US4078823A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vertically adjustable trailer hitch
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-12-06
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Granted: 1978-03-14
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Expires: 1996-12-06
Abstract
Abstract A vertically adjustable hitch for securing the drawbar of a towing vehicle to the tongue of a trailer in relative positions of vertical alignment comprises first and second interlocking members and first and second mounting means mounting the interlocking members one on the drawbar and the other on the tongue. One of the mounting means comprises a retainer receiving a plurality of pads adjustably mounted in interchangeable vertical relation. One of the pads extends outwardly from the others and mounts one of the interlocking members. A fastener releasably fastens the pads in the retainer in the selected relative positions of vertical adjustment, thereby aligning vertically the two interlocking members.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles H. McBride
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 19:14
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60D; B60D1/00; B60D1/01; B60D1/06; B60D1/065; B60D1/24; B60D1/42; B60D1/46
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A vertically adjustable trailer hitch comprising: (a) ball and socket interlocking members (b) first mounting means mounting the ball on a drawbar of a towing vehicle, (c) second mounting means mounting the socket on a tongue of a towed vehicle, (d) the first mounting means comprising (1) a horizontally arranged clevis having its trailing end open and its side members perforated and vertically spaced, (2) a plurality of centrally perforated pads received in the clevis in adjustably interchangeable vertical relation, (3) one of the pads extending rearwardly in substantially axial alignment with the vehicle drawbar and mounting the ball, (4) and bolts means penetrating the perforation in the clevis side members and pads for releasably fastening the pads in the clevis in selected relative positions of vertical adjustment.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
A vertically adjustable trailer hitch comprising: (a) ball and socket interlocking members (b) first mounting means mounting the ball on a drawbar of a towing vehicle, (c) second mounting means mounting the socket on a tongue of a towed vehicle, (d) the first mounting means comprising (1) a horizontally arranged clevis having its trailing end open and its side members perforated and vertically spaced, (2) a plurality of centrally perforated pads received in the clevis in adjustably interchangeable vertical relation, (3) one of the pads extending rearwardly in substantially axial alignment with the vehicle drawbar and mounting the ball, (4) and bolts means penetrating the perforation in the clevis side members and pads for releasably fastening the pads in the clevis in selected relative positions of vertical adjustment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
156 words
A vertical adjustable trailer hitch comprising: (a) first and second interlocking trailer hitch members, (b) first mounting means mounting one of the first and second interlocking trailer hitch members on a drawbar of a towing vehicle, (c) second mounting means mounting the other of said first and second interlocking trailer hitch members on a tongue of a towed vehicle, (d) the first mounting means comprising: (1) a horizontally arranged clevis having its trailing end open and its side members perforated and vertically spaced, (2) a plurality of centrally perforated pads received in the clevis in adjustably interchangeable vertical relation, (3) one of the pads extending rearwardly in substantially axial alignment with the vehicle drawbar and mounting said one of the first and second interlocking trailer hitch members, (4) and bolt means penetrating the perforation in the clevis side members and pads for releasably fastening the pads in the clevis in selected relative positions of vertical adjustment.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
156 words
A vertical adjustable trailer hitch comprising: (a) first and second interlocking trailer hitch members, (b) first mounting means mounting one of the first and second interlocking trailer hitch members on a drawbar of a towing vehicle, (c) second mounting means mounting the other of said first and second interlocking trailer hitch members on a tongue of a towed vehicle, (d) the first mounting means comprising: (1) a horizontally arranged clevis having its trailing end open and its side members perforated and vertically spaced, (2) a plurality of centrally perforated pads received in the clevis in adjustably interchangeable vertical relation, (3) one of the pads extending rearwardly in substantially axial alignment with the vehicle drawbar and mounting said one of the first and second interlocking trailer hitch members, (4) and bolt means penetrating the perforation in the clevis side members and pads for releasably fastening the pads in the clevis in selected relative positions of vertical adjustment.
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) | 1981-03-13 | 1981-09-12 | 1982-03-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-03-13 | 1985-09-12 | 1986-03-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-03-13 | 1989-09-12 | 1990-03-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |