U.S. patent application number 15/830434 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-29 for universal mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover.
The applicant listed for this patent is HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.. Invention is credited to Gerald W. Corless, Steven Duane Miller, Gregory Y. Rotenberg.
Application Number | 20180086162 15/830434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49911926 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180086162 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Corless; Gerald W. ; et
al. |
March 29, 2018 |
UNIVERSAL MOUNTING BRACKET FOR AN ADAPTABLE HITCH COVER
Abstract
A hitch cover is shown and described. The hitch cover may
include a base having first and second surfaces, the second surface
having at least one engagement member attached thereto. The hitch
cover may also include a mounting bracket selectively attached to
the at least one engagement member of the base and extending from
the second surface wherein the mounting bracket is configured to
selectively engage a hitch receiver tube.
Inventors: |
Corless; Gerald W.;
(Streetsboro, OH) ; Miller; Steven Duane;
(Bedford, OH) ; Rotenberg; Gregory Y.; (Highland
Hts., OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC. |
Plymouth |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49911926 |
Appl. No.: |
15/830434 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13935042 |
Jul 3, 2013 |
9834052 |
|
|
15830434 |
|
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|
61668597 |
Jul 6, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60D 1/605 20130101;
B60D 1/60 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60D 1/60 20060101
B60D001/60 |
Claims
1.-25. (canceled)
26. A packaging for a hitch cover comprising: a face plate; a
mounting bracket selectively engageable with the face plate,
wherein the mounting bracket is configured to engage a first hitch
receiver tube having a first size; an adapter selectively
engageable with at least a portion the mounting bracket, wherein
the adapter is configured to engage a second hitch receiver tube
having a second size, the second size being greater than the first
size; and a retaining member retaining the face plate, mounting
bracket and adapter together wherein the face plate and the adapter
are disengaged from the mounting bracket when retained in the
retaining member, whereby the retaining member is configured to be
positioned on a point of sale display.
27. The packaging of claim 26, further including an indicia member
selectively attached with the face plate.
28. The packaging of claim 27, wherein the indicia member includes
a light.
29. The packaging of claim 27, wherein the indicia member includes
an operating component.
30. The packaging of claim 26, wherein the face plate includes at
least one engagement member attached thereto.
31. The packaging of claim 30, wherein the at least one engagement
member includes a plurality of hooks attached to the face
plate.
32. A packaging for a hitch cover comprising: a first face plate
having a first size; a mounting bracket selectively engageable with
the face plate, wherein the mounting bracket is configured to
engage a first hitch receiver tube having a first size; an adapter
selectively engageable with at least a portion the mounting
bracket, wherein the adapter is configured to engage a second hitch
receiver tube having a second size, the second size being greater
than the first size; and a retaining member retaining the face
plate, mounting bracket and adapter together wherein the face plate
and adapter are disengaged from the mounting bracket when retained
in the retaining member, whereby the retaining member is configured
to be positioned on a point of sale display.
33. The packaging of claim 32, further comprising a second face
plate having a second size.
34. A system for a hitch cover comprising: an indicia member; and a
packaging for a hitch cover comprising: a face plate selectively
attached with the indicia member; a mounting bracket selectively
engageable with the face plate, wherein the mounting bracket is
configured to engage a first hitch receiver tube having a first
size; an adapter selectively engageable with at least a portion the
mounting bracket, wherein the adapter is configured to engage a
second hitch receiver tube having a second size, the second size
being greater than the first size; and a retaining member retaining
the face plate, mounting bracket and adapter together wherein the
face plate and adapter are disengaged from the mounting bracket
when retained in the retaining member, whereby the retaining member
is configured to be positioned on a point of sale display.
35. The packaging of claim 34, wherein the face plate includes at
least one engagement member attached thereto.
36. The packaging of claim 35, wherein the at least one engagement
member includes a plurality of hooks attached to the face plate.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/935,042, entitled "Universal Mounting
Bracket for an Adaptable Hitch Cover," filed on Jul. 3, 2013; which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/668,597, entitled "Universal Mounting Bracket for an Adaptable
Hitch Cover," filed on Jul. 6, 2012, both of which are hereby
incorporated in its entirety by reference.
FIELD OF USE
[0002] The present invention is generally related to a universal
mounting bracket and, more particularly, to a universal mounting
bracket for an adaptable hitch cover.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Trailer hitch assemblies are traditionally designed to be
mounted to vehicles to allow the towing of trailers or the like. A
receiver opening or cavity is often used for the receipt of a hitch
or draw bar that carries a hitch ball or other means of allowing
connection to a towed vehicle. The receiver opening comes in
various sizes, such as to accommodate various towing capabilities.
For example, receiver-type trailer hitch assemblies are typically
offered with a square receiver opening of 1.25 inches (32 mm) for
Class I/II, 2 inches (51 mm) for Class III/IV/V, and some Class V
hitches are available in 2.5 inches (64 mm) opening sizes.
[0004] When not in use towing a trailer or other towed vehicle,
often the receiver opening remains generally exposed to the
environment. Covers have been provided for insertion into the
receiver opening to improve outward appearances and to provide
certain utility. A disadvantage of these previously known covers is
that a cover may only be capable of appropriately fitting into a
specifically sized hitch receiver opening, i.e., the cover comes in
just one size to accommodate a correspondingly sized hitch receiver
opening. This may limit the use of such covers and may require a
user to purchase a plurality of covers to fit each applicable hitch
receiver opening. Still further, typical one-piece molded designed
hitch covers are limited in their available uses, which may force
the manufacturer to create different hitch covers, unique packaging
and additional inventory tracking systems.
[0005] Prior art designs may also require a relatively large
packaging size such that a limited number of covers may be
displayed or stored in a given size shelf space, especially those
hitch covers that are a one-piece molded design. The large
packaging required creates an inefficient use of sale space and may
increase the cost of displaying and offering for sale such prior
art designs.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved hitch cover with
a mounting system that may be capable of selectively attaching to
hitch receiver openings of various sizes and/or that may provide
modularity. There is also a need to reduce the packaging size of a
hitch cover so that more may be displayed or stocked in a given
size shelf space. Still further, there is a need to increase the
efficiency of the packaging and the display of such in offering the
product for sale. Still further, there is a need for a decorative
hitch cover base (usually furnished with graphics, decals, and
other art) to be able easily switched to a different decorative
base of shape and form. Such a decorative hitch cover may give end
users more flexibility and variety of choices to express themselves
without the necessity of purchasing additional hitch covers with a
predefined tube size, design and shape.
SUMMARY
[0007] A hitch cover is shown and described. The hitch cover may
include a base having first and second surfaces, the second surface
having at least one engagement member attached thereto. The hitch
cover may also include a mounting bracket selectively attached to
the at least one engagement member of the base and extending from
the second surface wherein the mounting bracket is configured to
selectively engage a hitch receiver tube.
[0008] A hitch cover may include a base and a mounting bracket
selectively attached to the base and extending therefrom, where the
mounting bracket is configured to selectively engage a hitch
receiver tube having a first size. The hitch cover may also include
an adapter capable of selectively engaging and generally
circumscribing at least a portion of the mounting bracket, where
the adapter is configured to selectively engage a hitch receiver
tube having a second size, the second size being greater than the
first size.
[0009] A hitch cover may include a face plate having at least one
engagement member and a mounting bracket selectively engageable
with the at least one engagement member of the face plate, where
the mounting bracket is configured to selectively engage a first
hitch receiver tube having a first size. The hitch cover may
include at least one biasing member attached to the mounting
bracket, where the biasing member is configured to engage a portion
of the first hitch receiver tube.
[0010] A packaging for a hitch cover may include a face plate, a
mounting bracket selectively engageable with the face plate, where
the mounting bracket is configured to engage a first hitch receiver
tube having a first size, and an adapter selectively engageable
with at least a portion the mounting bracket, where the adapter is
configured to engage a second hitch receiver tube having a second
size, the second size being greater than the first size. The
packaging for the hitch cover may also include a retaining member
retaining the face plate, mounting bracket and adapter together
where the face plate and adapter are disengaged from the mounting
bracket when retained in the retaining member, whereby the
retaining member is configured to be positioned on a point of sale
display.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention may be better understood by reference to the
following detailed description taken in connection with the
following illustrations, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a mounting bracket for an
adaptable hitch cover.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the mounting bracket
for an adaptable hitch cover of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an
adaptable hitch cover.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a portion of the face plate
of the adaptable hitch cover.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the
mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an
adaptable hitch cover being inserted into a hitch receiver tube of
a vehicle.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an
adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver
tube.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the mounting bracket for an
adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver
tube.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an
adaptable hitch cover with an adapter attached thereto.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the adapter of the mounting
bracket for an adaptable hitch cover of FIG. 9.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an
adaptable hitch cover being inserted into a hitch receiver tube of
a vehicle.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket
for an adaptable hitch cover selectively inserted into the hitch
receiver tube of a vehicle.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an
adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver
tube of a vehicle.
[0025] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a mounting bracket for an
adaptable hitch cover.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a partial exploded view of the mounting bracket
for an adaptable hitch cover of FIG. 14.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an
adaptable hitch cover.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of
the mounting bracket for an adaptable hitch cover.
[0029] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an
adaptable hitch cover being inserted into a hitch receiver tube of
a vehicle.
[0030] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an
adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver
tube.
[0031] FIG. 20 is a plan view of the mounting bracket for an
adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver
tube.
[0032] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket
for an adaptable hitch cover selectively inserted into the hitch
receiver tube of a vehicle.
[0033] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for an
adaptable hitch cover selectively secured to the hitch receiver
tube of a vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] 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.
[0035] A universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10/100
capable of selectively fitting within a plurality of different
sized hitch receiver tubes is shown in FIGS. 1-13. By way of a
non-limiting example, the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch
cover 10 may be capable of selectively attaching to a hitch
receiver tube 14, such as shown in FIGS. 6-8. The hitch receiver
tube 14 may be of any appropriate shape and design. The present
teachings are not limited to a particular shaped, sized, or
configured hitch receiver--any hitch receiver may be used
therewith. The hitch receiver tube 14 may include a locking
aperture 15 shaped and sized to receive a locking pin 16. The
locking pin 16 may of any appropriate design. The locking pin 16
may be capable of being inserted into and through the locking
aperture 15, such as to secure a hitch or draw bar of a towed
vehicle to the hitch receiver tube 14 in any appropriate
manner.
[0036] The universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 may
include a base/face plate 20. The face plate 20 may include first
and second surfaces 24, 28. The first surface 24 may include any
appropriate design or indicia, such as by way of a non-limiting
example, a logo, a name, an image, or any combination of such. For
example, the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 10 may be
furnished with certain graphics, decals, or other art work that may
be selectively attached to the first surface 24 in any appropriate
manner. Users may also be able to replace such graphics, decals or
other art work with any other graphic, decal or art work that they
choose, which may provide customization to the universal bracket
with adaptable hitch cover 10. Still further, the first surface 24
may include any appropriate object, such as a light, bottle opener,
or any such other device that may be attached thereto or formed
therewith. Such device may provide additional utility to the
universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10. Further, the
first surface 24 may be a contoured or include a shaped
three-dimensional surface having a desired shape or configuration,
i.e., the first surface 24 need not be planar, it may contain
contours, depressions or both.
[0037] The second surface 28 may include at least one engagement
member 30. In some embodiments, the second surface 28 may include
four engagement members 30; see FIG. 1. While four engagement
members 30 may be shown and described, the present teachings are
not limited to four such engagement members 30. Any appropriate
number of engagement members 30 may be used without departing from
the present teachings. The engagement members 30 may include a
plurality of hooks 34 that may be appropriately spaced on the
second surface 28 of the face plate 20, such as by way of a
non-limiting example, in a generally rectangular shape. The hooks
34 may be attached in any appropriate manner. By way of a
non-limiting example, the hooks 34 may be attached by fastening,
securing, snap-fitting, welding, or otherwise adhered. Further, the
hooks 34 may be integrally formed on the second surface 28 as a
monolithic unit, such as through any appropriate molding process or
the like.
[0038] The universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 may
include a mounting bracket 40 that may be selectively attached to
the face plate 20. In particular, the mounting bracket 40 may be
selectively attached the second surface 28 of the face plate 20.
The mounting bracket 40 may be selectively attached to the
engagement members 30 of the second surface 28 of the face plate
20. The mounting bracket 40 may include a base 42 that may be of a
shape and size that it may be capable of selectively engaging the
engagement members 30 in any appropriate manner, such as by way of
a non-limiting example, snap-fit, friction fit, mating engaging
features, or the like.
[0039] The base 42 may be integrally formed with the mounting
bracket 40 as a monolithic unit or may be attached thereto through
a subsequent operation. By way of a non-limiting example, the base
42 may be of a generally rectangular shape. The base 42 may include
openings 43 that may selectively engage the engagement members 30.
More specifically, the openings 43 may be shaped and sized such
that the hooks 34 may selectively engage the openings 43 generally
securing the mounting bracket 40 with the second surface 28 of the
face plate 20; see FIG. 5. The base 42 may be positioned toward the
second surface 28 of the face plate 20 generally aligning openings
43 with the hooks 34, as shown by arrow 45. A force may be applied
as in the direction of the arrow 60, which may position the
openings 43 with the hooks 34. In some embodiments, the number of
openings 43 may generally match the number of engagement members
30, e.g., four, and the position of the openings 43 may generally
correspond with the position of the engagement members 30. The
hooks 34 may also be disengageable with the base 42 of the mounting
bracket 40 such that the mounting bracket 40 may be selectively
disengaged from the face plate 20, i.e., the mounting bracket 40
and the face plate 20 may be modular. In such embodiments, a
different face plate 20 may be attached to the mounting bracket 40
as required or desired. This may allow a user to selectively attach
another face plate 20 to the mounting bracket 40, such as to
provide a face plate with a different indicia, different device
attached thereto, or one capable of a different function. Still
further, this may allow the face plate 20 to be packaged disengaged
from the mounting bracket 40, which is described in more detail
below, and may allow a user to store the face plate 20 separate
from the mounting bracket 40.
[0040] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 40 may include
first and second housings 44, 48. The first housing 44 may include
a first interlocking feature 50 and the second housing 48 may
include a second interlocking feature 52. The second interlocking
feature 52 may be capable of selectively engaging the first
interlocking feature 50 for the purpose of interlocking the first
and second housings 44, 48, which may form the mounting bracket 40
as well as the base 42. Specifically, the first housing 44 may
include a first portion 42a of the base 42 and the second housing
48 may include a second portion 42b of the base 42 such that when
the first and second housings 44, 48 are interlocked, the first and
second portions 42a, 42b form the base 42 with openings 43.
[0041] In some embodiments, the first interlocking feature 50 may
include a groove 56 extending along a perimeter 57 of the first
housing 44 and the second interlocking feature 52 may include a
matingly shaped and sized tongue 58 extending along a perimeter 59
of the second housing 48. The tongue 58 may be capable of
selectively and operatively engaging the groove 56. It should be
understood, however, that the first and second interlocking
features 50, 52 may include any appropriate matingly engaging
features and are not limited to that shown and described herein. By
way of a non-limiting example, the first and second interlocking
features 50, 52 may be a male and female snap fit features, male
and female dovetail features, or any other appropriate matingly
engaging features.
[0042] Further, while the first interlocking feature 50 is shown as
the groove 56 and the second interlocking feature 52 is shown as
the tongue 58, the first interlocking feature 50 may be a tongue
and the second interlocking feature 52 may be a groove. Still
further, one side of the perimeter 57 of the first housing 44 may
include a first interlocking feature 50 that may be a groove and
the other side of the perimeter 57 may include a first interlocking
feature 50 that may be a tongue. The second housing 48 may include
the second interlocking feature 52 that may be capable of matingly
engaging the first interlocking feature 50, i.e., a first side of
the perimeter 59 of the second interlocking feature 52 may be a
tongue and the second side of the perimeter 59 may include the
second interlocking feature 52 that may be a groove. The present
teachings are not limited to that shown and described. Any
appropriate interlocking elements may be utilized in any
appropriate configuration and are not limited to that shown and
described herein.
[0043] With the first and second housings 44, 48 positioned on the
second surface 28 of the face plate 20 as shown in FIG. 2 and
described above, the first and second housings 44, 48 may be
selectively moved toward each other as shown by arrows 60. Moving
the first and second housings 44, 48 in the direction of arrows 60
may engage the first and second interlocking features 50, 52 with
each other operatively securing the first and second housings 44,
48 together. This may form the mounting bracket 40. It is to be
understood, however, that the mounting bracket 40 may be formed in
any suitable manner and is not limited to that shown and described
herein.
[0044] The mounting bracket 40 may include an anti-rattle member
62. The anti-rattle member 62 may generally fill a gap between the
mounting bracket 40 and the interior surface of hitch receiver tube
14 in which it may be inserted that may have otherwise been
present. Filling the gap may create a snug fit between the
universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 and the hitch
receiver tube 14. Further, the anti-rattle member 62 may be
generally flexible, such that it may be capable of biasing in an
appropriate direction. The biasing of the anti-rattle member 62 may
allow for absorption of vibration due to road conditions during
operation of a vehicle 64 to which the hitch receiver tube 14 may
be attached.
[0045] In some embodiments, the anti-rattle member 62 may include a
finger or tab 69 that may be biased away from the mounting bracket
40. The finger 69 may be attached to the mounting bracket 40 in any
appropriate manner or may be integrally formed therewith as a
monolithic unit. Each of the first and second housing 44, 48 may
include the anti-rattle member 62, i.e., each of the first and
second housing 44, 48 may include the finger 69. While each of the
first and second housings 44, 48 are shown as having the finger 69,
the first and second housings 44, 48 may include any appropriate
number of fingers 69, such as two, three or more. Still further,
while it is described that both the first and second housing 44, 48
may include the finger 69, either one of the first or second
housing 44, 48 may include the finger 69 without departing from the
present teachings. Moreover, while a single finger 69 may be
described below in more detail, it should be understood that such
description may apply to each of the fingers 69. It should also be
understood that each of the fingers 69 may have a different
construction--the present teachings are not limited to the fingers
69 all being the substantially similar.
[0046] The finger 69 may be capable of being compressed toward the
mounting bracket 40 when the mounting bracket 40 is being inserted
into the hitch receiver tube 14. In such situations, the finger 69
may be depressed or biased downward such that the mounting bracket
40 may be selectively inserted into the hitch receiver tube 14.
Once appropriately positioned within the hitch receiver tube 14,
the finger 69 may bias toward the hitch receiver tube 14. In
biasing toward the hitch receiver tube 14, the finger 69 may engage
a portion of the hitch receiver tube 14 creating a generally tight
fit, e.g., a tight friction fit, between the mounting bracket 40
and the hitch receiver tube 14. This may allow the mounting bracket
40 to be appropriately positioned within the hitch receiver tube
14. Still further, the finger 69 being elastic may generally dampen
vibrations that may occur during operation of the vehicle 64.
[0047] The mounting bracket 40 may include at least one locking
aperture 70 that may be shaped and sized to accept the locking pin
16. The locking aperture 70 may extend through both sides of the
mounting bracket 40. Specifically, each of the first and second
housings 44, 48 may include apertures 72 such that when the first
and second housings 44, 48 are engaged together as described above,
the apertures 72 form the locking aperture 70. The locking aperture
70 may be positioned on the mounting bracket 40 such that it may
generally align with the applicable locking pin aperture 15 of the
hitch receiver tube 14 when the mounting bracket 40 is inserted
into the hitch receiver tube 14.
[0048] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 40 may include a
second locking aperture 74. Each of the first and second housings
44, 48 may include second apertures 76 such that when the first and
second housings 44, 48 are engaged together as described above, the
second apertures 76 form the second locking aperture 74. While two
locking apertures 70, 74 are shown and described, the present
teachings are not limited to such. Any appropriate number of
locking apertures may be used. The locking aperture 70 and the
second locking aperture 74 may be positioned on the mounting
bracket 40 such that at least one of such generally aligns with the
applicable locking pin aperture 15 of the hitch receiver tube 14
when the mounting bracket 40 is inserted into the hitch receiver
tube 14. The second locking aperture 74 may allow the mounting
bracket 40 to be secured to a wider variety of hitch receiver tubes
as the mounting bracket 40 may include at least two apertures that
may generally align with the locking pin aperture 15 of the hitch
receiver tube 14.
[0049] The mounting bracket 40 may be inserted into the hitch
receiver tube 14 and the fingers 69 may generally permit a tight
fit between the mounting bracket 40 and the hitch receiver tube 14.
Either of the locking aperture 70 or the second locking aperture 74
may generally align with the locking pin aperture 15 of the hitch
receiver tube 14. The locking pin 16 may be inserted into and
through the locking pin aperture 15 and either of the locking
aperture 70 or the second locking aperture 74 generally securing
the mounting bracket 40 with the hitch receiver tube 14. This may
secure the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 10 with the
hitch receiver tube 14.
[0050] The finger 69 may be compressed toward the mounting bracket
40, which may also allow the universal bracket with an adaptable
hitch cover 10 to be selectively removable from the hitch receiver
tube 14. In such situation, the locking pin 16 may be withdrawn
from the locking pin aperture 15 and either of the locking aperture
70 or the second locking aperture 74. The mounting bracket 40 may
be pulled outward from the hitch receiver tube 14. As the mounting
bracket 40 is so pulled, the finger 69 may compress toward the
mounting bracket 40 generally releasing the engagement between the
finger 69 and the hitch receiver tube 14 such that the universal
bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 may be selectively
removed.
[0051] In some embodiments, the universal bracket with an adaptable
hitch cover 10 may be shaped and sized such that it may selectively
engage hitch receiver tubes 14 of a dimension D.sub.1, such as by
way of a non-limiting example, a 11/4'' (Class I/II) hitch receiver
tubes. By way of a non-limiting example, the mounting bracket 40
may be of a shape and size such that it may being inserted into and
operatively engaged with Class I/II hitch receiver tubes 14, i.e.,
the mounting bracket 40 may have a width W.sub.1 capable of fitting
within the applicable Class I/II hitch receiver tube 14 of
dimension D.sub.1. The biasing of the finger 69 toward the hitch
receiver tube 14 may permit a tight fit between the universal
bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 and the hitch receiver
tube 14 even when the mounting bracket 40 may have a width W.sub.1
that may be smaller than other mounting brackets that may fit
snugly within the hitch receiver tube 14. This may allow the
mounting bracket 40 and in turn the universal bracket with
adaptable hitch cover 10 to snugly fit within a wide variety of
hitch receiver tubes.
[0052] The modularity of the universal bracket with an adaptable
hitch cover 10, i.e., the face plate 20 capable of being
selectively removable from the mounting bracket 40, may allow the
universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 10 to be efficiently
packaged. By way of a non-limiting example, the face plate 20 may
be detached from the mounting bracket 40 in the applicable
packaging. This selective detachability of the face plate 20 with
the mounting bracket 40 may permit the packaging thereof to be more
efficient, e.g., this may result in a smaller overall package size
as opposed to packaging the face plate 20 attached with the
mounting bracket 40. This smaller package size may take up less
space on store shelves. It may also be easier for a user to handle
and may allow the manufacturer thereof to transport such more
efficiently as more of the product may be capable of being packaged
in a smaller space.
[0053] Still further, the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch
cover 10 being selectively attachable to hitch receiver tubes of
different sizes may result in having to produce a single design as
opposed producing multiple different sized and shaped hitch covers.
The universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 10 may result in
generally eliminating additional production lines, separate
packaging designs and additional inventory tracking systems.
[0054] Additional embodiments of a universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover according the present teachings are described
below. In the descriptions, all of the details and components may
not be fully described or shown. Rather, the features or components
are described and, in some instances, differences with the
above-described embodiments may be pointed out. Moreover, it should
be appreciated that these additional embodiments may include
elements or components utilized in the above-described embodiments
although not shown or described. Thus, the descriptions of these
additional embodiments are merely exemplary and not all-inclusive
nor exclusive. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the
features, components, elements and functionalities of the various
embodiments may be combined or altered to achieve a desired
universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present teachings.
[0055] A universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100 may
include the face plate 20 and the mounting bracket 40 as described
in more detail above. The universal bracket with an adaptable hitch
cover 100 may also include an adapter 106 that may be capable of
selectively attaching to the mounting bracket 40 in any appropriate
manner. In some embodiments, the adapter 106 may include an opening
108 through which the mounting bracket 40 may pass through, such as
in the direction of arrow 109 shown in FIG. 9. The adapter 106 may
be of a shape and size such that when it is selectively attached to
the mounting bracket 40 at least one of the locking aperture 70 or
the second locking aperture 74 may extend beyond the adapter 106,
such as shown in FIG. 9. The adapter 106 may include an aperture
110 as described in more detail below. The aperture 110 may be of
any appropriate shape and size.
[0056] In some embodiments, the anti-rattle member 62 of the
mounting bracket 40 may selectively engage the adapter 106 in any
appropriate manner securing the adapter 106 with the mounting
bracket 40. By way of a non-limiting example, the finger 69 may be
compressed toward the mounting bracket 40 when the mounting bracket
40 is being inserted into the adapter 106. In such situations, the
finger 69 may be depressed or biased downward such that the
mounting bracket 40 may be selectively inserted into the opening
108 of the adapter 106. Once appropriately positioned within the
adapter 106, the finger 69 may bias toward adapter 106. In biasing
toward the adapter 106, the finger 69 may engage the aperture 110
of the adapter 106 locking the adapter 106 with the mounting
bracket 40.
[0057] The finger 69 being compressed toward the mounting bracket
40 also may allow the mounting bracket 40 to be selectively
removable from the adapter 106. In some embodiments, the mounting
bracket 40 may be pulled outward from the adapter 106. As the
mounting bracket 40 is so pulled, the finger 69 may compress toward
the mounting bracket 40 generally releasing engagement between the
finger 69 and adapter 106 such that the mounting bracket 40 may be
selectively removed.
[0058] The adapter 106 may be formed in any appropriate manner. By
way of a non-limiting example, the adapter 106 may be formed as a
monolithic member or may be formed from a pair of interlocking
housings similar to that of the mounting bracket 40. The present
teachings are not limited to any particular configuration.
[0059] The adapter 106 may include an anti-rattle member 127. The
anti-rattle member 127 may be similar to the anti-rattle member 62,
or in the alternative may be of a generally different
configuration. The anti-rattle member 127 may generally fill a gap
between the adapter 106 and the hitch receiver tube 14 that may
have otherwise been present when inserting the universal bracket
with an adaptable hitch cover 100 into the hitch receiver tube 14.
Filling the gap may create a snug fit between the universal bracket
with an adaptable hitch cover 100 and the hitch receiver tube 14.
Further, the anti-rattle member 127 may be generally flexible, such
that it may be capable of biasing. The flexibility of the
anti-rattle member 127 may allow for absorption of vibration due to
road conditions during operation of a vehicle 64 to which the hitch
receiver tube 14 may be attached.
[0060] In some embodiments, the anti-rattle member 127 may include
a finger or tab 131 that may be biased away from the adapter 106.
The finger 131 may be attached to the adapter 106 in any
appropriate manner or may be integrally formed therewith as a
monolithic unit. Any appropriate number of fingers 131 may be used
without departing from the present teachings. By way of a
non-limiting example, the adapter 106 may include four fingers 131,
whereby two fingers 131 may be positioned on each side of the
adapter 106. Moreover, while a single finger 131 may be described
below in more detail, it should be understood that such description
may apply to each of the fingers 131. It should also be understood
that each of the fingers 131 may have a different construction--the
present teachings are not limited to the fingers 131 all being the
substantially similar.
[0061] The finger 131 may be capable of being compressed toward the
adapter 106 when the adapter 106 is being inserted into the hitch
receiver tube 14. In such situations, the finger 131 may be
depressed or biased downward such that the adapter 106 may be
selectively inserted into the hitch receiver tube 14. Once
appropriately positioned within the hitch receiver tube 14, the
finger 131 may bias toward the hitch receiver tube 14. In biasing
toward the hitch receiver tube 14, the finger 131 may engage a
portion of the hitch receiver tuber 14 creating a generally tight
fit between the adapter 106 and the hitch receiver tube 14. This
may allow the adapter 106 to be appropriately positioned within the
hitch receiver tube 14. Still further, the finger 131 being elastic
may generally dampen vibrations that may occur during operation of
the vehicle 64.
[0062] The adapter 106 with mounting bracket 40 may be inserted
into the hitch receiver tube 14 and the fingers 131 may generally
hold the adapter 106 within the hitch receiver tube 14. Either of
the locking aperture 70 or the second locking aperture 74 of the
mounting bracket 40 may generally align with the locking pin
aperture 15 of the hitch receiver tube 14. The locking pin 16 may
then be inserted into and through the locking pin aperture 15 and
either of the locking aperture 70 or the second locking aperture 74
generally securing the adapter 106 and mounting bracket 40 with the
hitch receiver tube 14. This may secure the universal bracket with
adaptable hitch cover 10 with the hitch receiver tube 14.
[0063] The finger 131 being compressed toward the adapter 106 may
also allow the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100
to be selectively removed from the hitch receiver tube 14. In some
embodiments, the adapter 106 may be pulled outward from the hitch
receiver tube 14. As the adapter 106 is so pulled, the finger 131
may compress toward the adapter 106 generally releasing the
engagement between the finger 131 and the hitch receiver tube 14
such that the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100
may be selectively removed.
[0064] In some embodiments, the universal bracket with an adaptable
hitch cover 100 may be shaped and sized such that it may be capable
of selectively engaging hitch receiver tubes 14 of a dimension
D.sub.2, such as by way of a non-limiting example, a 2'' (Class
III/IV) and/or 21/2'' (Class V) hitch receiver tubes 14 of
dimension D.sub.2. By way of a non-limiting example, the adapter
106 may be of a shape and size such that it may be capable of being
inserted into Class III/IV and/or V hitch receiver tubes 14. The
biasing of the finger 131 toward the hitch receiver tube 14 may
permit a tight fit between the universal bracket with an adaptable
hitch cover 100 and the hitch receiver tube 14 even when adapter
106 may be smaller than the hitch receiver tube 14. Specifically,
the adapter 106 may have a width W.sub.2 that may be greater than
the width W.sub.1 of the mounting bracket 40; see FIG. 7, which may
allow the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100 to
operatively fit with the larger Class III/IV and V hitch receiver
tubes 14 having the dimension D.sub.2, whereby D.sub.2 may be
larger than D.sub.1. The biasing of the fingers 131 toward the
hitch receiver tube 14 may permit a tight fit between the universal
bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100 and the hitch receiver
tube 14 even when the adapter 106 may have a width W.sub.2 that may
be smaller than other brackets that may fit snugly within the hitch
receiver tube 14. Still further, the biasing of the fingers 131 may
allow for a generally tight fit of the adapter 106 regardless of
whether the hitch receiver tube 14 may be 2'' or 21/2'' in size.
The fingers 131 may be biased enough that they may permit the
adapter 106 to snugly fit within either sized hitch receiver tube
14.
[0065] In operation in those situations in which the universal
bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 100 may need to be attached
to a Class I/II hitch receiver tube 14 having the dimension
D.sub.1, the adapter 106 may be removed from the mounting bracket
40 forming the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10.
In this situation, the mounting bracket 40 may be of a shape and
size to fit within the Class I/II hitch receiver tube 14. In those
situations in which the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch
cover 10 may need to be attached to any one of a Class III/IV
and/or V hitch receiver tube 14 having the dimension D.sub.2, the
adapter 106 may be attached to the mounting bracket 40 as described
above. This may provide an opportunity to have a universal bracket
that may be capable of being selectively secured to any one of
Class I through V hitch receiver tubes.
[0066] The modularity of the universal bracket with an adaptable
hitch cover 100, i.e., the face plate 20 being capable of being
selectively removable from the mounting bracket 40 and the adapter
106 being selectively removable from the mounting bracket 40, may
allow the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 100 to be
efficiently packaged. By way of a non-limiting example, the face
plate 20 and adapter 106 may both be detached from the mounting
bracket 40 in the applicable packaging. This selective
detachability of the face plate 20 and adapter 106 with the
mounting bracket 40 may permit the packaging thereof to be more
efficient, e.g., this may result in a smaller overall package size
as opposed to packaging the face plate 20 and adapter 106 attached
with the mounting bracket 40. This smaller package size may take up
less space on store shelves. It may also be easier for a user to
handle and may allow the manufacturer thereof to transport such
more efficiently as more of the product may be capable of being
packaged in a smaller space.
[0067] Still further, the universal bracket with an adaptable hitch
cover 100 being capable of selectively attaching to hitch receiver
tubes of different sizes may result having to produce a single
design as opposed to having to produce multiple different sized and
shaped hitch covers. The universal bracket with adaptable hitch
cover 100 may result in generally eliminating additional production
lines, separate packaging designs and additional inventory tracking
systems.
[0068] Embodiments of a universal bracket with an adaptable hitch
cover 200 are shown in FIGS. 14-22. The universal bracket with
adaptable hitch cover 200 may include a base/face plate 220. The
face plate 220 may include first and second surfaces 224, 228. The
first surface 224 may include any appropriate design or indicia,
such as by way of a non-limiting example, a contoured or
three-dimensional surface having a desired shape or configuration
(such as a basketball as shown), a logo, a name, an image, or any
combination of such. In some embodiments, an indicia member 229 may
be selectively attached with the face plate 220 in any appropriate
manner. The indicia member 229 may include, by way of a
non-limiting example, a contoured or three-dimensional surface
having a desired shape or configuration (such as a basketball as
shown), a logo, a name, an image, or any combination of such.
Moreover, the indicia member 229 may include a light, an operating
component, such as a bottle opener or the like. The indicia member
229 may, by way of a non-limiting example, be fastened with the
face plate 220. The user may attach, detach, and attach a different
indicia member 229 without having to replace the entire universal
bracket with adaptable hitch cover 200. Further, still the user may
replace the indicia member 229 without having to remove the
universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 200 from the hitch
receiver tube 14. This may allow the user to change graphics,
decals, indicia or other art work with any other graphic, decal,
indicia or art work that they choose, which may provide
customization to the universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover
200.
[0069] The second surface 228 may include at least one engagement
member 230. In some embodiments, the second surface 228 may include
four engagement members 230; see FIG. 14. While four engagement
members 230 may be shown and described, the present teachings are
not limited to such--any appropriate number of engagement members
230 may be used without departing from the present teachings. The
engagement members 230 may include a plurality of hooks 234 that
may be appropriately spaced on the second surface 228 of the face
plate 220. The hooks 234 may be attached in any appropriate
manner.
[0070] The universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 200 may
include a mounting bracket 240 that may be selectively attached to
the face plate 220. In particular, the mounting bracket 240 may be
selectively attached the second surface 228 of the face plate 220.
The mounting bracket 240 may be selectively attached to the
engagement members 230 of the second surface 228 of the face plate
220. The mounting bracket 240 may include a base 242 that may be of
a shape and size that it may be capable of selectively engaging the
engagement members 230 in any appropriate manner.
[0071] The base 242 may be integrally formed with the mounting
bracket 240 as a monolithic unit or may be attached thereto through
a subsequent operation. By way of a non-limiting example, the base
242 may be of a generally rectangular shape. The base 242 may
include openings 243 that may selectively engage the engagement
members 230. For example, the openings 243 may be shaped and sized
such that the hooks 234 may selectively engage the openings 243
generally securing the mounting bracket 240 with the second surface
228 of the face plate 220; see FIGS. 15 and 16. The base 242 may be
positioned toward the second surface 228 of the face plate 220
generally aligning openings 243 with the hooks 234, as shown by
arrow 245. A force may be applied as in the direction of the arrow
260, which may position the openings 243 with the hooks 234.
[0072] The hooks 234 may also be disengageable with the base 242 of
the mounting bracket 240 such that the mounting bracket 240 may be
selectively disengaged from the face plate 220, i.e., the mounting
bracket 240 and the face plate 220 may be modular. A different face
plate may be attached to the mounting bracket 240 as required or
desired. This may allow the face plate 220 to be packaged
disengaged from the mounting bracket 240 and may allow a user to
store the face plate 220 separate from the mounting bracket
240.
[0073] The mounting bracket 240 may include first and second
housings 244, 248. The first housing 244 may include a first
interlocking feature 250 and the second housing 248 may include a
second interlocking feature 252. The second interlocking feature
252 may be capable of selectively engaging the first interlocking
feature 250 for the purpose of interlocking the first and second
housings 244, 248, which may form the mounting bracket 240 as well
as the base 242.
[0074] The first interlocking feature 250 may include a groove 256
extending along a perimeter 257 of the first housing 244 and the
second interlocking feature 252 may include a matingly shaped and
sized tongue 258 extending along a perimeter 259 of the second
housing 248. The tongue 258 may selectively and operatively engage
the groove 256. It should be understood, however, that the first
and second interlocking features 250, 252 may include any
appropriate matingly engaging features and are not limited to that
shown and described herein. By way of a non-limiting example, the
first and second interlocking features 250, 252 may be a male and
female snap fit features, male and female dovetail features, or any
other appropriate matingly engaging features. Further, while the
first interlocking feature 250 is described as a female engaging
member and the second interlocking feature 252 is a male engaging
member, they may be structured in an opposite manner, i.e., the
first interlocking feature 250 is a male engaging member and the
second interlocking feature 252 is a female engaging member.
[0075] The mounting bracket 240 may include at least one
anti-rattle member 262--as shown in FIGS. 14-16, the mounting
bracket 240 may include six such anti-rattle devices 262. The
anti-rattle member 262 may generally fill a gap between the
mounting bracket 240 and the interior surface of hitch receiver
tube 14 in which it may be inserted that may have otherwise been
present. Filling the gap may create a snug fit between the
universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 10 and the hitch
receiver tube 14. Further, the anti-rattle members 262 may be
generally flexible, such that they may be capable of biasing in an
appropriate direction. The biasing of the anti-rattle members 262
may allow for absorption of vibration due to road conditions during
operation of the vehicle 64 to which the hitch receiver tube 14 may
be attached.
[0076] The anti-rattle member 262 may each include a finger or tab
269 that may be biased away from the mounting bracket 240 or may
include a portion extending above the first and second housing 244,
248, such as by way of a non-limiting example a bulb end. The
finger 269 may be attached to the mounting bracket 240 in any
appropriate manner or may be integrally formed therewith as a
monolithic unit. Each of the first and second housing 244, 248 may
include six such anti-rattle members 262, i.e., each of the first
and second housing 244, 248 may include three of the fingers
269.
[0077] The fingers 269 may be capable of being compressed toward
the mounting bracket 240 when the mounting bracket 240 is being
inserted into the hitch receiver tube 14. In such situations, the
fingers 269 may be depressed or biased downward such that the
mounting bracket 240 may be selectively inserted into the hitch
receiver tube 14. Once appropriately positioned within the hitch
receiver tube 14, the fingers 269 may bias toward the hitch
receiver tube 14. In biasing toward the hitch receiver tube 14, the
fingers 269 may engage a portion of the hitch receiver tube 14
creating a generally tight fit, e.g., a tight friction fit, between
the mounting bracket 240 and the hitch receiver tube 14. This may
allow the mounting bracket 240 to be appropriately positioned
within the hitch receiver tube 14. Still further, the fingers 269
being elastic may generally dampen vibrations that may occur during
operation of the vehicle 64.
[0078] The mounting bracket 240 may include at least one locking
aperture 270 that may be shaped and sized to accept the locking pin
16. The locking aperture 270 may extend through both sides of the
mounting bracket 240. Specifically, each of the first and second
housings 244, 248 may include apertures 272 such that when the
first and second housings 244, 248 are engaged together as
described above, the apertures 272 form the locking aperture 270.
The locking aperture 270 may be positioned on the mounting bracket
240 such that it may generally align with the applicable locking
pin aperture 15 of the hitch receiver tube 14 when the mounting
bracket 240 is inserted into the hitch receiver tube 14.
[0079] The mounting bracket 240 may be inserted into the hitch
receiver tube 14 and the fingers 269 may generally permit a tight
fit between the mounting bracket 240 and the hitch receiver tube
14. The locking aperture 270 may generally align with the locking
pin aperture 15 of the hitch receiver tube 14. The locking pin 16
may be inserted into and through the locking pin aperture 15 and
the locking aperture 270 generally securing the mounting bracket
240 with the hitch receiver tube 14. This may secure the universal
bracket with adaptable hitch cover 200 with the hitch receiver tube
14.
[0080] The fingers 269 may be compressed toward the mounting
bracket 240, which may also allow the universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 200 to be selectively removable from the
hitch receiver tube 14. In such situation, the locking pin 16 may
be withdrawn from the locking pin aperture 15 and the locking
aperture 270. The mounting bracket 240 may be pulled outward from
the hitch receiver tube 14. As the mounting bracket 240 is so
pulled, the fingers 269 may compress toward the mounting bracket
240 generally releasing the engagement between the fingers 269 and
the hitch receiver tube 14 such that the universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 200 may be selectively removed.
[0081] In some embodiments, the universal bracket with an adaptable
hitch cover 200 may be shaped and sized such that it may
selectively engage hitch receiver tubes 14 of a dimension D.sub.1,
such as by way of a non-limiting example, a 11/4'' (Class I/II)
hitch receiver tubes. By way of a non-limiting example, the
mounting bracket 240 may be of a shape and size such that it may
being inserted into and operatively engaged with Class I/II hitch
receiver tubes 14--although it should be understood that the
mounting bracket 240 may of a shape and size to engage a hitch
receiver tube 14 of any size. The biasing of the fingers 269 toward
the hitch receiver tube 14 may permit a tight fit between the
universal bracket with an adaptable hitch cover 200 and the hitch
receiver tube 14 even when the mounting bracket 240 may have a
width W.sub.1 that may be smaller than other mounting brackets that
may fit snugly within the hitch receiver tube 14. This may allow
the mounting bracket 240 and in turn the universal bracket with
adaptable hitch cover 200 to snugly fit within a wide variety of
hitch receiver tubes. Further, in some embodiments, the adapter 106
may be selectively attached to the universal bracket with an
adaptable hitch cover 200 in order to modify the size thereof as
described in more detail above.
[0082] The modularity of the universal bracket with an adaptable
hitch cover 200, i.e., the face plate 220 capable of being
selectively removable from the mounting bracket 240, may allow the
universal bracket with adaptable hitch cover 200 to be efficiently
packaged. By way of a non-limiting example, the face plate 220 may
be detached from the mounting bracket 240 in the applicable
packaging. This selective detachability of the face plate 220 with
the mounting bracket 240 may permit the packaging thereof to be
more efficient, e.g., this may result in a smaller overall package
size as opposed to packaging the face plate 220 attached with the
mounting bracket 240. This smaller package size may take up less
space on store shelves. It may also be easier for a user to handle
and may allow the manufacturer thereof to transport such more
efficiently as more of the product may be capable of being packaged
in a smaller space.
[0083] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been
illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the
foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the
present invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments
disclosed, but that the invention described herein is capable of
numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without
departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The claims as
follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations
insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the
equivalent thereof.
* * * * *