Abstract:
A trailer hitch storage apparatus designed to carry a removable trailer hitch used in receiver type hitches. The apparatus consists of a frame comprising a mounting plate, at least one bracket for supporting the trailer hitch extending from the mounting plate, a center hanger that extends through the hitch pin hole on the trailer hitch, and a mounting arrangement for attaching the mounting plate to the vehicle. Alternative embodiments accommodate attachment to a truck or a vehicle such as an SUV having an enclosed compartment. A quick-folding collapsible apparatus having the same general structure is also described.

Description:
BACKROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to a trailer hitch storage apparatus, and more particularly to a storage apparatus for a trailer hitch designed to be mounted to a truck bed or in the interior of an SUV. 
   A trailer hitch is commonly secured to a hitch receiver mounted to the rear end of a vehicle to enable the vehicle to tow trailers or the like. Typically, the hitch receiver is mounted to a cross-tube or cross-beam which is secured to the frame of the vehicle, and has a rearwardly facing passage into which an elongated mounting member of the trailer hitch is inserted. The trailer hitch is normally secured to the receiver by means of a pin extending through the receiver and the mounting member of the trailer hitch. When so installed, the rearward end of the trailer hitch extends a considerable distance rearwardly of the receiver and the vehicle. 
   Problems can arise when a trailer hitch is not being used to tow a trailer but remains attached to the hitch assembly. For example, when a vehicle is backing up or parallel parking in a tight space, the trailer hitch can strike a vehicle or other object located behind the vehicle to which the trailer hitch is mounted. The trailer hitch also can present a problem when an individual is attempting to fit the vehicle into a tight space such as a garage. Another potential problem is that an inattentive individual can strike his or her leg on the trailer hitch when walking behind the vehicle. 
   A relatively easy solution to the above mentioned problems is to remove the trailer hitch when not in use. Removal of the trailer hitch, however, presents its own set of problems. Once the trailer hitch is removed, an adequate storage place is required. Often times the trailer hitch is greasy or dirty and there is no appropriate place to store it. Sometimes, the trailer hitch gets placed under the seat of car or tossed in the back of a pickup truck. This inadvertent placement of the trailer hitch and hitch pin can lead to the trailer hitch and pin being misplaced or lost. When it comes time to use the trailer hitch, substantial time can be wasted searching for the trailer hitch or the pin. If the trailer hitch is simply left in the back of an open pickup it can be easily stolen. 
   One solution to the noted problems is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,279 to Klemetsen wherein the trailer hitch is stored in the ends of the cross beam or cross tube that is mounted to the frame of the vehicle. This structure necessitates a beam or tube with open ends, and can result in the lateral extension of the beam or tube which presents similar problems to those discussed above. A similar solution with the same limitations is presented in U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,512 to Bettenhausen wherein a hollow member is presented beneath the cross beam for supporting the trailer hitch when not in use. 
   In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a mounted storage mechanism for a receiver-type trailer hitch system. The storage system should be easy accessible to the user and allow for quick and easy storage of the trailer hitch and hitch pin. The storage system should be supportable on an existing truck bed or the inside of an SUV, without adaptation thereof. Moreover, the storage system should provide an additional security feature to prevent theft of the trailer hitch. 
   It is another object of the invention to reduce or eliminate the potential for a person to misplace the trailer hitch or the hitch pin and provide a convenient storage location within the vehicle on which it is used. It is a further object of the invention to provide a mechanism that is collapsible so as to conserve space when it is not in use. A final object of the invention is to provide a trailer hitch storage apparatus which is economical to manufacture and easy to install. 
   Consistent with the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, an apparatus is disclosed, in suitable detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. A trailer hitch storage apparatus designed to carry a removable trailer hitch used in receiver-type hitches is described. The apparatus consists of a frame having a mounting plate, at least one bracket extending from the mounting plate for supporting the trailer hitch, a centrally located hanger that extends through a hitch pin hole on the mounting member of the trailer hitch, and a means for attaching the mounting plate to the vehicle. Several embodiments are described, with variations in the mounting plate to accommodate attachment to a truck or to an SUV. The trailer hitch storage apparatus stores the trailer hitch in a secure location, along with the hitch pin. The hitch pin may be stored by placing the pin through a hole on the bracket or placing it within the tubular support. If placed in a hole, the pin is disposed at an angle over the hanger of the storage apparatus and behind the trailer hitch. The trailer hitch is secured to the apparatus by resting between bracket, with the hanger extending through the hitch pin hole on the trailer hitch. The trailer hitch may be held in place with a pin or lock that extends through an opening in the hanger. The invention also contemplates a quick-folding collapsible trailer hitch storage apparatus having the same general structure as summarized above. 
   These, and other, aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of one preferred embodiment of the trailer hitch storage apparatus of the present invention attached to a pickup truck bed, the apparatus shown retaining the trailer hitch with the hitch pin shown in phantom; 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the trailer hitch storage apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the attached apparatus and trailer hitch, taken on line  3 — 3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the apparatus and trailer hitch as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 3 , showing an alternative locking feature; 
       FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the trailer hitch storage apparatus of the present invention, designed for attachment to the inner wall of an SUV or the like; 
       FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a third embodiment of the trailer hitch storage apparatus of the present invention which is adapted to be collapsed when not in use, showing the trailer hitch storage apparatus in an extended position; 
       FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the apparatus of  FIG. 7 , showing the apparatus in a collapsed position; 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken on line  9 — 9  of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view taken on line  10 — 10  of  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view taken on line  11 — 11  of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view taken on line  12 — 12  of  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a rear isometric view of the third embodiment of the trailer hitch storage apparatus of the present invention shown in  FIG. 7 , showing one receiving bracket extended and one receiving bracket collapsed; 
       FIG. 14  is a front elevation view of a fourth embodiment of the trailer hitch storage apparatus of the present invention attached to a pickup truck bed, the apparatus shown retaining the trailer hitch; and 
       FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the attached apparatus and trailer hitch, taken on line  15 — 15  of  FIG. 14 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention which are illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word “connected” or terms similar thereto are often used. Such terms are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a first embodiment of the trailer hitch storage apparatus  15  of the present invention securing a conventional trailer hitch  16  and hitch pin  17  (shown in phantom). The trailer hitch  16  includes a tubular mounting member or support  29  configured to be received in the passage defined by a tubular receiver of a conventional receiver-type trailer hitch mounting apparatus (not shown). Trailer hitch  16  includes a trailer engagement bar  30  connected to a hitch ball assembly  31 . The hitch pin  17  includes a horizontally extending engaging section  34 , an angled handle  38  and a juncture point  36  between the engaging section  34  and the angled handle  38 . The tubular support  29  includes at least one aperture  28  configured to receive the hitch pin  17  to secure the trailer hitch  16  to the hitch receiver, in a manner as is known. The aperture  28  in the tubular support  29  is also used as a means to secure the trailer hitch  16  to the storage apparatus  15  as will be discussed below. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1–4 , trailer hitch storage apparatus  15  may be mounted to the inside of the bed of a pickup truck. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the storage apparatus  15  is configured to receive and secure a trailer hitch  16  and hitch pin  17  (shown in phantom). The apparatus  15  is comprised of a frame  18 , including a mounting plate  19  for mounting the apparatus  15  to the interior wall  33  of a bed of a pickup truck, a pair of trailer hitch receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  extending from the mounting plate  19 , and a center post  21  extending from the mounting plate  19 . 
   The mounting plate  19  is in the form of a flat, rectangular base plate  22  and an integral mounting bracket  23 . The mounting bracket  23  includes an angled mid-section  24  connected to the base plate  22  that terminates in a horizontal engagement plate  25 . The horizontal engagement plate  25  includes a pair of apertures  84  configured to receive a conventional securing means such as nut and bolt assembly, rivet, screw or other known securing means  36 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the engagement plate  25  is configured to align with and connect the apparatus  15  to the inner wall  33  of a truck bed. The base plate  22  further includes a series of spaced apertures  26 , near the corners of the base plate  22 . The apertures  26  may be used to receive fasteners to secure the base plate  22  to the wall of the pickup truck bed, as an alternative or in addition to the fasteners that extend through the engagement plate  25 . 
   A pair of trailer hitch receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  extend outwardly from base plate  22 , and are configured to receive and secure the tubular support  29  of trailer hitch  16 . Each of trailer hitch receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  includes a pair of horizontal receiving arms  30   a  and  30   b  that extend at a length long enough to receive and secure the tubular support  29 . Each of brackets  20   a ,  20   b  further includes a vertically extending support  31  between the receiving arms  30   a  and  30   b  and connected to the base plate  22 . The vertical supports  31  include a-hitch-pin-receiving hole  32  configured to receive hitch pin  17 . 
   A vertical slot  27  extends throughout the central area of base plate  22 , and has substantially the same dimensions as the center post  21 . In the illustrated embodiment, during manufacture the center post  21  is cut out of the base plate  22  and bent at a right angle thereby forming the slot  27 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the center post  21  extends horizontally at a right angle from the base plate  22  at a length that is slightly longer than the trailer hitch receiving brackets  20   a  and  20   b . The center post  21  has a width that is configured to allow the center post  21  to fit through the hitch pin receiving hole  28  of tubular support  29  of trailer hitch  16 , and a length that will allow the post  21  to extend entirely through the tubular support  29 . In this manner, a pin-receiving aperture  35  formed in the end area of the center post  21  is accessible following insertion of the center post  21  through tubular support  29 . A cotter pin  39  or other trailer hitch retention means is received through the aperture  35 , thereby securing the trailer hitch  16  to the storage apparatus  15 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4 , in use, a user first removes the trailer hitch  16  from the hitch receiver of a vehicle (not shown) by removing the hitch pin  17  and disengaging the trailer hitch  16  from the hitch receiver. One of the ends of hitch pin  17 , shown at  37 , is then inserted through one of the hitch pin receiving holes  32  in vertical support  31  of one of brackets  20   a ,  20   b . The hitch pin  17  is inserted in a manner such that the juncture  46  rests on the center post  21 . Once the hitch pin  17  is secured in this manner, the trailer hitch  16  is placed on the apparatus  15 . The trailer hitch  16  is placed in a manner that the tubular support  29  rests within the receiving arms  30   a ,  30   b  of the receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b . The center post  21  extends through the hitch pin aperture  28  in the tubular support  29 . A cotter pin  39  or other securing means is inserted through the center post aperture  35  to secure the trailer hitch  16  to the apparatus  15 .  FIG. 5  illustrates an alternative means for securing the trailer hitch  16  to the storage apparatus. In this version, a lock  48  is inserted through the center post aperture  35 . Once engaged, the lock  48  prevents the theft of the trailer hitch  16  from the storage apparatus  15 . 
     FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the trailer hitch storage apparatus of the present invention. The alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  shares several of the key components of the embodiment discussed in reference to  FIGS. 1–5 , and therefore those shared components need not be discussed in detail and will be referred to using like numerals.  FIG. 6  illustrates a trailer hitch storage apparatus  49  designed for attachment to the rear interior of an SUV or other vehicle having an enclosed interior compartment suitable for carrying trailer hitch  16  when not in use. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the mounting bracket  25  shown in  FIGS. 1–5  has been eliminated and the top of the base plate  22  has been rounded off. The trailer hitch storage apparatus  49  is attached to the rear interior wall of the vehicle via the base plate apertures  26 . Screws or other securing means are inserted through the apertures  26  to secure the trailer hitch storage apparatus  49  to the rear interior wall of the vehicle. Other than the alternative means of mounting, the trailer hitch storage apparatus  49  operates in substantially the same manner as the truck trailer hitch storage apparatus  15  described in reference to  FIGS. 1–5 . 
     FIGS. 7–13  illustrate yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment contemplates a trailer hitch storage apparatus  50  that is collapsible to save space when not in use. Again, the alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7–13  shares several of the key components of the embodiment discussed in reference to  FIGS. 1–6 , and therefore those shared components need not be discussed in detail and will be referred to using like numerals.  FIGS. 7 ,  9 , and  10  demonstrate the trailer hitch storage apparatus  50  in its extended, operative position, while  FIGS. 8 ,  11 , and  12  demonstrate the trailer hitch storage apparatus in its collapsed, inoperative position. 
   As shown in  FIG. 7 , the base plate  22  is connected to integral upper and lower base walls  51 ,  52 , respectively, which extend horizontally outwardly from the base plate  22 . First and second side walls  53   a ,  53   b , respectively also extend from the base plate  22 . The side walls  53   a ,  53   b  include respective retaining extensions  56   a ,  56   b  that extend from respective bases  57   a ,  57   b . The retaining extensions  56   a ,  56   b  abut the respective receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  in order to place receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  in the extended position ( FIG. 7 ). Between the side walls  53   a ,  53   b  and the base plate  22  are respective slots  71   a ,  71   b  through which the respective receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  extend. Extending from the respective side wall bases  57   a ,  57   b  are respective side mounting plates  58   a  and  58   b . The mounting plates  58   a ,  58   b  include a pair of apertures  80  configured to receive a mounting means, such as fasteners as noted previously, for mounting the trailer hitch storage apparatus  50  to the interior wall of a vehicle. There is also a center post slot  64  on the base plate  22  that has a width that is less than the width of the center post  21 , thereby allowing pivotal movement of center post  21  while preventing removal of the center post  21  through the rear of the base plate  22 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 7–13 , the receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  and the center post  21  are pivotally connected to the base plate  22 , thereby allowing the trailer hitch storage apparatus  50  to be collapsed when not in use. Receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  include respective multi-width pivot arms  59   a ,  59   b . The pivot arms  59   a ,  59   b  of the respective receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  extend inwardly from the respective brackets  20   a  and  20   b  at a right angle adjacent to the base plate  22  when the brackets  20   a  and  20   b  are fully extended. The pivot arms  59   a ,  59   b  include a first width  84  and a second width or tab  86 . The first width  84  of the pivot arm is slightly less than the length of slot  71  allowing for pivotal rotation of the receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  through the slot  71 . The second width  86  is greater than the length of the slot thereby restricting the receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  from being removed out the front of the base plate  22  through the slot  71 . The pivot arms  59   a ,  59   b  pivot on the edges of the base plate  22  between an extended position,  FIGS. 7 ,  9 , and  10  and a collapsed position,  FIGS. 8 ,  11 , and  12 . 
   In a similar manner, the center post  21  includes an integral center post pivot arm  63 , extending at a substantially right angle from the center post  21  that allows the center post  21  to pivot on the center post slot  64  between an extended position and a collapsed position. The pivot arm  63  includes a first width  73  less than the width of the slot  64  that allows the pivot arm  63  to pivot through the slot  64  and a second width  74  substantially greater than the dimensions of the slot  64  that prevents removal of the center post  21  through the front of the base plate  22  via the slot  64 . Although a specific pivot means is disclosed in reference to the center post  21  and receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b , other means of collapsibility such as a hinged connection are envisioned by the present invention. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 9–13 , various views are shown of the trailer hitch storage apparatus  50  in its collapsed and extended positions, demonstrating the movement of the pivoting center post  21  and pivoting receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b . Behind the base plate  22  is a biased, semi-flexible retention member  65 , which is preferably in the form of a leaf spring, secured to the rear of the base plate  22 . The retention member  65  is fixedly secured to the base plate  22  at a central region  66  while its ends  67 ,  68  are unrestrained. The biased arrangement allows the retention member  65  to provide sufficient retention forces on the receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  both in the collapsed and extended positions. As best shown in  FIG. 9 , when the receiving brackets  20   a  and  20   b  are in their extended positions, the pivot arms  59  of the receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  are held in place by the retention member  65 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , when the receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  are in their collapsed position, the ends  67 ,  68  of the retention member  65  press the pivot arms  59  against the interior of the side walls  53   a    53   b  thereby retaining the receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  in their collapsed position. 
   Use of the collapsible apparatus  50  to store a trailer hitch  16  occurs in the same manner as previously described. When not in use, the apparatus  15  can be collapsed to maximize space ( FIGS. 8 ,  12 ). In order to collapse the device, the center post  21  is first pivoted to an upright collapsed position adjacent the base plate  22 . The receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  are then pivoted inward over the center post  21 . As described above, the ends  67 ,  68  of the retention member  65  provide sufficient force to maintain the receiving brackets  20   a ,  20   b  in the collapsed position. The collapsed receiving brackets  20   a    20   b , further retain the center post  21  in its collapsed position. 
     FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment contemplates a trailer hitch storage apparatus  90  that includes a hook or hanger  92  projecting from the base plate  22  as opposed to the center post previously described. These structural alternatives operate in functionally similar manner in relation to the present invention. Again, the alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15  shares several of the key components of the embodiments discussed in reference to  FIGS. 1–13 , and therefore those shared components need not be discussed in detail and will be referred to using like numerals. 
   As shown in  FIG. 14 , the base plate  22  includes a single trailer hitch receiving bracket  94  extending outwardly from the base plate  22  and configured to receive and secure the tubular support  29  of the trailer hitch  16 . The receiving bracket  94  includes receiving arms  95   a  and  95   b  that extend from the base plate a distance long enough to secure and retain the tubular support  29 . 
   The hanger  92  extends from the central area of the base plate  22 . The hanger  92  includes a first horizontal section  96  that extends perpendicular to the base plate and projects outwardly therefrom; and a second angled section  98  projecting upwardly from the first section at an angle of about 45 degrees. The hanger  92  has a width that is configured to allow the hanger  92  to fit through the hitch pin receiving hole  28  of the tubular support  29  of the trailer hitch  16 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the hitch pin  17  and cotter pin  39  may be stored within the hollow interior region of the tubular support  29 . 
   In use, a user first removes the trailer hitch  16  from the hitch receiver of a vehicle by removing the hitch pin  17  and disengaging the trailer hitch  16  from the hitch receiver. The trailer hitch  16  is then placed in a manner that the tubular support  29  rests within the arms  95   a ,  95   b  of the receiving bracket  94  and the hanger  92  extends through the hitch pin aperture  28  and supports the hitch  16 . In the preferred embodiment, the trailer hitch  16  is placed in a manner such that trailer engagement bar  30  and ball assembly  31  project downwardly. This arrangement allows the hollow region of the tubular support  29  to project upwardly thereby defining a storage region for the hitch pin  17  and the cotter pin  39 . 
   Various alternatives and modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.