US 5,465,991 AGranted

Weight distributing hitch

AssigneeReese Products, Inc.

InventorsJohn J. Kass, Philip K. Hoopes, Wayne E. Sously, Graeme H. Aspinall

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A weight distributing hitch for towing a trailer behind a vehicle includes a hitch bar for mounting to the vehicle and a ball mount head for mounting on the hitch bar at a selected tilt angle. A pair of spring bars are mounted to the ball mount head. These spring bars distribute the weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle. Each spring bar is substantially L-shaped and includes a turned groove at a proximal end received in a cooperating aperture in the ball mount head. A retainer of spring steel engages in the grooves to hold the spring bars in position. The relative tilt angle of the ball mount head is adjusted by means of an eccentric angle adjusting element in the form of a washer. This washer is fixed to one of the ball mount head or hitch bar and includes a cam surface for engaging the other of the two elements.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A weight distributing hitch assembly for towing a trailer behind a vehicle, comprising:

a hitch bar for mounting to the vehicle;
a ball mount head for mounting on the hitch bar at a selected tilt angle;
spring bar means for distributing weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle;
adjustment means for selectively adjusting the tilt angle of said ball mount head relative to said hitch bar;
means for fixing said adjustment means relative to one of said hitch bar and said ball mount head;
a cooperating stop fixed to the other of said hitch bar and said ball mount head;
and
said adjustment means being characterized by an eccentric member having (1) a cam surface for engaging said cooperating stop on the other of said hitch bar and said ball mount head in order to provide a fixed relationship between said hitch bar and said ball mount head and (2) a pair of spaced, off-center apertures, said fixing means being selectively received through one of said off-center apertures whereby it is possible to provide the selected tilt angle of said ball mount head on said hitch bar for desired distribution of the tongue weight of the trailer.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/355,376Filed 13 Dec 1994 · continuation in part
Priority: AU 74128/9421 Sep 1994
Granted: 14 Nov 1995
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification10 codes

B60D 1/247
Characterised by arrangements for particular functions: for improving weight distribution
B60D 1/06
Traction couplings or hitches characterised by their type: ball-and-socket hitches
B60D 1/32
For sway control ; Sway alarm means: involving damping devices
B60D 1/345
Involving springs: the springs being of the bar or leaf type