Adjustable towing hitch

Provided is a hitch for towing a trailer behind a vehicle licensed to navigate public roadways. The hitch includes a base member to be coupled adjacent to a tail section of the vehicle, and a first support member portion coupled transversely to the elongated shank and extending outwardly in a direction generally away from the base member. A first arm is telescopically adjustable relative to the support member and supports a first connector provided adjacent to a distal end thereof. The first gimbal connector is cooperable with a first trailer connector to establish a linkage with first trailer connector. A second support member portion is coupled to the base member and extends outwardly in a direction generally away from the base member. A second connector is supported adjacent to a distal end of the second support member and is also cooperable with a second trailer connector to establish a linkage with the second trailer connector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed generally to a towing hitch, and more particularly to a towing hitch for coupling a farm implement to a truck licensed for public transportation on public roadways.

2. Description of Related Art

Agricultural implements such as plows, hay balers, spreaders, mowers and other such trailers are towed behind an agricultural tractor8while in use. The connection between the trailer and the agricultural tractor8is facilitated with what is commonly referred to as a three-point hitch2, which is shown inFIG. 1. As shown, the three-point hitch2includes a pair of lift arms4that are each independently pivotally coupled to a tail section6of the agricultural tractor8at a proximate end7of the lift arms4. A connecting arm11is used to secure each of the lift arms4to an adjustable boom14xhaving an elevation that can be adjusted by the agricultural tractor's hydraulic system. A bracket16aformed at the tail section6of the agricultural tractor8includes a pin17that extends between a pair of braces18ato receive an upper link arm (FIG. 2b) that is also coupled to the trailer being towed by the agricultural tractor8.

Agricultural trailers that are to be towed behind agricultural tractors8typically include a connector99such as that shown inFIG. 2a, for example, comprising at least a pair of laterally extending pins3. The pins3extend outwardly from the connector99to cooperate with an aperture35formed in each lift arm4of the three-point hitch2provided to the agricultural tractor8. Each pin3is separated from the other by a fixed distance X, a distance X that can vary from trailer to trailer. To allow agricultural tractor8to tow a variety of different trailers having different distances X between the lateral pins3of the trailer, and to facilitate coupling of the trailer to the tractor8, the lift arms4of the agricultural tractor8are pivotally connected to the agricultural tractor8so the lift arms4can travel in a plane generally parallel to the ground on which the agricultural tractor8rests, as indicated by the arrow9inFIG. 1. Thus, to hitch a trailer with the connector99inFIG. 2to the agricultural tractor8, the lift arms4are spread sufficiently apart and the trailer and/or tractor8properly positioned relative to the other. The lift arms4are then swung back towards each other to engage the pins3of the trailer and couple the trailer to the tractor8. A locking pin serves to prevent the lift arms4from sliding off of the trailer pins3and causing the trailer to become disconnected from the agricultural tractor8when such disconnection is not desired. A chain11between the lift arms4and the agricultural tractor8limits the lateral travel of each lift arm4parallel to the ground along arrow9to prevent contact between the lift arms4and the tires of the agricultural tractor8, while still allowing the trailer to pivot with respect to the agricultural tractor8such as when the agricultural tractor8turns.

WhileFIG. 2aillustrates what is often referred to as a two-point trailer connector, referring to the two pins3that establish the connection with a tractor8,FIG. 2billustrates a three-point connector305. As the name implies, the two pins3are complemented by an upper link arm302that establishes a third connection point with the tractor8via communication with the pin17. A receiver320defines an aperture315through which the pin17shown inFIG. 1extends while the aperture315of the receiver320is coaxially aligned with similar apertures formed in the pair of braces18a.

Farmers are often required to transport an agricultural trailer such as those mentioned above to a remote field located far away from the location where said trailer is stored. Further, agricultural trailers are subjected to harsh environments, and require regular maintenance to function properly, particularly at the beginning and end of each crop cycle when the trailer is removed from and returned to storage. Towing the agricultural trailer behind an agricultural tractor8to a remote field or a distant maintenance facility can be very time consuming due to the slow top speed of agricultural tractors8, which are not designed or licensed for passenger transportation. While some maintenance facilities offer to transport the agricultural trailer and take it to the remote field or into the distant maintenance facility, such a service is expensive due again to the time required for such transportation with an agricultural tractor8.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a trailer hitch to couple an agricultural trailer to a vehicle other than an agricultural tractor for transporting the agricultural trailer over public roadways. The vehicle can be licensed for public transportation on public roadways. Further, the trailer hitch can optionally accommodate trailers having a pair of laterally extending pins separated by a range of distances, optionally allow for vertical relative positioning of a portion of the trailer hitch and the trailer, and optionally be interchangeable with conventional hitches for towing traditional trailers over public roadways.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the present application involves a hitch for towing an agricultural implement behind a vehicle licensed to navigate public roadways. The hitch according to this aspect includes a base member including an elongated shank having a substantially rectangular cross section. The shank is to be at least partially inserted into a substantially rectangular interior passage defined by a receiver coupled to the vehicle for coupling the hitch to the vehicle. The hitch according to this aspect also includes a connector assembly including a transverse member supporting a first connector adjacent a first lateral end of the transverse member and a second connector adjacent a second, opposite lateral end of the transverse member. The first and second connectors are each adapted to cooperate with different portions of a three-point fastener configuration provided to the agricultural implement. A hinge assembly is provided for pivotally coupling the connector assembly to the base member. An actuator is pivotally coupled to the hitch to extend between the base member and the connector assembly to pivot the transverse member about the hinge assembly for selectively elevating and lowering the first and second connectors relative to the base member between an upper travel limit and a lower travel limit. The upper travel limit is vertically above the base member and the lower travel limit is vertically below the base member when the hitch is coupled to the vehicle.

According to another aspect, the present application involves a hitch for towing an agricultural implement behind a vehicle licensed to navigate public roadways. The hitch of this aspect includes a shank to be at least partially inserted into an interior passage defined by a receiver secured to a load withstanding structural feature of the vehicle. The shank includes a first shank portion that is to be substantially planar with the receiver when the hitch is secured to the vehicle, a third shank portion at a vertical elevation that is lower than an elevation of the first shank portion when the hitch is secured to the vehicle, and a second shank portion extending between the first and third shank portions. A connector assembly is provided and includes a support member for supporting a laterally adjustable segment. An extendable connector assembly can be coupled adjacent each opposite lateral end of the support member, and includes an extendable arm that can be adjusted in a direction generally away from the vehicle to which the hitch is coupled. A connector is provided adjacent to a distal end of each extendable arm, the connector being cooperable with a trailer connector to couple the agricultural implement to the hitch, wherein the laterally adjustable segment is adjustable to adjust a lateral distance separating the first connector from the second connector. A hinge pivotally couples the substantially transverse support member to the shank, and a hydraulic actuator extends between the connector assembly and the shank to pivot the connectors about the hinge and substantially-vertically adjust an elevation of the first and second connectors relative to the shank between an upper travel limit and a lower travel limit. The lower travel limit is at an elevation vertically below the first shank portion when the hitch is coupled to the vehicle.

According to one aspect, the present application involves a hitch for towing a trailer behind a vehicle licensed to navigate public roadways. The hitch includes a base member to be coupled adjacent to a tail section of the vehicle, wherein the base member comprises an elongated shank having a generally rectangular cross section to be received within a receiver coupled adjacent to a rearward portion of the vehicle. A first stationary support member portion is coupled transversely to the elongated shank and extends outwardly in a direction generally away from the base member. A first arm coupled to the first support member portion is telescopically adjustable relative to the stationary support member portion and transverse to the elongated shank. A first gimbal connector provided adjacent to a distal end of the first arm, the first gimbal connector being cooperable with a first trailer connector to establish a linkage between the first gimbal connector and the first trailer connector. Similarly, a second support member portion is coupled to the base member and extends outwardly in a direction generally away from the base member. A second gimbal connector is supported adjacent to a distal end of the second support member and is cooperable with a second trailer connector to establish a linkage between the second gimbal connector and the second trailer connector. And a brace extends between the elongated shank and at least one of the first and second support member portions to provide added support to the at least one of the first and second arms to maximize a towing capacity of the hitch. The towing capacity of the hitch is suitable for towing at least a class I trailer having a rated gross trailer weight of 2,000 lbs, but can also be adapted to tow a trailer having a rated gross trailer weight of 3,000 lbs, 4,000 lbs, 5,000 lbs, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Relative language used herein is best understood with reference to the drawings, in which like numerals are used to identify like or similar items. Further, in the drawings, certain features may be shown in somewhat schematic form.

It is also to be noted that the phrase “at least one of”, if used herein, followed by a plurality of members herein means one of the members, or a combination of more than one of the members. For example, the phrase “at least one of a first widget and a second widget” means in the present application: the first widget, the second widget, or the first widget and the second widget. Likewise, “at least one of a first widget, a second widget and a third widget” means in the present application: the first widget, the second widget, the third widget, the first widget and the second widget, the first widget and the third widget, the second widget and the third widget, or the first widget and the second widget and the third widget.

An embodiment of a hitch10for towing an agricultural implement such as a plow, hay baler, spreader, mower and other such trailers having a feature for establishing a three-point connection with a towing vehicle licensed to navigate public roadways is shown inFIG. 3b. Such an agricultural implement is referred to herein interchangeably as an implement and a trailer, but regardless of the terminology, the agricultural implement includes a connector18such as that shown inFIG. 3a, that also facilitates connection of the agricultural trailer to a hitch provided to an agricultural tractor8such as that shown inFIG. 1.

The connector18shown inFIGS. 2aand3aof the agricultural implement includes a pair of laterally extending male extensions22that typically extend outwardly, away from the connectors18of the trailer to facilitate attachment of the trailer to the three-point hitch2of the agricultural tractor8. Each male extension22is separated from the other by a fixed distance X (FIG. 2a), a distance X that can vary from trailer to trailer. An aperture24(FIG. 3a) is formed in each male extension22through which a locking pin25(FIG. 3b) can be extended to minimize the likelihood that the male extensions22can be inadvertently removed from the trailer hitch10once coupled thereto as described in detail below. The locking pin25or other such device interferes with the removal of the male extension22from a pair of connectors16provided to the hitch10once the linkage between the agricultural implement and the hitch10is established. As shown inFIG. 3b, the male extension22extends through an aperture formed in the female connectors16supported by the support member14. Once an extension22is inserted through each connector16, the locking pin25can be inserted to extend through the aperture formed in the male extension22on an opposite side of the connector16. The locking pin25inserted through the aperture24of the male extensions22interferes with the removal of the extensions22from their respective connectors16.

Examples of a vehicle82(FIG. 7) licensed to navigate public roadways to which the hitch10can couple the agricultural trailer include, but are not limited to passenger vehicles such as pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, long-haul tractors (commonly referred to as “semi tractors”), and the like. These vehicles are contrasted with the typical agricultural tractor8, such as that illustrated inFIG. 1, in that they are typically licensed to navigate along public roadways for purposes of public transportation, are commonly used as modes of passenger transportation in everyday life, and have a faster top speed than the conventional agricultural tractor8. Further, the vehicles82to which the hitch10of the present invention can be coupled each lack a dedicated, permanently-fixed, conventional three-point hitch2such as that provided to the tail section6of the agricultural tractor8inFIG. 1. However, the hitch10can be compatible with an existing tow package provided to the vehicle82such as a receiver marketed under the trade name Hidden Hitch®. Thus, the terminology “vehicles licensed to navigate public roadways” or “vehicle” is used herein to refer to motorized vehicles82other than agricultural tractors8.

As shown inFIG. 3b, the hitch10includes a base member to be coupled adjacent to a tail section of the vehicle82for securing the hitch10to the vehicle82. The base member is shown as an elongated, hollow shank12inFIG. 4a, having a generally rectangular cross-section shown inFIG. 3cthat can be at least partially inserted into a hollow cavity78of a receiver80secured to the underside of the vehicle as shown inFIG. 7. The receiver80can be secured adjacent to a tail section of the vehicle82to a rigid, structural, load-withstanding member of the vehicle's frame that can withstand the forces imparted on the vehicle82by the agricultural implement while towing such a trailer. An example of a suitable receiver80for securing the hitch10to the vehicle is that marketed under the trade name Hidden Hitch® Class V Magnum Hitch Receiver by Algonquin Industries International, Inc. The Class V Magnum Hitch Receiver is but one illustrative example, and any suitably-configured assembly including a receiver80for connecting the hitch10to the vehicle and being rated in any classification or category is within the scope of the present invention, including but not limited to: class I assemblies having a rated gross trailer weight of up to 2,000 pounds and a tongue weight of up to 200 pounds; class II assemblies having a rated gross trailer weight of up to 3,500 pounds and a tongue weight of up to 300 pounds; class III assemblies having a rated gross trailer weight of up to 5,000 pounds and a tongue weight of up to 500 pounds; class IV assemblies having a rated gross trailer weight of up to 10,000 pounds and a tongue weight of up to 1,200 pounds; and class V assemblies having a rated gross trailer weight of up to 16,000 pounds and a tongue weight in excess of 1,200 pounds; and so on.

A cross sectional view of the shank12, as shown inFIG. 3c. has a generally rectangular cross section with rounded corners to approximate the interior dimensions of the hollow cavity78defined by the receiver80. The close relationship between the external dimensions of the shank12and the internal dimensions of the hollow cavity78minimize lateral and vertical movement of the shank12within the hollow cavity78. The shank12, like other members of the hitch10, can optionally be fabricated from ¼ inch steel, a steel alloy, or any other suitably strong material to withstand forces imparted thereon when coupling an agricultural trailer to a vehicle82.

A support member14, also referred to and described herein as including one or more arm portions14a,14b, is coupled to the shank12such that it extends outwardly in opposite directions generally away from, and transverse to the shank12. The support member14can be a single metallic extension as shown inFIG. 3b, having a generally rectangular cross section and extending in opposite directions generally away from, and transverse to the shank12. For such an embodiment, the shank12is substantially centered between distal ends19of the support member14. The portions of the support member14separated by the shank12can be considered as a plurality of arm portions14a,14bthat both extend generally away from the shank12, in opposite directions or merely in different directions as shown inFIG. 6and discussed below. The support member14can optionally be formed as a monolithic unit, integrally formed with the shank12such that the shank12and arm portions14a,14bform a single, seamless unit. According to other embodiments, the arm portions14a,14b, the shank12, or any combination thereof can be formed from a plurality of separate, individual segments coupled together by any suitable fastener.

Regardless of the configuration of the support member14, a connector16is supported adjacent to each distal end19of the support member14. Each connector16is cooperable with the male extension22extending from the trailer connector18(FIG. 3a) provided to the trailer to be towed to establish linkages between the hitch10and the trailer. The connector18provided to the trailer to be towed will be referred to from this point on as a “trailer connector18.” For embodiments where the support member14is formed from a plurality of arms14a,14b, a connector16is provided adjacent to a distal end19of each arm. A gusset20or other type of brace can optionally be installed to extend between the shank12and portions of the support member14to reinforce the support member14, thereby maximizing the towing capacity of the hitch10.

The connectors16supported adjacent to the distal ends19of the support member14inFIG. 3bare spaced a fixed lateral distance apart to cooperate with trailer connectors18having a similar spacing, such as the case where the hitch10is permanently attached to the agricultural trailer, or the position of at least one of the trailer connectors18is adjustable. Embodiments of the connector16provided adjacent the distal ends19of the support member14discussed herein can be independently selected from a female receptor such as a plate116(FIG. 9) with an aperture118formed therein, a ball-in-socket connector commonly referred to as a gimbal, and the like; and a male member such as a pin that is to extend through a female trailer connector18, and the like. In any event, the trailer-connector sex is to be the opposite of that of the connector16provided to the hitch10to facilitate cooperation and the formation of linkages there between. But regardless of the sex of each of the connectors16and the trailer connectors18, each connector16is compatible with its respective trailer connector18to form a linkage there between.

An embodiment of the connector16, also referred to herein as a “gimbal,” “gimbal connector” or gimbal-type connector, mentioned above is shown inFIG. 4b. The gimbal embodiment of the connector16includes a metal frame26defining a socket in which a metallic ball28is to be at least partially enclosed. The socket defined by the frame26has a generally-round aperture29on opposite lateral sides thereof. Such a shape can be described as a hollow metal sphere with two of its lateral sides truncated, or cut away. Thus, a cross-sectional shape of the socket taken along line4c-4c, said cross-section being shown inFIG. 4c, includes an arcuate portion30defining the peripheral boundary of the socket for receiving the ball28therein. The diameter d1of the aperture29located at each lateral side of the gimbal connector16is less than the largest diameter d2between opposing arcuate portions30of the frame26. Due to this difference between diameters d1, d2, the ball28can pivot within the socket, but can not escape through the aperture29formed at either side of the gimbal connector16.

The ball28received in the socket is a generally-spherical metal ball28having a diameter that is approximately the same as, but slightly less than the largest interior diameter d2of the socket measured between the arcuate portions30of the gimbal connector16. The diameter of the ball28, however, is larger than the diameter of the aperture29formed in each lateral side of the gimbal connector16to prevent removal of the ball28through said apertures29. A generally-cylindrical passage extends entirely through the ball28, forming an internal passage27through the ball28. The male extension22of the trailer connector18is inserted into, and extends through the internal passage, and is prevented from being removed.

To form the gimbal connector16, the ball28can be inserted through one aperture29in a lateral side of the frame26to be at least partially surrounded by the arcuate portions30of the socket. With the ball28resting in the socket, a metallic ring can be threadedly fastened, welded, or otherwise secured adjacent to the aperture29through which the ball28was inserted into the socket to limit the diameter d1of the aperture. The ring restricts the size of the aperture29to a size suitable to prevent passage of the ball28there through. For example, the ring can reduce the diameter of the aperture29through which the ball28was inserted to a diameter d1that is less than the outside diameter of the ball28. Installed in this manner, the ball28can rotate at least partially around a plurality of axes within the socket without being removed from the socket.

Another embodiment of securing a ball28within a socket is to insert a suitably-sized ball28that can pass through at least one aperture29of the socket in a first orientation, but can't pass through the aperture29in a second orientation. Yet other embodiments include a ball28integrally formed within the socket such that the socket is formed as a single unit through laser etching; a socket formed from a plurality of components combined around the ball28; and the like. But regardless of the method employed to secure the ball28within the socket, the ball28can rotate to accommodate movement of the trailer connector18while linked to the hitch10with the gimbal connector16.

Other embodiments can optionally include a connector16other than the gimbal connector16provided adjacent the distal ends19of the support member14. An example of such an alternate connector16includes a metal plate116with an aperture118formed therein, as shown in the embodiment appearing inFIG. 9. A catch arm120extends rearward, generally away from the vehicle82to which the hitch10is coupled in the direction of the trailer to be coupled to the vehicle82. A recess122is formed in the catch arm120for receiving the male extension22of the trailer connector18. When the male extension22is disposed within the recess122, the aperture118in the plate116can be aligned with the male extension22and the plate116slid over the male extension22and placed adjacent to the catch arm120. The plate116is also oriented such that two threaded alignment pins124projecting outwardly from the catch arm120extend through apertures126formed in the plate116when the plate116is disposed adjacent to the catch arm120. A threaded fastener128such as a hexagonal bolt is threadedly secured to each alignment pin124, thereby maintaining the plate116in a position adjacent to the catch arm120and securing the male extension22of the trailer connector18within the recess122. Although the gimbal and plate embodiments of the connector16have been discussed in detail, it is to be noted that the present invention includes various other embodiments of the connector that can be provided adjacent to the distal ends19of the support member14to selectively secure the trailer to he hitch10.

FIG. 4ashows an alternate embodiment of the hitch10, wherein a lateral distance D between the connector16provided adjacent to each distal end19of the support member14is adjustable. As shown, one portion14aof the support member14has a fixed length and includes a connector16compatible with a trailer connector18provided adjacent to a distal end19thereof. This connector16is separated a fixed lateral distance from the shank12. Just as before, the connector16can optionally be a gimbal connector16, and a gusset20can optionally be installed between this portion of the support member14and the shank12to which it is coupled to maximize the strength and towing capacity of the hitch10.

Another portion14bof the support member14allows lateral adjustment of the connector16supported adjacent to the distal end of that portion14b. The portion14bof the support member14includes a hollow arm defining a travel path along which a telescopically-extendable inner segment36shown inFIG. 4acan travel. The inner segment36supports a connector16with an adjustable position that can be adjusted as the inner segment36is telescopically extended from, and inserted into the stationary portion14bof the support member14to extend or reduce the lateral distance D between the connector16provided adjacent to each distal end19of the support member14. A locking pin38can extend at least partially through the stationary portion14bof the support member14to interfere with the removal or insertion of the inner segment36relative to the stationary portion14b. According to one embodiment, the inner segment36is provided with a plurality of adjustment apertures40formed therein for receiving the locking pin38when the locking pin38is extended at least partially through the stationary portion14bof the support member14. And just as before, a gusset20or other brace can optionally be installed between the stationary segment14band the shank12to strengthen the hitch10and maximize its towing capacity.

The locking pin38can optionally be spring biased into the stationary portion14bso that the distance D between the connectors16at opposite distal ends19of the support member14is normally locked. When adjustment of the lateral distance D between the connectors16is desired, the locking pin38can be manually pulled outwardly away from the stationary portion14bof the support member14such that communication between the locking pin38and the inner segment36is discontinued. The desired lateral distance D adjustment is performed by extending the desired length of the inner segment36from, or inserting the desired length of the inner segment36into the stationary portion14b. The aperture40in the inner segment36that is closest to the desired adjustment is aligned with the locking pin38of the stationary portion14b, and the locking pin38released. Once the locking pin38is released, the biasing force of the spring urges the locking pin38inward to reestablish communication with the inner segment36and prevent lateral movement of the inner segment36relative to the stationary portion14b.

Alternate embodiments of the present invention can include a threaded locking pin38instead of a spring-biased locking pin38. According to these alternate embodiments, the locking pin38can take the form of a bolt, a screw, or any other threaded fastener. The position of the locking pin38relative to the inner segment36can be accomplished by rotating the locking pin38clockwise and counterclockwise to insert and retract the locking pin38relative to the inner segment36, respectively. Rotating the locking pin38causes an inward surface of the locking pin38to contact an external surface of the inner segment36within the stationary portion14bof the support member14. Communication between cooperable threaded portions provided to the locking pin38and the stationary portion14bfacilitate the insertion and removal of the locking pin38from the stationary portion14bof the support member14. The threaded locking pin38can be threadedly inserted into, and removed from the stationary portion14bof the support member14with the inner segment36in any position relative to the stationary portion14bto establish the desired lateral distance D between the connectors16. Because of this flexibility in inserting and removing the threaded locking pin38, the inner segment36can be infinitely adjusted relative to the stationary portion14b, instead of between discrete, predetermined adjustment apertures40.

Although the spring-biased and threaded locking pins38have been described above, it should be noted that the locking pin38can be independent of the stationary portion14b. For instance, the locking pin38can be a free pin that can be completely removed and inserted into the stationary segment14bas desired to facilitate and prevent adjustment of the distance D, respectively, as described below with respect toFIG. 4d.

FIG. 5schematically illustrates another embodiment including a support member14with two laterally adjustable connectors16supported adjacent distal ends19thereof. The lateral distance D between the connectors16can be adjusted as desired to accommodate trailers with trailer connectors18separated by different distances. As shown, each portion14a,14bof the support member14receives a telescopically-adjustable inner segment36that is telescopically extendable from within stationary portions14a,14bof the support member14. Each inner segment36supports a connector16at a laterally exposed, distal end190thereof and can be telescopically extended from, or inserted into its respective stationary portion14a,14bof the support member14to extend or reduce the lateral distance D separating the connectors16. Analogous to other embodiments disclosed herein, a locking pin38can extend at least partially through the stationary portions14a,14bof the support member14to interfere with the removal from, and the insertion of the inner segments36into their respective stationary portion14a,14b. Each inner segment36can be provided with a plurality of adjustment apertures40formed therein for receiving the locking pin38extending at least partially through the respective stationary portion14a,14bof the support member14. A gusset20or other brace can optionally be installed between one or both of the stationary portions14a,14band the shank12to strengthen the hitch10and maximize its towing capacity.

Although the support member14is described above as receiving an inner segment36, the present invention is not so limited, and instead, can include telescopically extendable segments including an outer member that can be telescopically adjusted over the portions14aand/or14bof the support member14. Further, the adjustable segment(s)36coupled to the support member14is not necessarily limited to being telescopically adjustable. Other embodiments include translatable segments, infinitely adjustable segments, and other adjustable segments that can be adjusted relative to the support member14to vary the lateral distance D separating the connectors16. Yet other embodiments include: a track formed along the support member14in which at least one of the connectors16can be independently adjusted relative to the other to vary the lateral distance there between; a plurality of receivers distributed along the support member14for selectively coupling at least one of the connectors16at desired positions to the support member14; and the like.

Use of an embodiment of the present invention is described with reference toFIG. 7. As shown, the lateral distance between the connectors16supported adjacent opposite distal ends19of the support member14is accomplished via telescopic adjustment of one inner segment16that is telescopically adjustable relative to a stationary portion14bof the support member14. The connector supported adjacent to the distal end19of the other stationary portion14aof the support member14is at a fixed lateral distance from the shank12. The shank12of the hitch10is inserted into the hollow interior passage78of the receiver secured to the underside of the vehicle adjacent to a tail section of the vehicle. A pair of apertures79formed in opposite sides the shank12is aligned between a pair of similarly-sized apertures251formed in the sides of the receiver80, and a locking pin84is inserted to extend through all four apertures. The communication between the locking pin and all four apertures releasably secures the hitch10to the vehicle. A secondary cotter-type pin (not shown) can be inserted through the portion of the locking pin84that extends beyond the receiver to minimize the likelihood that the locking pin84will be removed when said removal is not desired.

With the hitch10secured to the vehicle, the connectors16supported adjacent to the distal ends19of the support member14, which in this example are gimbal connectors16, are positioned in a plane that is generally parallel to the ground on which the vehicle is resting. The lateral distance D (FIG. 4a) between the connectors16referred to herein is the distance in the connector plane that separates the connectors16from each other. Prior to positioning the connectors16of the hitch10adjacent to the trailer connectors18, this lateral distance D between the connectors16is maximized, or otherwise increased to a distance that is greater than a distance between the outermost portions of the male extensions22of the trailer connectors18.

With the connectors16properly positioned, the vehicle can be backed into close proximity to the trailer such that the male extensions22of the trailer connector18are positioned between the connectors16of the hitch10. In this position, each of the male extensions22is generally aligned along a common axis with the internal passage27(FIG. 4c) extending through the ball28of the respective connector16to which it is to be linked. If necessary, the ball28of each connector16can be rotated within its socket to achieve this proper alignment and minimize the precision of the alignment required to connect the trailer to the hitch10.

Once proper alignment of the male extensions22of each trailer connector18with the connectors16of the hitch10has been achieved, communication between the locking pin38or other locking mechanism and the inner segment36is then terminated to permit relative movement of the inner segment36and the stationary portion14bof the support member14. The inner segment36is telescopically inserted into the portion14bof the support member14to slide the internal27passage of the ball28of the gimbal connector16over the male extension22of the trailer connector18. The locking pin38or other locking mechanism is then replaced to reestablish communication between the locking pin38and the inner segment36, thereby maintaining the relative position of said inner segment36and the stationary portion14b. A secondary pin25(FIG. 3b) can then optionally be inserted into an aperture24formed in the male extensions22of the trailer connector18to interfere with the removal of the male extensions22from the connectors16. With communication between the connectors16and the trailer connectors18established to form linkages there between, the three-point trailer is hitched to the vehicle82to be towed.

Another embodiment of the present invention in shown schematically inFIG. 6. Again, just as in previous embodiments, the lateral distance between the connectors16is adjustable to facilitate the establishment of linkages between those connectors16and trailer connectors18. However, each connector16is supported adjacent to a distal end19of an arm portion14a,14bthat is pivotally coupled to the shank12. The pivotal connection can be established with a hinge50that includes an interior passage defined by coaxially-aligned metal loops protruding from each arm14a,14band at least one metal loop coupled to the shank12. A metal hinge pin52extends through the interior passage to pivotally couple the arm portions14a,14bto the shank12. A similar hinge56can optionally be provided adjacent to the distal end19of each arm portion14a,14bto pivotally couple the connectors16to the arm portions14a,14b. The pivotal connection between the connectors16and the arm portions14a,14ballows for adjustment of the connector16position when establishing a linkage between the connectors16and the trailer connectors18.

Just as with the previous embodiments, the connector16provided adjacent to the distal end19of each arm portion14a,14bcan be independently selected from a female receptor such as a metal plate with an aperture formed therein, a gimbal connector16, and the like; and a male member such as a pin that is to extend through a female trailer connector18, and the like. In any event, the sex of each trailer-connector18is to be the opposite of that of the respective connector16provided to the hitch10to facilitate cooperation and the formation of linkages there between. Regardless of the sex of each of the connectors16and the trailer connectors18, each connector16is compatible with its respective trailer connector18to form a linkage there between.

In use, the embodiment of the hitch10shown inFIG. 6can be secured within a receiver80secured to the underside of the vehicle82adjacent the vehicle's tail section in a manner similar to that described above with respect toFIG. 7. The shank12of the hitch10is inserted into the interior passage78of the receiver80secured to the underside of the vehicle82. The pair of apertures251formed in opposite sides the shank12are aligned between a pair of similarly-sized apertures251formed in opposite sides of the receiver80, and a locking pin84is inserted to extend through all four apertures79,251. The communication between the locking pin84and all four apertures79,251releasably secures the hitch10to the vehicle82. A secondary pin (not shown) can be inserted through the portion of the locking pin84that extends beyond the receiver80to minimize the likelihood that the locking pin84will be removed when said removal is not desired.

With the hitch10secured to the vehicle, the connectors16supported adjacent to the distal end19of each arm portion14a,14b, which in this example are gimbal type connectors16, are positioned in a plane that is generally parallel to the ground on which the vehicle is resting. The lateral distance D (FIG. 6) between the connectors16referred to in this discussion is the distance in the plane of connectors16that separates the connectors16from each other. Prior to positioning the connectors16of the hitch10adjacent to the trailer connectors18, the lateral distance D between the connectors16is maximized, or otherwise increased to a distance that is greater than a lateral distance between the outermost portions of the male extensions22of the trailer connectors18. To maximize this lateral distance, the arm portions14a,14bare pivoted away from each other until they reach a terminal position.

With the connectors16properly positioned, the vehicle82(FIG. 7) can be backed into close proximity to the trailer such that the male extensions22(FIG. 3a) of the trailer connector18are positioned between the connectors16of the hitch10. In this position, each of the male extensions22is generally aligned along a common axis with the internal passage27(FIG. 4c) extending through the ball28of the respective connector16to which it is to be linked. If necessary, the ball28of each connector16can be rotated within its socket to achieve this proper alignment.

Once proper alignment of the male extensions22of each trailer connector18with the connectors16of the hitch10has been achieved, one arm portion14acan be pivotally adjusted to slide the internal passage27in the ball28of one connector16over the male extension22of the corresponding trailer connector18. A secondary pin25(FIG. 3b) can be inserted to extend through a portion of the male extension22protruding beyond the ball28of that connector16. Next, the other arm portion14bcan be pivotally adjusted to position the other male extension22of the trailer connector18within the internal passage27of the ball28provided to the other connector16. Again, a secondary pin25can be inserted into an aperture24formed in the portion of the male extension22of the other trailer connector18that extends beyond the ball28to interfere with the removal of the other male extension22from the other connector16. With communication between the connectors16and the trailer connectors18established to form linkages there between, the three-point trailer is hitched to the vehicle82to be towed.

In addition to facilitating the releasable connection of the trailer connector18to the vehicle82, the trailer hitch10can optionally include a step130as shown inFIG. 8to support a person adjacent to the tail section of the vehicle82. The step130can include a substantially planar steel or other suitably-rigid metal plate134coupled to the support member14, the shank12, the gusset20, or any combination thereof. A traction enhancing surface132such as a plurality of protrusions, diamond plating, grit paper, and the like can optionally be provided to a top surface of the plate134on which the person can stand. The traction enhancing surface132maximizes traction experienced by a person standing on the plate134to minimize the likelihood of slipping.

FIG. 10illustrates yet another embodiment a quick-hitch connector216supported adjacent to each distal end19of the support member14, which again, is coupled to or integrally formed with the shank12. Other embodiments of the connector16discussed above can optionally include the quick-hitch connector216for rapid coupling and decoupling of the trailer to the vehicle82. The quick-hitch connector216includes an elongated housing218provided with a hook220adjacent to a lower end222and a pivotal handle224exposed adjacent to an upper end226. The hook220can optionally be removed from the housing218by removing safety pin228from an inward portion of a hinge pin230that is extended through the housing218beyond an inward surface232of the housing218. A channel221is defined by the hook220to receive the male extension22protruding from the trailer connector18.

A latch236is pivotally coupled to the housing218to pivot about pin238, and is adjustable between locked and release positions. A shaft240extends through an interior passage defined by the housing218between the handle224and a coupling242that couples the shaft240to the latch236. A force imparted to adjust the position of the handle224is transmitted to the latch236through the coupling242, thereby causing adjustment of the position of the latch236. A spring244is compressed between the upper end of the housing218and a platform246aextending outwardly from each shaft240to bias the handles224to their orientations when the latches236are in their locked position.

In use, the embodiment of the hitch10shown inFIG. 10can be installed with the shank12disposed within the cavity78of the receiver80as described above. The vehicle82, and accordingly, the hitch10is backed into position such that the channel221formed by the hook220is disposed approximately vertically beneath the male extensions22of the trailer connector18. Each handle224is manually pivoted to a substantially vertical position, causing the latches236to pivot about the coupling242in a direction that exposes the channels221of the hooks220to the male extensions22. The position in which the latches236are oriented when the channel221is exposed is referred to as the release position. The elevation of the trailer, or at least the trailer connector18, can be lowered through the operation of a winch, hydraulics, or other mechanism provided to the trailer such that the male extensions22fall into the channels221and rest on the hooks220. Once the male extensions22are so positioned, each handle224can once again be manually pivoted to a substantially horizontal orientation to allow each shaft240to fall and cause each latch236to pivot about coupling242towards their locked positions. With the latches236in their locked position, they conceal the channel221of each hook220, along with a portion of the male extension22resting in each channel221, thereby coupling the trailer to the vehicle82by preventing the male extensions22from exiting the channels221.

Once the trailer has been relocated to the desired destination, the handle224can again be manually pivoted224to adjust the latches236to their release positions, in which they expose the male extensions22resting in the channels221. With the male extensions22exposed, the elevation of the trailer, or at least the trailer connector18, can be raised through the operation of a winch, hydraulics, or other mechanism provided to the trailer such that the male extensions22rise out of the channels221.

Although the quick-hitch connectors216were shown inFIG. 10as being provided adjacent to each distal end19of stationary portions of the support member, it is to be noted that one or both of the quick-hitch connectors216can optionally be provided adjacent to a distal end19of an adjustable inner segment36such as that described above. Such an embodiment is schematically illustrated inFIG. 11. As shown therein, the lateral distance D separating housing218bfrom its counterpart is adjustable by telescopically inserting and removing the inner segment36relative to the support member14as described above. And similar to the preceding embodiments, the hitch10inFIG. 11can be removably coupled to a vehicle82licensed to navigate public roadways by inserting at least a portion of the shank12into a recess78formed by a receiver80. The shank12is removably secured within the recess78just as before by inserting a locking pin84(FIG. 7) through both an aperture251formed in the receiver80and an aperture255formed in the shank12that aligns with the aperture251in the receiver when the shank is inserted into the recess78. According to such embodiments, the lateral distance D separating the quick-hitch connectors216can optionally be adjusted to accommodate trailers having male extensions22separated by a plurality of different lateral distances.

Co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/788,885 to Slaubaugh et al., filed on Apr. 23, 2007, is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

FIG. 12shows a perspective view of a hitch300according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The hitch300is also to be utilized for coupling to a tow vehicle82(FIG. 7) an agricultural implement such as a plow, hay baler, spreader, mower and other such trailers that include at least two laterally-extending pins3or compatible features that cooperate with the lift arms4of a three-point connection of an agricultural tractor8(FIG. 1).

As shown inFIG. 12, the hitch300includes a base member, shown as the elongated shank12, to be coupled adjacent to a tail section of a vehicle82(FIG. 16) in a manner similar to that discussed above with reference toFIG. 7. The shank12includes the generally rectangular cross-section shown inFIG. 3c, that can be at least partially inserted into a hollow cavity78of the receiver80secured to the underside of the vehicle82as shown inFIG. 16. The receiver80can be secured adjacent to a tail section of the vehicle82to a rigid, structural, load-withstanding member of the vehicle's frame that can withstand the forces imparted on the vehicle82by the trailer while towing such a trailer. An example of a suitable receiver80for securing the hitch300to the vehicle is that marketed under the trade name Hidden Hitch® Class V Magnum Hitch Receiver by Algonquin Industries International, Inc. The Class V Magnum Hitch Receiver is but one illustrative example, and assemblies including a receiver80in combination with a hitch300rated in any classification or category is within the scope of the present invention, including but not limited to: class I assemblies having a rated gross trailer weight of up to 2,000 pounds and a tongue weight of up to 200 pounds; class II assemblies having a rated gross trailer weight of up to 3,500 pounds and a tongue weight of up to 300 pounds; class III assemblies having a rated gross trailer weight of up to 5,000 pounds and a tongue weight of up to 500 pounds; class IV assemblies having a rated gross trailer weight of up to 10,000 pounds and a tongue weight of up to 1,200 pounds; and class V assemblies having a rated gross trailer weight of up to 16,000 pounds and a tongue weight in excess of 1,200 pounds; and so on.

The embodiment of the hitch300appearing inFIG. 12also includes a connector assembly209that includes a transversely extending support member14that is pivotally coupled to the shank12by a hinge200and a pair of coupling arms217such that the support member14can be pivotally adjusted about the hinge200in a substantially-vertical direction relative to the shank12, and accordingly, relative to the ground on which the vehicle82is resting. Adjusting the support member14in the substantially-vertical direction adjusts the elevation at which the support member14is located above the ground on which the vehicle82is resting. This adjustment of the support member14is said to be “substantially” vertical in direction, which can include a perfectly vertical adjustment, but also includes an adjustment of the support member's position along a somewhat arcuate path about a hinge pin202provided to the hinge200, with the hinge pin202establishing the central axis about which the support member14pivots, while still adjusting the elevation of the support member14relative to the ground. Such adjustment is a bit arcuate to allow for adjustment of the support member14located at a fixed radial distance from the hinge pin202.

The support member14extends outwardly in a transverse direction relative to, and away from the shank12. The support member14can be a single metallic extension having a generally rectangular cross section and extending in opposite directions generally away from, and transverse to the shank12, with the shank12being substantially centered between distal ends19of the support member14. According to alternate embodiments and as described in detail above, the support member14can optionally be formed from a plurality of individual segments that are coupled to the shank12and extend generally away from the shank12, in opposite directions or merely in different directions.

Regardless of the support member's configuration, the connector16of the present embodiment is also supported adjacent to each distal end19of the support member14. Each connector16is cooperable with the male extension22extending from the trailer connector18provided to the trailer to be towed as described above with reference toFIGS. 3aand3bto establish linkages between the hitch300and the trailer. For embodiments where the support member14is formed from a plurality of segments, a connector16is supported adjacent to a distal end19of each segment. A gusset20or other type of rigid brace member can optionally be installed to extend between the support member14and another portion of the hitch300, such as coupling arm217as shown inFIG. 12, or from the shank12, for example, to reinforce the support member14, thereby maximizing the towing capacity of the hitch300.

Shown more clearly inFIGS. 15 and 18, the connector16supported adjacent to one, or both distal ends19of the support member14can optionally be coupled to a telescopically-adjustable segment36that can be inserted and removed from the support member14. Another, similar telescopically-adjustable segment36can optionally extend from both distal ends19of the support member14. Inserting and extracting the at least one, and optionally both telescopically-adjustable segment(s)36adjusts the lateral distance D separating the connector16supported adjacent to each distal end19of the support member14in the directions indicated generally by arrow204inFIG. 12. Each telescopically-adjustable segment36can include a plurality of apertures211(FIG. 15) formed in a top surface thereof and arranged in a longitudinal direction along the telescopically adjustable segment36. The position of each telescopically-adjustable segment36relative to the support member14can be maintained in a desired position relative to the support member14by aligning one of the apertures211with an aperture formed in the support member14and extending a locking pin38(FIG. 12) through both the aperture in the support member14and the aligned aperture211formed in the top surface of the telescopically-adjustable segment36. An optional handle208can be provided to the locking pin38to facilitate hand removal of the locking pin38from, and hand insertion of the locking pin38into the support member14and telescopically-adjustable segment36.

An actuator210, an example of which is shown inFIG. 12, can extend between a portion of the connector assembly209, such as the support member14, coupling arms217, or other portion thereof and a portion of the shank12to substantially vertically adjust the support member14relative to the shank12. For the embodiment shown inFIG. 12, the actuator210comprises what is commonly referred to as a “bulldog” jack, which is a manually adjustable, mechanical embodiment of the actuator210. The bulldog jack utilizes a system of cooperating threads to extend and return an internal leg212out of, and back into an external cylinder214. Rotating a crank219in a first angular direction causes cooperation of the threads provided between the leg212and cylinder214, thereby causing the leg212to be extended from the cylinder214, thereby pivoting the connector assembly209about the hinge pin202and elevating the support member14to a greater elevation above the ground than the elevation of the support member14before rotating the crank219. Likewise, rotating the crank219in a second angular direction, opposite the first angular direction, causes the leg212to be drawn back into the cylinder214, thereby lowering the support member12to a lesser elevation above the ground than the elevation of the support member14before the crank219was rotated in the opposite direction.

For the embodiment inFIG. 12, the bulldog jack, as the actuator210in the current embodiment, is operatively coupled between a pair of coupling arms217that extend between the hinge200and the support member14. The coupling arms217pivotally couple the support member14to the hinge200and shank12for substantially-vertical adjustment of the position of the support member14. The support member14, connectors16and coupling arms217can optionally be arranged in a substantially planar configuration as shown inFIG. 12, capable of being positioned in a common horizontal plane vertically above a horizontal plane of the shank12and hollow cavity78(FIG. 16) in which the shank12is to be received. But any suitable embodiment of the actuator210, be it a bulldog jack, screw jack, hydraulic cylinder, electrical cylinder, pneumatically-actuated cylinder, cable and pulley system, and the like, to cause substantially vertical adjustment of the support member14relative to the ground on which the vehicle82is resting is considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Additional components such as a gear, lever and/or any other feature that offers a mechanical advantage in substantially vertically adjusting the support member14can be operatively coupled to the actuator210as desired without departing from the scope of the present invention. As the leg212is being extended out of the cylinder214, it causes the support member14to be rotated about the hinge pin202, and accordingly, adjusted in the substantially vertical direction to a greater elevation above the ground than the support member14was at immediately before extension of the leg212from the cylinder214was initiated.

The actuator210can optionally be secured to the shank12by a pivotal coupling225that allows the actuator to pivot about a pin227during the substantially vertical adjustment of the support member14. Likewise a similar pivotal coupling228can optionally be established between the support member14and the coupling arms217or optionally any other suitable structure that travels with the support member14as it is being substantially vertically adjusted. Thus, during the substantially-vertical adjustment of the support member14the orientation of the actuator210relative to the coupling arms217and shank12can also change.

The hinge pin202about which the coupling arms217, and accordingly the support member14pivots is supported at an elevation generally above the shank12as shown inFIG. 12by member215. Elevating the connector assembly209in this manner allows the support member to be substantially-vertically adjusted about the hinge pin202in a generally downward direction to an extent that the connectors16are located at a vertical elevation that is lower than a vertical elevation of the shank12when installed within the recess78(FIG. 16). Thus, the leg212of the actuator210is at least partially extended from the cylinder214to position the support member14, and accordingly the connectors16, at a vertical elevation above the shank12.

The connectors16supported adjacent the distal ends19of the support member14are shown inFIG. 12as each including a metal plate229defining an aperture247through which the male extension22extending from the trailer connector18can be inserted to couple the trailer to the hitch300, as illustrated inFIG. 3b. Once the male extension22extends through the aperture247a locking pin25can optionally be inserted through an aperture24formed in the male extension22to minimize the likelihood of an unwanted removal of the male extension22from the aperture247.

However, similar to the discussion of the various embodiments of the connector16above, alternate embodiments of the connector16supported adjacent the distal ends19of the support member14discussed herein can be independently selected from a female receptor such as the plate discussed above, a gimbal connector such as that shown in and discussed above with reference toFIG. 4b, and any other suitable connector. Yet other embodiments include a male member such as a pin that is to extend through a female trailer connector18, and the like. Regardless of the sex of each of the connectors16and the trailer connectors18, each connector16is compatible with its respective trailer connector18to form a linkage there between.

Yet another embodiment of the connector16is shown schematically inFIG. 13. As shown, the gimbal type connector16is supported adjacent to an end of a sleeve234that can be releasably coupled adjacent to one or both distal ends19of the support member14, and optionally coupled to a distal end of one or more of the telescopically-adjustable segments36. One or more pins249can extend through both a portion of the sleeve234and a portion of the telescopically-adjustable segment36or support member14to which the sleeve is coupled to secure the sleeve234thereto. The pins249can be removed to release the sleeve234and facilitate removal of the sleeve234, and allow for angular adjustment of the sleeve234, and accordingly the connector16, relative to the portion of the hitch300to which the sleeve234is coupled. The angular adjustment of the connector illustrated inFIG. 13can occur in the direction indicated by arrows237. According to an embodiment, the connector16can also include a pivotal connection239between the gimbal and another portion of the sleeve234, or between the gimbal and a portion of the support member14or telescopically adjustable segment36(FIG. 15, for example), or another portion of the hitch300. The pivotal connection239allows for rotation of at least the gimbal portion the connector16about an axis of rotation241in directions indicated by arrow245. Portions of the connector16including the sleeve234and gimbal combination can be rated and sized to cooperate with agricultural trailers of different weights and duty ratings. For example, a class 1 trailer could be coupled to the hitch300with a first sleeve234, while a class 2 trailer could be coupled to the hitch300with a second sleeve234. The first and second sleeves234can each optionally include one or more of a gimbal having an internal passage27with a different diameter, a gimbal having a different load rating, and the like.

Although a suitably sized connector16can be selected to accommodate the desired trailer to be coupled to the tow vehicle82, a different-sized connector16can be provided adjacent to a distal end235of each pair of telescopically-adjustable segments36described below with reference toFIGS. 15 and 18. Thus, a class 1 rated connector16and a class 2 rated connector16can each be provided adjacent to the distal end235of a pair of the telescopically-adjustable segments36to allow a plurality of different class sizes of trailer to be coupled to the tow vehicle82by the hitch300simply by replacing one pair of the telescopically-adjustable segments36with another pair supporting a suitably-sized connector16. In other words, by allowing different sizes and/or ratings of connector16to be provided adjacent to the distal end235of adjustable segments36having the same dimensions, different sizes of connectors16can be used with the same support member14. Thus, for towing different classes of trailers, different classes of connectors16can be provided to the hitch300by replacing one telescopically-adjustable segment36supporting a first connector16with a another telescopically-adjustable segment36supporting a suitably-sized connector16adjacent to the distal end235thereof in the support member14, for example. The connectors16can optionally be welded or otherwise substantially permanently affixed to their respective telescopically-adjustable segment36, which can be replaced as needed to provide the hitch300with a suitably sized connector16for a particular towing application.

The embodiments discussed above included an actuator210including a bulldog jack, which operates based on mechanical principles such as the cooperation of intermeshing threads.FIG. 13shows an exemplary embodiment of a hitch300including an actuator210comprising a hydraulically-actuated cylinder, a bottle jack hand-pump cylinder, bottle jack foot-pump cylinder (i.e., hydraulic fluid introduced into the cylinder due to the cyclical pumping of a foot pedal), bulldog hand-screw jack, an electrically-driven screw jack, pneumatically-actuated cylinder that introduces compressed air into the cylinder to adjust the position of the connectors16above the ground, and any other suitable actuator as discussed elsewhere herein, for example. The hydraulic cylinder is a well known actuator, and includes a cylinder257and a piston259. A set of hydraulic conduits242deliver and return a minimally-compressible hydraulic fluid (not shown) to and from the hydraulic cylinder257. By delivering hydraulic fluid behind the piston259within the cylinder257, the building pressure causes the piston259to be expelled from the cylinder257, thereby urging the support member14substantially vertically upward, about hinge pin202in the direction indicated by arrow244b, towards a level orientation indicated by the broken lines246. Similarly, by ejecting hydraulic fluid from the cylinder257, the lowering pressure causes the piston259to be retracted into the cylinder257with assistance from gravity, thereby urging the support member14substantially vertically downward, about hinge pin202in the direction indicated by arrow248, towards a lowered orientation indicated by the solid lines250. Just as before, the ends of the hydraulic actuator210can extend between pivotal coupling pin227and pivotal coupling228to minimize stress and/or strain on the hydraulic actuator210during substantially vertical adjustments of the support member14.

The embodiment of the hitch300shown inFIG. 13also illustrates an alternate embodiment of the shank12allowing substantially-vertical adjustment of the support member14, and connectors16, to a horizontal plane that is at an elevation vertically below a plane of the shank12when received within the hollow cavity78(FIG. 16). As shown, the shank12comprises a first portion12athat cooperates with the receiver80of the vehicle82to secure the hitch to the vehicle82. A second, substantially-vertical portion12bforms an angle a with the first portion12a. One end252of the second portion12badjacent to the first portion has a greater elevation above the ground on which the vehicle82rests when the hitch300is installed in the receiver80than the other end254of the second portion12b. Similarly, a third portion12cof the shank12forms an angle β with the second portion12b. Both the proximate end256and the distal end258of the third portion have approximately the same elevation above the ground on which the vehicle82rests when the hitch300is installed in the receiver80. Such an arrangement of the portions12a,12b,12cof the shank12allows for the elevation of the support member14to be substantially-vertically lowered in the direction of arrow248to a greater extent than could be accomplished having a substantially straight shank12alone such as that illustrated inFIG. 12. Of course the angles αand β, the lengths of each portion12a,12b,12cof the shank12, and points of connection can be selected as desired in accordance with sound engineering judgment. For the embodiment shown inFIG. 13, however, the angles α and β are each approximately 90°.

The actuator210inFIG. 13, which is shown as a hydraulic cylinder, again extends between the coupling arms217and the shank12. However, the pin227forming a portion of the pivotal connection between the actuator210and the shank12inFIG. 13is supported by the substantially-vertical portion12bof the shank12. This pivotal connection between the actuator210an the second portion12bof the shank12falls within a horizontal plane that is at a vertical elevation below the horizontal plane in which the first portion12aof the shank12is located. Thus, the actuator210can be retracted to position the support member14, and accordingly the connectors16, at a vertical elevation that is lower than the first portion12aof the shank12, and optionally at a vertical elevation that is lower than the third portion12cof the shank12when the hitch300is installed on the vehicle82(FIG. 16). The actuator210can also be adjusted to orient the support member14and connectors in a substantially common plane with the pivot pin202as illustrated by broken lines246inFIG. 13. With the support member so positioned the pivotal coupling228is elevated to a greater elevation than the first portion12aof the shank12. Thus, the range of motion along which the support member14can travel is enhanced.

According to alternate embodiments, the actuator210can be pivotally connected to the third portion12cof the shank12instead of the second portion12bas described above. Again, such a connection would fall within a horizontal plane that is at a vertical elevation below the horizontal plane in which the first portion12aof the shank12is located. Thus, the actuator210can extend between the horizontal plane at the vertical elevation below the horizontal plane of the first portion12aof the shank12and an elevation that is vertically above the plane of the first portion12aof the shank12. The actuator210can be retracted to pivotally adjust the position of the support member14, and accordingly the connectors16, between upper and lower travel limits. The upper travel limit is at a vertical elevation above the vertical elevation of the first portion12aof the shank12, and the lower travel limit can be lower than the first portion12a, and optionally the third portion12cof the shank12.

Referring again toFIG. 13, a multi-position support post260and a relief pin261or other suitable weight bearing device can optionally be provided to maintain the position of the support member14above the ground once the desired elevation of the support member14above the ground has been established. As shown in the embodiment inFIG. 13, the support post260and relief pin261also maintain the relative positions of the support member14to the shank12, when engaged.

Following adjustment of the support member14to the desired elevation, the relief pin261can be installed in the support post260at the closest position beneath the final position to which the support member14was adjusted. With the relief pin261or other suitable weight bearing device in place, the actuator210can be “backed off” from its final adjustment, thereby allowing the weight of the agricultural trailer to rest on the relief pin261or other weight bearing device and not entirely on the actuator210. Thus, while the vehicle82is underway the weight exerted by the agricultural trailer is not necessarily supported by the actuator210, but instead, by the relief pin261.

An alternate embodiment of the hitch300is shown inFIG. 14. InFIG. 14, a winch-and-pulley embodiment of the actuator210is included for substantially-vertically adjusting the support member14. As shown, a hand or electrically-driven winch262is coupled atop the hinge assembly200. The winch262includes a spool264about which a steel braided or other suitably strong cable266is wound. A free-wheeling pulley268is coupled to the shank12, along with the support post260. Another free-wheeling pulley270is supported by the support post260. The cable266is rolled from around the spool264, under the pulley268coupled to the shank12and over the pulley270supported by the support post260to be coupled to the support member14, coupling arm217, or any other suitable structure that moves along with the support member14during an adjustment.

Rotating the spool264in a direction indicated by arrow272lets the cable266out and allows the support member14to be substantially-vertically lowered in the direction of arrow274under its own weight. Rotating the spool264in the other direction indicated by arrow276takes the cable266in and substantially-vertically raises the support member14in the direction of arrow278. Once sufficiently raised, the relief pin261can be inserted through the support post260as well as the coupling arm217, for example, and the spool264“backed off” to let out a small portion of the cable266, thereby allowing the weight to rest on the relief pin261.

The connector16shown inFIG. 14is also coupled to the telescopically-adjustable segment36, which is also represented by the broken lines inFIG. 14but more clearly seen inFIG. 15, which is a top view of the hitch300. When the hitch300is properly positioned relative to the trailer, each of the telescopically-adjustable segments36can be inserted into their respective side of the support member14, and then secured in place with the locking pin38.

Another alternate embodiment is shown inFIG. 17, wherein a hydraulic “bottle” jack embodiment of the actuator210is provided to the hitch300for substantially-vertically adjusting an elevation of the support member14. Much like the bulldog jack, a bottle jack includes a cylinder280and a piston282that can travel into and out of the cylinder280. However, instead of a mechanical linkage that controls the travel of the piston282relative to the cylinder280, a variable pressure generated by controlling the flow of hydraulic between a reservoir and the cylinder280expels and retracts the piston282from and into the cylinder280, respectively. A pivotal coupling225,228can couple each end of the hydraulic bottle jack actuator210to allow for adjustment of the support member14about the hinge pin202. A manually-actuated lever286is provided to the bottle jack embodiment of the actuator210to convert a mechanically imparted force on the lever286into hydraulic fluid pressure within the cylinder280. Thus, as the lever286is pumped in a manner known in the art, the hydraulic pressure builds within the cylinder280, thereby expelling the piston282and causing the support member14to be substantially-vertically raised in the direction indicated by arrow284. Although the bottle jack operates based on a hydraulic principle, the reservoir is self contained within the jack and thus the hitch300does not rely on an external supply of hydraulic fluid to be delivered to/from the cylinder257through hydraulic conduits242such as the actuator210discussed above with regard toFIG. 13. Also, the bottle jack is manually pumped by operation of the lever286, while the hydraulic system inFIG. 13includes a powered pump system288(FIG. 16) to pump the hydraulic fluid through hydraulic conduits242into the hydraulic cylinder257.

Similar to the embodiment discussed with regard toFIG. 15, the connector16inFIG. 17is also coupled to the telescopically-adjustable segment36represented by the broken lines inFIG. 17, and more clearly shown inFIG. 18, which is a top view of the hitch300. When the hitch300is properly positioned relative to the trailer, each of the telescopically-adjustable segments36can be removed from and inserted into their respective side of the support member14, and then secured in place with the locking pin38.

Use of a hydraulic embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 16. At least a portion of the shank12is inserted into the cavity78of the receiver80secured to the vehicle82. The hydraulic conduits242in fluid communication with a hydraulic fluid reservoir292and pump system288are coupled to the hydraulic actuator210to transport hydraulic fluid through hydraulic conduits242between the hydraulic cylinder257and the hydraulic fluid reservoir292to control substantially vertical adjustment of the support member14and connectors16. The reservoir292and pump system288can suitably be wired into the vehicle's electric system to obtain the necessary electrical current required for operation from the battery and/or alternator (not shown). A remote control290in operative communication with the pump system288transmits user-input instructions regarding the substantially vertical adjustment of the support member14to selectively activate and deactivate the pump system288to control the flow of hydraulic fluid between the reservoir292and the hydraulic cylinder257. The remote control290can be hardwired to the reservoir and pump system288, or can communicate over a wireless control channel with the pump system288. Further, the remote control290can be accessed externally of the vehicle82as shown inFIG. 16, or can be accessed from within the vehicle82or from a remote location away from the vehicle82.

Before the vehicle82is backed close to the trailer to which it will be coupled by the hitch300, one or both of the telescopically-adjustable segments36are at least partially extracted from the support member14to extend the lateral distance D separating the connectors16. The vehicle82can then be backed close to the agricultural trailer and the elevation of the connectors16adjusted through operation of the actuator210as instructed via the remote control290to substantially match the elevation of the male extensions22of the trailer connector18. The adjustment of the elevation of the support member14and connectors16is accomplished by controlling operation of the hydraulic (or any other type) actuator210.

Also adjustable segments36, such as those shown inFIG. 18for example, can support different sizes of connectors16, or according to alternate embodiments, the different sizes of connector16can optionally be interchangeable on the same adjustable segment36. The common dimensions of the adjustable segment36, however, allow a plurality of different sizes of trailer to be coupled to the tow vehicle82with the hitch300.

Once the elevations of the support member14and the male extensions22are approximately the same, the telescopically-adjustable segments36supporting the connectors16are returned to the support member14or telescopically inserted into the support member14until the male extensions22extend through the internal passage27in the connectors16.

Once coupling has been completed, the hydraulic actuator210can again be operated to raise the portion of the agricultural trailer coupled to the support member14to a suitable elevation for navigation of the public roadways. The suitable elevation is high enough to transport the trailer being towed over public roadways as the trailer was designed to be towed. For instance, the entire trailer can be elevated off the ground to be transported when the suitable elevation is reached. As another example, depending on the trailer, the suitable elevation could be high enough to allow wheels of the trailer to contact and roll along the roadways while in transit. After the suitable elevation of the support member14has been achieved, the relief pin261can be inserted into the optional support post260at a level that maintains the support member14at a suitable elevation for navigating the public roadways with the trailer in tow. After the relief pin261is in place, the hydraulic actuator can be backed off, allowing at least a portion of the weight of the support member14, supporting the portion of the trailer weight, to rest on the relief pin.

An alternate embodiment of the hitch300, shown inFIG. 19, can optionally include an upper connection point301to which an upper link arm302such as that shown inFIG. 2bcan be coupled for connecting a trailer with a three-point trailer connector305to the tow vehicle82. The laterally-disposed trailer connectors18of the three-point trailer connector305with outwardly-extending male extensions22inFIG. 2bare similar to those extending from the trailer connectors18described above with reference toFIG. 3a.

As shown inFIG. 19, a pair of substantially parallel metal plates310(one plate310of the pair shown inFIG. 19is hidden directly behind the visible plate310) extend upwardly from the shank12, the hinge assembly200, or any other suitable portion of the hitch300. The plates310can extend 16-18 inches, for example, or any desired distance above the hinge assembly200. Each plate310defines an aperture312, and the aperture312in each plate is coaxially aligned with the aperture312formed in the other plate310. A receiver320(FIG. 2b) provided adjacent to a distal end of the upper link arm302can be placed between the plates310such that an aperture315defined by the receiver320is coaxially aligned with the aperture312formed in the plates310. A pin (not shown) similar to the pin17inFIG. 1can be inserted through the aperture312formed in both plates310along with the aperture315of the receiver320of the upper link arm302to releasably couple the receiver320, and accordingly the distal end of the upper link arm302to the connection point301. With the trailer including a three-point trailer connector305coupled to the hitch300as described above, the actuator210can be controlled to elevate the coupling arm217about the hinge pin202, thereby elevating the trailer above the ground.

Backing the tow vehicle82close enough to the trailer to be coupled to the hitch300can be difficult due to limited visibility. To minimize the accuracy required of the operator of the tow vehicle82to bring the hitch300within a close proximity of the trailer, alternate embodiments can optionally include an extendable connector assembly400coupling the connectors16to the support member14, as shown inFIGS. 20 and 21. The connectors16can be supported adjacent a distal end of each extendable arm410that can be extended in an outward direction, generally away from the connector assembly to extend a reach of the hitch in the outward direction without moving the vehicle to which the hitch is coupled. The extendable connector assembly400also enables substantially-vertical adjustment of the connectors16to an elevation well below the elevation of the shank12, specifically lower than the first portion12aand optionally the third portion12cof the shank12. Further, the extendable connector assembly400also allows extension of the connectors16in a longitudinal direction that is generally away from the hinge200, substantially perpendicular to the transverse direction in which the support member14can extend. The extendable connector assembly400can optionally couple the connectors16adjacent to the distal ends235of the adjustable segments36, in a manner similar to that shown inFIG. 15for example, that can be telescopically adjusted relative to the support member14. Such embodiments allow the lateral distance separating the connectors16connectors to be selectively adjustable to a plurality of different, predetermined distances. According to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 20 and 21, the lateral distance D (FIG. 12) separating the connectors16, the elevation of the connectors16above the ground, as well as the distance to which the connectors16are extended generally away from the hinge200can be adjusted to simplify connection of the trailer to the tow vehicle82via the hitch300. When the support member14and connectors16are pivotally adjusted in the downward direction about the hinge pin202of the hinge200and are oriented at a downward angle as shown inFIGS. 20 and 21, extension of the connectors16as described in detail below and shown inFIG. 21can position the connectors16to within a close proximity of the ground on which the tow vehicle82is resting.

The connector16, which in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 20 and 21is the gimbal embodiment of the connector16, is provided adjacent to a leading end405of an arm410that is extendable from within a sleeve415. The arm410defines an aperture420that acts as a track to limit the extent to which the arm410can be extended from the sleeve415. A spring-biased pin425extends into the aperture420and rides therein as the arm410is extended from and retracted back into the sleeve415. When the arm410is fully retracted into the sleeve415as shown inFIG. 20, the spring-biased pin425is biased by the force of the spring into a recess430(the recess being shown clearly with the arm410is fully extended inFIG. 21). Instead of, or in addition to the recess430, alternate embodiments can include any other suitable device that can receive the spring-actuated pin425or otherwise limit the maximum allowable travel distance of the arm410. With the spring-actuated pin425received within the recess430, extension of the arm410, and accordingly the connector16from the sleeve415is restricted.

FIG. 20illustrates the extendable arm410in a fully retracted position with the spring-actuated pin425disposed within the recess430. In use, the tow vehicle82can be backed adjacent to the trailer to be towed. If the trailer is out of reach of the hitch coupled to the tow vehicle82, the spring-biased pins425can be removed from their respective recesses430using a lever407exposed at the top of each sleeve415. The lever407coupled to adjust the position of the spring-biased pin in the recess430, and is operable to elevate the spring-biased pins425from their respective recesses430to allow the arms410to be extended outwardly from the sleeves415generally toward the trailer as shown inFIG. 21. If desired, the height of the connectors16above the ground can be substantially vertically adjusted such that, when extended, the arms410support the connectors16to line up with the male extensions22of the trailer as discussed above with respect toFIG. 3b. Insertion and removal of the arms410into and out of the sleeves415can optionally be independent, allowing the connectors16to be offset in the event the male extensions22of the trailer are not exactly parallel to the transverse axis of the hitch300.

Once the connectors16are aligned with the male extensions22of the trailer connector18, the adjustable segments36can be inserted into the support member14to adjust the lateral distance D (FIG. 20) separating the connectors16and place the connectors16over the male extensions22, allowing the male extensions to extend through the internal passage27(FIG. 4c) of the connector. The locking pin38(FIG. 20) can be inserted through the support member14and one of the apertures211(FIG. 15) to interfere with further insertion and removal of the adjustable segments36relative to the support member14. The actuator210can be controlled to substantially vertically adjust the height of the connectors16in the substantially vertically upward direction. Vertically adjusting the height of the connectors16in this manner elevates the trailer connector18coupled to the connectors16to a height suitable for towing the trailer. For example, the actuator210can be controlled to elevate the connectors16to a substantially planar relationship with the sleeves415, and optionally with the support member14and hinge pin202as shown in broken lines246inFIG. 21.

With the connectors16in the substantially planar relationship with the sleeves415the tow vehicle82can be backed towards the trailer, thereby forcing the arms410into their respective sleeves415. The arms410can be inserted into their respective sleeves until the spring-biased pins425, under the force imparted by the springs and without manual user intervention to position the pins425within their recesses430other than backing the vehicle towards the trailer, are each received in their respective recesses430. The operator may sense the receipt of the spring-biased pins425in their respective recesses430by sound, by feeling the spring-actuated pin425being received, or any other suitable indication, and drive away.

According to alternate embodiments, the user can optionally use the multi-position support post260inFIG. 21along with the relief pin261to maintain the position of the support member14above the ground while the tow vehicle82is underway.

Following adjustment of the connectors to the desired elevation, the relief pin261can be installed in the support post260at the closest position beneath the final position to which the support member14was adjusted. With the relief pin261in place the actuator210can be “backed off” or lowered from its final adjustment elevation before the relief pin was inserted to thereby allow the weight of the agricultural trailer to be at least partially supported by the relief pin261instead of entirely by the actuator210. For the hydraulic cylinder and bottle jack embodiments of the actuator210, the actuator210can be placed in a “float” mode that allows the actuator210to be lowered under the force of gravity instead of the dynamic flow of the hydraulic fluid. The float mode allows the support member14and connectors16to be gradually lowered under the force of gravity until further adjustment is prevented by the relief pin261. Thus, while the vehicle82is underway the weight exerted by the agricultural trailer is not necessarily supported by the actuator210, but instead, by the relief pin261.

Illustrative embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above devices and methods may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations within the scope of the present invention.