US20180086162A1 - Universal mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover - Google Patents
Universal mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180086162A1 US20180086162A1 US15/830,434 US201715830434A US2018086162A1 US 20180086162 A1 US20180086162 A1 US 20180086162A1 US 201715830434 A US201715830434 A US 201715830434A US 2018086162 A1 US2018086162 A1 US 2018086162A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- mounting bracket
- hitch
- face plate
- receiver tube
- adapter
- 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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
- B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
- B60D1/58—Auxiliary devices
- B60D1/60—Covers, caps or guards, e.g. comprising anti-theft devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
- B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
- B60D1/58—Auxiliary devices
- B60D1/60—Covers, caps or guards, e.g. comprising anti-theft devices
- B60D1/605—Protection caps
Definitions
- the present invention is generally related to a universal mounting bracket and, more particularly, to a universal mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover.
- Trailer hitch assemblies are traditionally designed to be mounted to vehicles to allow the towing of trailers or the like.
- a receiver opening or cavity is often used for the receipt of a hitch or draw bar that carries a hitch ball or other means of allowing connection to a towed vehicle.
- the receiver opening comes in various sizes, such as to accommodate various towing capabilities.
- receiver-type trailer hitch assemblies are typically offered with a square receiver opening of 1.25 inches (32 mm) for Class I/II, 2 inches (51 mm) for Class III/IV/V, and some Class V hitches are available in 2.5 inches (64 mm) opening sizes.
- Covers have been provided for insertion into the receiver opening to improve outward appearances and to provide certain utility.
- a disadvantage of these previously known covers is that a cover may only be capable of appropriately fitting into a specifically sized hitch receiver opening, i.e., the cover comes in just one size to accommodate a correspondingly sized hitch receiver opening. This may limit the use of such covers and may require a user to purchase a plurality of covers to fit each applicable hitch receiver opening.
- typical one-piece molded designed hitch covers are limited in their available uses, which may force the manufacturer to create different hitch covers, unique packaging and additional inventory tracking systems.
- Prior art designs may also require a relatively large packaging size such that a limited number of covers may be displayed or stored in a given size shelf space, especially those hitch covers that are a one-piece molded design.
- the large packaging required creates an inefficient use of sale space and may increase the cost of displaying and offering for sale such prior art designs.
- an improved hitch cover with a mounting system that may be capable of selectively attaching to hitch receiver openings of various sizes and/or that may provide modularity.
- Still further, there is a need for a decorative hitch cover base (usually furnished with graphics, decals, and other art) to be able easily switched to a different decorative base of shape and form.
- Such a decorative hitch cover may give end users more flexibility and variety of choices to express themselves without the necessity of purchasing additional hitch covers with a predefined tube size, design and shape.
- the hitch cover may include a base having first and second surfaces, the second surface having at least one engagement member attached thereto.
- the hitch cover may also include a mounting bracket selectively attached to the at least one engagement member of the base and extending from the second surface wherein the mounting bracket is configured to selectively engage a hitch receiver tube.
- a hitch cover may include a base and a mounting bracket selectively attached to the base and extending therefrom, where the mounting bracket is configured to selectively engage a hitch receiver tube having a first size.
- the hitch cover may also include an adapter capable of selectively engaging and generally circumscribing at least a portion of the mounting bracket, where the adapter is configured to selectively engage a hitch receiver tube having a second size, the second size being greater than the first size.
- a hitch cover may include a face plate having at least one engagement member and a mounting bracket selectively engageable with the at least one engagement member of the face plate, where the mounting bracket is configured to selectively engage a first hitch receiver tube having a first size.
- the hitch cover may include at least one biasing member attached to the mounting bracket, where the biasing member is configured to engage a portion of the first hitch receiver tube.
- a packaging for a hitch cover may include a face plate, a mounting bracket selectively engageable with the face plate, where the mounting bracket is configured to engage a first hitch receiver tube having a first size, and an adapter selectively engageable with at least a portion the mounting bracket, where the adapter is configured to engage a second hitch receiver tube having a second size, the second size being greater than the first size.
- the packaging for the hitch cover may also include a retaining member retaining the face plate, mounting bracket and adapter together where the face plate and adapter are disengaged from the mounting bracket when retained in the retaining member, whereby the retaining member is configured to be positioned on a point of sale display.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover.
- FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover.
- FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a portion of the face plate of the adaptable hitch cover.
- FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover being inserted into a hitch receiver tube of a vehicle.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver tube.
- FIG. 8 is a plan view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver tube.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover with an adapter attached thereto.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the adapter of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover of FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover being inserted into a hitch receiver tube of a vehicle.
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover selectively inserted into the hitch receiver tube of a vehicle.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver tube of a vehicle.
- FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover.
- FIG. 15 is a partial exploded view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover.
- FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover.
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover being inserted into a hitch receiver tube of a vehicle.
- FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver tube.
- FIG. 20 is a plan view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver tube.
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover selectively inserted into the hitch receiver tube of a vehicle.
- FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver tube of a vehicle.
- FIGS. 1-13 A universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 / 100 capable of selectively fitting within a plurality of different sized hitch receiver tubes is shown in FIGS. 1-13 .
- the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 may be capable of selectively attaching to a hitch receiver tube 14 , such as shown in FIGS. 6-8 .
- the hitch receiver tube 14 may be of any appropriate shape and design. The present teachings are not limited to a particular shaped, sized, or configured hitch receiver—any hitch receiver may be used therewith.
- the hitch receiver tube 14 may include a locking aperture 15 shaped and sized to receive a locking pin 16 .
- the locking pin 16 may of any appropriate design.
- the locking pin 16 may be capable of being inserted into and through the locking aperture 15 , such as to secure a hitch or draw bar of a towed vehicle to the hitch receiver tube 14 in any appropriate manner.
- the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 may include a base/face plate 20 .
- the face plate 20 may include first and second surfaces 24 , 28 .
- the first surface 24 may include any appropriate design or indicia, such as by way of a non-limiting example, a logo, a name, an image, or any combination of such.
- the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 10 may be furnished with certain graphics, decals, or other art work that may be selectively attached to the first surface 24 in any appropriate manner. Users may also be able to replace such graphics, decals or other art work with any other graphic, decal or art work that they choose, which may provide customization to the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 10 .
- the first surface 24 may include any appropriate object, such as a light, bottle opener, or any such other device that may be attached thereto or formed therewith. Such device may provide additional utility to the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 .
- the first surface 24 may be a contoured or include a shaped three-dimensional surface having a desired shape or configuration, i.e., the first surface 24 need not be planar, it may contain contours, depressions or both.
- the second surface 28 may include at least one engagement member 30 .
- the second surface 28 may include four engagement members 30 ; see FIG. 1 . While four engagement members 30 may be shown and described, the present teachings are not limited to four such engagement members 30 . Any appropriate number of engagement members 30 may be used without departing from the present teachings.
- the engagement members 30 may include a plurality of hooks 34 that may be appropriately spaced on the second surface 28 of the face plate 20 , such as by way of a non-limiting example, in a generally rectangular shape.
- the hooks 34 may be attached in any appropriate manner.
- the hooks 34 may be attached by fastening, securing, snap-fitting, welding, or otherwise adhered.
- the hooks 34 may be integrally formed on the second surface 28 as a monolithic unit, such as through any appropriate molding process or the like.
- the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 may include a mounting bracket 40 that may be selectively attached to the face plate 20 .
- the mounting bracket 40 may be selectively attached the second surface 28 of the face plate 20 .
- the mounting bracket 40 may be selectively attached to the engagement members 30 of the second surface 28 of the face plate 20 .
- the mounting bracket 40 may include a base 42 that may be of a shape and size that it may be capable of selectively engaging the engagement members 30 in any appropriate manner, such as by way of a non-limiting example, snap-fit, friction fit, mating engaging features, or the like.
- the base 42 may be integrally formed with the mounting bracket 40 as a monolithic unit or may be attached thereto through a subsequent operation.
- the base 42 may be of a generally rectangular shape.
- the base 42 may include openings 43 that may selectively engage the engagement members 30 . More specifically, the openings 43 may be shaped and sized such that the hooks 34 may selectively engage the openings 43 generally securing the mounting bracket 40 with the second surface 28 of the face plate 20 ; see FIG. 5 .
- the base 42 may be positioned toward the second surface 28 of the face plate 20 generally aligning openings 43 with the hooks 34 , as shown by arrow 45 .
- a force may be applied as in the direction of the arrow 60 , which may position the openings 43 with the hooks 34 .
- the number of openings 43 may generally match the number of engagement members 30 , e.g., four, and the position of the openings 43 may generally correspond with the position of the engagement members 30 .
- the hooks 34 may also be disengageable with the base 42 of the mounting bracket 40 such that the mounting bracket 40 may be selectively disengaged from the face plate 20 , i.e., the mounting bracket 40 and the face plate 20 may be modular. In such embodiments, a different face plate 20 may be attached to the mounting bracket 40 as required or desired.
- This may allow a user to selectively attach another face plate 20 to the mounting bracket 40 , such as to provide a face plate with a different indicia, different device attached thereto, or one capable of a different function. Still further, this may allow the face plate 20 to be packaged disengaged from the mounting bracket 40 , which is described in more detail below, and may allow a user to store the face plate 20 separate from the mounting bracket 40 .
- the mounting bracket 40 may include first and second housings 44 , 48 .
- the first housing 44 may include a first interlocking feature 50 and the second housing 48 may include a second interlocking feature 52 .
- the second interlocking feature 52 may be capable of selectively engaging the first interlocking feature 50 for the purpose of interlocking the first and second housings 44 , 48 , which may form the mounting bracket 40 as well as the base 42 .
- the first housing 44 may include a first portion 42 a of the base 42 and the second housing 48 may include a second portion 42 b of the base 42 such that when the first and second housings 44 , 48 are interlocked, the first and second portions 42 a , 42 b form the base 42 with openings 43 .
- the first interlocking feature 50 may include a groove 56 extending along a perimeter 57 of the first housing 44 and the second interlocking feature 52 may include a matingly shaped and sized tongue 58 extending along a perimeter 59 of the second housing 48 .
- the tongue 58 may be capable of selectively and operatively engaging the groove 56 .
- the first and second interlocking features 50 , 52 may include any appropriate matingly engaging features and are not limited to that shown and described herein.
- the first and second interlocking features 50 , 52 may be a male and female snap fit features, male and female dovetail features, or any other appropriate matingly engaging features.
- first interlocking feature 50 is shown as the groove 56 and the second interlocking feature 52 is shown as the tongue 58 , the first interlocking feature 50 may be a tongue and the second interlocking feature 52 may be a groove. Still further, one side of the perimeter 57 of the first housing 44 may include a first interlocking feature 50 that may be a groove and the other side of the perimeter 57 may include a first interlocking feature 50 that may be a tongue.
- the second housing 48 may include the second interlocking feature 52 that may be capable of matingly engaging the first interlocking feature 50 , i.e., a first side of the perimeter 59 of the second interlocking feature 52 may be a tongue and the second side of the perimeter 59 may include the second interlocking feature 52 that may be a groove.
- the present teachings are not limited to that shown and described. Any appropriate interlocking elements may be utilized in any appropriate configuration and are not limited to that shown and described herein.
- first and second housings 44 , 48 With the first and second housings 44 , 48 positioned on the second surface 28 of the face plate 20 as shown in FIG. 2 and described above, the first and second housings 44 , 48 may be selectively moved toward each other as shown by arrows 60 . Moving the first and second housings 44 , 48 in the direction of arrows 60 may engage the first and second interlocking features 50 , 52 with each other operatively securing the first and second housings 44 , 48 together. This may form the mounting bracket 40 . It is to be understood, however, that the mounting bracket 40 may be formed in any suitable manner and is not limited to that shown and described herein.
- the mounting bracket 40 may include an anti-rattle member 62 .
- the anti-rattle member 62 may generally fill a gap between the mounting bracket 40 and the interior surface of hitch receiver tube 14 in which it may be inserted that may have otherwise been present. Filling the gap may create a snug fit between the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 and the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the anti-rattle member 62 may be generally flexible, such that it may be capable of biasing in an appropriate direction. The biasing of the anti-rattle member 62 may allow for absorption of vibration due to road conditions during operation of a vehicle 64 to which the hitch receiver tube 14 may be attached.
- the anti-rattle member 62 may include a finger or tab 69 that may be biased away from the mounting bracket 40 .
- the finger 69 may be attached to the mounting bracket 40 in any appropriate manner or may be integrally formed therewith as a monolithic unit.
- Each of the first and second housing 44 , 48 may include the anti-rattle member 62 , i.e., each of the first and second housing 44 , 48 may include the finger 69 . While each of the first and second housings 44 , 48 are shown as having the finger 69 , the first and second housings 44 , 48 may include any appropriate number of fingers 69 , such as two, three or more.
- both the first and second housing 44 , 48 may include the finger 69
- either one of the first or second housing 44 , 48 may include the finger 69 without departing from the present teachings.
- a single finger 69 may be described below in more detail, it should be understood that such description may apply to each of the fingers 69 .
- each of the fingers 69 may have a different construction—the present teachings are not limited to the fingers 69 all being the substantially similar.
- the finger 69 may be capable of being compressed toward the mounting bracket 40 when the mounting bracket 40 is being inserted into the hitch receiver tube 14 . In such situations, the finger 69 may be depressed or biased downward such that the mounting bracket 40 may be selectively inserted into the hitch receiver tube 14 . Once appropriately positioned within the hitch receiver tube 14 , the finger 69 may bias toward the hitch receiver tube 14 . In biasing toward the hitch receiver tube 14 , the finger 69 may engage a portion of the hitch receiver tube 14 creating a generally tight fit, e.g., a tight friction fit, between the mounting bracket 40 and the hitch receiver tube 14 . This may allow the mounting bracket 40 to be appropriately positioned within the hitch receiver tube 14 . Still further, the finger 69 being elastic may generally dampen vibrations that may occur during operation of the vehicle 64 .
- the mounting bracket 40 may include at least one locking aperture 70 that may be shaped and sized to accept the locking pin 16 .
- the locking aperture 70 may extend through both sides of the mounting bracket 40 .
- each of the first and second housings 44 , 48 may include apertures 72 such that when the first and second housings 44 , 48 are engaged together as described above, the apertures 72 form the locking aperture 70 .
- the locking aperture 70 may be positioned on the mounting bracket 40 such that it may generally align with the applicable locking pin aperture 15 of the hitch receiver tube 14 when the mounting bracket 40 is inserted into the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the mounting bracket 40 may include a second locking aperture 74 .
- Each of the first and second housings 44 , 48 may include second apertures 76 such that when the first and second housings 44 , 48 are engaged together as described above, the second apertures 76 form the second locking aperture 74 .
- the locking aperture 70 and the second locking aperture 74 may be positioned on the mounting bracket 40 such that at least one of such generally aligns with the applicable locking pin aperture 15 of the hitch receiver tube 14 when the mounting bracket 40 is inserted into the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the second locking aperture 74 may allow the mounting bracket 40 to be secured to a wider variety of hitch receiver tubes as the mounting bracket 40 may include at least two apertures that may generally align with the locking pin aperture 15 of the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the mounting bracket 40 may be inserted into the hitch receiver tube 14 and the fingers 69 may generally permit a tight fit between the mounting bracket 40 and the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- Either of the locking aperture 70 or the second locking aperture 74 may generally align with the locking pin aperture 15 of the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the locking pin 16 may be inserted into and through the locking pin aperture 15 and either of the locking aperture 70 or the second locking aperture 74 generally securing the mounting bracket 40 with the hitch receiver tube 14 . This may secure the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 10 with the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the finger 69 may be compressed toward the mounting bracket 40 , which may also allow the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 to be selectively removable from the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the locking pin 16 may be withdrawn from the locking pin aperture 15 and either of the locking aperture 70 or the second locking aperture 74 .
- the mounting bracket 40 may be pulled outward from the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the finger 69 may compress toward the mounting bracket 40 generally releasing the engagement between the finger 69 and the hitch receiver tube 14 such that the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 may be selectively removed.
- the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 may be shaped and sized such that it may selectively engage hitch receiver tubes 14 of a dimension D 1 , such as by way of a non-limiting example, a 11 ⁇ 4′′ (Class I/II) hitch receiver tubes.
- the mounting bracket 40 may be of a shape and size such that it may being inserted into and operatively engaged with Class I/II hitch receiver tubes 14 , i.e., the mounting bracket 40 may have a width W 1 capable of fitting within the applicable Class I/II hitch receiver tube 14 of dimension D 1 .
- the biasing of the finger 69 toward the hitch receiver tube 14 may permit a tight fit between the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 and the hitch receiver tube 14 even when the mounting bracket 40 may have a width W 1 that may be smaller than other mounting brackets that may fit snugly within the hitch receiver tube 14 . This may allow the mounting bracket 40 and in turn the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 10 to snugly fit within a wide variety of hitch receiver tubes.
- the modularity of the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 may allow the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 10 to be efficiently packaged.
- the face plate 20 may be detached from the mounting bracket 40 in the applicable packaging.
- This selective detachability of the face plate 20 with the mounting bracket 40 may permit the packaging thereof to be more efficient, e.g., this may result in a smaller overall package size as opposed to packaging the face plate 20 attached with the mounting bracket 40 .
- This smaller package size may take up less space on store shelves. It may also be easier for a user to handle and may allow the manufacturer thereof to transport such more efficiently as more of the product may be capable of being packaged in a smaller space.
- the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 being selectively attachable to hitch receiver tubes of different sizes may result in having to produce a single design as opposed producing multiple different sized and shaped hitch covers.
- the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 10 may result in generally eliminating additional production lines, separate packaging designs and additional inventory tracking systems.
- a universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100 may include the face plate 20 and the mounting bracket 40 as described in more detail above.
- the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100 may also include an adapter 106 that may be capable of selectively attaching to the mounting bracket 40 in any appropriate manner.
- the adapter 106 may include an opening 108 through which the mounting bracket 40 may pass through, such as in the direction of arrow 109 shown in FIG. 9 .
- the adapter 106 may be of a shape and size such that when it is selectively attached to the mounting bracket 40 at least one of the locking aperture 70 or the second locking aperture 74 may extend beyond the adapter 106 , such as shown in FIG. 9 .
- the adapter 106 may include an aperture 110 as described in more detail below.
- the aperture 110 may be of any appropriate shape and size.
- the anti-rattle member 62 of the mounting bracket 40 may selectively engage the adapter 106 in any appropriate manner securing the adapter 106 with the mounting bracket 40 .
- the finger 69 may be compressed toward the mounting bracket 40 when the mounting bracket 40 is being inserted into the adapter 106 . In such situations, the finger 69 may be depressed or biased downward such that the mounting bracket 40 may be selectively inserted into the opening 108 of the adapter 106 . Once appropriately positioned within the adapter 106 , the finger 69 may bias toward adapter 106 . In biasing toward the adapter 106 , the finger 69 may engage the aperture 110 of the adapter 106 locking the adapter 106 with the mounting bracket 40 .
- the finger 69 being compressed toward the mounting bracket 40 also may allow the mounting bracket 40 to be selectively removable from the adapter 106 .
- the mounting bracket 40 may be pulled outward from the adapter 106 . As the mounting bracket 40 is so pulled, the finger 69 may compress toward the mounting bracket 40 generally releasing engagement between the finger 69 and adapter 106 such that the mounting bracket 40 may be selectively removed.
- the adapter 106 may be formed in any appropriate manner.
- the adapter 106 may be formed as a monolithic member or may be formed from a pair of interlocking housings similar to that of the mounting bracket 40 .
- the present teachings are not limited to any particular configuration.
- the adapter 106 may include an anti-rattle member 127 .
- the anti-rattle member 127 may be similar to the anti-rattle member 62 , or in the alternative may be of a generally different configuration.
- the anti-rattle member 127 may generally fill a gap between the adapter 106 and the hitch receiver tube 14 that may have otherwise been present when inserting the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100 into the hitch receiver tube 14 . Filling the gap may create a snug fit between the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100 and the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the anti-rattle member 127 may be generally flexible, such that it may be capable of biasing. The flexibility of the anti-rattle member 127 may allow for absorption of vibration due to road conditions during operation of a vehicle 64 to which the hitch receiver tube 14 may be attached.
- the anti-rattle member 127 may include a finger or tab 131 that may be biased away from the adapter 106 .
- the finger 131 may be attached to the adapter 106 in any appropriate manner or may be integrally formed therewith as a monolithic unit. Any appropriate number of fingers 131 may be used without departing from the present teachings.
- the adapter 106 may include four fingers 131 , whereby two fingers 131 may be positioned on each side of the adapter 106 .
- a single finger 131 may be described below in more detail, it should be understood that such description may apply to each of the fingers 131 .
- each of the fingers 131 may have a different construction—the present teachings are not limited to the fingers 131 all being the substantially similar.
- the finger 131 may be capable of being compressed toward the adapter 106 when the adapter 106 is being inserted into the hitch receiver tube 14 . In such situations, the finger 131 may be depressed or biased downward such that the adapter 106 may be selectively inserted into the hitch receiver tube 14 . Once appropriately positioned within the hitch receiver tube 14 , the finger 131 may bias toward the hitch receiver tube 14 . In biasing toward the hitch receiver tube 14 , the finger 131 may engage a portion of the hitch receiver tuber 14 creating a generally tight fit between the adapter 106 and the hitch receiver tube 14 . This may allow the adapter 106 to be appropriately positioned within the hitch receiver tube 14 . Still further, the finger 131 being elastic may generally dampen vibrations that may occur during operation of the vehicle 64 .
- the adapter 106 with mounting bracket 40 may be inserted into the hitch receiver tube 14 and the fingers 131 may generally hold the adapter 106 within the hitch receiver tube 14 . Either of the locking aperture 70 or the second locking aperture 74 of the mounting bracket 40 may generally align with the locking pin aperture 15 of the hitch receiver tube 14 . The locking pin 16 may then be inserted into and through the locking pin aperture 15 and either of the locking aperture 70 or the second locking aperture 74 generally securing the adapter 106 and mounting bracket 40 with the hitch receiver tube 14 . This may secure the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 10 with the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the finger 131 being compressed toward the adapter 106 may also allow the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100 to be selectively removed from the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the adapter 106 may be pulled outward from the hitch receiver tube 14 . As the adapter 106 is so pulled, the finger 131 may compress toward the adapter 106 generally releasing the engagement between the finger 131 and the hitch receiver tube 14 such that the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100 may be selectively removed.
- the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100 may be shaped and sized such that it may be capable of selectively engaging hitch receiver tubes 14 of a dimension D 2 , such as by way of a non-limiting example, a 2′′ (Class III/IV) and/or 21 ⁇ 2′′ (Class V) hitch receiver tubes 14 of dimension D 2 .
- the adapter 106 may be of a shape and size such that it may be capable of being inserted into Class III/IV and/or V hitch receiver tubes 14 .
- the biasing of the finger 131 toward the hitch receiver tube 14 may permit a tight fit between the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100 and the hitch receiver tube 14 even when adapter 106 may be smaller than the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the adapter 106 may have a width W 2 that may be greater than the width W 1 of the mounting bracket 40 ; see FIG. 7 , which may allow the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100 to operatively fit with the larger Class III/IV and V hitch receiver tubes 14 having the dimension D 2 , whereby D 2 may be larger than D 1 .
- the biasing of the fingers 131 toward the hitch receiver tube 14 may permit a tight fit between the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100 and the hitch receiver tube 14 even when the adapter 106 may have a width W 2 that may be smaller than other brackets that may fit snugly within the hitch receiver tube 14 . Still further, the biasing of the fingers 131 may allow for a generally tight fit of the adapter 106 regardless of whether the hitch receiver tube 14 may be 2′′ or 21 ⁇ 2′′ in size. The fingers 131 may be biased enough that they may permit the adapter 106 to snugly fit within either sized hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the adapter 106 may be removed from the mounting bracket 40 forming the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 .
- the mounting bracket 40 may be of a shape and size to fit within the Class I/II hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the adapter 106 may be attached to the mounting bracket 40 as described above. This may provide an opportunity to have a universal bracket that may be capable of being selectively secured to any one of Class I through V hitch receiver tubes.
- the modularity of the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100 may allow the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 100 to be efficiently packaged.
- the face plate 20 and adapter 106 may both be detached from the mounting bracket 40 in the applicable packaging.
- This selective detachability of the face plate 20 and adapter 106 with the mounting bracket 40 may permit the packaging thereof to be more efficient, e.g., this may result in a smaller overall package size as opposed to packaging the face plate 20 and adapter 106 attached with the mounting bracket 40 .
- This smaller package size may take up less space on store shelves. It may also be easier for a user to handle and may allow the manufacturer thereof to transport such more efficiently as more of the product may be capable of being packaged in a smaller space.
- the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100 being capable of selectively attaching to hitch receiver tubes of different sizes may result having to produce a single design as opposed to having to produce multiple different sized and shaped hitch covers.
- the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 100 may result in generally eliminating additional production lines, separate packaging designs and additional inventory tracking systems.
- the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 200 may include a base/face plate 220 .
- the face plate 220 may include first and second surfaces 224 , 228 .
- the first surface 224 may include any appropriate design or indicia, such as by way of a non-limiting example, a contoured or three-dimensional surface having a desired shape or configuration (such as a basketball as shown), a logo, a name, an image, or any combination of such.
- an indicia member 229 may be selectively attached with the face plate 220 in any appropriate manner.
- the indicia member 229 may include, by way of a non-limiting example, a contoured or three-dimensional surface having a desired shape or configuration (such as a basketball as shown), a logo, a name, an image, or any combination of such. Moreover, the indicia member 229 may include a light, an operating component, such as a bottle opener or the like. The indicia member 229 may, by way of a non-limiting example, be fastened with the face plate 220 . The user may attach, detach, and attach a different indicia member 229 without having to replace the entire universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 200 .
- the user may replace the indicia member 229 without having to remove the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 200 from the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- This may allow the user to change graphics, decals, indicia or other art work with any other graphic, decal, indicia or art work that they choose, which may provide customization to the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 200 .
- the second surface 228 may include at least one engagement member 230 .
- the second surface 228 may include four engagement members 230 ; see FIG. 14 . While four engagement members 230 may be shown and described, the present teachings are not limited to such—any appropriate number of engagement members 230 may be used without departing from the present teachings.
- the engagement members 230 may include a plurality of hooks 234 that may be appropriately spaced on the second surface 228 of the face plate 220 . The hooks 234 may be attached in any appropriate manner.
- the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 200 may include a mounting bracket 240 that may be selectively attached to the face plate 220 .
- the mounting bracket 240 may be selectively attached the second surface 228 of the face plate 220 .
- the mounting bracket 240 may be selectively attached to the engagement members 230 of the second surface 228 of the face plate 220 .
- the mounting bracket 240 may include a base 242 that may be of a shape and size that it may be capable of selectively engaging the engagement members 230 in any appropriate manner.
- the base 242 may be integrally formed with the mounting bracket 240 as a monolithic unit or may be attached thereto through a subsequent operation.
- the base 242 may be of a generally rectangular shape.
- the base 242 may include openings 243 that may selectively engage the engagement members 230 .
- the openings 243 may be shaped and sized such that the hooks 234 may selectively engage the openings 243 generally securing the mounting bracket 240 with the second surface 228 of the face plate 220 ; see FIGS. 15 and 16 .
- the base 242 may be positioned toward the second surface 228 of the face plate 220 generally aligning openings 243 with the hooks 234 , as shown by arrow 245 .
- a force may be applied as in the direction of the arrow 260 , which may position the openings 243 with the hooks 234 .
- the hooks 234 may also be disengageable with the base 242 of the mounting bracket 240 such that the mounting bracket 240 may be selectively disengaged from the face plate 220 , i.e., the mounting bracket 240 and the face plate 220 may be modular.
- a different face plate may be attached to the mounting bracket 240 as required or desired. This may allow the face plate 220 to be packaged disengaged from the mounting bracket 240 and may allow a user to store the face plate 220 separate from the mounting bracket 240 .
- the mounting bracket 240 may include first and second housings 244 , 248 .
- the first housing 244 may include a first interlocking feature 250 and the second housing 248 may include a second interlocking feature 252 .
- the second interlocking feature 252 may be capable of selectively engaging the first interlocking feature 250 for the purpose of interlocking the first and second housings 244 , 248 , which may form the mounting bracket 240 as well as the base 242 .
- the first interlocking feature 250 may include a groove 256 extending along a perimeter 257 of the first housing 244 and the second interlocking feature 252 may include a matingly shaped and sized tongue 258 extending along a perimeter 259 of the second housing 248 .
- the tongue 258 may selectively and operatively engage the groove 256 .
- the first and second interlocking features 250 , 252 may include any appropriate matingly engaging features and are not limited to that shown and described herein.
- the first and second interlocking features 250 , 252 may be a male and female snap fit features, male and female dovetail features, or any other appropriate matingly engaging features.
- the mounting bracket 240 may include at least one anti-rattle member 262 —as shown in FIGS. 14-16 , the mounting bracket 240 may include six such anti-rattle devices 262 .
- the anti-rattle member 262 may generally fill a gap between the mounting bracket 240 and the interior surface of hitch receiver tube 14 in which it may be inserted that may have otherwise been present. Filling the gap may create a snug fit between the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 and the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the anti-rattle members 262 may be generally flexible, such that they may be capable of biasing in an appropriate direction. The biasing of the anti-rattle members 262 may allow for absorption of vibration due to road conditions during operation of the vehicle 64 to which the hitch receiver tube 14 may be attached.
- the anti-rattle member 262 may each include a finger or tab 269 that may be biased away from the mounting bracket 240 or may include a portion extending above the first and second housing 244 , 248 , such as by way of a non-limiting example a bulb end.
- the finger 269 may be attached to the mounting bracket 240 in any appropriate manner or may be integrally formed therewith as a monolithic unit.
- Each of the first and second housing 244 , 248 may include six such anti-rattle members 262 , i.e., each of the first and second housing 244 , 248 may include three of the fingers 269 .
- the fingers 269 may be capable of being compressed toward the mounting bracket 240 when the mounting bracket 240 is being inserted into the hitch receiver tube 14 . In such situations, the fingers 269 may be depressed or biased downward such that the mounting bracket 240 may be selectively inserted into the hitch receiver tube 14 . Once appropriately positioned within the hitch receiver tube 14 , the fingers 269 may bias toward the hitch receiver tube 14 . In biasing toward the hitch receiver tube 14 , the fingers 269 may engage a portion of the hitch receiver tube 14 creating a generally tight fit, e.g., a tight friction fit, between the mounting bracket 240 and the hitch receiver tube 14 . This may allow the mounting bracket 240 to be appropriately positioned within the hitch receiver tube 14 . Still further, the fingers 269 being elastic may generally dampen vibrations that may occur during operation of the vehicle 64 .
- the mounting bracket 240 may include at least one locking aperture 270 that may be shaped and sized to accept the locking pin 16 .
- the locking aperture 270 may extend through both sides of the mounting bracket 240 .
- each of the first and second housings 244 , 248 may include apertures 272 such that when the first and second housings 244 , 248 are engaged together as described above, the apertures 272 form the locking aperture 270 .
- the locking aperture 270 may be positioned on the mounting bracket 240 such that it may generally align with the applicable locking pin aperture 15 of the hitch receiver tube 14 when the mounting bracket 240 is inserted into the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the mounting bracket 240 may be inserted into the hitch receiver tube 14 and the fingers 269 may generally permit a tight fit between the mounting bracket 240 and the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the locking aperture 270 may generally align with the locking pin aperture 15 of the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the locking pin 16 may be inserted into and through the locking pin aperture 15 and the locking aperture 270 generally securing the mounting bracket 240 with the hitch receiver tube 14 . This may secure the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 200 with the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the fingers 269 may be compressed toward the mounting bracket 240 , which may also allow the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 200 to be selectively removable from the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the locking pin 16 may be withdrawn from the locking pin aperture 15 and the locking aperture 270 .
- the mounting bracket 240 may be pulled outward from the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- the fingers 269 may compress toward the mounting bracket 240 generally releasing the engagement between the fingers 269 and the hitch receiver tube 14 such that the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 200 may be selectively removed.
- the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 200 may be shaped and sized such that it may selectively engage hitch receiver tubes 14 of a dimension D 1 , such as by way of a non-limiting example, a 11 ⁇ 4′′ (Class I/II) hitch receiver tubes.
- the mounting bracket 240 may be of a shape and size such that it may being inserted into and operatively engaged with Class I/II hitch receiver tubes 14 —although it should be understood that the mounting bracket 240 may of a shape and size to engage a hitch receiver tube 14 of any size.
- the biasing of the fingers 269 toward the hitch receiver tube 14 may permit a tight fit between the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 200 and the hitch receiver tube 14 even when the mounting bracket 240 may have a width W 1 that may be smaller than other mounting brackets that may fit snugly within the hitch receiver tube 14 .
- This may allow the mounting bracket 240 and in turn the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 200 to snugly fit within a wide variety of hitch receiver tubes.
- the adapter 106 may be selectively attached to the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 200 in order to modify the size thereof as described in more detail above.
- the modularity of the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 200 may allow the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 200 to be efficiently packaged.
- the face plate 220 may be detached from the mounting bracket 240 in the applicable packaging.
- This selective detachability of the face plate 220 with the mounting bracket 240 may permit the packaging thereof to be more efficient, e.g., this may result in a smaller overall package size as opposed to packaging the face plate 220 attached with the mounting bracket 240 .
- This smaller package size may take up less space on store shelves. It may also be easier for a user to handle and may allow the manufacturer thereof to transport such more efficiently as more of the product may be capable of being packaged in a smaller space.
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Abstract
Description
- This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/935,042, entitled “Universal Mounting Bracket for an Adaptable Hitch Cover,” filed on Jul. 3, 2013; which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/668,597, entitled “Universal Mounting Bracket for an Adaptable Hitch Cover,” filed on Jul. 6, 2012, both of which are hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.
- The present invention is generally related to a universal mounting bracket and, more particularly, to a universal mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover.
- Trailer hitch assemblies are traditionally designed to be mounted to vehicles to allow the towing of trailers or the like. A receiver opening or cavity is often used for the receipt of a hitch or draw bar that carries a hitch ball or other means of allowing connection to a towed vehicle. The receiver opening comes in various sizes, such as to accommodate various towing capabilities. For example, receiver-type trailer hitch assemblies are typically offered with a square receiver opening of 1.25 inches (32 mm) for Class I/II, 2 inches (51 mm) for Class III/IV/V, and some Class V hitches are available in 2.5 inches (64 mm) opening sizes.
- When not in use towing a trailer or other towed vehicle, often the receiver opening remains generally exposed to the environment. Covers have been provided for insertion into the receiver opening to improve outward appearances and to provide certain utility. A disadvantage of these previously known covers is that a cover may only be capable of appropriately fitting into a specifically sized hitch receiver opening, i.e., the cover comes in just one size to accommodate a correspondingly sized hitch receiver opening. This may limit the use of such covers and may require a user to purchase a plurality of covers to fit each applicable hitch receiver opening. Still further, typical one-piece molded designed hitch covers are limited in their available uses, which may force the manufacturer to create different hitch covers, unique packaging and additional inventory tracking systems.
- Prior art designs may also require a relatively large packaging size such that a limited number of covers may be displayed or stored in a given size shelf space, especially those hitch covers that are a one-piece molded design. The large packaging required creates an inefficient use of sale space and may increase the cost of displaying and offering for sale such prior art designs.
- Therefore, there is a need for an improved hitch cover with a mounting system that may be capable of selectively attaching to hitch receiver openings of various sizes and/or that may provide modularity. There is also a need to reduce the packaging size of a hitch cover so that more may be displayed or stocked in a given size shelf space. Still further, there is a need to increase the efficiency of the packaging and the display of such in offering the product for sale. Still further, there is a need for a decorative hitch cover base (usually furnished with graphics, decals, and other art) to be able easily switched to a different decorative base of shape and form. Such a decorative hitch cover may give end users more flexibility and variety of choices to express themselves without the necessity of purchasing additional hitch covers with a predefined tube size, design and shape.
- A hitch cover is shown and described. The hitch cover may include a base having first and second surfaces, the second surface having at least one engagement member attached thereto. The hitch cover may also include a mounting bracket selectively attached to the at least one engagement member of the base and extending from the second surface wherein the mounting bracket is configured to selectively engage a hitch receiver tube.
- A hitch cover may include a base and a mounting bracket selectively attached to the base and extending therefrom, where the mounting bracket is configured to selectively engage a hitch receiver tube having a first size. The hitch cover may also include an adapter capable of selectively engaging and generally circumscribing at least a portion of the mounting bracket, where the adapter is configured to selectively engage a hitch receiver tube having a second size, the second size being greater than the first size.
- A hitch cover may include a face plate having at least one engagement member and a mounting bracket selectively engageable with the at least one engagement member of the face plate, where the mounting bracket is configured to selectively engage a first hitch receiver tube having a first size. The hitch cover may include at least one biasing member attached to the mounting bracket, where the biasing member is configured to engage a portion of the first hitch receiver tube.
- A packaging for a hitch cover may include a face plate, a mounting bracket selectively engageable with the face plate, where the mounting bracket is configured to engage a first hitch receiver tube having a first size, and an adapter selectively engageable with at least a portion the mounting bracket, where the adapter is configured to engage a second hitch receiver tube having a second size, the second size being greater than the first size. The packaging for the hitch cover may also include a retaining member retaining the face plate, mounting bracket and adapter together where the face plate and adapter are disengaged from the mounting bracket when retained in the retaining member, whereby the retaining member is configured to be positioned on a point of sale display.
- The invention may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover. -
FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover. -
FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a portion of the face plate of the adaptable hitch cover. -
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover being inserted into a hitch receiver tube of a vehicle. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver tube. -
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver tube. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover with an adapter attached thereto. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the adapter of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover ofFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover being inserted into a hitch receiver tube of a vehicle. -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover selectively inserted into the hitch receiver tube of a vehicle. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver tube of a vehicle. -
FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover. -
FIG. 15 is a partial exploded view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover. -
FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover. -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover being inserted into a hitch receiver tube of a vehicle. -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver tube. -
FIG. 20 is a plan view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver tube. -
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover selectively inserted into the hitch receiver tube of a vehicle. -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver tube of a vehicle. - Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention.
- A universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 10/100 capable of selectively fitting within a plurality of different sized hitch receiver tubes is shown inFIGS. 1-13 . By way of a non-limiting example, the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 10 may be capable of selectively attaching to ahitch receiver tube 14, such as shown inFIGS. 6-8 . Thehitch receiver tube 14 may be of any appropriate shape and design. The present teachings are not limited to a particular shaped, sized, or configured hitch receiver—any hitch receiver may be used therewith. Thehitch receiver tube 14 may include a lockingaperture 15 shaped and sized to receive alocking pin 16. The lockingpin 16 may of any appropriate design. The lockingpin 16 may be capable of being inserted into and through the lockingaperture 15, such as to secure a hitch or draw bar of a towed vehicle to thehitch receiver tube 14 in any appropriate manner. - The universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 10 may include a base/face plate 20. Theface plate 20 may include first andsecond surfaces first surface 24 may include any appropriate design or indicia, such as by way of a non-limiting example, a logo, a name, an image, or any combination of such. For example, the universal bracket withadaptable hitch cover 10 may be furnished with certain graphics, decals, or other art work that may be selectively attached to thefirst surface 24 in any appropriate manner. Users may also be able to replace such graphics, decals or other art work with any other graphic, decal or art work that they choose, which may provide customization to the universal bracket withadaptable hitch cover 10. Still further, thefirst surface 24 may include any appropriate object, such as a light, bottle opener, or any such other device that may be attached thereto or formed therewith. Such device may provide additional utility to the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 10. Further, thefirst surface 24 may be a contoured or include a shaped three-dimensional surface having a desired shape or configuration, i.e., thefirst surface 24 need not be planar, it may contain contours, depressions or both. - The
second surface 28 may include at least oneengagement member 30. In some embodiments, thesecond surface 28 may include fourengagement members 30; seeFIG. 1 . While fourengagement members 30 may be shown and described, the present teachings are not limited to foursuch engagement members 30. Any appropriate number ofengagement members 30 may be used without departing from the present teachings. Theengagement members 30 may include a plurality ofhooks 34 that may be appropriately spaced on thesecond surface 28 of theface plate 20, such as by way of a non-limiting example, in a generally rectangular shape. Thehooks 34 may be attached in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, thehooks 34 may be attached by fastening, securing, snap-fitting, welding, or otherwise adhered. Further, thehooks 34 may be integrally formed on thesecond surface 28 as a monolithic unit, such as through any appropriate molding process or the like. - The universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 10 may include a mountingbracket 40 that may be selectively attached to theface plate 20. In particular, the mountingbracket 40 may be selectively attached thesecond surface 28 of theface plate 20. The mountingbracket 40 may be selectively attached to theengagement members 30 of thesecond surface 28 of theface plate 20. The mountingbracket 40 may include a base 42 that may be of a shape and size that it may be capable of selectively engaging theengagement members 30 in any appropriate manner, such as by way of a non-limiting example, snap-fit, friction fit, mating engaging features, or the like. - The base 42 may be integrally formed with the mounting
bracket 40 as a monolithic unit or may be attached thereto through a subsequent operation. By way of a non-limiting example, thebase 42 may be of a generally rectangular shape. The base 42 may includeopenings 43 that may selectively engage theengagement members 30. More specifically, theopenings 43 may be shaped and sized such that thehooks 34 may selectively engage theopenings 43 generally securing the mountingbracket 40 with thesecond surface 28 of theface plate 20; seeFIG. 5 . The base 42 may be positioned toward thesecond surface 28 of theface plate 20 generally aligningopenings 43 with thehooks 34, as shown byarrow 45. A force may be applied as in the direction of thearrow 60, which may position theopenings 43 with thehooks 34. In some embodiments, the number ofopenings 43 may generally match the number ofengagement members 30, e.g., four, and the position of theopenings 43 may generally correspond with the position of theengagement members 30. Thehooks 34 may also be disengageable with thebase 42 of the mountingbracket 40 such that the mountingbracket 40 may be selectively disengaged from theface plate 20, i.e., the mountingbracket 40 and theface plate 20 may be modular. In such embodiments, adifferent face plate 20 may be attached to the mountingbracket 40 as required or desired. This may allow a user to selectively attach anotherface plate 20 to the mountingbracket 40, such as to provide a face plate with a different indicia, different device attached thereto, or one capable of a different function. Still further, this may allow theface plate 20 to be packaged disengaged from the mountingbracket 40, which is described in more detail below, and may allow a user to store theface plate 20 separate from the mountingbracket 40. - In some embodiments, the mounting
bracket 40 may include first andsecond housings first housing 44 may include afirst interlocking feature 50 and thesecond housing 48 may include asecond interlocking feature 52. Thesecond interlocking feature 52 may be capable of selectively engaging thefirst interlocking feature 50 for the purpose of interlocking the first andsecond housings bracket 40 as well as thebase 42. Specifically, thefirst housing 44 may include afirst portion 42 a of thebase 42 and thesecond housing 48 may include asecond portion 42 b of the base 42 such that when the first andsecond housings second portions openings 43. - In some embodiments, the
first interlocking feature 50 may include agroove 56 extending along aperimeter 57 of thefirst housing 44 and thesecond interlocking feature 52 may include a matingly shaped andsized tongue 58 extending along aperimeter 59 of thesecond housing 48. Thetongue 58 may be capable of selectively and operatively engaging thegroove 56. It should be understood, however, that the first and second interlocking features 50, 52 may include any appropriate matingly engaging features and are not limited to that shown and described herein. By way of a non-limiting example, the first and second interlocking features 50, 52 may be a male and female snap fit features, male and female dovetail features, or any other appropriate matingly engaging features. - Further, while the
first interlocking feature 50 is shown as thegroove 56 and thesecond interlocking feature 52 is shown as thetongue 58, thefirst interlocking feature 50 may be a tongue and thesecond interlocking feature 52 may be a groove. Still further, one side of theperimeter 57 of thefirst housing 44 may include afirst interlocking feature 50 that may be a groove and the other side of theperimeter 57 may include afirst interlocking feature 50 that may be a tongue. Thesecond housing 48 may include thesecond interlocking feature 52 that may be capable of matingly engaging thefirst interlocking feature 50, i.e., a first side of theperimeter 59 of thesecond interlocking feature 52 may be a tongue and the second side of theperimeter 59 may include thesecond interlocking feature 52 that may be a groove. The present teachings are not limited to that shown and described. Any appropriate interlocking elements may be utilized in any appropriate configuration and are not limited to that shown and described herein. - With the first and
second housings second surface 28 of theface plate 20 as shown inFIG. 2 and described above, the first andsecond housings arrows 60. Moving the first andsecond housings arrows 60 may engage the first and second interlocking features 50, 52 with each other operatively securing the first andsecond housings bracket 40. It is to be understood, however, that the mountingbracket 40 may be formed in any suitable manner and is not limited to that shown and described herein. - The mounting
bracket 40 may include ananti-rattle member 62. Theanti-rattle member 62 may generally fill a gap between the mountingbracket 40 and the interior surface ofhitch receiver tube 14 in which it may be inserted that may have otherwise been present. Filling the gap may create a snug fit between the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 10 and thehitch receiver tube 14. Further, theanti-rattle member 62 may be generally flexible, such that it may be capable of biasing in an appropriate direction. The biasing of theanti-rattle member 62 may allow for absorption of vibration due to road conditions during operation of avehicle 64 to which thehitch receiver tube 14 may be attached. - In some embodiments, the
anti-rattle member 62 may include a finger ortab 69 that may be biased away from the mountingbracket 40. Thefinger 69 may be attached to the mountingbracket 40 in any appropriate manner or may be integrally formed therewith as a monolithic unit. Each of the first andsecond housing anti-rattle member 62, i.e., each of the first andsecond housing finger 69. While each of the first andsecond housings finger 69, the first andsecond housings fingers 69, such as two, three or more. Still further, while it is described that both the first andsecond housing finger 69, either one of the first orsecond housing finger 69 without departing from the present teachings. Moreover, while asingle finger 69 may be described below in more detail, it should be understood that such description may apply to each of thefingers 69. It should also be understood that each of thefingers 69 may have a different construction—the present teachings are not limited to thefingers 69 all being the substantially similar. - The
finger 69 may be capable of being compressed toward the mountingbracket 40 when the mountingbracket 40 is being inserted into thehitch receiver tube 14. In such situations, thefinger 69 may be depressed or biased downward such that the mountingbracket 40 may be selectively inserted into thehitch receiver tube 14. Once appropriately positioned within thehitch receiver tube 14, thefinger 69 may bias toward thehitch receiver tube 14. In biasing toward thehitch receiver tube 14, thefinger 69 may engage a portion of thehitch receiver tube 14 creating a generally tight fit, e.g., a tight friction fit, between the mountingbracket 40 and thehitch receiver tube 14. This may allow the mountingbracket 40 to be appropriately positioned within thehitch receiver tube 14. Still further, thefinger 69 being elastic may generally dampen vibrations that may occur during operation of thevehicle 64. - The mounting
bracket 40 may include at least one lockingaperture 70 that may be shaped and sized to accept the lockingpin 16. The lockingaperture 70 may extend through both sides of the mountingbracket 40. Specifically, each of the first andsecond housings apertures 72 such that when the first andsecond housings apertures 72 form the lockingaperture 70. The lockingaperture 70 may be positioned on the mountingbracket 40 such that it may generally align with the applicablelocking pin aperture 15 of thehitch receiver tube 14 when the mountingbracket 40 is inserted into thehitch receiver tube 14. - In some embodiments, the mounting
bracket 40 may include asecond locking aperture 74. Each of the first andsecond housings second apertures 76 such that when the first andsecond housings second apertures 76 form thesecond locking aperture 74. While two lockingapertures aperture 70 and thesecond locking aperture 74 may be positioned on the mountingbracket 40 such that at least one of such generally aligns with the applicablelocking pin aperture 15 of thehitch receiver tube 14 when the mountingbracket 40 is inserted into thehitch receiver tube 14. Thesecond locking aperture 74 may allow the mountingbracket 40 to be secured to a wider variety of hitch receiver tubes as the mountingbracket 40 may include at least two apertures that may generally align with thelocking pin aperture 15 of thehitch receiver tube 14. - The mounting
bracket 40 may be inserted into thehitch receiver tube 14 and thefingers 69 may generally permit a tight fit between the mountingbracket 40 and thehitch receiver tube 14. Either of the lockingaperture 70 or thesecond locking aperture 74 may generally align with thelocking pin aperture 15 of thehitch receiver tube 14. The lockingpin 16 may be inserted into and through thelocking pin aperture 15 and either of the lockingaperture 70 or thesecond locking aperture 74 generally securing the mountingbracket 40 with thehitch receiver tube 14. This may secure the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 10 with thehitch receiver tube 14. - The
finger 69 may be compressed toward the mountingbracket 40, which may also allow the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 to be selectively removable from thehitch receiver tube 14. In such situation, the lockingpin 16 may be withdrawn from thelocking pin aperture 15 and either of the lockingaperture 70 or thesecond locking aperture 74. The mountingbracket 40 may be pulled outward from thehitch receiver tube 14. As the mountingbracket 40 is so pulled, thefinger 69 may compress toward the mountingbracket 40 generally releasing the engagement between thefinger 69 and thehitch receiver tube 14 such that the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 10 may be selectively removed. - In some embodiments, the universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 10 may be shaped and sized such that it may selectively engagehitch receiver tubes 14 of a dimension D1, such as by way of a non-limiting example, a 1¼″ (Class I/II) hitch receiver tubes. By way of a non-limiting example, the mountingbracket 40 may be of a shape and size such that it may being inserted into and operatively engaged with Class I/IIhitch receiver tubes 14, i.e., the mountingbracket 40 may have a width W1 capable of fitting within the applicable Class I/IIhitch receiver tube 14 of dimension D1. The biasing of thefinger 69 toward thehitch receiver tube 14 may permit a tight fit between the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 10 and thehitch receiver tube 14 even when the mountingbracket 40 may have a width W1 that may be smaller than other mounting brackets that may fit snugly within thehitch receiver tube 14. This may allow the mountingbracket 40 and in turn the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 10 to snugly fit within a wide variety of hitch receiver tubes. - The modularity of the universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 10, i.e., theface plate 20 capable of being selectively removable from the mountingbracket 40, may allow the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 10 to be efficiently packaged. By way of a non-limiting example, theface plate 20 may be detached from the mountingbracket 40 in the applicable packaging. This selective detachability of theface plate 20 with the mountingbracket 40 may permit the packaging thereof to be more efficient, e.g., this may result in a smaller overall package size as opposed to packaging theface plate 20 attached with the mountingbracket 40. This smaller package size may take up less space on store shelves. It may also be easier for a user to handle and may allow the manufacturer thereof to transport such more efficiently as more of the product may be capable of being packaged in a smaller space. - Still further, the universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 10 being selectively attachable to hitch receiver tubes of different sizes may result in having to produce a single design as opposed producing multiple different sized and shaped hitch covers. The universal bracket withadaptable hitch cover 10 may result in generally eliminating additional production lines, separate packaging designs and additional inventory tracking systems. - Additional embodiments of a universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover according the present teachings are described below. In the descriptions, all of the details and components may not be fully described or shown. Rather, the features or components are described and, in some instances, differences with the above-described embodiments may be pointed out. Moreover, it should be appreciated that these additional embodiments may include elements or components utilized in the above-described embodiments although not shown or described. Thus, the descriptions of these additional embodiments are merely exemplary and not all-inclusive nor exclusive. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the features, components, elements and functionalities of the various embodiments may be combined or altered to achieve a desired universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover without departing from the spirit and scope of the present teachings.
- A universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 100 may include theface plate 20 and the mountingbracket 40 as described in more detail above. The universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 100 may also include anadapter 106 that may be capable of selectively attaching to the mountingbracket 40 in any appropriate manner. In some embodiments, theadapter 106 may include anopening 108 through which the mountingbracket 40 may pass through, such as in the direction ofarrow 109 shown inFIG. 9 . Theadapter 106 may be of a shape and size such that when it is selectively attached to the mountingbracket 40 at least one of the lockingaperture 70 or thesecond locking aperture 74 may extend beyond theadapter 106, such as shown inFIG. 9 . Theadapter 106 may include anaperture 110 as described in more detail below. Theaperture 110 may be of any appropriate shape and size. - In some embodiments, the
anti-rattle member 62 of the mountingbracket 40 may selectively engage theadapter 106 in any appropriate manner securing theadapter 106 with the mountingbracket 40. By way of a non-limiting example, thefinger 69 may be compressed toward the mountingbracket 40 when the mountingbracket 40 is being inserted into theadapter 106. In such situations, thefinger 69 may be depressed or biased downward such that the mountingbracket 40 may be selectively inserted into theopening 108 of theadapter 106. Once appropriately positioned within theadapter 106, thefinger 69 may bias towardadapter 106. In biasing toward theadapter 106, thefinger 69 may engage theaperture 110 of theadapter 106 locking theadapter 106 with the mountingbracket 40. - The
finger 69 being compressed toward the mountingbracket 40 also may allow the mountingbracket 40 to be selectively removable from theadapter 106. In some embodiments, the mountingbracket 40 may be pulled outward from theadapter 106. As the mountingbracket 40 is so pulled, thefinger 69 may compress toward the mountingbracket 40 generally releasing engagement between thefinger 69 andadapter 106 such that the mountingbracket 40 may be selectively removed. - The
adapter 106 may be formed in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, theadapter 106 may be formed as a monolithic member or may be formed from a pair of interlocking housings similar to that of the mountingbracket 40. The present teachings are not limited to any particular configuration. - The
adapter 106 may include ananti-rattle member 127. Theanti-rattle member 127 may be similar to theanti-rattle member 62, or in the alternative may be of a generally different configuration. Theanti-rattle member 127 may generally fill a gap between theadapter 106 and thehitch receiver tube 14 that may have otherwise been present when inserting the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 100 into thehitch receiver tube 14. Filling the gap may create a snug fit between the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 100 and thehitch receiver tube 14. Further, theanti-rattle member 127 may be generally flexible, such that it may be capable of biasing. The flexibility of theanti-rattle member 127 may allow for absorption of vibration due to road conditions during operation of avehicle 64 to which thehitch receiver tube 14 may be attached. - In some embodiments, the
anti-rattle member 127 may include a finger ortab 131 that may be biased away from theadapter 106. Thefinger 131 may be attached to theadapter 106 in any appropriate manner or may be integrally formed therewith as a monolithic unit. Any appropriate number offingers 131 may be used without departing from the present teachings. By way of a non-limiting example, theadapter 106 may include fourfingers 131, whereby twofingers 131 may be positioned on each side of theadapter 106. Moreover, while asingle finger 131 may be described below in more detail, it should be understood that such description may apply to each of thefingers 131. It should also be understood that each of thefingers 131 may have a different construction—the present teachings are not limited to thefingers 131 all being the substantially similar. - The
finger 131 may be capable of being compressed toward theadapter 106 when theadapter 106 is being inserted into thehitch receiver tube 14. In such situations, thefinger 131 may be depressed or biased downward such that theadapter 106 may be selectively inserted into thehitch receiver tube 14. Once appropriately positioned within thehitch receiver tube 14, thefinger 131 may bias toward thehitch receiver tube 14. In biasing toward thehitch receiver tube 14, thefinger 131 may engage a portion of thehitch receiver tuber 14 creating a generally tight fit between theadapter 106 and thehitch receiver tube 14. This may allow theadapter 106 to be appropriately positioned within thehitch receiver tube 14. Still further, thefinger 131 being elastic may generally dampen vibrations that may occur during operation of thevehicle 64. - The
adapter 106 with mountingbracket 40 may be inserted into thehitch receiver tube 14 and thefingers 131 may generally hold theadapter 106 within thehitch receiver tube 14. Either of the lockingaperture 70 or thesecond locking aperture 74 of the mountingbracket 40 may generally align with thelocking pin aperture 15 of thehitch receiver tube 14. The lockingpin 16 may then be inserted into and through thelocking pin aperture 15 and either of the lockingaperture 70 or thesecond locking aperture 74 generally securing theadapter 106 and mountingbracket 40 with thehitch receiver tube 14. This may secure the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 10 with thehitch receiver tube 14. - The
finger 131 being compressed toward theadapter 106 may also allow the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 100 to be selectively removed from thehitch receiver tube 14. In some embodiments, theadapter 106 may be pulled outward from thehitch receiver tube 14. As theadapter 106 is so pulled, thefinger 131 may compress toward theadapter 106 generally releasing the engagement between thefinger 131 and thehitch receiver tube 14 such that the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 100 may be selectively removed. - In some embodiments, the universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 100 may be shaped and sized such that it may be capable of selectively engaginghitch receiver tubes 14 of a dimension D2, such as by way of a non-limiting example, a 2″ (Class III/IV) and/or 2½″ (Class V)hitch receiver tubes 14 of dimension D2. By way of a non-limiting example, theadapter 106 may be of a shape and size such that it may be capable of being inserted into Class III/IV and/or Vhitch receiver tubes 14. The biasing of thefinger 131 toward thehitch receiver tube 14 may permit a tight fit between the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 100 and thehitch receiver tube 14 even whenadapter 106 may be smaller than thehitch receiver tube 14. Specifically, theadapter 106 may have a width W2 that may be greater than the width W1 of the mountingbracket 40; seeFIG. 7 , which may allow the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 100 to operatively fit with the larger Class III/IV and Vhitch receiver tubes 14 having the dimension D2, whereby D2 may be larger than D1. The biasing of thefingers 131 toward thehitch receiver tube 14 may permit a tight fit between the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 100 and thehitch receiver tube 14 even when theadapter 106 may have a width W2 that may be smaller than other brackets that may fit snugly within thehitch receiver tube 14. Still further, the biasing of thefingers 131 may allow for a generally tight fit of theadapter 106 regardless of whether thehitch receiver tube 14 may be 2″ or 2½″ in size. Thefingers 131 may be biased enough that they may permit theadapter 106 to snugly fit within either sizedhitch receiver tube 14. - In operation in those situations in which the universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 100 may need to be attached to a Class I/IIhitch receiver tube 14 having the dimension D1, theadapter 106 may be removed from the mountingbracket 40 forming the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 10. In this situation, the mountingbracket 40 may be of a shape and size to fit within the Class I/IIhitch receiver tube 14. In those situations in which the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 10 may need to be attached to any one of a Class III/IV and/or Vhitch receiver tube 14 having the dimension D2, theadapter 106 may be attached to the mountingbracket 40 as described above. This may provide an opportunity to have a universal bracket that may be capable of being selectively secured to any one of Class I through V hitch receiver tubes. - The modularity of the universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 100, i.e., theface plate 20 being capable of being selectively removable from the mountingbracket 40 and theadapter 106 being selectively removable from the mountingbracket 40, may allow the universal bracket withadaptable hitch cover 100 to be efficiently packaged. By way of a non-limiting example, theface plate 20 andadapter 106 may both be detached from the mountingbracket 40 in the applicable packaging. This selective detachability of theface plate 20 andadapter 106 with the mountingbracket 40 may permit the packaging thereof to be more efficient, e.g., this may result in a smaller overall package size as opposed to packaging theface plate 20 andadapter 106 attached with the mountingbracket 40. This smaller package size may take up less space on store shelves. It may also be easier for a user to handle and may allow the manufacturer thereof to transport such more efficiently as more of the product may be capable of being packaged in a smaller space. - Still further, the universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 100 being capable of selectively attaching to hitch receiver tubes of different sizes may result having to produce a single design as opposed to having to produce multiple different sized and shaped hitch covers. The universal bracket withadaptable hitch cover 100 may result in generally eliminating additional production lines, separate packaging designs and additional inventory tracking systems. - Embodiments of a universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 200 are shown inFIGS. 14-22 . The universal bracket withadaptable hitch cover 200 may include a base/face plate 220. Theface plate 220 may include first andsecond surfaces first surface 224 may include any appropriate design or indicia, such as by way of a non-limiting example, a contoured or three-dimensional surface having a desired shape or configuration (such as a basketball as shown), a logo, a name, an image, or any combination of such. In some embodiments, anindicia member 229 may be selectively attached with theface plate 220 in any appropriate manner. Theindicia member 229 may include, by way of a non-limiting example, a contoured or three-dimensional surface having a desired shape or configuration (such as a basketball as shown), a logo, a name, an image, or any combination of such. Moreover, theindicia member 229 may include a light, an operating component, such as a bottle opener or the like. Theindicia member 229 may, by way of a non-limiting example, be fastened with theface plate 220. The user may attach, detach, and attach adifferent indicia member 229 without having to replace the entire universal bracket withadaptable hitch cover 200. Further, still the user may replace theindicia member 229 without having to remove the universal bracket withadaptable hitch cover 200 from thehitch receiver tube 14. This may allow the user to change graphics, decals, indicia or other art work with any other graphic, decal, indicia or art work that they choose, which may provide customization to the universal bracket withadaptable hitch cover 200. - The
second surface 228 may include at least oneengagement member 230. In some embodiments, thesecond surface 228 may include fourengagement members 230; seeFIG. 14 . While fourengagement members 230 may be shown and described, the present teachings are not limited to such—any appropriate number ofengagement members 230 may be used without departing from the present teachings. Theengagement members 230 may include a plurality ofhooks 234 that may be appropriately spaced on thesecond surface 228 of theface plate 220. Thehooks 234 may be attached in any appropriate manner. - The universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 200 may include a mountingbracket 240 that may be selectively attached to theface plate 220. In particular, the mountingbracket 240 may be selectively attached thesecond surface 228 of theface plate 220. The mountingbracket 240 may be selectively attached to theengagement members 230 of thesecond surface 228 of theface plate 220. The mountingbracket 240 may include a base 242 that may be of a shape and size that it may be capable of selectively engaging theengagement members 230 in any appropriate manner. - The base 242 may be integrally formed with the mounting
bracket 240 as a monolithic unit or may be attached thereto through a subsequent operation. By way of a non-limiting example, thebase 242 may be of a generally rectangular shape. The base 242 may includeopenings 243 that may selectively engage theengagement members 230. For example, theopenings 243 may be shaped and sized such that thehooks 234 may selectively engage theopenings 243 generally securing the mountingbracket 240 with thesecond surface 228 of theface plate 220; seeFIGS. 15 and 16 . The base 242 may be positioned toward thesecond surface 228 of theface plate 220 generally aligningopenings 243 with thehooks 234, as shown byarrow 245. A force may be applied as in the direction of thearrow 260, which may position theopenings 243 with thehooks 234. - The
hooks 234 may also be disengageable with thebase 242 of the mountingbracket 240 such that the mountingbracket 240 may be selectively disengaged from theface plate 220, i.e., the mountingbracket 240 and theface plate 220 may be modular. A different face plate may be attached to the mountingbracket 240 as required or desired. This may allow theface plate 220 to be packaged disengaged from the mountingbracket 240 and may allow a user to store theface plate 220 separate from the mountingbracket 240. - The mounting
bracket 240 may include first andsecond housings first housing 244 may include afirst interlocking feature 250 and thesecond housing 248 may include asecond interlocking feature 252. Thesecond interlocking feature 252 may be capable of selectively engaging thefirst interlocking feature 250 for the purpose of interlocking the first andsecond housings bracket 240 as well as thebase 242. - The
first interlocking feature 250 may include agroove 256 extending along aperimeter 257 of thefirst housing 244 and thesecond interlocking feature 252 may include a matingly shaped andsized tongue 258 extending along aperimeter 259 of thesecond housing 248. Thetongue 258 may selectively and operatively engage thegroove 256. It should be understood, however, that the first and second interlocking features 250, 252 may include any appropriate matingly engaging features and are not limited to that shown and described herein. By way of a non-limiting example, the first and second interlocking features 250, 252 may be a male and female snap fit features, male and female dovetail features, or any other appropriate matingly engaging features. Further, while thefirst interlocking feature 250 is described as a female engaging member and thesecond interlocking feature 252 is a male engaging member, they may be structured in an opposite manner, i.e., thefirst interlocking feature 250 is a male engaging member and thesecond interlocking feature 252 is a female engaging member. - The mounting
bracket 240 may include at least oneanti-rattle member 262—as shown inFIGS. 14-16 , the mountingbracket 240 may include six suchanti-rattle devices 262. Theanti-rattle member 262 may generally fill a gap between the mountingbracket 240 and the interior surface ofhitch receiver tube 14 in which it may be inserted that may have otherwise been present. Filling the gap may create a snug fit between the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 10 and thehitch receiver tube 14. Further, theanti-rattle members 262 may be generally flexible, such that they may be capable of biasing in an appropriate direction. The biasing of theanti-rattle members 262 may allow for absorption of vibration due to road conditions during operation of thevehicle 64 to which thehitch receiver tube 14 may be attached. - The
anti-rattle member 262 may each include a finger ortab 269 that may be biased away from the mountingbracket 240 or may include a portion extending above the first andsecond housing finger 269 may be attached to the mountingbracket 240 in any appropriate manner or may be integrally formed therewith as a monolithic unit. Each of the first andsecond housing anti-rattle members 262, i.e., each of the first andsecond housing fingers 269. - The
fingers 269 may be capable of being compressed toward the mountingbracket 240 when the mountingbracket 240 is being inserted into thehitch receiver tube 14. In such situations, thefingers 269 may be depressed or biased downward such that the mountingbracket 240 may be selectively inserted into thehitch receiver tube 14. Once appropriately positioned within thehitch receiver tube 14, thefingers 269 may bias toward thehitch receiver tube 14. In biasing toward thehitch receiver tube 14, thefingers 269 may engage a portion of thehitch receiver tube 14 creating a generally tight fit, e.g., a tight friction fit, between the mountingbracket 240 and thehitch receiver tube 14. This may allow the mountingbracket 240 to be appropriately positioned within thehitch receiver tube 14. Still further, thefingers 269 being elastic may generally dampen vibrations that may occur during operation of thevehicle 64. - The mounting
bracket 240 may include at least onelocking aperture 270 that may be shaped and sized to accept the lockingpin 16. The lockingaperture 270 may extend through both sides of the mountingbracket 240. Specifically, each of the first andsecond housings apertures 272 such that when the first andsecond housings apertures 272 form the lockingaperture 270. The lockingaperture 270 may be positioned on the mountingbracket 240 such that it may generally align with the applicablelocking pin aperture 15 of thehitch receiver tube 14 when the mountingbracket 240 is inserted into thehitch receiver tube 14. - The mounting
bracket 240 may be inserted into thehitch receiver tube 14 and thefingers 269 may generally permit a tight fit between the mountingbracket 240 and thehitch receiver tube 14. The lockingaperture 270 may generally align with thelocking pin aperture 15 of thehitch receiver tube 14. The lockingpin 16 may be inserted into and through thelocking pin aperture 15 and the lockingaperture 270 generally securing the mountingbracket 240 with thehitch receiver tube 14. This may secure the universal bracket withadaptable hitch cover 200 with thehitch receiver tube 14. - The
fingers 269 may be compressed toward the mountingbracket 240, which may also allow the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 200 to be selectively removable from thehitch receiver tube 14. In such situation, the lockingpin 16 may be withdrawn from thelocking pin aperture 15 and the lockingaperture 270. The mountingbracket 240 may be pulled outward from thehitch receiver tube 14. As the mountingbracket 240 is so pulled, thefingers 269 may compress toward the mountingbracket 240 generally releasing the engagement between thefingers 269 and thehitch receiver tube 14 such that the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 200 may be selectively removed. - In some embodiments, the universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 200 may be shaped and sized such that it may selectively engagehitch receiver tubes 14 of a dimension D1, such as by way of a non-limiting example, a 1¼″ (Class I/II) hitch receiver tubes. By way of a non-limiting example, the mountingbracket 240 may be of a shape and size such that it may being inserted into and operatively engaged with Class I/IIhitch receiver tubes 14—although it should be understood that the mountingbracket 240 may of a shape and size to engage ahitch receiver tube 14 of any size. The biasing of thefingers 269 toward thehitch receiver tube 14 may permit a tight fit between the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 200 and thehitch receiver tube 14 even when the mountingbracket 240 may have a width W1 that may be smaller than other mounting brackets that may fit snugly within thehitch receiver tube 14. This may allow the mountingbracket 240 and in turn the universal bracket withadaptable hitch cover 200 to snugly fit within a wide variety of hitch receiver tubes. Further, in some embodiments, theadapter 106 may be selectively attached to the universal bracket with anadaptable hitch cover 200 in order to modify the size thereof as described in more detail above. - The modularity of the universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 200, i.e., theface plate 220 capable of being selectively removable from the mountingbracket 240, may allow the universal bracket withadaptable hitch cover 200 to be efficiently packaged. By way of a non-limiting example, theface plate 220 may be detached from the mountingbracket 240 in the applicable packaging. This selective detachability of theface plate 220 with the mountingbracket 240 may permit the packaging thereof to be more efficient, e.g., this may result in a smaller overall package size as opposed to packaging theface plate 220 attached with the mountingbracket 240. This smaller package size may take up less space on store shelves. It may also be easier for a user to handle and may allow the manufacturer thereof to transport such more efficiently as more of the product may be capable of being packaged in a smaller space. - Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the invention described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.
Claims (12)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/830,434 US20180086162A1 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2017-12-04 | Universal mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201261668597P | 2012-07-06 | 2012-07-06 | |
US13/935,042 US9834052B2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2013-07-03 | Universal mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover |
US15/830,434 US20180086162A1 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2017-12-04 | Universal mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/935,042 Continuation US9834052B2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2013-07-03 | Universal mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20180086162A1 true US20180086162A1 (en) | 2018-03-29 |
Family
ID=49911926
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/935,042 Expired - Fee Related US9834052B2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2013-07-03 | Universal mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover |
US15/830,434 Abandoned US20180086162A1 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2017-12-04 | Universal mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/935,042 Expired - Fee Related US9834052B2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2013-07-03 | Universal mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US9834052B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2820301A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD746215S1 (en) * | 2013-07-19 | 2015-12-29 | Robert N. Leavitt | Vehicle plow mount cover |
US10053025B2 (en) * | 2015-08-05 | 2018-08-21 | Nissan North America, Inc. | Hitch cover assembly |
US10363785B2 (en) * | 2015-12-07 | 2019-07-30 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Tow hook seal assembly with integrated bumper bolt cover |
CN205344412U (en) * | 2016-01-19 | 2016-06-29 | 延锋彼欧汽车外饰系统有限公司 | A towing pintle apron subassembly for car bumper |
US10889153B2 (en) * | 2017-04-02 | 2021-01-12 | Maher Pedersoli | Trailer hitch cover assembly |
US11738612B2 (en) | 2021-09-03 | 2023-08-29 | Viktor Dolinskiy | Insert for adapting a hitch cover to various size hitch receivers |
Citations (11)
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US4840392A (en) * | 1988-04-11 | 1989-06-20 | Baskett Theodore N | Trailer hitch guide |
US6199892B1 (en) * | 1998-09-01 | 2001-03-13 | James E. Dahl | Convertible cover assembly for receiver hitch |
US6286392B1 (en) * | 2000-08-24 | 2001-09-11 | Bergamot Incorporated | Hitch cover with bottle opener |
US6379028B1 (en) * | 2000-05-25 | 2002-04-30 | Byers Precision Fabricators, Inc. | Supplemental reverse lighting apparatus for motor vehicles |
US6463686B1 (en) * | 1999-11-15 | 2002-10-15 | United Global Sourcing, Inc. | Cover for hitch receiver |
US6908096B2 (en) * | 2002-09-06 | 2005-06-21 | Uara Services, Inc. | Cover, including hinged door, for trailer hitch receivers of multiple sizes and methods |
US6945551B2 (en) * | 1997-02-11 | 2005-09-20 | Blake Design Group, Llc. | Trailer hitch cover assembly |
US20070222186A1 (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2007-09-27 | Yokosh Steven M | Trailer hitch receiver cover |
US20110309599A1 (en) * | 2007-06-04 | 2011-12-22 | Columbia John R | Multi-Function Anti-Rotational/Anti-Theft Hitch Ball Assembly |
US20120090206A1 (en) * | 2010-10-18 | 2012-04-19 | John Edwin Prescott | HitchPix |
US20120240508A1 (en) * | 2009-10-01 | 2012-09-27 | Protekorwerk Florenz Maisch Gmbh & Co. Kg | Thin-walled, cold formed lightweight structural profile element and method for producing such a profile element |
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US5620198A (en) * | 1993-02-26 | 1997-04-15 | Reese Products, Inc. | Collar for trailer hitch receiver |
US6260874B1 (en) | 1999-12-14 | 2001-07-17 | Bergamot Incorporated | Hitch cover |
US7125035B1 (en) * | 2004-03-10 | 2006-10-24 | Huenefeld Donald A | Lubricating hitch receiver cover |
US7195269B2 (en) * | 2005-05-11 | 2007-03-27 | Curt Manufacturing, Inc. | Hitch |
-
2013
- 2013-07-03 US US13/935,042 patent/US9834052B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2013-07-05 CA CA2820301A patent/CA2820301A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2017
- 2017-12-04 US US15/830,434 patent/US20180086162A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US4840392A (en) * | 1988-04-11 | 1989-06-20 | Baskett Theodore N | Trailer hitch guide |
US6945551B2 (en) * | 1997-02-11 | 2005-09-20 | Blake Design Group, Llc. | Trailer hitch cover assembly |
US6199892B1 (en) * | 1998-09-01 | 2001-03-13 | James E. Dahl | Convertible cover assembly for receiver hitch |
US6463686B1 (en) * | 1999-11-15 | 2002-10-15 | United Global Sourcing, Inc. | Cover for hitch receiver |
US6379028B1 (en) * | 2000-05-25 | 2002-04-30 | Byers Precision Fabricators, Inc. | Supplemental reverse lighting apparatus for motor vehicles |
US6286392B1 (en) * | 2000-08-24 | 2001-09-11 | Bergamot Incorporated | Hitch cover with bottle opener |
US6908096B2 (en) * | 2002-09-06 | 2005-06-21 | Uara Services, Inc. | Cover, including hinged door, for trailer hitch receivers of multiple sizes and methods |
US20070222186A1 (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2007-09-27 | Yokosh Steven M | Trailer hitch receiver cover |
US20110309599A1 (en) * | 2007-06-04 | 2011-12-22 | Columbia John R | Multi-Function Anti-Rotational/Anti-Theft Hitch Ball Assembly |
US20120240508A1 (en) * | 2009-10-01 | 2012-09-27 | Protekorwerk Florenz Maisch Gmbh & Co. Kg | Thin-walled, cold formed lightweight structural profile element and method for producing such a profile element |
US20120090206A1 (en) * | 2010-10-18 | 2012-04-19 | John Edwin Prescott | HitchPix |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20140015225A1 (en) | 2014-01-16 |
US9834052B2 (en) | 2017-12-05 |
CA2820301A1 (en) | 2014-01-06 |
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