Shock absorbing trailer hitch
AssigneeTom and Mark Uniques, Inc
InventorMark L. Rehme
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A shock absorbing trailer hitch generally includes a socket adapted to lock onto a ball connected to the towing vehicle. The socket is connected to a lower support member which supports the bottom of a shock absorbing assembly. An inner tube extends up from the socket and lower tube through the shock absorbing assembly. The upper portion of the shock absorbing assembly is connected to an upper support member that is connected to the towed vehicle. A bearing is secured to the upper tube that slidably but non-rotatably receives the upper portion of the inner tube. The shock absorbing assembly includes rubber springs that absorb the forces experienced by the trailer hitch.
Claims17
A shock absorbing trailer hitch for use between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle;
- the shock absorbing trailer hitch comprising:
- a first support member adapted to engage the towing vehicle;
- a second support member adapted to engage the towed vehicle;
- a shock absorbing assembly connecting the first support member to the second support member;
- the shock absorbing assembly including at least one spring member;
- the first support member engaging the second support member in a manner that allows sliding movement between the first and second support members without allowing rotational movement between the first and second support members;
- and
- the first support member includes an inner member that extends through the shock absorbing assembly into the second support member;
- each spring member of the shock absorbing assembly being disposed radially outwardly of the inner member of the first support member.
A shock absorbing trailer hitch for use between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle;
- the shock absorbing trailer hitch comprising:
- a first support member adapted to engage the towing vehicle;
- a second support member adapted to engage the towed vehicle;
- a shock absorbing assembly connecting the first support member to the second support member;
- the shock absorbing assembly including at least one spring member;
- and the first support member engaging the second support member in a manner that allows sliding movement between the first and second support members without allowing rotational movement between the first and second support members;
- and
- a bearing carried by the second support member;
- the bearing being a separate element than the second support member;
- the first support member slidingly engaging the bearing;
- and
- the bearing defining a non-circular opening;
- the first support member slidingly disposed in the non-circular opening of the bearing;
- the engagement between the first support member and the bearing preventing radial movement between the first support member and the second support member.
A shock absorbing trailer hitch for use between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle;
- the shock absorbing trailer hitch comprising:
- a first support member adapted to engage the towing vehicle;
- a second support member adapted to engage the towed vehicle;
- a shock absorbing assembly connecting the first support member to the second support member;
- the shock absorbing assembly including at least three non-pressurized rubber springs;
- the first support member engaging the second support member in a manner that allows sliding movement between the first and second support members without allowing rotational movement between the first and second support members;
- the rubber springs being evenly disposed about the shock absorbing member;
- and
- the first support member including an inner member extending up through the shock absorbing member to slidably engage the second support member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.