Abstract:
Receivers are attached to motor vehicles to tow a variety of objects such as trailers. Due to the variety of makes and models of motor vehicles, several different sized receivers are required to fit most motor vehicles. The present receiver, however, provides adjustability in at least three directions. This adjustability means that one receiver can fit many different makes and models of vehicles.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional application of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/146,403, which was filed on Jun. 6, 2005. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/146,403 claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/577,397, which was filed on Jun. 4, 2004, and is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/146,403 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/726,149, which was filed on Dec. 2, 2003, and has now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,741. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/726,149 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/660,995, which was filed on Sep. 12, 2003, and is now abandoned. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/660,995 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/459,272, which was filed on Jun. 11, 2003, and has now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,038. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/459,272 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/235,334, which was filed on Sep. 5, 2002, and has now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,868. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/235,334 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/865,277, which was filed on May 25, 2001, and has now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,864. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/865,277 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/431,588, which was filed on Nov. 1, 1999, and is now abandoned. 
     
    
     FIELD OF ART 
       [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 
       [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 Cequent Towing 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 merely 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 conventional 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. The receiver may be equipped with one or more accessory receivers that may take the form of a bar, tube, box, or any other structure capable of receiving and holding a vehicle accessory such as, for example, a hitch bar, tow bar, article carrier, cargo container, or any other useful structure. 
         [0007]    Specifically, the trailer hitch receiver includes selectively positionable mounting flanges and mounting brackets adapted to provide enhanced versatility when mounting the trailer hitch receiver to the frame of a towing vehicle. Further, these flanges and brackets are relatively low profile, single-piece components that are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use. Unlike conventional 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 flanges and brackets also insure a rigid connection. 
         [0008]    Advantageously, the flanges may be positioned at substantially any point along the length of the cross member of the receiver. Accordingly, the spacing between the flanges may be adjusted to provide a customized fit with the frame of the vehicle to which the receiver is mounted. As a result, one receiver is capable of being mounted to more makes and models of vehicles. The brackets of the receiver may also be selectively positioned fore or aft, up or down, and inboard or outboard to provide relative adjustment in several directions. In addition, the cross member being engaged telescopingly engaged with the first and second extension tube further provide adjustability. 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, the receiver assembly comprises first and second mounting brackets removably attachable to first and second mounting flanges. The first and second mounting flanges are removably attached to first and second extension tubes respectively. A cross member is telescopically received within the extension tubes at either end thereof. The first and second mounting brackets include a set of mounting apertures. The first and second mounting flanges include a set of anchoring apertures. The first and second mounting brackets are removably attachable to the first and second mounting flanges in a variety of positions. Fasteners are attached a portion of said set of mounting apertures and a portion of said set of anchoring apertures to adjustably attach said mounting flanges and mounting brackets. This permits said receiver assembly to be positionable in different up and down (or vertical) positions and different fore and aft positions. Additionally, the first and second extension tubes with the cross member allows for additional adjustability of said receiver assembly. 
         [0011]    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. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Objects and advantages together with the operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a partially exploded, 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; 
           [0014]      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; 
           [0015]      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; 
           [0016]      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; 
           [0017]      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; 
           [0018]      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; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of the hitch assembly of the present invention; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the hitch assembly of the present invention with the mounting brackets. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    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. As clearly illustrated, the main frame member  11  includes a cross member  12  that may have a round cross section. The cross member  12  includes a first end E 1 , and a second end E 2 , and a midpoint P. 
         [0022]    A first selectively positionable mounting flange  14  is secured to the cross member  12  at a selected first point between the first end E 1  and the midpoint P of the cross member  12 . Similarly, a second mounting flange  16  is secured to the cross member  12  at a selected point between the second end point E 2  and the midpoint P of the cross member  12 . Advantageously, by altering or adjusting the positioning of the two flanges  14 ,  16  along the cross member  12 , the spacing between them may be varied to provide a custom fit with the frame of substantially any towing vehicle. 
         [0023]    Each mounting flange  14 ,  16  may be formed from steel plate material. The flanges  14 ,  16  may be secured to the cross member  12  in substantially any appropriate manner including but not limited to welding or mechanical fasteners. An accessory receiver in the form of 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. 
         [0024]    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 . 
         [0025]    The 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. 
         [0026]    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  defines a first rectangular spatial arrangement. The second set of mounting apertures  42  define a second rectangular spatial 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 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 . 
         [0027]    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 . 
         [0028]    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. 
         [0029]    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 . 
         [0030]    It should also be appreciated that the peripheral edge  46  of each mounting bracket  34 ,  36  defines a notch  48 . 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 . 
         [0031]    In use, the 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 that might affect the mounting of the trailer hitch receiver  10  to the vehicle frame. 
         [0032]    After completing this background review, the mounting brackets,  34 ,  36  are secured to the mounting flanges  14 ,  16  that have the desired spacing along the cross member  12 . More specifically, 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. 
         [0033]    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. 
         [0034]    Whether the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  are to be mounted inboard or outboard of 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 receiver  10  to the frame of the towing vehicle is the one that is utilized. 
         [0035]    After the selection is made, the 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 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. 
         [0036]    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. 
         [0037]    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. 
         [0038]    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. 
         [0039]    The secure mounting of the receiver box  20  to the cross member  12  is primarily achieved through the mounting gusset  24 . 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. 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The receiver  10  of  FIG. 6  includes a cross member  12 , a first mounting flange  14 , a second mounting flange  16 , a hitch receiver box assembly  18 , and first and second mounting brackets  34 ,  36  just like the previous embodiments. In addition, the receiver  10  includes a third mounting flange  80  mounted to the cross member  12  at the first end E 1  and a fourth mounting flange  82  mounted to the cross member at the second end E 2 . 
         [0041]    In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second mounting flanges  14 ,  16  are aligned in a first plane while the third and fourth mounting flanges  80 ,  82  are aligned in a second, different plane. As shown, the first plane is above the second plane. In certain applications such an arrangement may be desired to provide the necessary clearance between the third and fourth flanges  80 ,  82  and various vehicle components in order to allow the receiver  10  to be mounted to the vehicle by means of the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  carried on the first and second flanges  14 ,  16 . 
         [0042]    For other applications, it may be desirable to have all four flanges  14 ,  16 ,  80 ,  82  in the same plane. For still others, it may be desirable to have the third and fourth mounting flanges  80 ,  82  in a plane above the first and second mounting flanges  14 ,  16 . Still further, it should be appreciated that the mounting brackets  34 ,  36  may be mounted to the third and fourth flanges  80 ,  82  instead of the first and second flanges  14 ,  16  in order to allow proper mounting of the receiver assembly  10  to the frame of certain vehicles. Advantageously, the different spacing between the first and second flanges  14 ,  16  and the third and fourth flanges  80 ,  82  allow one receiver assembly  10  to fit may more makes and models of vehicles. Accordingly, one may maintain a smaller parts inventory and still meet all customer needs. 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  illustrates an additional alternative embodiment of the present invention. The alternative embodiment of the receiver assembly  110  comprises first and second mounting brackets  112 ,  114  removably attachable to first and second mounting flanges  116 ,  118 . The first and second mounting flanges  116 ,  118  are attached, either removably or non-removably, to first and second extension tubes  120 ,  121  respectively. A cross member  122  is telescopically received within the extension tubes  120 ,  122  at either end thereof. Finally, a receiver box  20  is attached to the cross member  122  as discussed above. 
         [0044]    The first and second mounting brackets  112 ,  114  are capable of removable attachment to the vehicle frame via mounting skirts  111 ,  113  and to first and second mounting flanges  116 ,  118 . The first and second mounting brackets  112 ,  114  are attached to the vehicle&#39;s frame via fasteners (not shown) passing through apertures  130  in said first and second mounting brackets  112 ,  114 , or more particularly, in the skirts  111 ,  113  thereof. This is similar to the method of attaching the first and second mounting brackets of the alternative embodiments above. The first and second mounting brackets  112 ,  114  are removably attached to the first and second mounting flanges  116 ,  118  by fasteners  131  attaching to a set of mounting apertures  132  and a set of anchoring apertures  133  in the first and second mounting brackets  112 ,  114  and the first and second mounting flanges  116 ,  118 , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the fasteners  131  are bolts, washers, and nuts. It should be understood, however, that other such fasteners may be used, not just those shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0045]    The cross member  122  is located between the first and second mounting flanges  116 ,  118 . The cross member  122  telescopically engages both the first and second extension tubes  120 ,  121  and is attached thereto by fasteners  141 . The fasteners  141  can be nuts and bolts shown in  FIG. 7 , or alternatively, can be any other sort of fastener. The fasteners  141  pass through a set apertures  145  in both sides of the cross member  122 . The apertures  145  are on both sides of the cross member  122  such that the fastener  141  can extend therethrough. Alternatively, the apertures  145  may receive the fastener  141  without the necessity of passing therethrough. In another alternative embodiment, the apertures  145  may only be on one side of the cross member  122 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the fasteners  145  may also pass through an oblong aperture  151  in the first and second extension tubes  120 ,  121 . 
         [0046]    By utilizing the present invention of the first and second mounting brackets  112 ,  114  and the first and second mounting flanges  116 ,  118  instead of a one-piece design, the user is able to take advantage of numerous possible configurations for the receiver assembly  110 . For example, the first and second mounting brackets  112 ,  114  can be attached to the first and second mounting flanges  116 ,  118  in a raised vertical position (up) or a lowered vertical (down) position. In addition to, or alternatively, the first and second mounting brackets  112 ,  114  can be attached to the first and second mounting flanges  116 ,  118  fore or aft. The position of the apertures  133  located on the first and second mounting flanges  116 ,  118  and the position of the set of mounting apertures  132  on the first and second mounting brackets  112 ,  114  allow the receiver assembly  110  to be attached to the vehicle in several different positions, including, without limitation vertical and horizontal positions. The set of mounting apertures  132  and anchoring apertures  133  are in a predetermined pattern such that several different configurations of the receiver assembly  110  are possible. While two vertical configurations and two horizontal configurations are shown in the drawings, any number of such configurations can be accomplished. 
         [0047]    Additionally, the first and second mounting brackets  112 ,  114  may also be mounted on the interior or exterior of the first and second mounting flanges  116 ,  118 . Further, the first and second mounting brackets  112 ,  114  can be connected to the first and second mounting flanges  116 ,  118  with the apertures  130  of the first and second mounting brackets  112 ,  114  facing either inwardly or outwardly. In other words, the skirts  111 ,  113  of the first and second mounting brackets  112 ,  114  are reversible. 
         [0048]    This embodiment, shown in  FIG. 8  of the receiver assembly  110  provides increased mounting adjustability between the cross member  122  and the first and second extension tubes  120 ,  121 . This is accomplished by utilizing fasteners  160  that connect to a bolt plate  162  that rests on the interior of the first and second extension tubes  120 ,  121 . Where conventional hitch assemblies have bolts and nuts that apply force on the outer portion of the transverse tube, the present fastener  160  applies force directly between the interior of the first and second extension tubes  120 ,  121  via the oblong aperture  151  (only one of which is shown in  FIG. 8 ) and the exterior of the first and second cross members  120 ,  121 . This force permits greater connection strength and greater provision in allowing the cross member  122  to slide back-and-forth between the first and second mounting flanges  114 ,  116  prior to tightening. 
         [0049]    In summary, numerous benefits result from employing the concepts of the present invention. Advantageously, the design of the receiver  10  and  110  of the present invention allows the selective positioning of the mounting brackets  34 ,  36 ,  112 ,  114  on the cross member  12 ,  122  either inboard or outboard of the mounting flanges  14 ,  16 ,  116 ,  118 . 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 . Additionally, vertical and fore and aft adjustment is possible by aligning the first set of mounting apertures  132  in the first and second mounting brackets  112 ,  114  with the apertures  133  in the first and second mounting flanges  114 ,  116 . Finally, the receiver assembly  110  is further adjustable using the telescoping first and second extension tubes  120 ,  121  with the cross member  122 . Accordingly, adjustment in several positions is possible. For example, adjustment is possible in as many as two directions, fore and aft, in four directions, fore, aft up, and down, or even in five directions, fore, aft, up, down, and an additional horizontal adjustment. In this way, significant mounting versatility is provided so that the 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. 
         [0050]    The foregoing description of preferred embodiments 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 receiver  10  and  110  with the receiver box  20  mounted underneath the cross member  12  and  122 , it should be appreciated that the receiver box  20  could either extend through or overlie the cross member. Further, the receiver  10  and  110  could be equipped with multiple accessory receivers mounted along the cross member at points other than the midpoint P; either in the presence or absence of the receiver box  20 . Such accessory receivers could be spaced, for example, so as to receive the various vehicle accessories now being manufactured and marked by Cequent Towing Products, Inc. under the Dual Port Systems or DPS trademarks. 
         [0051]    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. The drawings and preferred embodiment to not and are not intended to limit the ordinary meaning of the claims and their broad interpretation in any way.