Patent ID: 8328222
Filing Date: 2012-12-11
Classification: B60D

Abstract:
1. An anti-sway, tongue-weight equalizing hitch for a trailer having a hitch ball socket mounted on a tongue thereof, the anti-sway hitch comprising: (a) a forwardly-extending shank structured to be releasably connectable to a hitch arrangement of a towing vehicle; (b) a hitch head secured to the shank and having a longitudinal axis, the hitch head including a hitch ball having a tow axis positioned on the longitudinal axis wherein the hitch ball is adapted to mate with a hitch ball socket of the trailer wherein the hitch ball socket pivots about the tow axis; (c) opposing and rearwardly-extending right and left spring bars wherein each spring bar includes a proximal end, which is mounted to the hitch head to pivot about a respective right or left stabilizing axis, and a distal end; the right and left stabilizing axes being disposed in respective opposing vertical pivot axis planes spaced laterally outwardly from the longitudinal axis wherein the top of each right and left stabilizing axis is tilted at least 8° rearwardly; and (d) right and left suspension mechanisms, the right suspension mechanism including a connector structured to suspend the distal end of the right bar from a rail along the right side of the trailer, and the left suspension mechanism including a connector structured to suspend the distal end of the left spring bar from a rail along the left side of the trailer, wherein the distal ends of the spring bars are normally spaced laterally and equidistantly outwardly from their respective vertical pivot axis planes when the trailer is aligned with the towing vehicle; (e) wherein, in use: