Adjustable Hitch Assembly

What is this patent about?

’846 is related to the field of land vehicle towing, specifically adjustable hitch assemblies that connect a tow vehicle to a trailer. These assemblies allow for adjustments in the height of the hitch ball to accommodate different trailer heights, ensuring level towing. The background involves various designs for such adjustable hitches, aiming for strength, ease of adjustment, and versatility.

The underlying idea behind ’846 is a specific mechanical arrangement for an adjustable hitch. It uses an L-shaped bracket with a vertical post (tenon) and a horizontal drawbar. A C-shaped mounting block slides vertically on the post, and this block holds one or more hitch balls. The key is the combination of the L-bracket providing the structural support and connection to the vehicle, with the sliding block enabling height adjustment and ball mounting.

The claims of ’846 focus on an adjustable hitch assembly featuring an L-shaped hitch bracket with a horizontal drawbar and a vertical tenon. A vertically-adjustable hitch-ball mounting block, having a C-shaped structure with a slotted mortise hole, receives the tenon for sliding adjustment. The mounting block includes a through hole to accommodate a hitch ball with a cylindrical shank, secured by a pin. Claim 9 specifies two hitch balls mounted head-up and head-down, secured by two pins.

In practice, the L-shaped bracket is inserted into the receiver tube of the tow vehicle and secured with a pin. The C-shaped mounting block slides up or down the vertical tenon of the L-bracket to the desired height, and is then secured in place with pins through aligned holes. The hitch ball, or balls, are then secured within the mounting block using cap screws that pass through the block and thread into the shank of the ball. This allows for quick adjustment of the hitch height to match the trailer.

The design differentiates itself by using a specific combination of an L-shaped bracket and a C-shaped mounting block. The gusset on the L-bracket adds strength, and the shallow channels on the bracket allow the mounting block to be easily removed for changing the hitch ball configuration. The use of extruded aluminum for the bracket and mounting block, combined with steel hitch balls, balances strength and weight. The long, tapered necks on the hitch balls provide ample clearance for the trailer coupler.