U.S. patent application number 10/050447 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-17 for adjustable hitch assembly for towing trailers.
Invention is credited to Wiers, Thomas A..
Application Number | 20030132605 10/050447 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21965304 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030132605 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wiers, Thomas A. |
July 17, 2003 |
ADJUSTABLE HITCH ASSEMBLY FOR TOWING TRAILERS
Abstract
An adjustable hitch assembly is mounted on a towing vehicle and
is adapted to move the hitch transversely, horizontally and
vertically with respect to the towing vehicle. A first traveler is
provided in a horizontally disposed C-shaped channel and is
selectively movable along the channel with a rotatably driven
threaded rod. A vertical C-shaped channel is mounted to the first
traveler. A second traveler is provided in the vertical channel and
is selectively movable along the vertical channel with a threaded
rod extending longitudinally in the vertical channel. A hitch is
mounted to the vertical channel traveler and is adapted for
connecting to a trailer.
Inventors: |
Wiers, Thomas A.; (Plymouth,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
George Pappas
PAPPAS LAW OFFICES
Suite 300
919 S. Harrison Street
Fort Wayne
IN
46802
US
|
Family ID: |
21965304 |
Appl. No.: |
10/050447 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/468 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60D 1/46 20130101; B60D
1/18 20130101; B60D 1/485 20130101; B60D 1/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/468 |
International
Class: |
B60D 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An adjustable hitch assembly for towing a trailer, said hitch
assembly comprising: a C-shaped channel; a traveler selectively
moveable longitudinally in said channel and including a threaded
bore; a threaded rod extending longitudinally in said channel and
threadingly engaging said traveler threaded bore; a motor coupled
to said threaded rod for selectively rotatably driving said rod
about the rod longitudinal axis, whereby said traveler is
selectively movable longitudinally in said channel; and, a hitch
coupled to said traveler, said hitch adapted for connecting to a
trailer.
2. The hitch assembly of claim 1 wherein said C-shaped channel is
generally horizontally disposed whereby said traveler and said
hitch are generally horizontally movable.
3. The hitch assembly of claim 1 wherein said C-shaped channel
includes an inside surface and said traveler includes a wear pad
disposed between said traveler and said channel inside surface.
4. The hitch assembly of claim 3 wherein said wear pad is made of
high density polyethylene.
5. The hitch assembly of claim 1 further comprising a mounting
frame adapted to mount said C-shaped channel to a towing
vehicle.
6. The hitch assembly of claim 5 wherein said mounting frame
includes means for selectively moving said C-shaped channel with
respect to the towing vehicle.
7. The hitch assembly of claim 1 wherein said motor is a
selectively reversible hydraulic motor.
8. The hitch assembly of claim 7 wherein said motor is coupled to
said threaded red with a sprocket coupled to said motor, a sprocket
coupled to said threaded rod, and a chain extending between said
sprockets.
9. The hitch assembly of claim 1 wherein said motor is coupled to
said threaded rod with a sprocket coupled to said motor, a sprocket
coupled to said threaded rod, and a chain extending between said
sprockets.
10. The hitch assembly of claim 1 wherein said C-shaped channel
includes upper and lower inside surfaces and said traveler includes
wear pads disposed between said traveler and said channel upper and
lower inside surface; wherein said C-shaped channel is generally
horizontally disposed whereby said traveler and hitch are generally
horizontally moveable; wherein said motor is a selectively
reversible hydraulic motor and is coupled to said threaded rod with
a sprocket coupled to said motor, a sprocket coupled to said
threaded rod, and a chain extending between said sprockets; and,
further comprising a mounting frame adapted to mount said C-shaped
channel to a towing vehicle and wherein said mounting frame
includes means for selectively moving said C-shaped channel with
respect to the towing vehicle.
11. The hitch assembly of claim 10 wherein said C-shaped channel is
integrally formed.
12. The hitch assembly of claim 1 wherein said C-shaped channel is
integrally formed.
13. An adjustable hitch assembly for towing a trailer, said hitch
assembly comprising: a generally horizontally disposed first
C-shaped channel; a first traveler selectively moveable
longitudinally in said first channel and including a threaded bore;
a first threaded rod extending longitudinally in said first channel
and threadingly engaging said first traveler threaded bore; a first
motor coupled to said first threaded rod for selectively rotatably
driving said first rod about the first rod longitudinal axis,
whereby said traveler is selectively movable longitudinally in said
channel; a second generally vertically disposed C-shaped channel
mounted to said first traveler; a second traveler selectively
movable longitudinally in said second C-shaped channel and
including a threaded bore; a second threaded rod extending
longitudinally in said second channel and threadingly engaging said
second traveler threaded bore; a second motor coupled to said
second threaded rod for selectively rotatably driving said second
rod about the second rod longitudinal axis, whereby said second
traveler is selectively movable longitudinally in said second
channel; and, a hitch coupled to said second traveler, said hitch
adapted for connecting to a trailer.
14. The hitch assembly of claim 13 wherein said first and second
C-shaped channels include inside surfaces and said respective first
and second travelers include wear pads disposed between said first
and second travelers and said respective first and second channels
inside surfaces.
15. The hitch assembly of claim 14 wherein said wear pads are made
of high density polyethylene.
16. The hitch assembly of claim 13 further comprising a mounting
frame adapted to mount said first C-shaped channel to a towing
vehicle.
17. The hitch assembly of claim 16 wherein said mounting frame
includes means for selectively moving said first C-shaped channel
with respect to the towing vehicle.
18. The hitch assembly of claim 13 wherein said first and second
motors are selectively reversible hydraulic motors.
19. The hitch assembly of claim 18 wherein said first and second
motors are coupled to said respective first and second threaded
rods with a sprocket coupled to each of said first and second
motors, a sprocket coupled to each of said first and second
threaded rods and a chain extending between each of said respective
first and second motor sprocket; and said rod sprockets.
20. The hitch assembly of claim 13 wherein said first and second
C-shaped channels are integrally formed.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of
hitch assemblies mounted on a towing vehicle for towing trailers
and which are adapted for moving the hitch horizontally, vertically
and transversely with respect to the towing vehicle for selectively
placing the pitch as needed for connecting to the trailer. More
particularly, the present invention is directed to an improved
hitch assembly wherein the hitch is selectively more efficiently
movable a greater distance with respect to the towing vehicle
thereby providing greater versatility when connecting the trailer
to the hitch.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Trailers are today very commonly used for carrying various
products and things. Mobile home trailers, often merely referred to
as mobile homes or modular homes, are also today very commonly
carried on large trailers. Such trailers are selectively movable
with towing vehicles that include a hitch for connecting and towing
the trailer. The hitch typically includes a towing ball adapted to
be coupled to the trailer towing arm. When connecting or hitching
the trailer to the towing vehicle, typically the towing vehicle is
required to back up and align the hitch ball with the trailer arm.
As can be appreciated, this can be difficult depending on the
terrain and other obstacles that may be in the path between the
towing vehicle and the trailer arm. It is yet more difficult with
larger trailers and especially mobile home and modular home
trailers which can be located between landscaping and other
obstructions. It is equally difficult to locate large trailers such
as mobile home trailers when delivering and placing them at a
desired location between other trailers, landscaping, utilities and
other obstructions.
[0003] To aid the towing operator in more easily hitching and
locating trailers, especially large trailers such as mobile home
and modular home trailers, adjustable hitches have heretofore been
provided whereby the hitch is selectively movable horizontally,
transversely, and vertically with respect to the towing vehicle. In
this manner, the towing vehicle can be backed up at an angle and
position generally close to the trailer arm and, by selectively
moving the trailer hitch, the hitch can easily be connected to the
trailer arm and/or the trailer arm can be selectively moved as
needed for placing the trailer as desired with respect to the
towing vehicle.
[0004] Although prior hitch assemblies are generally sufficient for
the intended purpose, the overall travel distance of the hitch with
respect to the towing vehicle is typically limited in view of the
hitch assembly structure. Accordingly, a need exists for an
improved hitch assembly capable of efficiently selectively moving
the hitch a substantial distance with respect to the towing vehicle
for yet more easily reaching the trailer arm and connecting thereto
and/or placing the trailer as desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is the principle object of the present invention to
overcome the above-discussed disadvantages associated with the
prior adjustable hitch assemblies for towing trailers and to
provide a hitch assembly which efficiently and effectively provides
a significantly larger adjustable travel distance of the hitch with
respect to the towing vehicle.
[0006] Briefly, the present invention is directed to a new and
improved adjustable hitch assembly for towing trailers used for
transporting mobile homes, modular homes and other products and
things. The hitch assembly is adapted to be mounted to a towing
vehicle and provides selective adjustment or travel of the hitch
transversely along the length of the vehicle, horizontal y and
vertically. A mounting frame is provided whereby the hitch assembly
is adapted to be mounted to the towing vehicle. The mounting frame
includes a sliding frame adapted to travel transversely with
respect to the towing vehicle. A C-shaped channel is mounted to the
sliding frame and is generally horizontally disposed and
perpendicular to the sliding frame. A traveler is provided in the
channel and includes low friction wear pads for sliding engagement
with the inside surface of the channel for, thereby, allowing the
traveler to efficiently move longitudinally in the channel. A
threaded rod is coupled to and selectively driven by a reversible
motor and extends longitudinally through the C-shaped channel. The
rod threadingly engages the traveler and, therefore, by selectively
driving the motor and rotating the rod about its longitudinal axis,
the traveler is selectively movable longitudinally along the
horizontal channel. A second or vertical C-shaped channel is
mounted to the horizontally movable traveler. A second or
vertically movable traveler is provided in the vertical channel and
low friction wear pads are provided thereon for sliding engagement
with the inside surface of the vertical C-shaped channel. A second
threaded rod extends longitudinally in the vertical channel and is
coupled to a reversible motor. The vertical rod threadingly engages
the traveler in the vertical channel and, by selectively driving
the motor, the second traveler in the vertical channel is
selectively movable vertically up and down along the length of the
vertical channel.
[0007] A hitch is mounted to the vertical channel traveler and
includes a ball or other hitch mechanism for connecting to trailers
in a known and customary manner. Accordingly, by selectively
driving the threaded rods in the horizontal and vertical C-shaped
channels and selectively transversely moving the sliding frame, the
hitch is selectively movable as desired with respect to the towing
vehicle. Additionally, the horizontal and vertical travelers are
able to move along the entire length of the respective horizontal
and vertical C-shaped channels thereby substantially increasing the
overall travel distance of the hitch with respect to the towing
vehicle.
[0008] In one form thereof, the present invention is directed an
adjustable hitch assembly for towing a trailer. The hitch assembly
includes a C-shaped channel. A traveler is selectively movable
longitudinally in the channel and includes a threaded bore. A
threaded rod extends longitudinally in the channel and threadingly
engages the traveler threaded bore. A motor is coupled to the
threaded rod for selectively rotatably driving the rod about the
rod longitudinal axis, whereby the traveler is selectively movable
longitudinally in the channel. A hitch is coupled to the traveler
and is adapted for connecting to a trailer.
[0009] In one form thereof the present invention is directed to an
adjustable hitch assembly for towing a trailer. The hitch includes
a generally horizontally disposed first C-shaped channel. A first
traveler is selectively movable longitudinally in the first channel
and includes a threaded bore. A threaded rod extends longitudinally
in the first channel and threadingly engages the first traveler
threaded bore. A first motor is coupled to the first threaded rod
for selectively rotatably driving the first rod about the first rod
longitudinal axis, whereby the traveler is selectively movable
longitudinally in the horizontally disposed channel. A second
C-shaped channel is mounted to the first traveler and is generally
vertically disposed. A second traveler is selectively movable
longitudinally vertically in the second C-shaped channel and
includes a threaded bore. A second threaded rod extends
longitudinally in the second channel and threadingly engages the
second traveler threaded bore. A second motor is coupled to the
second threaded rod for selectively rotatably driving the second
rod about the second rod longitudinal axis, whereby the second
traveler is selectively movable longitudinally vertically in the
second channel. A hitch is coupled to the second traveler and is
adapted for connecting to a trailer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this
invention and the manner of obtaining them will become more
apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by
reference to the following description of embodiments of the
invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable hitch assembly
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the hitch assembly shown in
FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the hitch assembly shown
in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the horizontal C-shaped
channel shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the traveler received in the
vertical channel shown in FIG. 1; and,
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the traveler received in the
horizontal channel shown in FIG. 1.
[0017] Corresponding reference characters indicate correspondence
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
[0018] The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred
embodiments of the invention in one form thereof and such
exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of
the disclosure or the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a hitch
assembly generally designated by the numeral 10 and constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention. Hitch
assembly 10 includes a mounting frame 12 adapted for mounting the
hitch assembly to a towing vehicle such as a truck or tractor (not
shown). Mounting frame 12 includes a stationary frame 14 and a
sliding or movable frame 16. Sliding frame 16 includes elongate
beams 18 slidingly received in the U-shaped channels 20 of
stationary frame 14. As best seen in FIG. 1, mounting brackets 21
are affixed to the outside of U-shaped channels 20 for attachment
of the mounting frame 12 to the towing vehicle. Hydraulic cylinders
22 are provided and are coupled between the stationary frame 14 and
the sliding frame 16 for thereby selectively moving the sliding
frame 16 transversely with respect to a towing vehicle as indicated
by arrows 24.
[0020] A horizontally disposed C-shaped channel 26 is mounted to
the sliding frame 16 generally perpendicular thereto as shown.
C-shaped channel 26 is preferably made of steel and is integrally
formed with a longitudinal opening 28 and inside surfaces including
front inside surfaces 30, upper surface 32, back surface 34, and
lower surface 36. Cap plate 38 is affixed to one end of C-shaped
channel 26 with bolts 40. At the other end of channel 26, a motor
plate 42 is similarly attached to and generally closes off the
channel 26. A reversible hydraulic motor 44 is mounted to the upper
end 46 of plate 42. A sprocket 48 is mounted to the shaft 49 of
motor 44. A sprocket 50 is mounted to one end of the threaded rod
52, and a chain 54 is provided and extends between the sprockets 48
and 50. Thus, by selectively driving motor 44, threaded rod 52 is
selectively rotatably driven about its longitudinal axis.
[0021] Threaded rod 52 is preferably provided with ACME type
threads and extends longitudinally through the C-shaped channel 26
as shown. Threaded rod 52 is rotatably supported at its ends with
bearings 56 and 58 on respective cap plate 38 and motor plate 42. A
traveler 60 is provided inside channel 26 and is adapted to travel
longitudinally therein between cap plate 38 and motor plate 42. A
nut 62 is affixed to traveler 60 and includes an ACME threaded bore
adapted to threadingly engage and receive therethrough threaded rod
52. Accordingly, by selectively rotatably driving threaded rod 52
clockwise and counterclockwise about its longitudinal axis,
traveler 60 is longitudinally movable in channel 26 between cap
plate 38 and motor plate 42.
[0022] As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 6, traveler 60 is provided with
wear pads preferably made of high density polyethylene for engaging
the inside surfaces of C-channel 26 and providing efficient sliding
motion of the traveler 60 within the C-shaped channel 26. More
particularly, front wear pads 64 are affixed to traveler 60 for
sliding engagement with the channel front inside surfaces 30, upper
wear pads 66 are affixed to the traveler 60 for engagement with the
upper surface 32, back wear pads 68 are affixed to traveler 60 for
engagement with the back surface 34, and the lower wear pads 70 are
affixed to traveler 60 for engagement with the lower surface 36.
Wear pads 64, 66, 68 and 70 are affixed to the traveler 60 by bolts
or other suitable means.
[0023] Forks 72 are affixed to the traveler 60 and extend therefrom
as best seen in FIG. 1 out through the C-shaped channel
longitudinal opening 28. U-shaped support member 74 is affixed to
and carried by forks 72. Vertical C-shaped channel 76 is in turn
mounted in and carried by the support member 74. Accordingly, the
vertical C-shaped channel 76 is selectively movable horizontally
along with traveler 60.
[0024] Vertical C-shaped channel 76, similar to the horizontal
C-shaped channel 26, includes a longitudinal opening 78 and inside
wall surfaces 79. A bottom plate 80 is affixed to the lower end of
vertical channel 76 with bolts (not shown). A motor plate 82 is
affixed to and closes off the upper end of vertical channel 76.
Similar to motor plate 42, plate 82 includes an end 84 whereat
reversible hydraulic motor 86 is mounted. A sprocket 88 is attached
to the shaft 92 of motor 86 and is thereby selectively rotatably
driven. A sprocket 90 is attached to one end of the threaded rod
94. A chain 96 extends between sprockets 88 and 90 for thereby
selectively rotatably driving threaded rod 94 about its
longitudinal axis.
[0025] Threaded rod 94 similar to rod 52 is provided with ACME
threads and extends longitudinally within the vertical C-shaped
channel 76. Threaded rod 94 is rotatably supported at its ends with
bearings (not shown) on the bottom plate 80 and motor plate 82. A
vertical traveler 98 is provided within the C-shaped channel 76 and
is adapted to travel longitudinally vertically within the channel
76 between the bottom plate 80 and motor plate 82. A nut 100 having
an acme threaded bore is affixed to the traveler 98 and the
threaded rod 94 extends through and threadingly engages the
threaded nut 100. Accordingly, by selectively rotatably driving
threaded rod 94 clockwise and counter clockwise about its
longitudinal axis, traveler 98 is selectively movable vertically up
and down in channel 76 between the bottom plate 80 and the motor
plate 82. Similar to the horizontal traveler 60, wear pads 102
preferably made of high density polyethylene are provided and
affixed to the outside of traveler 98 for engaging the inside
surfaces 79 of vertical C-shaped channel 76 and thereby providing
efficient sliding motion of the traveler 98 longitudinally within
the C-shaped channel 76.
[0026] Vertical traveler 98 is provided with an extension 104
extending through the longitudinal opening 78 and whereupon a hitch
tongue 106 is mounted. Hitch tongue 106 includes a hole 108 whereat
a hitch ball (not shown) or other type of hitching component may be
affixed for connecting to a trailer arm in a known and customary
manner. Guide rails 110 are attached to the vertical C-shaped
channel 76 generally parallel with and on the sides of the channel
longitudinal opening 78 for guiding the hitch tongue 106. As should
now be appreciated, the hitch tongue 106 can be selectively moved
as desired by extending and retracting cylinders 22 and selectively
driving the reversible hydraulic motors 44 and 86. Additionally,
the horizontal and vertical motion is limited only by the length of
the C-shaped channels 26 and 76 and can be made any length as
desired for accommodating any size towing vehicle.
[0027] It is noted that all of the various components and parts
with the exception of the wear pads are preferably fabricated from
steel and are attached to one another by welding and other
fasteners as needed or desired. Additionally, drive train covers
112 can be provided as shown in FIG. 1 for covering the sprockets
and chains. Further, if desired, pulleys and belts could be used
instead of the chains and sprockets for rotatably coupling the
motors and threaded rods.
[0028] While the invention has been described as having specific
embodiments, it will be understood that it is capable of further
modification. This application is, therefore, intended to cover any
variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following the
general principles thereof and including such departures from the
present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in
the art to which this invention pertains and fall within the limits
of the appended claims.
* * * * *