Snowmobile securement system

A hitch for securing a snowmobile to a trailer. The hitch comprises a base for connection to the trailer, which includes a flat, horizontal plate which is connectable to the trailer floor, and a vertical post extending upwardly from the plate. An actuator is supported in a fixed position by the base for releasable latching of the snowmobile. The actuator has a vertical oriented shaft assembly, a contact member pivotally connected to the shaft assembly, the contact member movably contacting and enclosing a connection member on the snowmobile, and a latch member for holding the contact member in a predetermined latched position. The hitch further comprises a pair of arms, each being attached at one end proximate a top end of the post and extending forwardly and downwardly. At least one arm further extends outwardly with respect to the other arm to form a predetermined angle. The arms stabilize the post and guide the snowmobile connection member toward the actuator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates to a securement apparatus, and more particularly to 
a hitch for use in securing snowmobiles or other machinery. The securement 
hitch of this invention is particularly useful for securing snowmobiles in 
a fixed position for transport on a trailer. 
2. Background Information 
In the past, various devices and methods have been used to hitch 
snowmobiles and other machinery. However, these devices and methods have 
significant limitations and shortcomings. A common device for securing 
snowmobiles to a transport trailer comprises a bar which is positioned 
through a standard aperture in each front ski, and a screw-type mechanism 
which holds the bar in a fixed position on the floor of a trailer. There 
are several problems with this device. First, hitching or latching is not 
automatic. The device requires the operator of the snowmobile to position 
the snowmobile first, for example by riding the snowmobile onto the 
trailer, and then to either dismount the snowmobile and manipulate the bar 
and screw means to effectuate hitching, or to have a helper manipulate the 
bar and screw means. Further, manipulation of the screw means can be time 
consuming. A second problem is that the device requires precise 
positioning, both laterally and longitudinally, of the snowmobile prior to 
hitching. This typically leads to frequent repositioning of the snowmobile 
in order to accomplish hitching. A third problem is that the hitch is 
typically loose and the snowmobile is therefore prone to move during 
transport. This causes instability in the trailer and damage to hitch, 
trailer and snowmobile surfaces. A fourth problem is that the screw means 
typically requires a large hole through the floor of the trailer for 
mounting of the screw means. A final problem is that due to the floor 
mounted position of the screw means, it is subject to corrosion and 
frequent jamming due to ice, moisture, dirt, and road chemicals. 
Despite the need in the art for a snowmobile hitch which overcomes the 
shortcomings and limitations of the prior art, none insofar as is known 
has been developed or proposed. Accordingly, it is an object of the 
present invention to provide an improved snowmobile hitch which is 
automatic, easy to install and which can be used by a single operator, is 
useable with a variety of common ski designs, is durable and provides a 
secure hitch. It is a further object of this invention to provide a 
snowmobile which is economical to produce and which overcomes the 
limitations and shortcomings of the prior art. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The invention provides a hitch for securing a snowmobile to a trailer. The 
hitch comprises a base for connection to the trailer and an actuator 
supported in a fixed position by the base for releasable latching of the 
snowmobile. The actuator has a vertical oriented shaft assembly and a 
contact member pivotally connected to the shaft assembly. The contact 
member movably contacts and encloses a connection member on the 
snowmobile. The actuator also includes a latch member for holding the 
contact member in a predetermined latched position. 
In a preferred embodiment the shaft assembly is fixed to the post proximate 
its top and comprises a sleeve fixed to the post, a shaft rotatably 
disposed in the sleeve and means for connecting the contact member to the 
shaft. Additionally, the contact member comprises a first portion having a 
linear configuration of a predetermined length, the first portion being 
for contact with the connection member of the snowmobile; a second portion 
having a U-shaped configuration and being connected to one end of the 
first portion, the second portion being for connection to the shaft 
assembly; and a third portion having a linear configuration and of a 
predetermined length, and being connected at one end to one end of the 
second portion, the third portion being for enclosing the connection 
member of the snowmobile. Finally, the preferred embodiment further 
includes a pair of arms attached at one end proximate a top end of the 
post and extending forwardly and downwardly. At least one arm further 
extends outwardly with respect to the other arm to form a predetermined 
angle. The arms stabilize the post and guide the snowmobile connection 
member toward the actuator. 
The snowmobile hitch of the present invention to provides an improved 
snowmobile hitch which is automatic, easy to install and which can be used 
by a single operator, is useable with a variety of common ski designs, is 
durable and provides a secure hitch. The snowmobile hitch is also 
economical to produce. 
The benefits of this invention will become clear from the following 
description reference to the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
The apparatus of the present invention is usable to secure a snowmobile or 
similar device in a fixed position, for example on a trailer for 
transport. 
Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 7, the snowmobile hitch 10 of the present 
invention basically comprises a base 11, a pair of arms 12a-b, and an 
actuator 13. The base 11 is connected to the floor of a transport trailer 
at a predetermined position and supports the actuator 13 at that position. 
The arms 12 guide one ski 14 of the snowmobile toward the actuator 13 and 
further supports and stabilizes the actuator 13. The actuator 13 
automatically engages and secures the ski 14 as is described further 
below. 
The base 11 comprises a horizontal plate 16 and a vertical post 18. The 
plate 16 is a rectangular, flat structure preferably constructed of steel. 
The post 18 is a rectangular steel structure, preferably with a hollow 
interior. The post 18 is fixed to the center of the plate 16, preferably 
via a weld. The actuator 13 is disposed at the top of the post 18, the 
post 18 having a height such that the actuator 13 is aligned for mating 
with a connecting rod of a standard snowmobile front ski. 
The arms 12a,b of the hitch 10 are preferably constructed of steel angles 
21 a,b which are connected proximate the top of the post 18 via a weld. 
The arms 12a,b extend outwardly (forward) and downwardly, and each 
terminate at a foot 22a,b. Each foot 22 has an aperture 23a,b for 
reception of a bolt for connection to the trailer floor. The arms 12a,b 
slant away from each other to form an angle "c", between each other, of 
approximately 50 degrees. Referring also to FIG. 8, in an alternative 
embodiment, one of the arms 12c is extended forward in a straight line 
with respect to the front or mating side of the hitch 10. This permits the 
hitch to be place closer to the side edge of the trailer floor, for 
example in the case of a thinner trailer. This orientation of one of the 
arms reduces the angle "c" between the arms to approximately 30 degrees. 
The arms 12 direct the incoming ski connecting rod toward the actuator 13 
for mating. The connection of the feet 22 to the trailer floor enable the 
arms 12 to tolerate the force of contact from and redirection of the 
misaligned ski connecting rods. This structure also serves to stabilize 
and strengthen the post 18 as the incoming ski rod 15 contacts the 
actuator 13. 
The actuator 13 comprises an actuation or contact member 26 which is 
pivotally connected proximate the top end of the post 18. Various other 
elements, described below, provide pivotal connection, movement limitation 
and latching of the actuation member 26. In FIG. 2, the actuation member 
26 is shown in a normally open state, wherein the hitch 10 is able to 
receive an incoming ski 14. FIG. 3 shows the actuation member 26 in a 
closed or actuated state, wherein the hitch has received the ski rod 15 
and is holding it in place. The actuation member 26 is preferably 
constructed of a unitary piece of cylindrical or rod shaped steel or a 
similar rigid metallic substance. The rod 26 comprises first second and 
third portions 27-29. Referring again to FIG. 2, the first portion 27 has 
a linear configuration of a predetermined length such that it extends 
across substantially all of the zone between the two arms 12 when the 
hitch 10 is in an open state. In this position, the first portion will be 
contacted by the incoming ski rod 15. The second portion 28 has a U-shaped 
configuration and is connected to one end of the first portion 27. An 
angle "a" is formed between the first and second portions of approximately 
115 degrees. The second portion 28 provides a pivot point for the first 
portion 27 and aids in guiding the ski to a latchable position. The third 
portion 29 is a short linear segment of rod which is connected at one end 
to one end of the second portion 28. An angle "b" is formed between the 
second and third portions of approximately 115 degrees. An access region 
30 is defined by the actuation rod 26 into which the forward moving ski 
connector 15 is guided subsequent to contact with the first portion 27. As 
the ski rod 15 passes the point shown at the apex of angle "a", the ski 
subsequently makes contact with the fight side of the U-shaped second 
portion as it continues to move forward. Throughout the period of contact 
between the ski connector 15 and the actuator rod 26, the actuator rod 26 
pivots counterclockwise, as viewed from above, due to the forward moving 
force of the ski. Referring again to FIG. 3, the actuator rod 26 has 
reached its point of full rotation wherein the forward motion of the ski 
14 is stopped. The pivoted position of the rod 26 is latched at this 
point. And the ski connector 15 is disposed within the horizontally 
enclosed region 31. Any rearward movement of the ski 14 would be 
obstructed by the rod point located at the apex of angle "b". Any forward 
movement of the ski would be obstructed by the right side of the second 
portion 28. Any sideways movement of the ski rod 15 would be obstructed by 
the apex of the arms 12. 
The actuation rod 26 pivots about a vertically oriented shaft 34 which is 
fixed to the post 18. The shaft 34 is preferably threaded at its two ends. 
The bottom end of the shaft 34 is connected to a first nut 32 which is 
fixed to the post via a weld. A metal sleeve 33 surrounds the shaft 34 
above the first nut 32. The sleeve 33 is also preferably welded to the 
post 18. A second nut 35 is threaded onto the shaft 34 at a predetermined 
point. A washer 36 and 37 is disposed above and below the second nut 35. 
The convex or inwardly facing apex region of the second portion 28 of the 
actuation rod 26 is fixed to the second nut 35, preferably via a weld. 
This allows the actuation rod 26 to rotate with the shaft 34. Finally, a 
third nut 38 is connected to the top of the rod 34. The third nut 38 and 
washers 36 and 37 strengthen and stabilize the above-referenced pivoting 
assembly. 
Referring again to FIG. 1, the actuation rod 26 is held in a normally open 
state, absent a ski in place, by tension from a first spring 43. The first 
spring 43 is attached to the actuation rod 26 proximate the apex of angle 
"b" via a connection peg 44. The opposite end of the spring 43 is 
connected to a first extension 41 connected to the rear of the top of the 
post 18, via a peg 42. The spring 43 permits pivoting of the actuation rod 
26, but returns the actuation rod 26 to an open position upon release of 
the latched rod 26. The precise location of the open position is 
determined by Stop or limit post 45. The stop post 45 prevents the spring 
biased movement of the actuation rod 26 beyond a set point via contact 
with the third portion 29 thereof. 
Referring also to FIGS. 2, 3 and 7 the actuation rod 26 is latched or held 
in place upon attaining its fully closed pivotal position, via a latch arm 
50. The latch arm 50 is a vertically moveable flat metal structure with a 
curved forward end 52 and a capture notch 53 on its bottom surface. The 
capture notch 51 engages the actuation rod 26 in the closed position, 
proximate the apex of angle "a". The latch arm 50 pivots at its rearward 
end about a horizontally oriented bolt and nut 49. The pivot point is 
disposed at a second extension 48 connected to the back side of the top of 
the post 18. The latch arm 50 is held in a normally down position by a 
second spring 55 which is attached proximate the pivot point of the latch 
arm 50 via a top peg 54, and to the post via a bottom peg 53. The spring 
55 permits upward pivotal movement of the latch arm 50 as the first 
portion 27 of the actuation rod 26 contact the curved forward/bottom 
surface 52. After the portion 27 is pushed past the surface 52 it reaches 
the capture notch 51, which is brought down over the portion 27 by force 
from the spring 55. 
An extension 58 is disposed at the top, right back side of the post 18. The 
extension has an aperture 59 for mating with a clasp of a standard key or 
combination lock (not shown). This enables the user to lock the actuator 
rod 26 in a closed position for security. 
Referring to FIGS. 4-6, another embodiment of the snowmobile hitch 62 is 
illustrated. This embodiment is useful for example with a trailer 19 for 
holding four snowmobiles 20 in two rows of two sleds 20. This hitch 62 
design is used in the second or rearward row as it can be moved (pivoted 
upwardly and to one side) out of the way to allow sleds loaded from the 
back of the trailer to be moved to the front of the trailer and be hitched 
by the from hitches 10. The hitch 62 comprises a base 63, a pair of arms 
64 and an actuator 65. The actuator 65 is substantially similar to the 
actuator shown and described with respect to the previous embodiments. The 
base 63 comprises a larger plate 66, a post 67, a flange strip 68 and a 
hinge 70. The post 67 is disposed centrally near the back edge of the 
plate 66. The distal ends 71a,b of the arms 64a,b are fixed to the base 
plate 66, for example via welds. The flange 68 has a plurality of 
apertures 69a,b for securing it to the floor of the trailer via screws, 
bolts or the like. The hinge 70 permits the base plate 66 and the 
remaining elements as the hitch 62 (attached to the top thereof) to be 
moved out of the path of snowmobiles, other machinery or the user. 
As many changes are possible to the embodiments of this invention utilizing 
the teachings thereof, the descriptions above, and the accompanying 
drawings should be interpreted in the illustrative and not the limited 
sense.