U.S. patent application number 11/338289 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-14 for reversible shank for hitch mounted accessory carriers.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cequent Towing Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Katherine Anne Adams, Jacob S. Belinky, David L. Hoelscher, Gregory D. Richardson, David A. Watch, David A. Young.
Application Number | 20060278674 11/338289 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24683586 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060278674 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Young; David A. ; et
al. |
December 14, 2006 |
Reversible shank for hitch mounted accessory carriers
Abstract
An accessory carrier assembly includes a reversible shank
manufactured of a substantially square first portion and a
substantially square second portion. The first portion is sized to
engage a first hitch receiver and the second portion is sized to
engage a second hitch receiver. To attach the accessory carrier to
the reversible shank, the first segment is located in amounting
assembly either with or without the bushings depending on which
type of hitch receiver is available. The accessory carrier is
pivotable by removal of a single pin to provide access to a rear of
a vehicle. The single pin can be further located in a stop aperture
to prevent overrotation of the carrier.
Inventors: |
Young; David A.; (Plymouth,
MI) ; Belinky; Jacob S.; (Carleton, MI) ;
Richardson; Gregory D.; (Romulus, MI) ; Hoelscher;
David L.; (Livonia, MI) ; Watch; David A.;
(Canton, MI) ; Adams; Katherine Anne; (Mishawaka,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCDONALD HOPKINS CO., LPA
2100 BANK ONE CENTER
600 SUPERIOR AVENUE, E.
CLEVELAND
OH
44114-2653
US
|
Assignee: |
Cequent Towing Products,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
24683586 |
Appl. No.: |
11/338289 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10603046 |
Jun 23, 2003 |
|
|
|
11338289 |
Jan 24, 2006 |
|
|
|
09668755 |
Sep 22, 2000 |
6588636 |
|
|
10603046 |
Jun 23, 2003 |
|
|
|
09668756 |
Sep 22, 2000 |
6604658 |
|
|
10603046 |
Jun 23, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/506 ;
224/519; 224/521 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 9/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/506 ;
224/519; 224/521 |
International
Class: |
B60R 11/00 20060101
B60R011/00; B60R 9/00 20060101 B60R009/00 |
Claims
1. An accessory carrier assembly mountable to a vehicle having a
hitch element, the assembly comprising: a first segment, the first
segment being capable of telescopically engaging a first vehicle
mounted hitch element of a first cross sectional size; a second
segment connected with the first segment, the second segment being
capable of telescopically engaging a second vehicle mounted hitch
element of a second cross sectional size; wherein the first cross
sectional size of the first hitch element is not equal to the
second cross sectional size of the second hitch element; and an
accessory carrier element selectively engageable with the first
segment and the second segment so as to permit selective engagement
of the first segment with the first hitch element and of the second
segment with the second hitch element.
2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the accessory carrier
element comprises at least one of: a bicycle rack, a ski rack, a
snowboard rack, at least one accessory shelf and at least one
accessory bustle.
3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the accessory carrier
element further comprises at least one support member capable of
selectively connecting the accessory carrier element with the first
segment and connecting the accessory carrier element with the
second segment.
4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the support member
comprises a pair of spaced plates.
5. The assembly according to claim 4, further comprising a pair of
bushings sized to fit between the plates and the second
segment.
6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second segment
comprises a solid shank.
7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second segment is
permanently fixed to the first segment.
8. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first segment
includes an aperture therethrough, the second segment includes an
aperture therethrough, and the pair of spaced plates each include
an aperture therethrough.
9. The assembly according to claim 8, further comprising a pin that
is removably inserted into the apertures of the spaced plates and
either of the apertures of the first and second segments to hold
the accessory carrier element in a first position.
10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein removing the pin from the
apertures of the spaced plates and either of the apertures of the
first and second segments releases the accessory carrier element to
rotate.
11. A reversible shank for mounting an accessory to a vehicle
having either a first vehicle mounted hitch element or a second
vehicle mounted hitch element wherein the cross section of the
first hitch element is larger than the cross section of the second
hitch element, the reversible shank comprising: a first segment
having a first cross section capable of telescopic engagement with
the first hitch element; and a second segment having a second cross
section capable of telescopic engagement with the second hitch
element, the cross section of the first segment being larger than
the cross section of the second segment, wherein the second segment
extends from the first segment.
12. The reversible shank of claim 11, wherein the first segment
further comprises an aperture therein for telescopically receiving
a portion of the second segment.
13. The reversible shank of claim 12, wherein the second segment is
welded to the first segment.
14. The reversible shank of claim 11, wherein the second segment
extends co-axially from the first segment.
15. An accessory carrier assembly selectively attachable to either
a first vehicle mounted hitch element or a second vehicle mounted
hitch element wherein the cross section of the first hitch element
is larger than the cross section of the second hitch element, the
accessory carrier assembly comprising: a reversible shank
comprising: a first segment having a first cross section capable of
telescopic engagement with the first hitch element; and a second
segment having a second cross section capable of telescopic
engagement with the second hitch element, the cross section of the
first segment being larger than the cross section of the second
segment, wherein the second segment extends from the first segment;
an accessory carrier element selectively engageable with the first
segment and the second segment so as to permit selective engagement
of the first segment with the first hitch element and of the second
segment with the second hitch element.
16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the accessory carrier element
includes a support and a mount assembly, the mount assembly being
connected with the support.
17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the mount assembly is
engageable with the second segment through the use of at least a
pair of bushings.
18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the support includes a
tubular support that defines an axis perpendicular to an axis of
the first or second vehicle mounted hitch element.
19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the mount assembly comprises
a pair of spaced plates, the plates each having an aperture
therethrough.
20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the first and second segments
include an aperture capable of receiving a pin, wherein insertion
of the pin through the aperture of the spaced plates and through
the aperture of either of the first and second segments
substantially prevents rotation of the support, and wherein removal
of the pin from the spaced plates and the aperture of either of the
first and second segments permits rotation of the support.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
10/603,046, filed Jun. 23, 2003, which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 09/668,755, filed Sep. 22, 2000, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,588,636, and a continuation of application Ser. No.
09/668,756, filed Sep. 22, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,658.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle hitch assembly,
and more particularly to a single reversible shank which allows the
attachment of accessory carriers to variously sized hitch
receivers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] It is often desirable to increase the capacity of a vehicle
to transport cargo by providing a carrier assembly for carrying
cargo on the outside of the vehicle. Various carrier racks exist
that support cargo at various locations on a vehicle. Some carriers
attach to receiver-type hitches available at the rear of many
vehicles. Such carriers are easy to attach and can support
substantial loads since they fit into a hitch designed specifically
for quick attachment of trailers and the like.
[0004] Although many vehicles include a receiver-type hitch, at
least two standard sizes of receiver-type hitches are commonly
available on various vehicles. Further, as many types of carrier
assemblies are available, particular combinations are often
incompatible.
[0005] In addition, when a carrier is attached to a receiver hitch
at the rear of a vehicle, it can inhibit access to the rear of a
vehicle and can interfere with the opening of the trunk, tailgate
or doors at the rear of the vehicle necessitating its removal from
the vehicle whenever the trunk, tailgate or rear doors must be
opened. This presents a significant disadvantage.
[0006] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a carrier assembly
which will fit a multiple of a receiver-type hitches without
inhibiting access to the rear of a vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An embodiment of the accessory carrier assembly is mountable
to a vehicle that has a hitch element. The assembly comprises a
first segment, the first segment being capable of telescopically
engaging a first vehicle mounted hitch element of a first cross
sectional size, a second segment connected with the first segment,
the second segment being capable of telescopically engaging a
second vehicle mounted hitch element of a second cross sectional
size, wherein the first cross sectional size of the first hitch
element is not equal to the second cross sectional size of the
second hitch element, and an accessory carrier element selectively
engageable with the first segment and the second segment so as to
permit selective engagement of the first segment with the first
hitch element and of the second segment with the second hitch
element.
[0008] In another embodiment, a reversible shank mounts an
accessory to a vehicle that has either a first vehicle mounted
hitch element or a second vehicle mounted hitch element wherein the
cross section of the first hitch element is larger than the cross
section of the second hitch element. The reversible shank comprises
a first segment having a first cross section capable of telescopic
engagement with the first hitch element, and a second segment
having a second cross section capable of telescopic engagement with
the second hitch element, the cross section of the first segment
being larger than the cross section of the second segment, wherein
the second segment extends from the first segment.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, an accessory carrier assembly is
selectively attachable to either a first vehicle mounted hitch
element or a second vehicle mounted hitch element wherein the cross
section of the first hitch element is larger than the cross section
of the second hitch element. The accessory carrier assembly
comprises a reversible shank that comprises a first segment having
a first cross section capable of telescopic engagement with the
first hitch element, and a second segment having a second cross
section capable of telescopic engagement with the second hitch
element, the cross section of the first segment being larger than
the cross section of the second segment, wherein the second segment
extends from the first segment, and an accessory carrier element
selectively engageable with the first segment and the second
segment so as to permit selective engagement of the first segment
with the first hitch element and of the second segment with the
second hitch element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The various features and advantages of this invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment. The
drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly
described as follows:
[0011] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a reversible shank assembly
for attachment to a plurality of vehicle hitch receivers;
[0012] FIG. 1A is a phantom top view of a reversible shank
assembly;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective partial phantom view of the
reversible shank assembly illustrated in a pivoted position
relative to a vehicle hitch receiver; and
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the reversible shank assembly
of FIG. 1 illustrated in a second position for attachment to a
second vehicle hitch receiver.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an accessory carrier assembly 10 for
attachment to a vehicle (shown rather schematically at 12). The
carrier assembly 10 generally includes a reversible shank 14, and
bushings 16. The reversible shank 14 includes a first segment 18
and a second segment 20. Each segment 18, 20 provides exterior
dimensions for mating engagement to a first and second female hitch
receiver 22 or 22' mounted to the vehicle 12 and to an accessory
carrier 28. The hitch receivers 22, 22' are mounted to the vehicle
in a known manner and each defines a first axis 23.
[0016] The reversible shank 14 is preferably manufactured of a
substantially square first portion 24 which receives a
substantially square second portion 26. First portion 24 receives
the second portion 26 which is fixed therein by welding or the
like. Preferably, the first portion 24 is sized to engage a 2-inch
female hitch receiver 22 and the second portion 26 is sized to
engage a 1.25-inch female hitch receiver 22'. The 2-inch female
hitch receiver 22 and the 1.25-inch female hitch receiver 22' are
typical of most female hitch receivers and portions 24, 26 are
preferred sized to engage these common receivers, however, other
sized portions may be provided for engagement with a multiple of
other sized female hitch receivers.
[0017] The accessory carrier 28 includes a support 30 and a mount
assembly 32. The support 30 is preferably a substantially L-shaped
tubular support which defines a second axis 31 substantially
perpendicular to the first axis 23. The support 30 provides for the
attachment of a multiple of known carriers (not shown). The
carriers can include but are not limited to: bicycle racks; ski
racks; snowboard racks; accessory shelves; accessory bustles; and
the like. It should also be understood that other accessories
attachable to a hitch receiver 22 will benefit from the present
invention.
[0018] The mount assembly 32 preferably includes a pair of parallel
plates 34 fixedly attached to the support 30 by welding or the
like. Other accessories attachable to a hitch receiver 22 can
directly include the mount assembly 32 such that the other
accessories will benefit from the present invention. A distance
sized to receive the larger first portion 24 of the reversible
shank 14 separates the plates 34. A pair of apertures 33 are
located through each of the plates 34. A stop aperture 35 is also
preferably located through the plates.
[0019] The second segment 20 of the reversible shank 14 includes a
pair of apertures 36, 38. One of the apertures 38 is located
through the first portion 24 and the other aperture 36 is located
through the second portion 26. Preferably, the apertures 38 are
pierced through the substantially square first portion 24 while the
pair of apertures 36 are drilled through the solid substantially
square second portion 26. The portions 24, 26 are aligned (FIG. 1A)
such that one of the apertures 36, 38 are concentric and the
portions 24, 26 are fixed together by welding or the like.
[0020] By collating one of the apertures 36 with one of the
apertures 38, the shank 14 is assured to be retained within the
hitch receiver irrespective of which hitch receiver is used.
Moreover, by passing a pin through the collocated apertures 36, 38
such that the pin passes through both portions 24, 26, retention of
the portions 24, 26 (FIG. 1A) is assured without regard to the
joint therebetween. The pair of apertures 36 and the pair of
apertures 38 are spaced to correspond with the pair of apertures 33
located through the plates 34 such that the first segment 18 of the
reversible shank 14 is attachable thereto.
[0021] The first segment 18 of the reversible shank 14 includes a
pair of apertures 38. The pair of apertures 38 are spaced to
correspond with the pair of apertures 36 and the pair of apertures
33 located through the plates 34 such that the first segment 18 of
the reversible shank 14 is also attachable thereto. Preferably, a
hitch pin aperture 40 is located between the pair of apertures 38
to receive a hitch pin 42 in a known manner.
[0022] The first portion 24 is telescopically receivable within the
2-inch female hitch receiver 22 and retained therein by the hitch
pin 42. Hitch pin 42 is preferably passable through a hitch
aperture 44 and through the corresponding hitch pin aperture 40.
Hitch pin 42 is retained by a fastener 46 such as clip 46. The
hitch pin aperture 40 is provided as the hitch pin 42 for the
2-inch female hitch receiver 22 is typically of a larger diameter
than a hitch pin 48 for the 1.25-inch female hitch receiver 22'.
Accordingly, the pairs of apertures 32, 36, and 38 are preferably
of an equivalent size which may be smaller than hitch pin apertures
40 and 44.
[0023] When the accessory carrier 28 is to be mounted to a vehicle
12 having a 2-inch female hitch receiver 22, the first portion 24
of the reversible shank 14 is telescoped into the 2-inch female
hitch receiver 22 and retained therein by the pin 42. To attach the
accessory carrier 28 to the reversible shank 14, the second segment
20 is located between the plates 34 such that the pair of apertures
33 located through the plates 34 are aligned with the pair of
apertures 36 located through the second segment 20. A fastener 50
is preferably passed through one of the apertures 33 and through
one of the apertures 36 located through the second portion 26.
[0024] Preferably, because the second portion 26 is smaller than
the distance between plates 32, the bushings 16 are preferably
located between the plates 34 and the second portion 26. Each of
the bushings 16 includes an aperture 17 such that the bushings 16
can receive and be retained by the fastener 50 which is passed
therethrough. A threaded fastener 52 such as nut 52 is then
threaded to the fastener 50 to retain the accessory carrier 28 to
the reversible shank 14. Washers 56 are preferably located between
the fastener 50, nut 52 and the plates 34 such that the accessory
carrier 28 can be easily pivoted on a pivot axis 55 defined along
fastener 50.
[0025] A pin 54 is then located through the other aperture 36 in
the first portion 24 and the other aperture 33 in the plates 34. A
clip 58 or the like retains pin 54 to the mount assembly 32. It
should be understood that the pin 54 can be another hitch pin 48
for the 1.25-inch female hitch receiver 22' or can be a separate
pin such as pin 54.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, the accessory carrier 28 is now mounted
to the vehicle 12 such that the second axis 31 is substantially
perpendicular to the first axis 23 (shown in phantom). Importantly,
should a user require access to the vehicle 12 through a rear door,
lift-gate, or the like (shown schematically at D), only pin 54 need
be removed. Preferably pin 54 is removed form aperture 33 and
located in stop aperture 35. The accessory carrier 28 can then be
pivoted on the pivot axis 55 (FIG. 1) defined along fastener 50.
Stop aperture 35 forms a stop that contacts the shank 14 to prevent
over rotation of the accessory carrier 28 and possible contact with
the ground G. Accordingly, the reversible shank 14 provides a
clearance C for accessories carried on the accessory carrier 28.
Further, by completely removing the pin 54 from the stop aperture
35, the accessory carrier 28 can be further rotated.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 3, when the accessory carrier 28 is to be
mounted to a vehicle 12 having a 1.25-inch female hitch receiver
22', the second portion 26 of the reversible shank 14 is telescoped
into the 1.25-inch female hitch receiver 22' and retained therein
by the pin 48. To attach the accessory carrier 28 to the reversible
shank 14, first segment 18 is located between the plates 34 such
that the pair of apertures 33 located through the plates 34 are
aligned with the pair of apertures 38 located through the second
segment 20. Because the second segment 20 is large enough to fit
between the plates 34 at both apertures 38, bushings 16 are not
required. Otherwise, assembly is the same as described above. The
accessory carrier 28 can again be pivoted and clearance is again
provided for accessories carried on the accessory carrier 28.
[0028] The foregoing description is exemplary rather than defined
by the limitations within. Many modifications and variations of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The
preferred embodiments of this invention have been disclosed,
however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that
certain modifications would come within the scope of this
invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope
of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise
than as specifically described. For that reason the following
claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of
this invention.
* * * * *