Patent ID: 7237789
Filing Date: 2007-07-03
Classification: B60D,B62D

Abstract:
1. A hitch and axle assembly adapted for use with a vehicle; said assembly comprising: a support structure detachably securable to the vehicle; a hitch mounted on said support structure; and an axle assembly, said axle assembly comprising: a primary axle member extending laterally from proximate a first lateral side of said support structure to proximate an opposite second lateral side of said support structure, said primary axle member defining a primary axis; a first torsion beam assembly coupled to said primary axle member proximate said first lateral side, said first torsion beam assembly including a first torsion member extending substantially coincident with said primary axis and a first lever arm extending substantially transversely from said first torsion member; a first wheel assembly mounted on a distal portion of said first lever arm wherein said first wheel assembly defines a first axis of rotation parallel and spaced from said primary axis; a second torsion beam assembly coupled to said primary axle member proximate said second lateral side, said second torsion beam assembly including a second torsion member extending substantially coincident with said primary axis and a second lever arm extending substantially transversely from said second torsion member; and a second wheel assembly mounted on a distal portion of said second lever arm wherein said second wheel assembly defines a second axis of rotation parallel and spaced from said primary axis and wherein said first and second axes of rotation are substantially coincident, and said first and second torsion beam assemblies are each rotationally adjustably coupled to said primary axle member wherein rotational adjustment of said first and second torsion beam assemblies rotates said first and second lever arms respectively and thereby selectively adjusts a vertical distance between said primary axis and said first and second axes of rotation respectively.