U.S. patent application number 17/197202 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-29 for bracket assembly for a weight distribution system.
The applicant listed for this patent is HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.. Invention is credited to Owen Draper, Henry J. Guthard, Brad Larsh.
Application Number | 20220305855 17/197202 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005460155 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220305855 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Draper; Owen ; et
al. |
September 29, 2022 |
BRACKET ASSEMBLY FOR A WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Abstract
An adjustable bracket assembly for a weight distribution system
is shown and described herein. The adjustable bracket assembly may
include a plurality of bracket members including at least a first
bracket member, a second bracket member, a third bracket member,
and a fourth bracket member arranged to be adjustable relative to
one another and be selectively attached to a frame of a towed
vehicle. The plurality of bracket members may be coupled to a
plurality of fasteners to allow the plurality of bracket members to
be adjusted relative to one another and to provide clamp forces
relative to the frame of the towed vehicle. An attachment assembly
may be coupled to the first bracket member and be configured to be
attached to a spring arm of a weight distributing system that may
be coupled to a towing vehicle.
Inventors: |
Draper; Owen; (Plymouth,
MI) ; Larsh; Brad; (Plymouth, MI) ; Guthard;
Henry J.; (Plymouth, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC. |
Plymouth |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005460155 |
Appl. No.: |
17/197202 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62987391 |
Mar 10, 2020 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60D 1/247 20130101;
B60D 1/06 20130101; B60D 1/345 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60D 1/24 20060101
B60D001/24; B60D 1/06 20060101 B60D001/06; B60D 1/34 20060101
B60D001/34 |
Claims
1. A weight distribution system comprising: a hitch assembly
including a ball mount configured to be mounted to a hitch of a
towing vehicle; an adjustable bracket configured to be mounted to a
frame member of a towed vehicle, the adjustable bracket including:
a first bracket member, and an attachment member configured to
slidably mount to first bracket member, the first bracket member
defining a first plurality of mounting holes and the attachment
member defining a second plurality of mounting holes to adjust the
height of the attachment member relative to the frame member; a
second bracket member, and wherein when installed, the first and
second bracket members provide a clamping force between an inner
surface and an outer surface of the frame member; a third bracket
member configured to attach to the first bracket member; and a
fourth bracket member configured to attach to the first bracket
member, wherein, when installed, the third and fourth bracket
members provide a clamping force between an upper surface and a
lower surface of the frame member; and a spring arm configured to
operatively engage between the hitch assembly and the attachment
member.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. The weight distribution system of claim 1, wherein the third
bracket member further comprises: a transverse portion configured
to abut an outer side of the frame member; and two spaced
protrusions configured to abut the upper side of the frame
member.
5. The weight distribution system of claim 4, wherein the two
spaced protrusions are configured such that a fastener fastening
the first bracket member to a second bracket member is positioned
between the two spaced protrusions.
6. The weight distribution system of claim 1, wherein the fourth
bracket member further comprises: a transverse portion configured
to abut an outer side of the frame member; and two spaced
protrusions configured to abut the lower side of the frame
member.
7. The weight distribution system of claim 6, wherein the two
spaced protrusions are configured such that a fastener fastening
the first bracket member to a second bracket member is positioned
between the two spaced protrusions.
8. The weight distribution system of claim 1, wherein the
attachment member defines a slide channel in which the first
bracket member slidably engages with the attachment member.
9. The weight distribution system of claim 1, wherein the hitch
assembly comprises a swing mount configured to mount to a first end
of the spring arm to provide a rotating connection between the
hitch assembly and the spring arm.
10. The weight distribution system of claim 9, wherein the hitch
assembly further comprises: an upper plate to which the ball mount
is configured to be removably mounted; and a lower plate configured
to, in combination with the upper plate, provide the rotating
connection for the swing mount.
11. The weight distribution system of claim 1, wherein an end of
the spring arm includes a hook portion to engage with the
attachment member.
12. An adjustable bracket to mount to a frame member of a towed
vehicle, the adjustable bracket comprising: a first bracket member
configured to abut an outer surface of the frame member, an
attachment member defining a slide channel in which the first
bracket member slidably engages, the attachment member configured
to operatively engage with a spring arm between the adjustable
bracket and a hitch assembly mounted to a towing vehicle, wherein
the first bracket member defines a first plurality of mounting
holes and the attachment member defines a second plurality of
mounting holes to adjust the height of the attachment member
relative to the frame member; a second bracket member configured to
abut an inner side of the frame member, and wherein when installed,
the first and second bracket members provide a clamping force
between the inner surface and the outer surface of the frame
member; a third bracket member configured to attach to the first
bracket member; and a fourth bracket member configured to attach to
the first bracket member, wherein, when installed, the third and
fourth bracket members provide a clamping force between an upper
surface and a lower surface of the frame member.
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. The adjustable bracket of claim 12, wherein the third bracket
member further comprises: a transverse portion configured to abut
an outer side of the frame member; and two spaced protrusions
configured to abut the upper side of the frame member.
16. The adjustable bracket of claim 15, wherein the two spaced
protrusions are configured such that a fastener fastening the first
bracket member to a second bracket member is positioned between the
two spaced protrusions.
17. The adjustable bracket of claim 15, wherein the two spaced
protrusions are configured to extend beyond the frame member, and
wherein define each spaced protrusion defined a fastener hole in a
portion that extends beyond the frame member.
18. The adjustable bracket of claim 12, wherein the fourth bracket
member further comprises: a transverse portion configured to abut
an outer side of the frame member; and two spaced protrusions
configured to abut the lower side of the frame member.
19. The adjustable bracket of claim 12, wherein at least one of the
third bracket or the fourth bracket are integrally formed with the
first bracket.
20. An adjustable bracket assembly for a weight distribution system
comprising: a pair of brackets attachable to a frame of a towed
vehicle, wherein each of the pair of brackets comprises a first
bracket member, a second bracket member, a third bracket member,
and a fourth bracket member arranged to be adjustable relative to
one another and be selectively attached to the frame of the towed
vehicle; a plurality of fasteners to allow the first, second, third
and fourth bracket members to be adjusted relative to one another
and to provide two clamp forces relative to the frame of the towed
vehicle; and an attachment assembly slidably coupled to the first
bracket member and configured to be (i) vertically adjustable
relative the frame, and (ii) attached to a spring arm of a weight
distributing system coupled to a towing vehicle.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/987,319, filed Mar. 10, 2020, which is
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to an adjustable
bracket for connecting a weight distributing system to a towed
vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an
adjustable bracket assembly configured for improving stability
between at least one spring bar and related attachment members for
a weight distributing system that may be used for towing a
vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many vehicles are designed to transport freight, goods,
merchandise, personal property, and other such cargo. Often, such
vehicles are arranged to tow a towed vehicle, such as a trailer by
attaching the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle though the use of
a hitch assembly. For example, a hitch assembly may attach a
trailer to a towing vehicle through a hitch ball and coupler
arrangement that allows relative movement between the towing
vehicle and the trailer as the towing vehicle makes turns,
traverses uneven or rough terrain, and passes along inclining and
declining roadways.
[0004] Even distribution of the weight of a towed vehicle among the
axles of the towing vehicle is important to the effective operation
of a towing vehicle that is towing the towed vehicle. Towed
vehicles are often loaded with heavy cargo and may substantially
outweigh the towing vehicle. When such a towed vehicle is coupled
or secured to the rear of a towing vehicle, the majority of the
weight of the towed vehicle may be borne by the rear axle of a
towing vehicle. Such uneven weight distribution may lower the rear
of the towing vehicle and raise the front of the towing vehicle.
Under such conditions, the tires of the rear axle may bear
substantially more weight than the tires of the front axle of the
towing vehicle.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved weight
distribution system that overcomes the deficiencies noted
above.
SUMMARY
[0006] Disclosed is an adjustable bracket assembly for a weight
distribution system as is shown and described herein. An example
weight distribution system includes a hitch assembly, an adjustable
bracket, and a spring arm. The hitch assembly includes a ball mount
configured to be mounted to a hitch of a towing vehicle. The
adjustable bracket is configured to be mounted to a frame member of
a towed vehicle. The adjustable bracket includes a first bracket
member, and an attachment member configured to slidably mount to
first bracket member. The first bracket member defines a first
plurality of mounting holes and the attachment member defines a
second plurality of mounting holes to adjust the height of the
attachment member relative to the frame member. The spring arm
operatively engages between the hitch assembly and the attachment
member.
[0007] An example adjustable bracket to mount to a frame member of
a towed vehicle includes a first bracket member and an attachment
member. The first bracket member is configured to abut an outer
side of the frame member. The attachment member defines a slide
channel in which the first bracket member slidably engages. The
attachment member is configured to operatively engage with a spring
arm between the adjustable bracket and a hitch assembly mounted to
a towing vehicle. The first bracket member defines a first
plurality of mounting holes and the attachment member defines a
second plurality of mounting holes to adjust the height of the
attachment member relative to the frame member.
[0008] An example adjustable bracket assembly for a weight
distribution system includes a plurality of bracket members
including at least a first bracket member, a second bracket member,
a third bracket member, and a fourth bracket member arranged to be
adjustable relative to one another and be selectively attached to a
frame of a towed vehicle. The adjustable bracket assembly also
includes a plurality of fasteners to allow the plurality of bracket
members to be adjusted relative to one another and to provide two
clamp forces relative to the frame of the towed vehicle.
Additionally, the adjustable bracket assembly includes an
attachment assembly slidably coupled to the first bracket member
and configured to be (i) vertically adjustable relative the frame,
and (ii) attached to a spring arm of a weight distributing system
coupled to a towing vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0009] Operation of the disclosure may be better understood by
reference to the following detailed description taken in connection
with the following illustrations, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable bracket
assembly for a weight distribution system, in accordance with the
teachings of this disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hitch ball mount head of
the adjustable bracket assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with the
teachings of this disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the hitch ball mount head of the
adjustable bracket assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with the
teachings of this disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of the hitch ball mount head of the
adjustable bracket assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with the
teachings of this disclosure.
[0014] FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are outer perspective views of an outer
frame bracket of the adjustable bracket assembly of FIG. 1, in
accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.
[0015] FIGS. 8 and 9 are inner perspective views of an outer frame
bracket of the adjustable bracket assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance
with the teachings of this disclosure.
DESCRIPTION
[0016] 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.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an example weight distribution system 100
for a hitch assembly 102 that is configured to distribute weight
and control sway of a towed vehicle (not shown) attached to a
towing vehicle (not shown) within a vehicle towing system. The
towed vehicle may be coupled, attached, or otherwise secured to the
towing vehicle through any appropriate manner. In the illustrated
example, the weight distribution system 100 includes a hitch ball
mount head 104.
[0018] The example weight distribution system 100 includes a pair
of spring arms 106 mounted to and extending from the hitch ball
mount head 104 affixed to the hitch assembly 102. Alternatively, in
some examples, the spring arms 106 may be operatively coupled
directly to the hitch assembly 102 via any suitable fastening
means. In an example, the weight distribution system as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 10,183,536 may be used with adjustable bracket
assemblies 108 as described below and is incorporated herein in its
entirety. In the illustrated example, the pair of spring arms 106
are substantially identical to one another. However, each of the
pair of spring arms 106 may have variations from the other due to,
for example, different configurations of towed and/or towing
vehicles.
[0019] In the illustrated example, the towed vehicle includes a
pair of frame members 110 that are configured to be attached to a
hitch assembly 102 of a towing vehicle. In the example illustrated
in FIG. 1, a coupler 112 is attached to a front end of the frame
members 110 such as being welded, bolted or otherwise attached
thereto. The towed vehicle may include an A-frame having a pair of
the frame members 110 formed in an angled orientation. The frame
members 110 each include an outer side 114, inner side 116, top
side 118, and bottom side 120. The hitch assembly 102 may be
selectively attached or coupled to the coupler 106 via any
appropriate manner. As such, the coupler 112 may be positioned over
the hitch ball 122 and secured therein to secure a towed vehicle to
a towing vehicle. Additional, linkages between the frame member 110
of the towed vehicle and the hitch assembly 102 may also be
provided. Any appropriate manner may be utilized to secure two
vehicles. This may, for example, control or influence the
distribution of weight of the towed vehicle and control or
influence the sway of the towed vehicle.
[0020] FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 illustrate an example of the hitch ball
mount head 104 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example, the hitch
ball mount head 104 includes the hitch ball 122 secured thereto
such that the coupler 112 may be positioned over the hitch ball 122
and secured to the hitch ball 122, thus securing the towed vehicle
to the towing vehicle. The example hitch assembly 102 may provide
additional linkages between the frame members 110 of the towed
vehicle and the ball hitch assembly 102. As described herein, the
hitch ball mount head 104 promotes the distribution of weight of
the towed vehicle and may control or influence the sway of the
towed vehicle. In the illustrated examples, the hitch ball mount
head 104 includes the hitch ball 122, a body 202, an upper wing
plate 204, a lower plate 206, and swing mounts 208.
[0021] The body 202 is configured to be mounted onto the hitch
assembly 102. In the illustrated example, the body 202 comprises
holes through which fasteners 210 pass. The fasteners 210 pass
though one hole of the body 202, pass through holes defined on a
square mounting tube 212, and pass through the corresponding hole
on the other side of the body 202. The fasteners 210 are then
secured (e.g., via a washer and a nut, etc.).
[0022] The upper wing plate 204 provides a mount 214 for the hitch
ball 122, which may be secured to the upper wing plate 204 via a
hitch ball nut 216. The upper wing plate 204 includes upper swivel
mounts 218 for the swing mounts 208 that are configured to
removably engage with an upper portion 220 of the swing mounts 208.
For example, the upper wing plate 204 may define apertures 222
through which the swing mounts 208 may pivot in order to install
and remove the swing mounts 208. The upper wing plate 204 may
define mounting holes 224 through which fasteners may pass to
rotatably secure the swing mounts 208. In some examples, the upper
wing plate 204 is integrated into the body 202. Alternatively, in
some examples, the upper wing plate 204 is a separate piece that is
configured to attach to the body 202.
[0023] The lower plate 206 includes lower swivel mounts 226 that
are configured to removably engage with a lower portion 228 of the
swing mounts 208. Together, upper swivel mounts 218 of the upper
wing plate 204 and the lower swivel mounts 226 of the lower plate
206 form a mount in which the swing mounts 208 may be rotatably
mounted. In some examples, the lower plate 206 is integrated into
the body 202. Alternatively, in some examples, the lower plate 206
is a separate piece that is configured to attach to the body
202.
[0024] In the illustrated examples, the swing mounts 208 include
the upper portion 220 and the lower portion 228. Together, the
upper portion 220 and the lower portion 228 form a shell around one
end of one of the spring arms 106. A pin or fastener may secure the
frame members 110 through overlapping mounting holes 230 defined in
the upper portion 220 and the lower portion 228. In such a manner,
the spring arms 106 are rotatably coupled to the hitch ball mount
head 104. In other embodiments, the spring arms 106 may be attached
to the hitch ball mount head 104 through a trunnion that doesn't
need a separate pin or fastener.
[0025] FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 illustrate an example adjustable
bracket assembly 108 configured for improving stability of a weight
distribution system. The adjustable bracket assembly 108 may
include a pair of assemblies that may be substantially similar;
however, the present teachings are not limited to such. In some
embodiments, the pair of adjustable bracket assemblies 108 may be
of different configurations. For purposes of this disclosure, only
one reference number will be used for the pair of adjustable
bracket assemblies 108, and any illustration or description of an
adjustable bracket assembly 108 will apply to either adjustable
bracket assembly 108. Although an example is illustrated and
described herein as having a pair of spring arms 106 and a pair of
adjustable bracket assemblies 108, it is contemplated that such an
assembly may include greater or fewer than two spring arms 106 and
greater than or fewer than two adjustable bracket assemblies 108 to
attach those spring arms 106 to frame members 110 of a towed
vehicle.
[0026] In the illustrated example, the adjustable bracket assembly
108 includes a first bracket member 302 that is configured to be
selectively attached to an attachment member 304. The first bracket
member 302 may include a generally elongated plate body having a
plurality of apertures along its length and include a cross
sectional profile shape configured to slidingly fit within a
channel body 308 of the attachment member 304. However, the first
bracket member 302 may be attached to the attachment member 304 in
various ways as will be discussed more fully below. The first
bracket member 302 may be configured to be positioned along the
outer surface 114 of the frame member 110.
[0027] A second bracket member 310 may be selectively and
adjustably attached to the first bracket member 302 by at least one
fastener and may be configured to be positioned along an inner
surface 116 of the frame member 110. The second bracket member 310
may be a generally elongated plate having a plurality of apertures
along its length and may be positioned adjacent to and abut against
the inner surface 116 of the frame member 110 opposite from the
outer surface 114 of the frame member 110. In an embodiment, the
second bracket member 310 may include a length that is generally
comparable to the length of the first bracket member 302. However,
the first and second bracket members 302 and 310 may also have
different lengths and different cross sectional profiles. The
plurality of apertures along the first and second bracket members
302 and 310 may be configured to receive fastener members therein
to support and attach the bracket members 302 and 310 to one
another and to be clampingly arranged and adjusted as needed
relative to the frame member 110.
[0028] The first bracket member 302 includes at least one aperture
configured to be located above the upper surface 118 of frame
member 110 that is configured to receive an upper fastener 312. The
upper fastener 312 may abut and/or may extend across the upper
surface 118 of the frame member 110. The upper fastener 312 may be
a cylindrical member such as a bolt that may include a washers (not
shown) and a nut along with threaded portions thereon. The first
bracket member 302 may further include at least one aperture
located below the bottom surface 120 of the frame member 110 that
is configured to receive a lower fastener 314. The lower fastener
314 may abut and/or may extend across the bottom surface 120 of the
frame member 110. The upper fastener 312 and lower fastener 314 may
attached the first bracket member 302 to the second bracket member
310 along opposing sides of the frame member 110.
[0029] In the illustrated examples, a third bracket member 316,
when installed, abuts against the upper surface 120 of frame member
110. The third bracket member 316 may include a plate body that
defines pair of upper spaced protrusions 318A and 318B
(collectively "upper spaced protrusions 318") configured to extend
beyond the upper surface 118, each having at least one aperture
configured to receive an elongated fasteners 320 and 322
respectively.
[0030] A fourth bracket member 324, when installed, abuts against
the lower surface 120 of frame member 110. The fourth bracket
member 324 may be a plate body that includes a pair of lower spaced
protrusions 326A and 326B (collectively "lower paced protrusions
326") configured to extend beyond the lower surface 120, each
having at least one aperture configured to receive the elongated
fasteners 320 and 322 respectively. Each elongated fastener 320 and
322 may extend between the third and fourth bracket members 316 and
324 along the inner surface 116 of frame member 110 to selectively
and adjustably attach the third bracket member 316 to the fourth
bracket member 324. When each elongated fastener 320 and 322 is
fastened, a clamp load may be applied to upper surface 118 and
lower surface 120 of frame member 110.
[0031] In the illustrated example, the second bracket member 310 is
located between and extend transversely relative to the upper
spaced protrusions 318 of the third bracket member 316.
Additionally, the second bracket member 310 may be located between
and extend transversely relative to the lower spaced protrusions
326 of the fourth bracket member 324. This configuration
facilitates the second bracket member 310 to be aligned with the
third and fourth bracket members 316 and 324.
[0032] The upper fastener 312 may be positioned between the upper
spaced protrusions 318 of the third bracket member 316. The lower
fastener 314 may be positioned between the lower spaced protrusions
326 of the fourth bracket member 324. As the upper fastener 312 and
lower fastener 314 are tightened, the second bracket member 310 may
apply a clamp load against the inner surface 116 of the frame
member 110 and the first bracket member 302 may apply a clamp force
against a transverse portion 328 of the third bracket member 316
and a transverse portion 330 of the fourth bracket member 324 which
in turn apply clamp forces to the outer surface 114 of the frame
member 110. The applied clamp loads yield a reduction in movement
between the components and thus add to the stability of the
adjustable bracket assembly 108.
[0033] The first bracket member 302 may be selectively coupled and
selectively attached to the attachment assembly 304. The attachment
assembly 304 may be attached to the spring arm 106 of the weight
distribution system 100. The attachment assembly 304 may be
selectively attached to the first bracket member 302 via a fastener
or any other suitable means of attachment. Further, the attachment
assembly 304 may include a channel body 308 that defines a cavity
configured to slidingly receive the elongated configuration of the
first bracket member 302. The attachment assembly 304 may include a
plurality of apertures configured to be aligned with a plurality of
apertures along the length of the first bracket member 302 to allow
for lengthwise adjustment of the attachment assembly 304 relative
to the first bracket member 302. In some examples, the transverse
portion 330 of the third bracket member 316 is sandwiched between
the first bracket member 302 and the outer surface 114 of frame
member 110. In some examples, the transverse portion 330 is
integrated or directly attached to the first bracket member 302.
Further, in some examples, the transverse portion 330 of the fourth
bracket member 324 is sandwiched between the first bracket member
302 and the outer surface 114 of frame member 110. In some
examples, the transverse portion 330 is integrated or directly
attached to the first bracket member 302. The plurality of
apertures of the first, second, third, and fourth bracket members
302, 310, 316, and 324 may be configured to receive fasteners or
bolts to accommodate frame members 110 of various sizes and
configurations. Further, the plurality of apertures may have
varying sizes to accommodate fasteners of various sizes and
configurations.
[0034] In the illustrated examples, a second end of the spring arm
106 includes a hooked portion 332 to engage with a shoe bracket
334. The shoe bracket 334 is attached to the attachment assembly
304. The attachment assembly 304 may, for example, be
monolithically formed with the shoe bracket 112, or the shoe
bracket 112 may, for example be attached to the attachment assembly
304 through welding, fastening or other forms of adhering. The side
bracket 108 may be positioned relative to the coupler 112 such that
the shoe bracket 334 is appropriately positioned relative to the
spring arm 106.
[0035] An L-shaped member 336 of the shoe bracket 334 generally
forms a cavity into which or through which the spring arm 106
engages such that a base 336 of the shoe bracket 334 engages the
hooked portion 332 of the spring arm 106. In some examples, the
L-shaped member 336 is selectively attached with the shoe bracket
334. This may, for example, simplify the engagement of the spring
arm 106 with the shoe bracket 334. In some example, clip 338 may be
removed to remove the L-shaped member 336 from the shoe bracket
334. This may, for example, provide easy access for the second end
of the spring arm 106 to be engaged with the shoe bracket 334. The
interaction between the second end of the spring arm 106 and the
shoe bracket 334 may for example, affect (e.g., increase, etc.)
sway control and/or affect (e.g., increase, etc.) the distribution
of the weight from a towed vehicle to the towing vehicle.
[0036] To minimize swaying of a towed vehicle, a weight
distributing system may be coupled to the towing system. Attaching
such weight distributing systems may lead to slip between the
coupled systems that results in instability. As described above,
the weight distributing system 100 according to this disclosure may
overcome this instability to minimize slip and improve stability
between a towing system and the weight distributing system 100.
[0037] 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.
* * * * *