U.S. patent application number 13/992331 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-21 for under bed hitch mounting system.
This patent application is currently assigned to CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Cequent Performance Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Richard W. McCoy.
Application Number | 20130307248 13/992331 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46207511 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130307248 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCoy; Richard W. |
November 21, 2013 |
UNDER BED HITCH MOUNTING SYSTEM
Abstract
A hitch mounting system capable of attaching to a vehicle,
where, the vehicle includes a frame and a load bed is disclosed.
The hitch mounting system may include at least one rail, the rail
being a generally continuous member, where the rail includes at
least one end portion, and where the end portion is deformed in a
shape capable of attaching to the frame of the vehicle. The hitch
mounting system may also include at least one mounting aperture
located in the rail, the mounting aperture capable of having
secured thereto an accessory.
Inventors: |
McCoy; Richard W.; (Granger,
IN) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cequent Performance Products, Inc.; |
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US |
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|
Assignee: |
CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS,
INC.
Plymouth
MI
|
Family ID: |
46207511 |
Appl. No.: |
13/992331 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
December 8, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US11/63922 |
371 Date: |
July 17, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61421156 |
Dec 8, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/495 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60D 1/075 20130101;
B60D 1/488 20130101; B60D 1/015 20130101; B60D 1/06 20130101; B60D
1/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/495 |
International
Class: |
B60D 1/52 20060101
B60D001/52 |
Claims
1. A hitch mounting system capable of attaching to a vehicle, the
vehicle having a frame and a load bed, the hitch mounting system
comprising: at least one rail, the rail being a generally
continuous member; wherein the rail includes at least one end
portion, wherein the end portion is deformed in a shape capable of
attaching to the frame of the vehicle; and at least one mounting
aperture located in the rail, the mounting aperture capable of
having secured thereto an accessory.
2. The hitch mounting system of claim 1, wherein the rail is
integrally formed from a single generally tubular member.
3. The hitch mounting system of claim 2, wherein the deformed end
portion is formed by stamping the generally tubular member.
4. The hitch mounting system of claim 1, wherein the rail
transitions from a generally undeformed tubular portion to a
generally C-shaped deformed end portion through a transition
portion.
5. The hitch mounting system of claim 1, wherein the rail includes
first and second deformed end portions, wherein the first and
second end portions are deformed in a shape capable of attaching to
the frame of the vehicle and generally fitting between the frame
and the load bed of the vehicle.
6. The hitch mounting system of claim 1, wherein the deformed end
portion includes a bottom side folded up toward a top surface of
the rail.
7. The hitch mounting system of claim 1 further comprising a
mid-rail attached to the rail, wherein the mid-rail includes a
hitch ball socket, the hitch ball socket capable of having secured
thereto a gooseneck hitch ball.
8. The hitch mounting system of claim 1 further comprising a
bracket and a plate, wherein a first portion of the bracket is
attached to the frame of the vehicle, a second portion of the
bracket is attached to the plate, and the plate is attached to the
rail.
9. The hitch mounting system of claim 8, wherein plate includes a
thickness wherein the thickness of the plate accommodates space
constraints between the frame and load bed of the vehicle.
10. The hitch mounting system of claim 1, wherein the accessory
comprises a fifth wheel hitch.
11. A hitch mounting system comprising: at least one rail, the rail
being a generally continuous tubular member, wherein the rail
includes first and second surfaces; at least one end portion on the
rail, wherein the end portion is deformed in a shape capable of
attaching to a frame of a vehicle and generally fitting between the
frame and a load bed of the vehicle; and a receiving member
attached to the rail, the receiving member capable of having
secured thereto an accessory.
12. The hitch mounting system of claim 11, wherein the second
surface includes the deformation.
13. The hitch mounting system of claim 11, wherein the deformed
portion is a generally C-shaped channel.
14. The hitch mounting system of claim 11, wherein the receiving
member is attached to the first surface of the rail, wherein the
receiving member is generally flush with the load bed of the
vehicle when the rail is attached to the frame of the vehicle.
15. The hitch mounting system of claim 11 further comprising at
least one mounting aperture located in the rail, wherein the
receiving member is positioned in the aperture and attached to the
rail.
16. The hitch mounting system of claim 11, further comprising a
mid-rail, wherein the mid-rail includes a hitch ball socket, the
hitch ball socket capable of having secured thereto a gooseneck
hitch ball.
17. The hitch mounting system of claim 11, wherein the receiving
member is integrally formed from a single member.
18. The hitch mounting system of claim 17, wherein the receiving
member is welded to the rail.
19. A hitch mounting system capable of attaching to a vehicle, the
vehicle having a frame and a load bed, the hitch mounting system
comprising: at least one rail, the rail being a generally single
continuous member having at least one end portion, wherein the end
portion is deformed in a shape capable of attaching to the frame of
the vehicle and generally fitting between the frame and the load
bed of the vehicle; at least one mounting aperture located in the
rail; a channel member positioned in the aperture and attached to
the rail; and an accessory attachment member selectively attached
to the channel member, wherein the accessory attachment member is
capable of having secured thereto an accessory.
20. The hitch mounting system of claim 19 further comprising a
mid-rail attached to the rail, wherein the mid-rail includes a
hitch ball socket, the hitch ball socket capable of having secured
thereto a gooseneck hitch ball.
21. The hitch mounting system of claim 19, wherein the channel
member includes at least one leg, wherein the leg is attached to
the rail within the aperture and wherein the leg positions the
accessory attachment member generally flush with the load bed of
the vehicle when the rail is attached to the frame of the
vehicle.
22. The hitch mounting system of claim 19, wherein inserting and
rotating the accessory attachment member within the channel member
selectively attaches the accessory attachment member to the channel
member.
23. The hitch mounting system of claim 22, wherein the channel
member includes at least one recess and the accessory attachment
member includes at least one flange.
24. The hitch mounting system of claim 23, wherein the flange is
capable of entering the recess and rotation of the accessory
attachment member engages the flange with the channel member
selectively attaching the accessory attachment member to the
channel member.
25. The hitch mounting system of claim 24, wherein the accessory
attachment member being rotated approximately 90 degrees
selectively attaches the accessory attachment member to the channel
member.
26. The hitch mounting system of claim 19, wherein the accessory
comprises a fifth wheel hitch.
27. A hitch mounting system comprising: at least one generally
continuous tubular rail member capable of attaching to a frame of a
vehicle generally below a load bed of the vehicle; a channel member
attached to the rail member; and an accessory attachment member
selectively attached to the channel member, wherein the accessory
attachment member is capable of having secured thereto an
accessory.
28. The hitch mounting system of claim 27, wherein the channel
member includes a channel threaded portion and the accessory
attachment member includes an accessory threaded portion capable of
matingly engaging the channel threaded portion.
29. The hitch mounting system of claim 27, further comprising an
anti-rotation mechanism generally preventing the accessory
attachment member from rotating relative to the channel member.
30. The hitch mounting system of claim 29, wherein the
anti-rotation mechanism comprises: a locking pin; a locking
aperture positioned in the accessory attachment member; and a
locator aperture positioned in the channel member, wherein the
locking pin is capable of being inserted through the locking
aperture and engaging the locator aperture generally preventing the
accessory attachment member from rotating relative to the channel
member.
31. The hitch mounting system of claim 27, wherein the channel
member includes at least one recess and the accessory attachment
member includes at least one flange wherein the flange is capable
of entering the recess and rotating the accessory attachment member
engages the flange with the channel member selectively attaching
the accessory attachment member to the channel member.
32. The hitch mounting system of claim 27, wherein the channel
member includes at least one recess and a channel formed in the
channel.
33. The hitch mounting system of claim 32, wherein the accessory
attachment member includes at least one flange wherein the flange
is capable of entering the recess and rotating the accessory
attachment member engages the flange with the channel of the
channel member selectively attaching the accessory attachment
member to the channel member.
34. The hitch mounting system of claim 33, further comprising a
locking mechanism wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a
locking pin; a first locking aperture positioned in the accessory
attachment member; and a second locking aperture positioned in the
channel member, wherein the locking pin is capable of being
inserted through the first locking aperture and engaging the second
locking aperture generally preventing the accessory attachment
member from rotating relative to the channel member.
35. A hitch mounting system comprising: at least one rail capable
of attaching to a frame of a vehicle generally below a load bed of
the vehicle; at least one mounting aperture located in the rail;
and a receiving member positioned in the aperture and attached to
the rail, the receiving member comprising: a channel member
positioned in the aperture and attached to the rail, wherein the
channel member has a member top surface; and an accessory
attachment member attached to the channel member by inserting the
accessory attachment member into the channel member and rotating
the accessory attachment member, wherein the accessory attachment
member is capable of having secured thereto an accessory.
36. The hitch mounting system of claim 35, wherein the accessory
attachment member being rotated approximately 90 degrees attaches
the accessory attachment member to the channel member.
37. The hitch mounting system of claim 35, further comprising a
locking mechanism generally preventing the accessory attachment
member from being removed from the channel member.
38. The hitch mounting system of claim 37, wherein the locking
mechanism comprises: a locking pin; a first locking aperture
positioned in the accessory attachment member; and a second locking
aperture positioned in the channel member, wherein the locking pin
is capable of being inserted through the locking aperture and
engaging the locator aperture generally preventing the accessory
attachment member from being removed from the channel member.
39. A hitch mounting system capable of attaching to a vehicle, the
vehicle having a frame and a load bed, the hitch mounting system
comprising: at least one rail capable of attaching to a frame of a
vehicle generally below a load bed of the vehicle; at least one
mounting aperture positioned in the top surface of the rail; and a
channel member positioned in the aperture and attached to the rail,
wherein the channel member has a top surface positioned generally
below the load bed of the vehicle.
40. The hitch mounting system of claim 39, further comprising an
accessory attachment member selectively attached to the channel
member, wherein the accessory attachment member is capable of
having secured thereto an accessory.
41. The hitch mounting system of claim 40, wherein the load bed of
the vehicle does not include an aperture generally corresponding to
a position of the channel member.
42. The hitch mounting system of claim 41, wherein the channel
member fits entirely below the load bed of the vehicle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/421,156 entitled "Under Bed Hitch Mounting
System" filed on Dec. 8, 2010, which is hereby incorporated in its
entirety by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is generally related to a towing
apparatus and, more particularly, to an under bed hitch mounting
system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many vehicles are designed to transport freight, goods,
merchandise, personal property, and other such cargo. An operator
often utilizes a hitch assembly to connect a towed vehicle to a
towing vehicle, e.g., connecting a trailer to a pick-up truck, to
increase the capacity to transport the cargo. Many types of
coupling devices have been developed for providing this connection
between towing and towed vehicles.
[0004] It is well known to utilize a hitch to connect a towed
vehicle to a towing vehicle. There are many different types of
hitches that may be attached to the towing vehicle in a variety of
ways, depending on the type of hitch used. For example, some fifth
wheel hitches mount to the frame underneath the bed of the pickup
truck while other fifth wheel hitches mount to an above bed
mounting system.
[0005] Traditional fifth wheel hitches include a head assembly for
receiving a king pin on a towed vehicle, a base having a plurality
of legs, and one or more mounting rails. In some systems, the legs
of the fifth wheel hitch are designed to be secured to mounting
rails that are attached above the bed or on the bed of the towing
vehicle. In other systems, the mounting rails may be fixed to the
frame of a vehicle underneath the bed. For example, the mounting
rails may be connected between two portions of a pickup truck frame
underneath the truck bed. The mounting rails may include a
plurality of apertures for receiving the legs of the fifth wheel
hitch.
[0006] Corresponding openings may be cut in the truck bed and
aligned with the apertures in the mounting rails. The legs of the
fifth wheel hitch may be connected to apertures in the mounting
rails through the openings in the truck bed, thereby securing the
fifth wheel hitch to the frame of the vehicle. When the fifth wheel
hitch is not in use, the legs may be disconnected from the
apertures in the rails and the hitch may be removed from the bed of
the truck. Caps may be placed over the apertures to allow the truck
bed to be used for other purposes.
[0007] Traditional gooseneck hitches may also mount to a towing
vehicle frame beneath the load bed of the towing vehicle. A
gooseneck hitch may be designed for use in a load bed of a towing
vehicle similar to a fifth wheel hitch. The difference is that the
gooseneck uses a ball and coupler verses a kingpin and pin
receiver. Gooseneck hitches may include a mounting plate configured
to connect to the frame of the towing vehicle, a receptacle in the
mounting plate configured to receive a ball hitch, and a hitch ball
removably connected to the receptacle and configured to engage a
coupling member of the towed vehicle. An opening in the load bed of
the towing vehicle may be aligned with the receptacle in the
mounting plate. This may allow the hitch ball to connect to the
receptacle through the opening in the load bed of the towing
vehicle. The hitch balls themselves are typically removable or
retractable so that when the hitch is not in use, the hitch ball
may be removed or retracted when not in use. This may generally
prevent obstruction of the load bed of the towing vehicle.
[0008] Towing vehicles are generally arranged to accommodate either
a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch, but not both. To convert
a towing vehicle from accommodating a fifth wheel hitch to a
gooseneck hitch or vice versa is time and labor intensive and
inefficient. However, since fifth wheel hitches and gooseneck
hitches use different mounting configurations, traditionally only
one hitch can occupy this location. Therefore, there is a need in
the art for an improved apparatus for towing vehicles that may
allow for selectively accommodating either a fifth wheel hitch or a
gooseneck hitch.
[0009] Additionally, because the mounting rails attach to the
underside of the towing vehicle, there may be significant space
limitations. These space limitations may cause limitations in the
mounting rails that may be used. This in turn may impact the
ability to attach mounting rails to the underside of the towing
vehicle, including, without limitation to the frame of the towing
vehicle. Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved
mounting rails.
SUMMARY
[0010] A hitch mounting system capable of attaching to a vehicle,
where, the vehicle includes a frame and a load bed is disclosed.
The hitch mounting system may include at least one rail, the rail
being a generally continuous member, where the rail includes at
least one end portion, and where the end portion is deformed in a
shape capable of attaching to the frame of the vehicle. The hitch
mounting system may also include at least one mounting aperture
located in the rail, the mounting aperture capable of having
secured thereto an accessory.
[0011] A hitch mounting system may include at least one rail, the
rail being a generally continuous tubular member, where the rail
includes first and second surfaces and at least one end portion on
the rail, where the end portion is deformed in a shape capable of
attaching to a frame of a vehicle and generally fitting between the
frame and a load bed of the vehicle. The hitch mounting system may
also include a receiving member attached to the rail, the receiving
member capable of having secured thereto an accessory.
[0012] A hitch mounting system capable of attaching to a vehicle,
where the vehicle may include a frame and a load bed is disclosed.
The hitch mounting system may include at least one rail, the rail
being a generally single continuous member having at least one end
portion, where the end portion is deformed in a shape capable of
attaching to the frame of the vehicle and generally fitting between
the frame and the load bed of the vehicle. The hitch mounting
system may also include at least one mounting aperture located in
the rail, a channel member positioned in the aperture and attached
to the rail, and an accessory attachment member selectively
attached to the channel member, wherein the accessory attachment
member is capable of having secured thereto an accessory.
[0013] A hitch mounting system may include at least one generally
continuous tubular rail member capable of attaching to a frame of a
vehicle generally below a load bed of the vehicle and a channel
member attached to the rail member. The hitch mounting system may
also include an accessory attachment member selectively attached to
the channel member, where the accessory attachment member is
capable of having secured thereto an accessory.
[0014] A hitch mounting system may include at least one rail
capable of attaching to a frame of a vehicle generally below a load
bed of the vehicle, at least one mounting aperture located in the
rail, and a receiving member positioned in the aperture and
attached to the rail. The receiving member may include a channel
member positioned in the aperture and attached to the rail, where
the channel member has a member top surface, and an accessory
attachment member attached to the channel member by inserting the
accessory attachment member into the channel member and rotating
the accessory attachment member, where the accessory attachment
member is capable of having secured thereto an accessory.
[0015] A hitch mounting system capable of attaching to a vehicle
where the vehicle may include a frame and a load bed is disclosed.
The hitch mounting system may include at least one rail capable of
attaching to a frame of a vehicle generally below a load bed of the
vehicle and at least one mounting aperture positioned in the top
surface of the rail. The hitch mounting system may also include a
channel member positioned in the aperture and attached to the rail,
where the channel member has a top surface positioned generally
below the load bed of the vehicle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Operation of the invention may be better understood by
reference to the following detailed description taken in connection
with the following illustrations, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of some embodiments of an under
bed hitch mounting system.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the under bed hitch mounting
system of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rail of the under bed
hitch mounting system.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rail of the under bed
hitch mounting system.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an end portion of the rail
of the under bed hitch mounting system.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of some embodiments of a
receiving member of an under bed hitch mounting system.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of some embodiments of a
channel member of an under bed hitch mounting system.
[0024] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of some embodiments of a puck
member of an under bed hitch mounting system.
[0025] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of other embodiments of a puck
member of an under bed hitch mounting system.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of other embodiments of a
channel member of an under bed hitch mounting system.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of other embodiments of a puck
member of an under bed hitch mounting system.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of other embodiments of a
receiving member of an under bed hitch mounting system.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of other embodiments a
receiving member of an under bed hitch mounting system.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a perspective and partially exploded view of
other embodiments of an under bed hitch mounting system.
[0031] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of some embodiments of an
adapter plate of an under bed hitch mounting system.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view a towing vehicle having
an under bed hitch mounting system attached to a frame below a load
bed of the towing vehicle with a gooseneck hitch attached.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of a frame of a towing
vehicle with an under bed hitch mounting system attached to the
frame with a gooseneck hitch attached.
[0034] FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of a towing vehicle
having an under bed hitch mounting system attached to a frame below
a load bed of the towing vehicle with a fifth wheel hitch
attached.
[0035] FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of a frame of a towing
vehicle with an under bed hitch mounting system attached to the
frame with a fifth wheel hitch attached.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a detailed view of a receiving member of an under
bed hitch mounting system and an accessory member.
[0037] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of other embodiments of a
receiving member of an under bed hitch mounting system in an
unlocked position.
[0038] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of other embodiments of
the receiving member of an under bed hitch mounting system in a
locked position.
[0039] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of other embodiments of a
receiving member of an under bed hitch mounting system in a locked
position.
[0040] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of other embodiments of
the receiving member of an under bed hitch mounting system in an
unlocked position.
[0041] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of other embodiments of the
receiving member disassembled.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] 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.
[0043] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate some embodiments of a hitch mounting
system 30, such as an under bed hitch mounting system 30 shown in
the exemplary embodiments described and shown herein. The under bed
hitch mounting system 30 may be used with a towing vehicle 34 and
may allow for selectively accommodating both of a fifth wheel hitch
91 and a gooseneck hitch ball 448. Although, in other embodiments,
the hitch mounting system 30 may only allow for having attached
thereto fifth wheel hitches and yet other embodiments the hitch
mounting system 30 may only allow for having attached thereto
gooseneck hitches.
[0044] Many types of gooseneck and fifth wheel hitches may be
mounted to a load bed 32 of a towing vehicle 34. These types of
hitches may often have at least a portion thereof mounted beneath
the load bed 32 of the towing vehicle 34 in conjunction with the
towing vehicle's own frame rails 36; exemplary embodiments of which
are described in more detail below.
[0045] The under bed hitch mounting system 30 may include at least
one rail mount or transverse member 40 and may include at least one
mid rail or adapter plate 45 secured to the rail 40. By way of a
non-limiting example, the under bed hitch mounting system 30 may
include two rails 40 and one mid rail or adapter plate 45. The
rails 40 and adapter plate 45 may be configured to support a
gooseneck hitch ball 448 or a fifth wheel hitch 91, as applicable.
While the under bed hitch mounting system 30 may be shown and
described as having two rails 40 and one mid rail or adapter plate
45, it is to be understood that there may be any appropriate number
of rails and adapter plates and it should not be limited to that
shown and described herein. By way of a non-limiting example, the
under bed hitch mounting system 30 may only include two rails 40
and may not include the adapter plate 45.
[0046] The rails 40 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such
as having a generally tubular, square, rectangular, or the like
shape, and may be sized to generally fit under the load bed 32 of
the towing vehicle 34. More specifically, the rails 40 may be
attached to the frame rails 36 of the towing vehicle 34. In some
embodiments, the rails 40 may be formed from a single generally
continuous piece, such as a generally continuous and generally
rectangularly-shaped tubular member. The shape of the rails 40 may
allow the rails 40 to have the ability to fit between the frame
rails 36 of the towing vehicle 34 and the load bed 32 of the towing
vehicle 34, which may be a generally constrained area. The rails 40
may be made from rigid material such as steel or the like. The
rails 40 may include a top surface 42 and a bottom surface 44. The
rails 40 may also include a first end 50 and a second end 55. The
first and second ends 50, 55 may each include a deformed portion
57, 59 respectively, which may be generally positioned on the
bottom surface 44.
[0047] The deformed portions 57, 59 may allow the rails 40 to
generally fit between the frame rails 36 of the towing vehicle 34
and the load bed 32 of the towing vehicle 34. The deformed portions
57, 59 may be deformed in any appropriate manner. By way of a
non-limiting example, the deformed portions 57, 59 may be formed by
stamping, which may create a generally smooth, reinforced, tubular
structure that may be capable of attaching to the towing vehicle
34.
[0048] The deformed portions 57, 59 may be of any appropriate shape
and size. The shape and size may be based on the configuration of
the towing vehicle 34 to which the under bed hitch mounting system
30 may be attached. In some embodiments, the deformed portions 57,
59 may be of generally the same shape and size. In other
embodiments, the deformed portions 57, 59 may be of generally
different shapes. The appropriate shape may depend upon the shape
and size of the frame rails 36 of the towing vehicle 34 and the
space between the frame 36 and load bed 32 of the towing vehicle
34.
[0049] In some embodiments, the deformed portions 57, 59 may
include top bottom sides 60, 61 that may be generally folded up
toward the top surface 42. This may generally form a substantially
C-shape as shown in FIGS. 3-5. The folding of the deformed portions
57, 59 may form channels 65, 67, respectively. More specifically,
and as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the rails 40 in some embodiments may
transition from a generally full, undeformed tubular portion, to a
generally C-shaped portion through first and second transition
portions 68, 69, which may be positioned at the first and second
ends 50, 55 of the rails 40.
[0050] Unlike the prior art, no additional rail components may be
required to attach the rails 40 to the frame rails 36 of the towing
vehicle 34. The rails 40 being of a generally single continuous
member may generally prevent some of the structural limitations of
the prior art that utilizes multiple pieces coupled together. The
rails 40 of the present teachings may generally limit the presence
of stress risers, which may be present in the rails of the prior
art. The limitation or general reduction of the unwanted stress
risers may generally improve the function of the rails 40.
[0051] The under bed hitch mounting system 30 may further include a
bracket 70, which may be generally L-shaped, and a plate 71, which
may be generally flat. The shape and size of the bracket 70 and
plate 71 may be of any appropriate shape and size and may vary
depending upon the make and model of the towing vehicle 34 to which
they may be attached. The rails 40 may attach to the frame rails 36
of the towing vehicle 34 immediately under the load bed of the
towing vehicle 34 by attaching the brackets 70 to the frame rails
36 of the towing vehicle 34. By way of a non-limiting example, the
brackets 70 may be attached to the frame rails 36 of the towing
vehicle 34 by welding, using fasteners such as nuts and bolts, or
utilizing any other appropriate attachment apparatus or method.
[0052] The plate 71 may attached to the end portion 50, 55 of the
rails 40 at the deformed portions 57, 59 by any appropriate manner,
such as by way of a non-limiting example, welding, using fasteners
such as nuts and bolts, or utilizing any other appropriate
attachment apparatus or method. The thickness T of the plate 71 may
generally allow for the appropriate spacing between the ends 50, 55
of the rails 40 and bracket 70 to generally accommodate the space
constraints present on the underside of the towing vehicle 34. The
attached combination of the flat plate 71 and the rails 40 may then
be attached to the bracket 70. In some embodiments, a fastener 72
may used to attach the attached combination of the plate 71 and the
rails 40 to the bracket 70. In these embodiments, the substantially
C-shaped deformed portions 57, 59 may permit adequate space for
attachment of the fastener 72.
[0053] Each rail 40 may include one or more sockets 73. In some
embodiments, each rail 40 may include a pair of sockets 73.
However, in other embodiments, the rails 40 may include any
appropriate number of sockets 73. The sockets 73 may be of any
appropriate shape or size, such as a generally ovular, circular or
rectangular shape. The sockets 73 may be formed in the rail 40 in
any appropriate manner, such as by way of a non-limiting example by
piercing the rails 40 in an appropriate location. The sockets 73
may be configured to receive and support legs 83 of the fifth wheel
hitch 91. The legs 83 may be secured to the rails 40 through the
sockets 73 by any appropriate means, such as by fasteners,
fastening systems, welding, or the like. Apertures 75 may be
drilled or otherwise formed in the load bed 32 of the towing
vehicle 34 that may generally correspond to the locations of the
sockets 73 in the rails 40 that may be attached to the frame rails
36 of the towing vehicle 34. The fifth wheel hitch 91 may be
removably connected to the sockets 73 in the rails 40 through the
apertures 75 located in the load bed 32 of the towing vehicle 34 as
further described herein.
[0054] In some embodiments, the sockets 73 may be shaped to attach
a receiving member 74 thereto. The receiving members 74 may
selectively attach the legs 83 of the fifth wheel hitch 91 to the
under bed hitch mounting system 30. In these embodiments, the
receiving members 74 may be mounted in the socket 73 provided in
any of the rails 40. The receiving member 74 may be secured in the
socket 73 by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding
or the like. In the some embodiments, the receiving members 74 may
be welded to the sockets 73.
[0055] In some embodiments, the receiving members 74 may compromise
a puck mounting system of a fifth wheel hitch 91 whereby the fifth
wheel hitch 91 may be installed through four small apertures 75 in
the load bed 32, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 20100109285, entitled "UNDERBED HITCH MOUNTING
SYSTEM," and that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,121,573, entitled
"VEHICLE ACCESSORY MOUNTING SYSTEM," the disclosures of which are
incorporated by reference herein. Utilizing a puck mounting system
or the receiving member 74 may provide generally uninhibited use of
the load bed 32 of the towing vehicle 34 when the fifth wheel hitch
91 is dismounted. The receiving member 74 may be of any appropriate
shape or size, such as by way of a non-limiting example, a
cylindrical, oval, or a square shape, but should not be limited to
that shown and described herein.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, the receiving member 74 may include a
channel member 76 and a puck member 78. The channel member 76 may
be shaped to fit within the sockets 73 such that it has a top
surface 77 flush or substantially flush with the top surface 42 of
the rails 40. The channel members 76 may then be welded to the top
surface 42 of the rails 40. This may permit attachment of the
receiving member 74 to the rails 40 without having to access the
underside of the load bed 32 of the towing vehicle 34 as may be
required in the prior art. This may make attaching the receiving
members 74 to the rails 40 generally easier to accomplish.
[0057] The channel member 76 shown in FIGS. 6-7 may include a pair
of legs 84 that may be of a shape and size to generally permit the
channel member 76 to fit within the socket 73 so that the top
surface 77 of the channel member 76 may be generally flush or
substantially flush with the top surface 42 of the rails 40. The
channel member 76 may, however, not include the legs 84. If the
depth of the sockets 73 in the rails 40 is less, the legs 84 may
not be necessary. If, on the other hand, the depth of the sockets
73 in the rails is greater it may be necessary to include the legs
84.
[0058] In some embodiments, the channel member 76 may include a
plurality of bolt apertures 88 and a pair of locator apertures 92.
The puck member 78 may include a pair of nubs 94, a plurality of
bolt apertures 96 and a center section recess 98, such as an
aperture or slot. The nubs 94 of the puck member 78 may engage with
the locator apertures 88 of the channel member 76 so that the puck
member 78 may be generally oriented in the proper position on the
channel member 76 during installation. Further, the engaging of the
nubs 94 with the locator apertures 92 may position the bolt
apertures 88 of the channel members 76 with the bolt apertures 96
of the puck member 78. A fastener 97 of any appropriate shape and
size may then be inserted into the bolt apertures 96 and 88 so that
the puck member 78 may attach to the channel member 76.
[0059] The puck member 78 may be of a size and shape so that it may
generally fit flush or substantially flush with the load bed 32 of
the towing vehicle 34 in which it may be installed. Different
thickness puck members 78 may be used to account for the varying
thicknesses of load beds of various towing vehicles, i.e., the puck
member 78 may be of an appropriate thickness based upon the
distance between the load bed 32 and the frame rails 36 of the
particular towing vehicle 34 to which the under bed hitch mounting
system 30 may attach. Additionally, the puck member 78 may have a
thickness that may generally account for a bed liner installed onto
the load bed 32 of the towing vehicle 34 so that the puck member 78
may generally remain flush or substantially flush with the bed
liner.
[0060] The center recessed section 98 may be of a shape and size to
receive an accessory member 101 such as a T-bolt 103 having a
handle 105. Any number or variety of accessory members 101 may be
utilized with the receiving members 74. The accessory member 101
may be any appropriate or desired type of object, such as a cap, a
safety chain tie down member, fifth wheel hitch or the like. By way
of a non-limiting example, caps may be placed over the receiving
members 74 or apertures 75 in the load bed 32 when the fifth wheel
hitch 91 is not in use. In these embodiments, the accessory member
101 may also attach the legs 83 of the fifth wheel hitch 91 to the
rails 40. The fifth wheel hitch 91 may be positioned onto the load
bed 32 of the towing vehicle 34 so that the legs 83 may generally
align with the sockets 73 and in particular the receiving members
74. The appropriate accessory member 101 may then be inserted into
the receiving members 74. The accessory member 101 may then be
rotated to secure the appropriate items, such as by way of a
non-limiting example; legs 83 of the fifth wheel hitch 91 to the
rails 40. In particular, the handle 105 may only need to be turned
one-quarter revolution and then the T-bolt 110 may engage the
receiving member 74 to secure the legs 83 of the fifth wheel hitch
91 to the receiving member 74 of the rails 40. It should be
understood, however, that any type of accessory member can be used
and is not limited to that shown or described herein.
[0061] Additional embodiments of an under bed hitch mounting system
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 under
bed hitch mounting system without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present teachings.
[0062] In other embodiments shown in FIGS. 9-10, the receiving
member 174 may include a channel member 176 and a puck member 178.
The receiving member 174 or more specifically, the channel member
176 may include a pair of legs 184 that may be of a shape and size
to permit the channel member 176 to generally fit within the socket
73 so that a top surface 186 of the channel member 176 may be flush
or substantially flush with the top surface 42 of the rails 40. It,
however, is not necessary to include the legs 184 depending upon
the size and shape of the rails 40 and the thickness of the channel
member 176 as previously mentioned.
[0063] The channel member 176 may further include a pair of locator
apertures 192 and a threaded portion 185. The puck member 178 may
include an anti-rotation mechanism 193 such as a locking pin 197 as
shown in FIG. 10, a male-threaded portion 195 and a center section
recess 198. In these embodiments, the puck member 178 may be
attached to the channel member 176 by engaging the threads 195 of
the puck member 178 with the threads 185 of the channel member 178.
The threads 185 may matingly engage the threads 195, which may
secure the puck member 178 to the channel member 176.
[0064] To ensure that the puck member 178 is not easily removed
from the channel member 176, an anti-rotation mechanism 193 may be
used. In these embodiments, the anti-rotation member may include a
locking pin 197 and a corresponding aperture 199 in the puck member
178. The locking pin 197 may fit into the aperture 199 via an
interference fit. The locking pin 197 may be pushed into the
aperture 199. Next, the puck member 178 may be rotated until fully
seated and then rotated in an opposite direction until the locking
pin 197 may engage the locator aperture 192. Once the locking pin
197 may be so engaged with the locator aperture 192, the locking
pin 197 may be pushed into engagement with the locator aperture 192
via the interference fit. The anti-rotation mechanism 193 may
generally prevent further rotation and thus removal of the puck 178
from the channel member 176.
[0065] The center recess section 198 may be of a shape and size to
receive any appropriate accessory member 101 such as the T-bolt 103
having a handle 105. Any number or variety of accessory members 101
may be utilized with the receiving members 174.
[0066] In other embodiments shown in FIG. 11, a receiving member
274 may be of a one-piece integral construction. In these
embodiments, the receiving member 274 may include a channel portion
276 and a puck portion 278, which may be integrally formed with one
another. The channel portion 276 may include a pair of legs 284,
which may be optional as previously discussed. The legs 284 may be
of a shape and size to permit the channel portion 276 to fit within
the socket 73 so that a top surface 286 of the channel portion 276
may be flush or generally flush with the top surface 42 of the
rails 40. It, however, is not necessary to include the legs 284
depending upon the size and shape of the rails 40 and the thickness
of the channel portion 276.
[0067] The receiving member 274 may be formed by casting, forging,
or any other appropriate process. As the receiving member 274 may
be integrally formed, the receiving member 274 may not require any
kind of mechanism to ensure that the channel portion 276 and puck
portion 278 are aligned properly as they may be formed generally
properly aligned.
[0068] The center recess section 298 may be of a shape and size to
receive an accessory member 101 such as a T-bolt 103 having a
handle 105. Any number or variety of accessory members 101 may be
utilized with the receiving members 274. The accessory member 101
may be any appropriate or desired type of object, such as a cap or
a safety chain tie down member.
[0069] In other embodiments in FIG. 12, a receiving member 374 may
include an attachment portion 376 and a puck portion 378. Similar
to the previously mentioned embodiments, the receiving member 374
may be a one-piece integrally formed body. The receiving member 374
may be formed by forging, casting or any other appropriate method.
The attachment portion 378 may include a pair of flanges 381 and a
pair of locating apertures 392. The flanges 381 may be
substantially flat and may cause the attachment portion 378 to be a
substantially oval shape having a first end portion 393 and a
second end portion 394. In these embodiments, attachment portion
378 may be placed on the top surface 42 of the rails 40 over the
sockets 73. The attachment portion 378 may then be welded to the
top surface 42 of the rails 40. More specifically, the
circumference of the attachment portion 378, less the first end
portion 393 and the second portion 394, may be welded to the top
surface 42 of the rails 40. The first and second end portions 393,
394 may not be welded to allow for some flexibility in the
receiving member 374. Having the flexibility may generally prevent
or limit unwanted stress risers and strain on the receiving member
374 and the rails 40. The locating apertures 392 may be used during
the manufacturing process to help orient the center section recess
398 that may be located in the puck portion 378.
[0070] In other embodiments, the attachment portion 378 may be
attached to the rail 40 along any location accessible via the load
bed 32 of the towing vehicle 34. It may not be necessary to use the
sockets 73 to attach the receiving member 374 in these embodiments.
The attachment portion 378 may be welded to the top surface 42 of
the rails 40. This structure may take loading away from the rails
40.
[0071] The center recess section 398 may be of a shape and size to
receive an accessory member 101 such as a T-bolt 103 having a
handle 105. Any number or variety of accessory members 101 may be
utilized with the receiving members 374. The accessory member 101
may be any appropriate or desired type of object, such as a cap or
a safety chain tie down member.
[0072] In those embodiments that may utilize the gooseneck hitch
ball 448, the under bed hitch mounting system 30 may utilize the
mid rail or adapter 45; exemplary embodiments of which are shown in
FIGS. 13-16. The mid rail or adapter plate 45 may be of any
appropriate shape or size, such as a generally rectangular or
tubular shape that may generally span the length between the rails
40. The mid rail or adapter plate 45 may be configured to connect
to the rails 40. The mid rail or adapter plate 45 may be attached
to the rails by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners,
welding or the like.
[0073] The adapter plate 45 may be of a generally one piece
construction or may include several sections that may be secured
together. The adapter plate 45 may include a center section 432 and
one or more mounting sections 434 extending therefrom. By way of a
non-limiting example, there may be two mounting sections 434. As an
alternative, there may be no mounting sections 434, such that the
center section 432 may be attached directly to the rails 40.
[0074] The center section 432 may be located between the mounting
sections 434. The mounting sections 434 may extend at a downward
angle and away from the center section 432, such that the center
section 432 may be positioned above the mounting sections 434. The
mounting sections 434 may extend in opposite directions away from
the center section 432.
[0075] The mounting sections 434 may engage the rails 40 at any
appropriate location, such as the underside 44 of the rails 40. The
mounting sections 434 may be configured to connect to the rails 40
by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding or the
like. When the adapter plate 45 may be connected to the rails 40,
the center section 432 may be approximately flush with and parallel
to the rails 40. When the mounting section 434 may engage the rails
40, the mounting sections 434 may be approximately parallel to the
rails 40. Each mounting section 434 may include one or more
openings or rail mounting apertures 438. The mounting apertures 438
may be configured to align with mounting apertures 47 in the rails
40, shown in FIG. 4. The mounting apertures 438 may be of any
appropriate shape or size, such as a generally circular, ovular or
rectangular shape.
[0076] The adapter plate or mid rail 45 may also include a base
member 442. The base member 442 may be of any appropriate shape or
size, such as a generally square, rectangular or tubular shape. The
base member 442 may be attached to the bottom of the adapter plate
or mid rail 45. The base member 442 may be attached to the mid rail
45 by any appropriate means, such as by welding, fasteners or the
like. The base member 442 may also be secured to the rails 40, such
as on the underside 44 of the rails 40.
[0077] The adapter plate or mid rail 45 may be configured to
receive a hitch ball 448. By way of a non-limiting example, the
center section 432 may include a hitch ball socket 450 that may be
configured to receive the hitch ball 448. The hitch ball socket 450
may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally
cylindrical shape. The hitch ball socket 450 may be located at any
appropriate position on the adapter plate 45, such as the
approximate center of the adapter plate 45. By way of a
non-limiting example, the hitch ball socket 450 may be configured
to receive a removable hitch ball 448 with spring-loaded ball
bearings. It should be appreciated, however, that the receptacle
450 may be configured to receive any appropriate type of hitch ball
448 and should not be limited to that shown or described
herein.
[0078] Apertures may be drilled in the load bed 32 of the towing
vehicle 34 that may generally correspond to the locations of the
sockets 73 in the rails 40 and the hitch ball socket 450. A fifth
wheel hitch may be removably connected to the sockets 73 in the
rails 40 through the apertures located in the load bed 32. A hitch
ball 448 may be removably connected to the hitch ball socket 450
through the aperture 455 in the load bed 32, whereby a gooseneck
hitch may be utilized.
[0079] In other embodiments shown in FIGS. 20-24, a receiving
member 574 may include a channel member 576 and an accessory
attachment member or puck member 578. In some embodiments, the
receiving member 574 or more specifically, the channel member 576
may include a pair of legs that may be of a shape and size to
permit the channel member 576 to generally fit within the socket 73
so that a top surface 586 of the channel member 576 may be
generally flush or substantially flush with the top surface 42 of
the rails 40. In other embodiments, the channel member 576 may not
include legs. In these embodiments, however, the channel member 576
may be attached to the rails 40 by any appropriate method, such as
by way of a non-limiting example, welding, using fasteners, or the
like.
[0080] Once attached, the channel member 567 may be generally
shorter than the bottom side of the load bed 32 of the towing
vehicle 34. This may result in being capable of attaching the under
bed hitch mounting system 30 with the channel member 576 being
attached to the towing vehicle 34 and not having to create
apertures in the load bed 32 if they may be undesired. In addition,
certain of the apertures may not be needed if only a gooseneck
option was chosen, i.e., only needing three of the five
apertures.
[0081] The channel member 576 may further include a pair of locking
apertures 592 and a recessed portion 585. In some embodiments, the
channel member 576 may include a pair of recessed portions 585 as
shown in FIG. 24. The puck member 578 may include a locking
mechanism 593 such as a locking pin 597 as shown in FIG. 24, a
flange 595 and a center section recess 598. In some embodiments,
the puck member 578 may include a pair of flanges 595 that may be
correspondingly shaped and sized to the recessed portions 585 of
the channel member 576. In these embodiments, the puck member 578
may be attached to the channel member 576 by generally aligning the
flanges 595 with the recessed portions 585 and inserting the puck
member 574 relative to the channel member 576. This may secure the
puck member 578 to the channel member 576.
[0082] More specifically, the channel member 576 may include a
channel 600 positioned therein. Once the puck member 578 may be
inserted into the channel member 576 and rotated, the flanges 595
of the puck member 578 may be rotated to be positioned within the
channel 600, which may generally prevent the puck member 578 from
being removed. In these embodiments, the puck member 578 may be
rotated approximately a quarter turn, i.e., 90 degrees, to be
locked into place. As shown in FIGS. 20-23, the flanges 595 may
become generally misaligned with the recess portions 585 and the
flanges 595 may engage the channel 600 of the channel member 576
selectively attaching the puck member 578 to the channel member
576.
[0083] To ensure that the puck member 578 is not generally capable
of being removed from the channel member 576, the locking mechanism
593 may be used. In these embodiments, the locking mechanism 593
may include the locking pin 597 and a corresponding aperture 599 in
the puck member 578. Any appropriate number of apertures 599 may be
used, e.g., one, two, three, etc. In addition any number of locking
pins 597 may be used, e.g., one, two, three etc. Still further, the
number of apertures 599 may match the number of locking pins 597
utilized or the numbers of apertures 599 and locking pins 597 may
not be the same. The locking pin 597 may fit into the aperture 599
via an interference fit. The locking pin 597 may be pushed into the
aperture 599. Next, the puck member 578 may be rotated, e.g., 90
degrees, until fully seated wherein the locking pin 597 may engage
the locking aperture 592. Once the locking pin 597 may be so
engaged with the locking aperture 592, the locking pin 597 may be
pushed into engagement with the locking aperture 592 via the
interference fit. The locking mechanism 593 may generally prevent
further rotation and thus removal of the puck member 578 from the
channel member 576.
[0084] The center recess section 598 may be of a shape and size to
receive any appropriate accessory member 101 such as a T-bolt 103
having a handle 105. Any number or variety of accessory members 101
may be utilized with the receiving members 574. The accessory
member 101 may be any appropriate or desired type of object, such
as a cap or a safety chain tie down member.
[0085] As mentioned above the installer may use the receiving
member 574, or at least the channel member 576, in the towing
vehicle and may not have to pre-drill any apertures in the load bed
32. In addition, the receiving member 574 may include a puck member
578 that may be of the appropriate configuration for the applicable
use, and different thickness puck members 578 may be used depending
upon the towing vehicle to which the under bed hitch mounting
system 30 may be attached. Further, different puck members may have
additional features designed therein, including, without limitation
including a trim ring feature.
[0086] 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. By way of
non-limiting example, other accessories may be attached to the
vehicle utilizing the under bed hitch mounting system 30, such as
bike racks, ramps, storage containers, etc. 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.
* * * * *