Patent US4063749A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4063749A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Center point trailer hitch
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1976-07-16
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Granted: 1977-12-20
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Expires: 1996-07-16
Abstract
Abstract A trailer hitch designed particularly for converting pleasure type automobiles into towing vehicles and for trailers having a gooseneck forwardly projecting front end, a principal object being to minimize fishtailing of the coupled units and to improve handling of the towing vehicle and also to provide a hitch configured for use on different models of cars with minimum difficulty in adaptation, the hitch being largely hidden in the luggage compartment.
Inventors
- 👤 Gordon A. Tracy
- 👤 David L. Forrest
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 00:19
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D53/00; B62D53/04; B62D53/06; B62D53/061; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S280/00; Y10S280/901
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
222 words
A trailer hitch assembly for releasable connection of a towing vehicle having an underbody, a luggage compartment with a deck lid, an upper back panel to which the deck lid is hinged and a rear axle, with a trailer having an elevated forwardly extending portion, said hitch comprising: a. 1. a sub-assembly in a towing vehicle and including a support rigidly secured to the top of a portion of the underbody of the vehicle within the luggage compartment, vertically beneath the upper back panel and vertically above the rear axle of the towing vehicle, said upper back panel having a centrally disposed opening therein; 2. a pivot connector member mounted on said support; b. 1. a sub-assembly rigidly mounted on an elevated forwardly extending portion of a trailer and including a rigid depending pillar extending, in use, through said opening; 2. a second pivot connector member on the lower end of said depending pillar for releasable connection with the first mentioned connector member said pillar and sub-assemblies being proportioned to permit opening of said deck lid to give access for effecting said releasable connection; c. 1. a closure member for said opening when said depending pillar is removed, as in the disconnection of the trailer, said closure member when closed restoring the integrity and the aesthetic appearance of the upper back panel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
222 words
A trailer hitch assembly for releasable connection of a towing vehicle having an underbody, a luggage compartment with a deck lid, an upper back panel to which the deck lid is hinged and a rear axle, with a trailer having an elevated forwardly extending portion, said hitch comprising: a. 1. a sub-assembly in a towing vehicle and including a support rigidly secured to the top of a portion of the underbody of the vehicle within the luggage compartment, vertically beneath the upper back panel and vertically above the rear axle of the towing vehicle, said upper back panel having a centrally disposed opening therein; 2. a pivot connector member mounted on said support; b. 1. a sub-assembly rigidly mounted on an elevated forwardly extending portion of a trailer and including a rigid depending pillar extending, in use, through said opening; 2. a second pivot connector member on the lower end of said depending pillar for releasable connection with the first mentioned connector member said pillar and sub-assemblies being proportioned to permit opening of said deck lid to give access for effecting said releasable connection; c. 1. a closure member for said opening when said depending pillar is removed, as in the disconnection of the trailer, said closure member when closed restoring the integrity and the aesthetic appearance of the upper back panel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
74 words
A trailer hitch according to claim 1 wherein said underbody includes suspension members and said support includes horizontal opposed sills secured to the underbody substantially above said suspension members, and a horizontal cross-beam terminally secured to and between said sills; attachment straps secured to and extending forward and aft from said sills, whereby attachment of said support to variously configured underbodies is facilitated; the first mentioned pivot connection member being mounted on said cross-beam.
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) | 1980-12-19 | 1981-06-20 | 1981-12-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-12-19 | 1985-06-20 | 1985-12-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-12-19 | 1989-06-20 | 1989-12-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |