Abstract:
The present invention relates to a trailer hitch receiver including a cross member, a hitch receiver box carried on the cross member and a pair of opposed mounting brackets. Each of the opposed mounting brackets includes a first mounting arrangement or series of apertures that secures the mounting brackets to the cross member in a first position and a second mounting arrangement or second set of mounting apertures for securing the mounting brackets to main frame member in a second position. Additionally, each mounting bracket includes a notch in the forward edge thereof which provides the necessary clearance for mounting the mounting brackets inboard of mounting flanges carried by the cross member. Accordingly, the mounting brackets may also be mounted in an inboard or outboard position as necessary to meet the needs of any particular application. The drawings and preferred embodiment do not and are not intended to limit the ordinary meaning of the claims and their fair and broad interpretation in any way.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/459,272 filed Jun. 11, 2003 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/865,277 filed May 25, 2001, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/431,588 filed Nov. 1, 1999 now abandoned. 
     
    
     
       TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the towing field and, more particularly, to a multi-fit trailer hitch receiver assembly providing unmatched mounting versatility so as to allow multiple application use.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    It has long been known to construct trailer hitches that are mounted to vehicles in order to allow the towing of trailers or the like. In recent years, such trailer hitches have been designed to include a central frame member or crossbar carrying mounting brackets at each end thereof for mounting the trailer hitch to the frame of the towing vehicle. The trailer hitches also include a receiver box having a rearwardly directed opening or cavity for the receipt of a hitch or draw bar that carries a hitch ball or other means allowing connection to a trailer. Examples of such a structure include the 35, 36 and 37 series Custom Receivers and Titan 45 series hitch receivers manufactured by Reese Products, Inc., the assignee of the present invention.  
           [0004]    In recent years, vehicle manufacturers have offered not only an increasing number of vehicle options but also an increasing number of vehicle models. In order to avoid the manufacturing expense of custom designing and fitting a trailer hitch receiver to each such vehicle model or each model with each available group of equipment options, it is necessary to provide a single hitch receiver with unparalleled mounting versatility to allow mounting to multiple vehicle models and vehicle models equipped with various option packages.  
           [0005]    One effort made in the prior art to meet this need is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,122 to Helber. This adjustable hitch assembly allows one to alter the span of the frame mounting points and/or the height of the main frame or cross member. The apparatus is, however, relatively complicated and includes a number of parts to allow adjustability while providing for the mounting of the main frame member. Further, a telescoping tubular construction is used and this introduces substantial play into the arrangement resulting in a detrimental loss in rigidity.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The present invention relates to a trailer hitch receiver with heretofore unavailable mounting versatility allowing the trailer hitch receiver to be utilized on a number of different vehicle models equipped with various equipment option packages including, for example, special exhaust and suspension systems.  
           [0007]    Specifically, the trailer hitch receiver includes selectively positionable mounting brackets adapted to provide enhanced versatility when mounting the trailer hitch receiver to the frame of a towing vehicle. Further, these brackets are relatively low profile, single-piece components that are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use. Unlike telescoping tubular components that have a relatively wide profile, these mounting brackets provide the necessary clearance to fit in tight areas around vehicle components and, as such, are more functional and suited to many more applications. While allowing the necessary adjustability, the brackets also insure a rigid connection.  
           [0008]    Advantageously, the brackets of the trailer hitch receiver may be selectively positioned both fore or aft and inboard or outboard to provide relative adjustment in two perpendicular directions. This ability provides substantial versatility and allows the mounting of the trailer hitch assembly to a wider range of vehicles.  
           [0009]    Additional advantages and other novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.  
           [0010]    To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, a trailer hitch receiver is provided including a main frame member, a hitch receiver box carried on the main frame member and a pair of opposed mounting brackets. Each of the opposed mounting brackets includes a first mounting arrangement that selectively secures the mounting bracket to the main frame member in a first position and a second mounting arrangement that selectively secures the mounting bracket to the main frame member in a second position.  
           [0011]    Preferably, the main frame member includes a cross member, a first mounting flange for engaging and holding the first mounting bracket and a second mounting flange for engaging and holding the second mounting bracket. Advantageously, the pair of opposed mounting brackets may be selectively mounted either inboard or outboard of the first and second mounting flanges. A notch is also provided in the peripheral edge of each mounting bracket. That notch provides the necessary clearance around the cross member to allow the inboard mounting of the mounting brackets.  
           [0012]    More specifically describing the invention, each of the first and second mounting flanges includes a series of anchoring apertures. Further, the first mounting arrangement preferably comprises a first set of mounting apertures while the second mounting arrangement preferably comprises a second set of mounting apertures a spaced distance from the first set. One or more mounting apertures may be shared by the first and second sets. Additionally, the apparatus further includes fasteners for securing the pair of opposed mounting brackets to the first and second mounting flanges.  
           [0013]    Specifically, the mounting brackets are secured either inboard or outboard of the mounting flanges with the anchoring apertures aligned with the first set of mounting apertures in order to secure the brackets in the first selected position. Alternatively, the mounting brackets are secured outboard of the mounting flanges with the anchoring apertures aligned with the second set of mounting apertures in order to secure the mounting brackets in the second mounting position. Once the anchoring apertures are aligned with either of the first or second set of mounting apertures, the fasteners are secured through the aligned apertures in order to complete the connection. Preferably, the fasteners include bolts and cooperating locknuts. It should be appreciated, however, that other appropriate fasteners of a type known in the art may be utilized for this purpose.  
           [0014]    Of course, it is the size and shape of the vehicle frame and the presence or absence of various equipment options that determine the proper desired positioning of the mounting brackets on the mounting flanges of the main frame member. Transverse or side to side adjustment is provided by the selective mounting of the brackets either inboard or outboard of the mounting flanges. Additional side to side adjustment is provided by the reversible mounting brackets. Specifically, the mounting skirts on the mounting brackets may extend inward, toward each other or by reversing the brackets outward, away from each other.  
           [0015]    Fore and aft adjustment is provided by the selective mounting of the mounting brackets with the anchoring apertures aligned with either the first or second set of mounting apertures. Together, the side to side or transverse and fore and aft or longitudinal adjustment provided by the trailer hitch receiver of the present invention allow a great deal of versatility in mounting the trailer hitch receiver around exhaust and suspension systems of a towing vehicle. They even allow mounting in vehicles of different frame width. Accordingly, a trailer hitch receiver of the present invention may be conveniently and effectively mounted to a wide variety of vehicle models even when those models are equipped with a wide variety of equipment options or accessories. As such, the trailer hitch receiver of the present invention provides multi-fit capability allowing its use for a wide number of towing applications. Of course, since one trailer hitch receiver meets the requirements of numerous applications, it is unnecessary to custom manufacture a hitch receiver for each such application. Thus, manufacturing costs are substantially reduced not only to the benefit of the manufacturer, but also to the ultimate benefit of the purchaser.  
           [0016]    Still other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of this invention, simply by way of illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain certain principles of the invention. In the drawings:  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the trailer hitch receiver of the present invention with the mounting brackets mounted outboard of the mounting flanges and with the first set of mounting apertures aligned with the anchoring apertures;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the trailer hitch receiver of the present invention with the mounting brackets mounted outboard of the mounting flanges and with the second set of mounting apertures aligned with the anchoring apertures;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the mounting brackets mounted inboard of the mounting flanges, and once again with the first set of mounting apertures aligned with the anchoring apertures;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is a rear side perspective view showing the clearance provided by the notch in the peripheral edge of one of the mounting brackets which allows the necessary clearance for the cross member and thus, the inboard mounting of the mounting brackets;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 with the mounting brackets reversed so that the mounting skirts point outward or away from each other; and  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view showing the mounting of the receiver box to the underside of the cross member through the mounting gusset. 
     
    
       [0024]    Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0025]    Reference is now made to FIG. 1 showing the trailer hitch receiver  10  of the present invention. The trailer hitch receiver  10  includes a main frame member  11  preferably formed from tubular steel material.  
         [0026]    As clearly illustrated, the main frame member  11  includes a cross member  12  that may have a round cross section. The main frame member  11  also includes a first mounting flange  14  at a first end of the cross member  12  and a second mounting flange  16  at a second end of the cross member.  
         [0027]    Each mounting flange  14 ,  16  may be formed from steel plate material. A hitch receiver box assembly  18  is carried at the middle of the main frame member  11  on the cross member  12 . The hitch receiver box assembly  18  includes a receiver box  20  formed from a steel torque tube and including a reinforced lip  22 . Additionally, the hitch receiver box assembly  18  includes an overlying mounting gusset  24  and a substantially L-shaped chain plate  26 . The receiver box  20 , gusset  24  and chain plate  26  are all welded together to the cross member  12  for strength and rigidity. Of course, other means of securing the hitch receiver box assembly  18  to the cross member  12  known in the art to be appropriate for this purpose may be utilized. In addition, a bracket  28  for supporting an electrical plug to power the trailer lighting system as well as any electrical trailer braking system may be secured to the chain plate  26  and/or the cross member  12  (as shown) in a manner well known in the art.  
         [0028]    As should be further appreciated from FIG. 1, the receiver box  20  includes aligned cooperating apertures  30  in the sidewalls thereof (only one shown in FIG. 1). As is known in the art, a hitch or tow bar H is inserted in the rearward opening cavity  32  until a through aperture A in the hitch bar is aligned with the apertures  30  in the receiver box  20 . A connecting pin P is then inserted through the aligned apertures  30  in the receiver box  20  and the aperture A in the hitch bar H. A pin clip C is then secured to the projecting end of the connecting pin P to secure the connecting pin in position and, therefore, the hitch bar H in the receiver box  20 .  
         [0029]    The trailer hitch receiver  10  is mounted to the towing vehicle by means of first and second mounting brackets  34 ,  36 . Each mounting bracket  34 ,  36  is formed from a single piece of sheet metal that is forged or otherwise machined so as to provide at least in part two planar surfaces extending substantially perpendicular to one another; that is, a substantially L-shape in cross-section. In this way each mounting bracket  34 ,  36  includes at least one integral mounting skirt  38 . In the embodiment illustrated, each mounting bracket  34 ,  36  includes a pair of spaced, integral mounting skirts  38 . Each mounting skirt  38  includes a pair of openings  37  through which fasteners  39  may be utilized to secure the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  through cooperating openings  0  drilled in the frame F of the towing vehicle.  
         [0030]    As best shown with reference to FIGS.  1 - 3 , each of the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  includes a first mounting arrangement comprising a first set of four mounting apertures  40 . Additionally, each mounting bracket  34 ,  36  includes a second mounting arrangement comprising a second set of four mounting apertures  42 . It should be appreciated that one of the mounting apertures  40 / 42  is shared by each set. The first set of mounting apertures  40  define a first rectangular spacial arrangement. The second set of mounting apertures  42  define a second rectangular spacial arrangement identical in shape and orientation to the first rectangular arrangement but offset therefrom a given selected distance preferably between 1.970 and 2.030 inches. Further, it should be appreciated that each rectangular arrangement defined by the first mounting apertures  40  and the second mounting apertures  42  correspond exactly in shape and orientation to the arrangement of anchoring apertures  44  provided in each of the mounting flanges  14 , 16 .  
         [0031]    By aligning the first set of mounting apertures  40  of the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  with the anchoring apertures  44  in the first and second mounting flanges  14 ,  16 , the mounting brackets are secured to the cross member  12  in a first selected position. Alternatively, by aligning the second set of mounting apertures  42  in the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  with the anchoring apertures  44  in the first and second mounting flanges  14 ,  16 , the mounting brackets are mounted to the cross member  12  in a second alternative position. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the present invention allows fore and aft adjustment of the relative position of the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  on the cross member  12 .  
         [0032]    It should be appreciated that in either of these positions, the cross member  12  is mounted in a cantilever fashion. This is because the cross member  12  is mounted to the mounting flanges  14 ,  16  adjacent a first or rear end thereof while all of the anchoring apertures  44  are provided adjacent a second or front end thereof: that is, all of the mounting apertures  44  are provided on the two mounting flanges  14 ,  16  in front of cross member  12 . This structural arrangement advantageously allows for good hardware accessibility thereby simplifying vehicle installation. Further, this is accomplished while maintaining desirable hitch to body clearance. In addition, it provides good hitch box location.  
         [0033]    Additionally, it should be appreciated with reference to FIGS.  1 - 3 , the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  may be mounted outboard of the mounting flanges  14 ,  16  as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and  5  or inboard of the mounting flanges as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In order to allow inboard mounting, the peripheral edge  46  of each mounting bracket  34 ,  36  defines a notch  48 . When mounted inboard as shown in FIG. 4, the notch  48  provides the necessary clearance for the edge of the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  to extend around the cross member  12  while allowing the first set of mounting apertures  40  to be aligned with the anchoring apertures  44  of the mounting flanges  14 ,  16 .  
         [0034]    In use, the hitch receiver installer first determines the model of the vehicle to which the trailer hitch receiver  10  is to be connected. He then reviews the equipment options and/or accessories on the vehicle particularly including any exhaust system and suspension system modifications which might affect the mounting of the trailer hitch receiver  10  to the vehicle frame.  
         [0035]    After completing this background review, the mounting brackets,  34 ,  36  are secured to the cross member  12  in the desired fore or aft position and the desired inboard or outboard position. Further, the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  may be oriented as shown in FIGS.  1 - 4  with the mounting skirts  38  projecting inwardly toward each other or they may be reversed as shown in FIG. 5 with the mounting skirts  38  projecting outwardly away from each other. This allows additional side-to-side or span adjustment for mounting on vehicle frames of varying width.  
         [0036]    If the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  are to be secured inboard of the mounting flanges  14 ,  16 , the first set of mounting apertures  40  in the mounting brackets are aligned with the anchoring apertures  44  in the mounting flanges  14 ,  16  (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Fasteners in the form of bolts  50  and cooperating locknuts  52  are then used to secure the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  in the desired position.  
         [0037]    Alternatively, if it is desired for mounting convenience and efficiency to secure the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  in an outboard position relative to the mounting flanges  14 ,  16 , fore and aft adjustment is also possible. In the fore or first position, the first mounting apertures  40  are aligned with the anchoring apertures  44  and the bolts  50  and the locknuts  52  are utilized to secure them in position (see FIG. 2). In the aft or second position, the second mounting apertures  42  are aligned with the anchoring apertures  44  and the bolts  50  and cooperating locknuts  52  are utilized to secure them in position (see FIGS. 1 and 5). The inboard or outboard and fore or aft positioning of the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  with respect to the cross member  12  is dictated by the make, model and option or accessory packages of the towing vehicle. Whichever arrangement allows the most convenient and effective mounting of the trailer hitch receiver  10  to the frame of the towing vehicle is the one that is utilized. After the selection is made, the trailer hitch receiver  10  is lined up on the frame F and a drill is utilized to drill mounting openings  0  in the frame of the towing vehicle which are aligned with the mounting openings  37  in the mounting skirts  38 . Fasteners  39 , such as cooperating bolts and locknuts, are then utilized to complete the connection between the trailer hitch receiver  10  and the vehicle frame F. Specifically, the bolts are inserted through the openings  37  in the mounting skirts  38  and the cooperating openings cut in the vehicle frame. The locknuts are then tightened to secure the connection.  
         [0038]    Of course, in any of these various mounting positions, the planar configuration of the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  insures a narrow transverse profile and the necessary clearance to fit into tight areas such as between vehicle exhaust, suspension and frame components. Further, since each of the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  is a unitary or single-piece component connected directly between the main frame member  11  and the vehicle frame rigid connection is insured.  
         [0039]    In accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the receiver box  20  is mounted underneath the cross member  12 . In prior art hitch receiver designs incorporating a cross member with a circular cross section the receiver box is mounted through the cross member. Numerous benefits result from the underneath mounting of the receiver box in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0040]    Since the receiver box  20  projects below the cross member  12 , the cross member may be mounted further up from the ground behind the body work of the towing vehicle. There it is less visible and this is more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  may be made with a lower height profile from less material. They are therefore cheaper to make and weigh less. As a result, the trailer hitch receiver  10  is relatively light weight and easier to manipulate during installation. Further, since the cross member  12  may be mounted closer to the vehicle frame, the centroid axis of the cross member is closer to the mounting points. As a result, the moment arm is shortened thereby reducing the stress and bending force applied to the brackets during towing.  
         [0041]    The secure mounting of the receiver box  20  to the cross member  12  is primarily achieved through the mounting gusset  24  as shown in detail in FIG. 6. The mounting gusset  24  is formed to bring a contoured upper edge  50  into substantially continuous load bearing engagement with the cross member  12  and a contoured lower edge  52  into substantially continuous load bearing engagement with the upper and side walls of the receiver box  20 . Weld points along the intersection of these edges  50 ,  52  with the cross member  12  and receiver box  20  complete a high integrity connection.  
         [0042]    In summary, numerous benefits result from employing the concepts of the present invention. Advantageously, the design of the trailer hitch receiver  10  of the present invention allows the selective positioning of the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  on the cross member  12  either inboard or outboard of the mounting flanges  14 ,  16 . Additionally, fore and aft adjustment is possible by aligning the first set of mounting apertures  40  or the second set of mounting apertures  42  in the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  with the anchoring apertures  44  in the mounting flanges  14 ,  16 . Accordingly, adjustment in either of two substantially perpendicular directions is possible. In this way, significant mounting versatility is provided so that the trailer hitch receiver  10  of the present invention may be used for multiple applications; that is, on various makes, models and option and accessory equipped towing vehicles.  
         [0043]    The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, while the drawing figures illustrate a trailer hitch receiver with the receiver box mounted underneath the cross member  12 , it should be appreciated that the receiver box could either extend through or overlie the cross member. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.