Trailer hitch assembly
AssigneeOne Step, Inc.
InventorMichael J. Szczypski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention is directed to a trailer hitch assembly for connecting a vehicle with a trailer. The trailer hitch assembly includes a slide tube which is configured for connection with the vehicle. The slide tube includes a first opening therein. A collar is disposed around and slidingly carried by the slide tube. The collar includes a second opening therein and an arcuate slot disposed in communication with the second opening. A pivot arm is pivotally connected at one end thereof to the collar. The pivot arm includes a third opening therein. A tongue is connected to an end of the pivot arm opposing the one end. A pin is carried by the pivot arm and is disposed within each of the third opening of the pivot arm and the arcuate slot of the collar.
Claims14
A trailer hitch assembly for connecting a vehicle with a trailer, said trailer hitch assembly comprising:
- a slide tube configured for connection with the vehicle, said slide tube including a first opening therein;
- a collar disposed around and slidingly carried by said slide tube, said collar including a second opening therein and an arcuate slot disposed in communication with said second opening;
- a pivot arm which is pivotally connected at one end thereof to said collar, said pivot arm including a third opening therein;
- a tongue connected to an end of said pivot arm opposing said one end;
- and
- a pin carried by said pivot arm and disposed within each of said third opening of said pivot arm and said arcuate slot of said collar.
A trailer hitch assembly for connecting a vehicle with a trailer, said trailer hitch assembly comprising:
- a slide tube configured for connection with the vehicle;
- a collar disposed around and slidingly carried by said slide tube, said collar including a hole therein;
- a pivot arm which is pivotally connected at one end thereof to said collar, said pivot arm including a raceway opening therein at said one end;
- a tongue connected to an end of said pivot arm opposing said one end;
- at least one bearing assembly, disposed within said raceway opening of said pivot arm, for providing a reduced friction pivoting action between said pivot arm and said collar;
- and
- an elongated member being pivotally carried by said at least one bearing assembly and disposed within said hole in said collar.
A method of hitching a tongue of a trailer to a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a slide tube which is connected with the vehicle at one end thereof, said slide tube including a first opening therein and a stop at an end thereof substantially opposite said one end;
- providing a collar disposed around and slidingly carried by said slide tube, said collar including a second opening and an arcuate slot therein;
- providing a pivot arm which is pivotally connected at one end thereof to said collar, said pivot arm including a third opening therein, said pivot arm further including a tongue connected to an end thereof which is opposite said one end of said pivot arm;
- positioning the vehicle such that the tongue of the pivot arm is within several inches from the tongue of the trailer;
- sliding the collar relative to the slide tube and pivoting the pivot arm relative to the slide tube such that the tongue of the pivot arm is substantially aligned with the tongue of the trailer;
- limiting said pivoting of the pivot arm using said arcuate slot;
- connecting the tongue of the pivot arm with the tongue of the trailer;
- moving the vehicle in a forward direction to thereby move the collar against the stop and the pivot arm in substantially parallel alignment with the slide tube;
- and
- placing a pin within each of said first opening, said second opening and said third opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.