towing connection.
11. The golf cart of claim 10 , wherein the tongue includes an aperture that is configured to receive the towing connection.
12. The golf cart of claim 10 , wherein the towing connection includes a threaded portion that is configured to secure the towing connecting to the tongue with a bolt.
13. The golf cart of claim 9 , wherein the tow hitch further comprises a locking mechanism used to secure the lever arm in the closed position.
14. The golf cart of claim 9 , wherein the tow hitch includes a slot for receiving the lever arm.
15. The golf cart of claim 9 , wherein the first clamping portion of the tow hitch is C-shaped and is configured to engage a top portion and side portions of the bumper.
16. The golf cart of claim 9 , wherein the second clamping portion of the lever arm includes at least one contacting surface that is configured to engage the vehicle frame.
17. A detachable tow hitch comprising:
a tongue having a towing connection at a first end and a first clamping portion at a second end, the first clamping portion configured to engage a bumper; and
a lever arm pivotally affixed to the tongue, the lever arm having a second clamping portion configured to engage a frame,
wherein the detachable tow hitch is secured to a vehicle when the first clamping portion engages the bumper and the lever arm transitions from an open position to a closed position such that the second clamping portion engages the frame.
18. The detachable tow hitch of claim 17 , wherein the detachable tow hitch further comprises a locking mechanism used to secure the lever arm in the closed position.
19. The detachable tow hitch of claim 17 , wherein the first clamping portion of the detachable tow hitch is C-shaped and is configured to engage a top portion and side portions of the bumper.
20. The detachable tow hitch of claim 17 , wherein the tongue includes a slot for receiving the lever arm.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/664,376 US20150266348A1 (en) | 2014-03-24 | 2015-03-20 | Removable trailer tow hitch |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201461969353P | 2014-03-24 | 2014-03-24 | |
US14/664,376 US20150266348A1 (en) | 2014-03-24 | 2015-03-20 | Removable trailer tow hitch |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150266348A1 true US20150266348A1 (en) | 2015-09-24 |
Family
ID=54141295
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/128,628 Active US9862243B2 (en) | 2014-03-24 | 2015-03-18 | Removable trailer tow hitch |
US14/664,376 Abandoned US20150266348A1 (en) | 2014-03-24 | 2015-03-20 | Removable trailer tow hitch |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/128,628 Active US9862243B2 (en) | 2014-03-24 | 2015-03-18 | Removable trailer tow hitch |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US9862243B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015148197A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150121975A1 (en) * | 2013-11-01 | 2015-05-07 | Guoji Yuan | Single-armed trailer coupler locking device |
US10195913B2 (en) | 2016-02-26 | 2019-02-05 | Vermeer Manufacturing Company | Two-point hitch mount systems |
US10569605B1 (en) * | 2019-02-13 | 2020-02-25 | Steve Norman Smeltzer | Receiver-less hitch for use with a winch |
US20200347574A1 (en) * | 2019-05-02 | 2020-11-05 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Systems and methods for coupling an implement to a work vehicle |
US10857846B1 (en) * | 2017-04-11 | 2020-12-08 | Donald W. Jacobs | Adjustable hitch assembly |
CN116572676A (en) * | 2023-06-29 | 2023-08-11 | 莒南县成高道路建设有限公司 | Traffic machinery traction device for highway |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11325434B2 (en) * | 2020-05-29 | 2022-05-10 | Bradley Lee Pennington | Rotatable trailer hitch ball mount |
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US4883285A (en) * | 1988-12-27 | 1989-11-28 | Hohrman Harlan W | Removable trailer hitch |
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2015
- 2015-03-18 US US15/128,628 patent/US9862243B2/en active Active
- 2015-03-18 WO PCT/US2015/021158 patent/WO2015148197A1/en active Application Filing
- 2015-03-20 US US14/664,376 patent/US20150266348A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US2432249A (en) * | 1946-06-24 | 1947-12-09 | David E Pearson | Bumper bracket or support |
US4883285A (en) * | 1988-12-27 | 1989-11-28 | Hohrman Harlan W | Removable trailer hitch |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20150121975A1 (en) * | 2013-11-01 | 2015-05-07 | Guoji Yuan | Single-armed trailer coupler locking device |
US9796229B2 (en) * | 2013-11-01 | 2017-10-24 | Guoji Yuan | Single armed trailer coupler locking device |
US10195913B2 (en) | 2016-02-26 | 2019-02-05 | Vermeer Manufacturing Company | Two-point hitch mount systems |
US10857846B1 (en) * | 2017-04-11 | 2020-12-08 | Donald W. Jacobs | Adjustable hitch assembly |
US10569605B1 (en) * | 2019-02-13 | 2020-02-25 | Steve Norman Smeltzer | Receiver-less hitch for use with a winch |
US20200347574A1 (en) * | 2019-05-02 | 2020-11-05 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Systems and methods for coupling an implement to a work vehicle |
US11920322B2 (en) * | 2019-05-02 | 2024-03-05 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Systems and methods for coupling an implement to a work vehicle |
CN116572676A (en) * | 2023-06-29 | 2023-08-11 | 莒南县成高道路建设有限公司 | Traffic machinery traction device for highway |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2015148197A1 (en) | 2015-10-01 |
US20170174025A1 (en) | 2017-06-22 |
US9862243B2 (en) | 2018-01-09 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: K-12, LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HAULER, JOHN;REEL/FRAME:035243/0926 Effective date: 20150319 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |