US3583728A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Trailer hitches
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-05-06
•
Granted: 1971-06-08
•
Expires: 1989-05-06
Abstract
Abstract A trailer hitch comprising a ''''Y''''-shaped frame which accommodates the operational rotational movements by means of relative rotary capability between the arms of a ''''Y''''-shaped frame and its foot and also between bearings adapted for attachment to the rear wheel hubs of the towing vehicle and the terminal portions of the arms of the frame. These rotary movements permit the use of standard antifriction bearings to couple the arms of the frame to the rear wheel hubs of a towing vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Allen A Cornell
- 👤 David C Taube
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 07:47
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60D; B60D1/00; B60D1/24; B60D1/249; B60D1/14; B60D1/143; B60D1/167; B60D1/48; B60D1/486
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A traiLer hitch comprising a symmetrical substantially ''''Y''''shaped frame having parallel terminal arm portions carrying bearings for attachment to the rear wheel hubs of a towing vehicle, the foot of the ''''Y'''' being arranged for attachment to a trailer, a pivotal connection between the arms and foot of the ''''Y'''' which permits rotation of the arms of the ''''Y'''' as a unit relative to the foot, about an axis parallel to the foot and about an axis passing through the junction of the arms normal to the frame, and a pivotal connection between the terminal portions of each arm and the bearing carried thereby which permits rotation of each bearing arcuately about the longitudinal axis of the corresponding terminal arm portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
A traiLer hitch comprising a symmetrical substantially ''''Y''''shaped frame having parallel terminal arm portions carrying bearings for attachment to the rear wheel hubs of a towing vehicle, the foot of the ''''Y'''' being arranged for attachment to a trailer, a pivotal connection between the arms and foot of the ''''Y'''' which permits rotation of the arms of the ''''Y'''' as a unit relative to the foot, about an axis parallel to the foot and about an axis passing through the junction of the arms normal to the frame, and a pivotal connection between the terminal portions of each arm and the bearing carried thereby which permits rotation of each bearing arcuately about the longitudinal axis of the corresponding terminal arm portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
A trailer hitch as claimed in claim 1 in which the foot portion of the arm consists of a pair of telescopically arranged tubular members the outermost of which is adapted to be secured to the trailer, and which provide a straight-through connection between the trailer and a vehicle to which it is attached when said tubular members are in their fully extended position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A trailer hitch according to claim 2 comprising a shock absorber coupled to the two tubular members thereby damping their relative telescoping movement.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A trailer hitch according to claim 3 comprising overrun braking means on the trailer connected to said tubular members for actuating by telescoping movement of said tubular members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
A trailer hitch according to claim 1 wherein each bearing includes a slotted plate adapted for attachment to the hub of the corresponding rear wheel of a towing vehicle by means of the normal securing members of the latter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
79 words
Trailer hitch as claimed in claim 1 in which the terminal portion of each arm of the ''''Y'''' is hollow, and comprising a bearing-engaging clamp for each arm, which clamp includes a rod engaging in the hollow end of the arm, and means securing said rod in said clamp in a manner which prevents axial movement but allows sufficient rotational movement to permit operational arcuate rotation of the bearing around the axis of the terminal portion of the arm.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
A trailer hitch as claimed in claim 1 comprising friction pads between the relatively moving parts of the arms of the ''''Y'''' and the foot, which pads damp the movement of the arms of the ''''Y'''' as a unit relative to the foot, about an axis passing through the junction of the arms normal to the frame.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
A trailer hitch as claimed in claim 1 in which the arms of said ''''Y'''' diverge from each other at an obtuse angle and terminate in portions extending parallel to each other.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A trailer hitch according to claim 8 wherein said inclined portions are longitudinally adjustable.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A trailer hitch according to claim 9 wherein said parallel portions of said arms are longitudinally adjustable.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
A trailer hitch according to claim 8 wherein said terminal end portions of the arms are cranked.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-06-07 | 1974-12-07 | 1975-06-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-06-07 | 1978-12-07 | 1979-06-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-06-07 | 1982-12-07 | 1983-06-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |