Air ride coupler for trailer tongue
AssigneeAir Hitch Technologies, LLC
InventorJEFFREY ARNOLD WILKENS
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to an trailer coupling assembly for connection to a trailer tongue. The trailer coupling assembly includes an attachment bracket configured to attach to a trailer tongue. A trailer coupler, which is configured to attach to a tow ball, is pivotally connected to the attachment bracket. The pivotal connection allows movement between the trailer coupler and the tongue of the trailer. An absorber further connects to the attachment bracket and the pivotally connected trailer coupler. The absorber dampens movement between the trailer tongue (e.g., attachment bracket) and the trailer coupler.
Claims13
A trailer coupler assembly for attachment to a tongue of a trailer, comprising:
- an attachment bracket configured for fixed connection to a trailer tongue;
- a first vertical structure fixedly attached to the attachment bracket and extending above a top surface of the trailer tongue when said attachment bracket is attached to the trailer tongue;
- a trailer coupler pivotally connected to said attachment bracket and having an attachment socket configured to receive a tow ball;
- a second vertical structure fixedly attached to said trailer coupler and extending above a top surface of said trailer coupler;
- an absorber having a first end connected to said first vertical structure and a second end connected to said second vertical structure, wherein pivotal movement of said trailer coupler relative to said attachment bracket causes one of:
- compression of said absorber between said first and second vertical structures;
- and
- tensioning said absorber between said first and second vertical structures.
A method for modifying a trailer, comprising:
- removing an existing trailer coupler having an attachment socket configured to receive a tow ball from a tongue of a trailer to expose first and second bolt holes in the trailer tongue;
- providing a trailer coupler assembly having:
- an attachment bracket configured for fixed connection to a trailer tongue;
- a trailer coupler pivotally connected to said attachment bracket and having an attachment socket configured to receive a tow ball;
- an absorber having a first end connected to said attachment bracket and a second end attached to the trailer coupler;
- aligning first and second apertures in the attachment bracket with the first and second bolt holes in the trailer tongue;
- and
- bolting the attachment bracket to the trailer tongue.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.