Spring and pendulum system for shock attenuation in trailer hitches
AssigneeQuick Hitch, Inc.
InventorDewey R. Marcy
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system is described for attenuating intermittent forces at the interconnection between a towing vehicle and a trailer. The system includes a linear rocking member suspended between the towing vehicle and the trailer, a shock absorber between the linear rocking member and the vehicle, and a pendulum having a fulcrum connected to the vehicle and a swinging component rotationally connected to the linear rocking member, and a fastening device connecting the linear rocking member to the trailer to be towed.
Claims8
A system for attenuating intermittent forces at the interconnection between a towing vehicle and a trailer during towing, the system comprising:
- (a) a linear rocking member suspended between said towing vehicle and said trailer;
- (b) means for absorbing mechanical energy mounted between said linear rocking member and said towing vehicle;
- (c) a pendulum comprising a fulcrum and a swinging component, wherein said fulcrum is connected to said towing vehicle and said swinging component is rotationally connected to said linear rocking member near one end of said linear rocking member;
- wherein said swinging component comprises a rod having first and second ends;
- and further comprising damping means secured to said ends of said rod for damping movement of said pendulum;
- wherein said damping means comprises a rubber member having an opening for receiving one said end of said rod;
- wherein said rubber member is carried within a housing secured to a support for said pendulum;
- and
- (d) a fastening device for connecting said linear rocking member to said trailer.
A system for attenuating intermittent forces at the interconnection between a towing vehicle and a trailer during towing, the system comprising:
- (a) a linear rocking member suspended between said towing vehicle and said trailer;
- (b) means comprising an air spring for absorbing mechanical energy mounted between said linear rocking member and said towing vehicle;
- (c) a pendulum comprising a fulcrum and a swinging component, wherein said fulcrum is connected to said towing vehicle and said swinging component is rotationally connected to said linear rocking member near one end of said linear rocking member;
- and
- (d) a fastening device for connecting said linear rocking member to said trailer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.