Patent Publication Number: US-6712381-B1

Title: Pivoting, underslung, stowaway, hitch mount

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/162,259, filed Oct. 29, 1999 and entitled STOWAWAY RECEIVER HITCH, and is a continuation-in-part of my patent application Ser. No. 09/559,603, filed Apr. 27, 2000 and entitled STOWAWAY RECEIVER HITCH, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,870, issued Oct. 8, 2002, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/204,365, filed May 15, 2000 and entitled BLIND-THREADED, PEDESTAL-BALL HITCH, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/230,385, filed Sep. 6, 2000 and entitled PIVOTING, UNDERSLUNG, STOWAWAY, HITCH MOUNT. The foregoing applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to towing apparatus, and, more particularly, to novel systems and methods for securing trailers to towing vehicles with hitches. 
     2. State of the Art 
     Trailers have been towed since the earliest days of the wheel. A cart or wagon towed behind an animal is a trailer. In modern times, trailers are secured to towing vehicles by a multiplicity of methods, including frame-mounted hitches and bumper-mounted hitches. Tractor-trailer rigs use fifth-wheel towing systems. Similarly, recreational vehicles sometimes use fifth-wheel towing systems or often a receiver-type mounted ball hitch. 
     A receiver hitch relies on a receiver cavity or tube securely mounted to the frame of a towing vehicle. The receiver is reinforced and provided with an aperture for receiving a trunnion. A trunnion may be secured into the receiver. On the trunnion may be mounted a hitch. The hitch may be a pin hitch or ball hitch, typically, but need not be limited thereto. 
     For recreational users, receiver-type hitches present several common problems. The more important problem may be the difficulty of attaching a greasy hitch to a vehicle and disattaching the same after use. Although receiver-type hitches are generally adaptable to receive various trunnions with various types of hitches, the very nature of a receiver hitch may make it problematic. If a trunnion is not removed after use, then a person may accidentally strike a shin or knee on the extending hitch or trunnion when no towed vehicle is attached. If the hitch is removed, it is cumbersome to move, requires some immediate storage place, and may be filthy with grease. Due to the weight of the hitch and trunnion assembly, a person removing the trunnion and hitch from a receiver is likely to soil clothing. 
     Another problem with many types of hitches is the adjustment of altitude of the hitch itself. Recreational users may have multiple towed vehicles. For example, a boat trailer, a snowmobile trailer, a utility hauling trailer, and the like may be manufactured at different and arbitrary hitch heights. Similarly, a hitch may be used on different vehicles having different heights. Accordingly, it may be advantageous to provide a hitch mount that may be mounted on any convenient mount, yet be easily adjustable, storable, secure, and so forth. 
     Thus, it would be an advance in the art to provide a hitch mount that can be stowed without projecting inconveniently far from the bumper, substantially within the envelope of a vehicle, or even without extending behind the bumper on certain embodiments. Ready access, and substantially weightless or self-supporting deployment of a hitch is extremely desirable as are adjustable height, stowaway positioning, and continual connection. 
     Along with an adjustment in altitude, it is common to use different sizes of ball hitches. Accordingly, selective stowage and presentation, selectivity of multiple sizes of ball hitches on a single mount, without having to use a wrench to replace the ball hitch, alone or in combination would be a benefit and convenience. 
     A ball hitch may be formed to have an integral stud acting as a bolt for securing the ball to a mounting location. A lightweight ball hitch may be hollow to receive a bolt therethrough from the top, in an axial direction. However, any penetration into a ball hitch will necessarily affect the strength of the penetrated member. Moreover, a ball hitch must have a neck of substantially smaller diameter than that of the ball itself. The difference in diameters permits the capturing element on a trailer tongue to secure the ball therein, while still being able to rotate in all necessary degrees of freedom while under way. 
     Meanwhile, a ball hitch has a load rating associated with the overall strength of the ball hitch, including the ball, the neck, and the stud securing the ball hitch to a mount on a vehicle. The strength of the neck or the stud may limit the load rating of a ball hitch. Thus, the neck must be smaller than the ball, yet cannot be too small. Similarly, the stud must be sufficiently large in diameter to provide sufficient strength. 
     If a conventional ball hitch were to be drilled to receive a stud or bolt of a size corresponding to the stud of a conventional hitch of that same size, the neck would be so weakened as to render the ball hitch unfit for service. In attempting to maintain strength, a balance simply does not exist for balancing a load rating of a ball, a neck, and a bolt penetrating into the neck. Only by welding a ball onto a mounting surface has one been able to provide multiple ball hitches on a mount otherwise lacking space or other geometric considerations necessary to accommodate the two corresponding studs. 
     Thus it would be an advance in the art to provide a set of ball hitches having sufficient design freedom to effectively always have a balance of strength capacity in the ball, neck (shank), flange, and stud of one hitch to support it properly at the load rating typical of a ball hitch of corresponding diameter. It would be a substantial improvement also to provide another ball hitch, in such a set, having a penetration, threads, pedestal (extended shank, axially extended flange), neck, and ball configured to mount opposite and matingly engaged with the stud of the first ball. 
     One may desire that the sizes and ratings of two ball hitches to be used together be different, yet that each ball hitch be adequately supported, with the support of loading in all portions or regions thereof (neck, ball, stud, etc.) reasonably balanced. Accordingly, it would be an advance in the art to provide a method for designing a ball hitch, or a set of ball hitches that could accommodate the load and geometric considerations that both balls will need to function at full, rated load, and all expected conditions. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a ball hitch system such as may be suitable for a receiver-type or other mounting system. The hitch system should be supportable on a conventional or novel mounting. 
     It is an also an object of the invention to provide a hitch system that is easily height adjustable and theft resistant. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide adjustment of the hitch in two degrees of freedom without the requirement of removing the hitch from the vehicle and with the use of no or relatively few tools. 
     It is an additional object of the invention to provide access to multiple levels of hitch height and multiple hitch sizes, such as ball diameters. It is a further object of the invention to provide an option to select among hitch heights, deployment and stowage options, and hitch sizes, without compromising the load capacity of any hitch option desired. 
     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. In certain embodiments an apparatus in accordance with the present invention may include a mount, which may be secured to a vehicle to be movable between a stowed and a deployed position. The mount may include a platform for supporting a hitch, and may be pivotable about more than one axis to present multiple ball hitches or to compact the mount and base when stowed. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a rear quarter, perspective view (with respect to the front-to-rear orientation of a vehicle) of one embodiment of a receiver-type hitch-mounting mechanism, in a deployed position, in accordance with the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a lower, rear quarter, perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in a stowed position; 
     FIG. 3 is a rear quarter, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention for implementing a hitch-mounting mechanism, in a stowed position; 
     FIG. 4 is a rear quarter, perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 3 in a deployed position; 
     FIG. 5 is a rear quarter, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a receiver-type hitch-mounting mechanism in accordance with the invention, in a stowed position; 
     FIG. 6 is a rear quarter, perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 in a deployed position; 
     FIG. 7 is a rear quarter, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a receiver-type hitch mounting mechanism, in accordance with the invention, in a deployed position; 
     FIG. 8 is a rear quarter, perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 7, in a stowed position; 
     FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a blind-threaded, pedestal-ball hitch apparatus in accordance with the invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a side, elevation view of a ball hitch in accordance with the invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a bottom, plan view of the hitch of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a side, elevation view of a pedestal-type ball hitch in accordance with the invention; 
     FIG. 13 is a bottom, plan view of the hitch of FIG. 12; 
     FIG. 14 is a rear-quarter perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus of FIGS. 1-2, in combination with a ball hitch assembly in accordance with FIGS. 9-13; 
     FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIGS. 3-4, implementing one embodiment of a hitch apparatus in accordance with FIGS. 9-13; 
     FIGS. 16-18 are perspective views of the apparatus of FIGS. 5-6 implementing various embodiments of the apparatus of FIGS. 9-12; 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a deployed configuration of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus mounting a double-hitch assembly using two axes for pivoting; 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 19 in a stowed configuration; 
     FIG. 21 is a rear quarter, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of FIGS. 5-6; 
     FIG. 22 is a rear quarter, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 21, in a deployed position; 
     FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a deployed configuration of one alternative embodiment of an apparatus relying on a pin or stud sliding in a slot to capture a pivoting mount, while a colinear row of pin apertures provide both height adjustment and stowage of a double-pivoting, two-axis, tow-hitch assembly; 
     FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 23 in a stowed configuration; and 
     FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a hitch system having studs in slots parallel to a row of pin apertures for height adjustment and stowage. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 25, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is as broad as claimed herein. The illustrations are merely representative of certain, presently preferred embodiments of the invention. Those presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will, of course, appreciate that various modifications to the details of the Figures may easily be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Thus, the following description of the Figures is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain presently preferred embodiments consistent with the invention as claimed. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, specifically, while also referring generally to FIGS. 1-25, an apparatus  10  or hitch mount  10  may be secured to a receiver or other suitable adapter of a towing vehicle. The apparatus  10  may include a trunnion  12  adapted to slidably fit within a receiver in a comparatively snug, supported, locked position. In general, a pin aperture  13  or simply an aperture  13  through the trunnion  12  may receive a pin (not shown) for locking the trunnion  12  with respect to a receiver (not shown). 
     The trunnion  12  of the apparatus  10  may define certain directions  14 - 24 . The directions  14 - 24  may also define, or be defined by, a vehicle orientation. A longitudinal direction  14  extends in the direction that the trunnion  12  will typically be oriented. A lateral direction  16  is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction  14 . The longitudinal direction  14  and lateral direction  16  define a substantially horizontal plane with respect to a vehicle on a level surface. Of course, all directions  14 - 24  may be aligned with an arbitrary set of reference directions. Accordingly, horizontal and vertical have meaning only by way of example, and not by way of limitation. 
     A transverse direction  18  is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction  14  and the lateral direction  16 . The transverse direction  18  and the longitudinal direction  14  may form or define a first vertical plane. The lateral direction  16  and transverse direction  18  may together define a different vertical plane orthogonal to the first. 
     With respect to each of the directions  14 ,  16 ,  18 , rotational directions  20 ,  22 ,  24 , respectively, may be useful in describing the apparatus  10 . A circumferential direction  20  may describe arcs formed with respect to an axis extending in the axis  14  or longitudinal direction  14 . The circumferential direction  22  may describe arcs formed about the lateral axis  16  or direction  16 . The circumferential direction  24  may describe arcs formed about the transverse axis  18  or direction  18 . As will be clear from the circumferential directions  20 ,  22 ,  24 , the directions  14 ,  16 ,  18  may alternatively be referred to as axes  14 ,  16 ,  18 , respectively. 
     A trunnion  12  may have a portion thereof defined as a base  26 . Alternatively, a base  26  may actually include a plate, bar, beam, or other structure for strengthening the trunnion  12 . Also, the base  26  may provide a means for attaching a pivot  28  to the trunnion  12 . The pivot  28  may be secured to the trunnion, may be independent therefrom, or may be a removable device  28 . In one embodiment, the pivot  28  is a pin  28  received in and through the base  26 . 
     A mount  30 , secured by the pivot  28 , is movable with respect to the base  26 . Typically, the mount  30  pivots about the base  26 , and about the pivot  28  in a circumferential direction  22 , in the embodiment of FIG.  1 . 
     For convenience, a pivot  28  may be left attached effectively permanently to the base  26 . Likewise, the pivot  28  may secure permanently the mount  30  to the base  26 . In one embodiment, the pivot  28  is removable, but may, as a practical matter, not need to be removed except perhaps to modify the mount  30 . 
     By leaving the mount  30  secured by the pivot  28  to the base  26 , a lock  32  may be easily engaged. The lock  32  may require alignment in a single direction, the circumferential direction  22  about a lateral direction  16 . By promoting and including tolerances suitable for easy alignment, the apparatus  10  may have a lock  32  represented by a single shaft, or the like, to fix the mount  30  with respect to the base  26 , and the pivot  28 . 
     A principal function of the mount  30  is to support a hitch  34 . The hitch  34  may be a ball-type hitch  34 . The hitch  34  is desirably attached opposite the receiver end  36  of the trunnion  12 , or vehicle end  36 , at the load end  38  or operational end  38 . 
     Referring to FIG. 2, while continuing to refer to FIG. 1, and more generally to FIGS. 1-25, a base  26  may be embodied in a block  40 . The block  40  may be drilled, machined, or otherwise worked to provide an aperture  42  or pivot aperture  42  therethrough in a direction  14 ,  16 ,  18 . In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture  42  extends in a lateral direction  16 . 
     A deployment aperture  44  or aperture  44  may extend in a direction parallel to that of the pivot aperture  42  in order to receive a lock  32  for securing the mount  30  in a deployed position. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 a stowage aperture  46  opposed to the deployment aperture  44  may receive a lock  32  or locking pin  48  therethrough to secure the mount  30  in a stowed position. 
     The lock  32  in certain embodiments may be little more than a pin  48 , and the pivot  28  may likewise be a suitably sized and fabricated pin  50 . The pins  48 ,  50  may be secured by a linchpin  52  or other type of keeper  54 , respectively. A nut, locknut, key, pin, clip, or other securement mechanism may serve the function of the linchpin  52  or keeper  54  in securing the pins  48 ,  50 . 
     In one embodiment, the pin  48  may have a head  56 . The head  56  may be integrally formed with the pin, or may be welded thereto, threaded thereon, or the like. In one embodiment, the pin  48  may be a monolithic piece of steel of suitable strength and toughness, with the head  56  integrally formed thereon. Similarly, the pivot  28 , embodied as a pin  50 , may include a head  58 . The heads  56 ,  58  preclude the pins  48 ,  50  from experiencing excessive motion in a lateral direction  16 , in their corresponding apertures,  42 ,  44 ,  46 . 
     A platform  60  may have an aperture (not shown) to act as a pin hitch point, or to receive a stud or bolt (not shown) securing the hitch  34  or ball hitch  34  to the platform  60 . The platform  60  may be secured to the mount  30 , or as part of the mount  30  by means of a fastener  62 , such as the weld  62  illustrated. 
     In one embodiment, a principal portion of the mount  30  may be formed as a beam  64 , or as a pair of beams  64 . To accommodate the geometry of the trunnion  12 , the pin aperture  13 , and so forth, in operation, as well as the receiver (not shown) that will receive the trunnion  12 , the beam  64  may have a corner  65 . Thus, the beam  64  may angle between the base  26  and the platform  60  at some suitable orientation. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the beams  64  have corners  65  formed at right angles. By contrast, the beam  64  in the embodiment of FIGS. 5-6 may be formed at a different angle. The angle of the corner  65  may be formed according to good engineering practice, and to improve the functionality of the beam  64  in pivoting the mount  30  about the base  26 , without interference with other portions of the apparatus  10 . 
     The hitch  34  may be a conventional ball hitch  34 . For example, the hitch  34  may have a base  66  formed to fit against the platform  60 . Extending above the base  66  may be an integral or fabricated shank  68 . The shank  68  in a forged hitch  34  is of the same homogeneous material as the ball  70 . In other embodiments, worked metals, such as hot- or cold-worked steel may be combined in a fabrication to make a base  66 , a shank  68 , and a ball  70 . Nevertheless, in one presently preferred embodiment, the base  66 , and shank  68  extending therefrom, and the ball  70  may be formed as a single integral (monolithic), uniform piece. 
     Typically, a ball  70  may have a flat  72  to provide clearance with a hitch of a towed vehicle. Thus, the load bearing member is supported in all three directions  14 ,  16 ,  18  by the ball  70 , itself. Accordingly, the ball also provides a pivot mechanism. Typically, a hitch  34  may be secured by a stud or bolt (not shown) mounted to the base  66  and secured by a nut  74  opposite the ball  70  through the platform  60 . In certain embodiments, a safety loop may receive a bolt or chain as required by law in some states, or a locking pin for orientation during fabrication. 
     Referring to FIGS. 3-4, while continuing to refer generally to FIGS. 1-25, the apparatus  10  may include a base  26  that is not rectangular. For example, the pivot  28  securing the mount  30  to the base  26  and trunnion  12 , may itself be cylindrical. The mount  30  may have a lock  32  that uses or relies upon a single deployment aperture  44 . For example, a stowage aperture  46 , may actually be identical to the deployment aperture  44 , but the orientation of the mount  30  about the pivot  28  changes between a deployed position (see FIG. 4) and a stowed position (see FIG.  3 ). 
     As illustrated, the hitch  34  may still be positioned selectively between a stowed position and a deployed position. The pivot  28 , however, may rely on a pin  50  having more functions in certain alternative embodiments. For example, the pin  50  may support the loads in all directions  14 - 24 . By contrast, the loading in the apparatus  10  of FIGS. 1-2 is somewhat more complex. 
     The concept of a linchpin  52  or keeper  54  may still be relied upon. Likewise, a head  58  on the pivot  28  (pivot pin  50  being a specific embodiment) may support a load in a transverse direction  18 , rather than providing retainage in a lateral direction  16 . Nevertheless, as a practical matter, the lock  32  may support loads in the transverse direction  18  depending upon the design of clearances between the head  58  and the cylinder  78  of the base  26 . Likewise the clearance between the lock  32  and the aperture  44  through the cylinder  78 , and the pin  50  may be significant. 
     The beam  64  may be monolithic, rather than multiple beams  64  of previously described embodiments. The beam  64  may include a corner  65  in order to orient the platform  60  suitably, while providing clearance for pivoting the hitch  34  between a stowed position (see FIG. 3) and a deployed position (see FIG.  4 ). The beam  64  may include a riser  80  or riser portion  80  angled at some interior angle  82  or exterior angle  83  with respect to the platform  60  (see FIG.  6 ). 
     For convenience, any of the pins  48 ,  50  may include a handle  86  for manipulation. When tolerances or clearances are tight, some rotation of a pin  48 ,  50  may be beneficial in order to remove or insert the pin  48 ,  50 . One additional point concerning the head  58 , of the pin  50  is that the head  58  may be either removable or integral. Since the locking pin  32  actually secures the position of the pivot  50 , no great risk is presented by the head  58  being threaded or otherwise secured to the pin  50 , rather than being secured monolithically. Thus, the pin  50  may be replaceable by one of different length (e.g. height) to provide a desired offset  88  in various embodiments of the apparatus  10  manufactured or sold. 
     Referring to FIGS. 5-6, while continuing to refer generally to FIGS. 1-25, an apparatus  10  having a trunnion  12  mounted to a base  26  securing a pivot  28  rotatable about a transverse axis  18  in a circumferential direction  24  may rely on a lock  32 . The lock  32  may secure the pivot  28  between a stowed position (see FIG. 5) and a deployed position (see FIG.  6 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the pin  50  forms a principal element  50  of the pivot  28 , in conjunction with the cylinder  78  forming the principal portion of the base  26 , the mount  30  may include an additional or second pivot  90 . In this embodiment, a more compact profile may position the hitch  34  higher, with respect to the trunnion  12  and base  28 , providing more ground clearance between the mount  30 , and the ground. 
     In this alternative embodiment, a fastener  62 , such as a weld  62 , may secure the pivot  90 . The pivot  90  may include a housing  94  receiving a pin  96  therethrough to pivot. The pin  96  may be retained by a keeper  92  such as a lock ring  92 , as illustrated, or the like. Again, the keeper  92  may secure the pin  96  against excessive movement, or escape from the housing  94 . Nevertheless, during actual deployment, the security and load bearing to maintain the pin  96  in position are actually the responsibility of the second pin  110  kept in place by a linchpin  112  or other keeper  112 . Bolts, pins, latches, and other fastening mechanisms may substitute for any of the locks  32 . Nevertheless, as a practical matter, pins  48 ,  110  as well as the pivot pins  58 ,  96 , may be fashioned in any manner suitable for efficient manufacture and function. 
     In one embodiment, the aperture  97  may extend through the housing  94 , and the pin  96 , at a single location. Nevertheless, in the embodiment of FIGS. 5-6, the aperture  97  may extend through the pin  96  along mutually orthogonal axis therethrough. Accordingly, the pin  96  may be rotated between a position of deployment with a first ball  70  up and useable, and a second deployed position with a second ball  100  up and useable. 
     In one embodiment, the pivot  28  may rotate the mount  30  to position the ball  70  directly under the trunnion  12  in a stowed position. In an alternative embodiment, the aperture  97 , may actually comprise two apertures, positioned at angles substantially orthogonal to one another, through the pin  96 . Thus, the mount  30  may be rotated at right angles along a longitudinal axis  14 , and locked there by the pin  110 . Thereafter, the mount  30  may be rotated about a transverse axis  18  of the pin  50 , to position the mount  30  under the trunnion  12 . Thus, the movement of the mount  30  between a deployed position and a stowed position may include two rotations or pivots and two locks  32 ,  110 . 
     One may note that a height or offset  88  characterizing a distance between a platform  60  and a trunnion  12 , may be selected in any embodiment of a hitch. However, in certain embodiments, an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention may provide an offset  102  between the trunnion and the platform  60 , or an offset  104  between some dimension or center of the pin  96  and the platform  60 . Thus, the offset  104  may be reversed by rotation of the pin  96 , placing the ball  100  in the upper position with the hitch  34  in the lower position. Thus, the offset  104  may actually be reversed by a rotation on the pin  96 . If the ball  70  and the ball  100  are of different sizes, alternative hitches may be mounted on the same mount  30 . If the balls  70 ,  100  are of identical size, the rotation of the pivot  96  may provide an elevation difference. Thus, both elevation and hitch size may be selectively varied by a user. 
     A mount  30  pivotably secured to a base  26  portion of a trunnion  12 , may support a platform  60 . The platform  60  may receive a bolt or stud for securing thereto a hitch  34 , such as a ball  70 ,  100 . In certain embodiments, a beam  64  may be formed as part of the mount  30 , in order to provide both the pivoting function and the attachment to the base  26 , simultaneously with attachment to the hitch. The apparatus may include one or more pins  48 ,  50 ,  96 ,  110  for pivoting the mount  30  with respect to the base  26 , and portions of the mount  30  with respect to other portions of the mount  30 , in order to selectively stow and deploy the hitch  34 . In selected embodiments, additional pivots within the mount mechanism may provide virtually instantly adjustable height of the hitch, without a need for a user to separate load-bearing members of the apparatus  10  from one another. Likewise, a user need not support any substantial portion of the weight of the hitch system  10  in order to selectively deploy and stow, or to selectively position the hitch  34 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 7-8, while continuing to refer generally to FIGS. 1-25, an apparatus  10  having a trunnion  12  supports a pivot  28  rotatable about a transverse axis  18  in a circumferential direction  24 . A lock  32  may secure the pivot  28  between a stowed position and a deployed position. The pin  50  or pivot  50  supports rotation with respect to the trunnion  12 . 
     In this embodiment, a fastener  62 , such as a weld  62 , may secure a variety of a pivot  90  including a housing  94  with a pin  96  for locking. The pin  96  may be retained as discussed hereinbefore, against excessive movement or escape. Similarly, deployment security and load bearing rely on the second pin  110 , secured by a linchpin  112  or other keeper  112 . Again, bolts, pins, latches, and other fasteners may substitute. 
     The aperture  97  may extend through the housing  94 , and the pin  96 , at a single location. In the configuration illustrated, the pin  96  may rotate a mounting block  120  between several positions of deployment. For example, the block  120  may present a first ball  70  oriented to protrude up for use. Alternatively, a second deployment position may present a second ball  100 . Similarly a third ball  122 , or more, may secure to one or more apertures  124  in the block  120 . 
     In one embodiment, the pivot  28  may rotate the block portion  120  of the mount  30  to position the hitches such as balls  70 ,  100 ,  120  directly under the trunnion  12  in a stowed position. The size and geometry of the pin  50  may be configured to provide a distance  126  or clearance  126  for accepting the block  120  with or without a ball therebetween. 
     The aperture  97 , need only comprise two apertures  97 , or one for each pair of positions (hitches) provided. Thus, the mount  30  may be rotated at right angles along a longitudinal axis  14 , and locked there by the pin  110 . Rotating about a transverse axis  18  of the pin  50  positions the mount  30  under the trunnion  12 . As with the simpler version, movement between a deployed position and a plurality of stowed positions may be accomplished by only two rotations and two locks  32 ,  110 . 
     In the embodiment of FIGS. 7-8, the block  120  need not be symmetrical. Thus, offsets  102 ,  104 , or the like may be built into any dimension of the block  120  to provide various heights for balls  70 ,  100 ,  122 . Balls  70 ,  100 ,  122  may be of different sizes, positioned at different heights, or both. That is, balls  70 ,  100 ,  122  of different sizes may be pivoted into position selectively. Alternatively, offsets  102 ,  104  may position balls  70 ,  100 ,  122  at different heights. Alternatively, certain of the balls  70 ,  100 ,  122  may be of identical size, others of different sizes, with all positionable by rotation of the pin  96  to provide the predetermined choice of ball  70 ,  100 ,  122  and height selected by a user. 
     Referring to FIG. 9, a system  130  or apparatus  130  may include a first ball hitch  132 , having a ball  134  forged with, or otherwise secured to, a neck  136 . Opposite the ball  134  and connected to the neck  136  is a flange  138  or base  138 . A flat shoulder  140  is formed on the flange  138  to orient and support the base  138  on a supporting surface. 
     Referring to FIG. 9, while also referring generally to FIGS. 9-25, a ball hitch  132  may include a flat  141  configured to receive a wrench for preventing turning of the ball hitch  132  during securement to a supporting surface. Also, a flat  142  on the ball  134  may provide space for a label identifying the load rating and other significant information about the ball hitch  132 . 
     A stud  144  may typically be integrally formed with the ball  134 , neck  136  (shank  136 ), and flange  138  or base  138 . The stud  144  may secure the ball hitch  132  to a suitable platform  60  for towing. The stud  144  may have threads  146  on a shaft  148 . In certain embodiments, the shaft  148  and neck  136  may be of approximately the same size in order to provide equal strength and to reduce stress concentrations that occur with substantial changes in cross section. 
     A pedestal height  150  in a second ball hitch  152  appears over-sized in contrast to the base  138 . The base  138  acts primarily to register the ball hitch  132  and stud  144  with respect to a supporting mount, while also supporting a loading couple occasioned by radial loads on the ball  134 . The ball hitch  152  includes a ball  154  secured, forged, or otherwise rendered integral with a neck  156  and pedestal  158 . The ball  154 , shank  156 , and pedestal  158  are supported by a shoulder  160  adapted to fit against a mounting surface of a suitable mount (e.g. platform  60 ) for holding the first ball hitch  132  and second ball hitch  152  bolted together by the stud  144 . The shoulder  160  supports axial and bending loading on the ball hitch  152 . 
     A wrench flat  161  on the pedestal  158  is sized and shaped to receive a wrench for preventing rotation of the ball hitch  152  in a circumferential direction during installation or removal from a platform  60 . Also, a flat  162  for a label may be imprinted with a load rating or other significant information associated with the ball hitch  152 . 
     Unlike the flange  138 , or base  138 , of the ball hitch  132 , the pedestal  158  does not have a stud  144  formed to receive a nut for securement to a mount. Instead, the pedestal  158  is formed to have a length  150  for receiving a substantial portion of the threads  146  of the stud  144 . Accordingly, an aperture  164  having threads  166  matable to the threads  146  of the stud  144  acts as a nut to receive the stud  144 . 
     The pedestal  158  is formed to have a cross-sectional area effective to support the stresses imposed by engagement of the threads  146 ,  166 . The cross-sectional area of the pedestal  158  is sufficient to distribute stresses between the stud  144  and the neck  156 , or shank  156 , without radical changes in axial cross-sectional area. For example, the neck  156  cannot simply be bored to receive threads  166  directly. Such an undermining of the neck  156  severely restricts the load rating for which the ball  154  could be rated. 
     Instead, the continuity of material and stress distributions extends from the shank  136  through the shaft  148  and stud  144  to the pedestal  158  and neck  156 . Thus, the ball hitch  132  and the hitch  152  may be supported at their full rated load, as if each were a single ball hitch having its own original rating in accordance with its size and conventional standard. 
     Referring to FIGS. 10-13, while continuing to refer generally to FIGS. 9-25, a diameter  170  of a ball  134  is sized to support a towing load on a shank  136 . The ball  134  provides securement against removal of a trailer hitch from the ball  134 . Accordingly, the diameter  170  of the ball  134  will exceed the diameter  172  of the shank  136  by a substantial difference selected to provide securement of a trailer hitch thereto. The diametral difference provides a full range of motion, for a trailer hitch second thereto, in all significant appropriate circumferential directions about the ball  134 . 
     For stress distribution, a top radius  173  transitions between the neck  136  and the ball  134 . Similarly, a bottom radius  174  transitions between the diameter  172  of the neck  136  and the base  138 . The height  178  of the base  138  need primarily be sufficient to provide sufficient distribution of stress from the interface between the base  138  and the shaft  148 , under the loading of the threads  146 , along with resistance of any radial bending forces from the couple occasioned by radial loads applied to the ball  134 . 
     A height  180  of the hitch  132  is taken by the ball  134 , neck  136  and base  138  as well as a length  182  of the stud  144 . In selected embodiments, a length  184  of threads  146  may be selected to accommodate an unthreaded portion of the shaft  148  at a full diameter  185  as much for providing a snug fit in a receiving aperture as providing a full support of an axial load thereon from the threads  146 . 
     A length  186  of a bare portion of the shaft  148  should typically be sufficient to prevent combinations of stress risers (stress concentration factors) near the junction of the shaft  148  and the base  138 . Thus, for manufacturing and performance reasons, the threads  146  should typically not extend to the base  138 . A chamfer  187  at the end of the threads  146  provides easy piloting or starting for the stud  144 . 
     A height  188  to the center of the ball  134  may be selected to provide sufficient distance in the straight rise  175  and overall neck rise  176  to accommodate clearance by a connected trailer hitch (not shown). A height  188  to the center of the ball  134 , together with the diameter  172  of the neck  136  together determine the maximum stress on the outermost fiber of the neck  136  in response to radial loading on the ball  134  due to towing loads. A width  189  of a wrench flat  141 ,  161  may be selected in order to minimize any resulting increase in stress within the base, while still providing ready accommodation for a wrench of reasonable size. 
     In general, a second ball  154  having a diameter  190 , may transition to a diameter  192  of a neck  156  selected for strength and for appropriate motion of a trailer hitch to be secured thereto. A top radius  193  may be selected to minimize any stress concentrations, while a bottom radius  194  may be suitably formed to minimize stress concentration factors as well as to transition to the pedestal  158 . The neck  156  may pass through a rise  195  at a single diameter  192  between the top radius  193  and bottom radius  194 . In selected embodiments, a diameter  192  of the neck  156  may be substantially the same as the diameter  185  of the shaft  148 . 
     The significance of the aperture or bore  164  is dominated by the importance of the pedestal  158 . A transition region  198  between the bulk of the pedestal  158 , and the neck  156  provides support for bending loads imposed by radial forces acting on the ball  154 . Likewise, any circumferential forces may be supported thereby. However, as a practical matter, the principal loading of the pedestal  158  and neck  156  will be due to bending stresses from radial loads forward and backward with respect to a vehicle, as a trailed vehicle (trailer) pushes and pulls during transport. 
     In one embodiment, the transition region  198  may be sized and shaped to minimize stresses associated therewith. Accordingly, the aperture or bore  164  may be sized occupy a minimum amount, or any reasonable amount, comparatively speaking, of the overall height  200  of the hitch  152 . Meanwhile, the diameter of the pedestal  158  may be sized to accommodate sufficient material to support the neck  156  and transition region  198  while minimizing the stress concentrations or other effects imposed on the neck  156  and on the pedestal  158  by the material lacking in the aperture or bore  164 . 
     The length  204  of the thread  166  may occupy the entire aperture or bore  164 . However, the theory of thread failure to which the stud  144  and the aperture  164  are designed may govern the length  204  of threads  166 . In the illustrated embodiment, the length  204  of the threads  166  may be equal to the length  204  of the aperture or bore  164 . However, the aperture or bore  164  does not extend into the neck  156 . 
     The diameter  205  of the aperture or bore  164  may be selected to accommodate the type of thread  166  chosen. Threads may be fine or coarse, comparatively, and the amount of material to be cut from a thread  166  will also affect the overall diameter  205  before and after threading. The height  208  of the center of the ball  154  may be governed by clearance considerations and loading required for the neck  156 . Similarly, a width  209  by which the flats  161  are spaced will determine the size of wrench required to hold the pedestal  158  during installation on a supporting mount. 
     Referring to FIG. 14, while continuing to refer generally to FIGS. 9-25, a ball hitch  132  may be fitted to a ball hitch  152  in accordance with a system  130  of the invention. Additional apertures  46  may accommodate the clearances required for the ball  154  or the ball  134  to clear the trunnion  12 . 
     Referring to FIG. 15, the embodiment of FIGS. 3-4 can accommodate a ball hitch  132  and ball hitch  152  in accordance with the invention. The riser  80  may be selected to be of a size sufficient to provide the proper clearance with respect to the trunnion  12  and mount or platform  60 . Referring to FIGS. 16-18, a system  130  containing a first ball hitch  132  and a second ball hitch  152 , in accordance with the invention, may be secured in various manners. For example, the system  130  may be made without flats  161  on either ball hitch  132 ,  152 . 
     Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 17, a pair of flats  161  may be formed on opposite sides of the pedestal  158 , and on opposite sides of the base  138 . In one embodiment, the entire pedestal  158  may actually be formed in the shape of a nut having multiple sets of opposed flats  161  for engaging a wrench. Also, the pedestal  158  may be located above or below any particular mount or platform  60 . Thus, the overall height (e.g. from ground) of a particular ball  132 ,  152  may be affected by a combination of the rotation of the pin  96 , as well as the positioning of the respective ball hitches  132 ,  152  on the mount or platform  60 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 19-20, while referring generally to FIGS. 19-25, one embodiment of a system for a hitch mount  10  in accordance with the invention may provide a much more compact stowed configuration when viewed with respect to the transverse axis  18 , or in a transverse direction  18 . In the illustrated embodiment, a block  40  may be perforated by several apertures  44 . The apertures  44  are designed to receive locking pins  48  . The beams  64  may take various positions, with various of the apertures  44  serving to receive locking pins  48 . A single locking pin  48  extending through apertures  222  of the side beams  64  and apertures  44  of the base  26  may permit the mount  30  to pivot thereabout. The insertion of a second locking pin  48  through apertures  222  of the side beams  64  and apertures  44  of the base  26  may, then, fix the position of the mount  30  relative to the base  26 . In certain embodiments, more than two apertures  222  in the beams  64  may provide additional options for pivoting, locking, and so forth. 
     In certain embodiments, the platform  60  may be rigid or rotatable within the beams  64 . In one embodiment, the platform  60  may be rigidly secured by an appropriate fastener, such as by welding, to the beams  64 , making an integral mount  30 . The mount  30  pivots around a select one of the pins  48  between a deployed position (see FIG.  19 ), and a stowed position (see FIG.  20 ). Thus, the beam  64  may pivot between a deployed position and a stowed position. 
     Moreover, the beams  64  may have additional apertures  224 ,  226  for receiving a pin  228  configured to selectively lock a turntable  230 . In the example of FIGS. 19-25, the turntable  230  is secured to rotate about a longitudinal axis  14  in a circumferential direction  20 , supported by a pin  232  extending longitudinally  14  through the platform  60 . A suitable system of linchpins  52 , or other keepers  54  may secure the pins  232  in the platform  60 . 
     As a result of the rotational degree of freedom added by the turntable  230 , the ball hitches  132 ,  152  may be secured to rest against flats  234  formed in the turntable  230 . The ball hitches  132 ,  152  may be secured by any suitable means, and may include a lock washer  236  for securement against unthreading due to vibration during travel. 
     Multiple apertures  266 ,  268  may not be necessary. However, in the illustrated embodiment, in order to improve the structural integrity of the pin  232 , one aperture  266  serves to receive the pin  270  in a deployed position of the turntable  230 , while a second aperture  226  serves to receive the pin  228  when the turntable  230  has been rotated to a stowable or stowed position. By maintaining multiple apertures  224 ,  226 , which may be oriented in any suitable direction within the platform  60  (e.g. vertical, horizontal, etc.), the mass of the pin  232  is maintained, providing additional support for the towing load. 
     Referring to FIGS. 21-22, an embodiment similar to that of FIGS. 3-4 may include a detent  240 , a longer shaft  50  or pin  50  about which the platform  60  pivots. The head  58  may be secured to support the hitch weight of a trailer. Thus, the pin  48  is not required in order to support the tongue weight during hitching and unhitching a trailer. 
     By removal of the pin  48  temporarily, the pin  50  or shaft  50  is free to rotate with respect to the cylinder  78 . Thus, a comparatively small misalignment between the ball  70  and a hitch on a trailer tongue may be accommodated by swinging the platform  60  laterally  16 . With the detents  240 , on either the shaft  50  or the cylinder  78 , and an appropriate recess  242  on the other, the pin or shaft  50  will be self registering at either the stowed position under the trunnion  12 , or the deployed position behind the trunnion and towing vehicle frame. 
     Accordingly, whenever a user drives the towing vehicle forward, the longitudinal  14  pull of the trailer will draw the platform  60  and ball  70  toward the rear of the apparatus  10 . Meanwhile, the trailer tongue weight will urge the ball  70  downward in a transverse direction  18 . Upon registration of the detent  240  and recess  242 , the tongue weight of the trailer will urge the detent  240  to engage the recess  242 , positioning and fixing the platform  60  and ball  70 , ready to be secured by the pin  48  through one of the apertures  244  at an appropriate, selected height. 
     Alternatively, a detent  240  may be provided in association with a cylinder  78  and pivot  28 , of the system of FIGS. 5-6. Also, the turntable  230  of FIGS. 19-20 may be pivoted on the pivot shaft  96  (pin  96 ) of the apparatus  10  of FIGS. 5-6, providing several features in a different combination. Likewise, the housing  94  may be set at the lower end of a pin or shaft  50  in the apparatus of FIGS. 21-22. 
     Referring to FIG. 23, while referring generally to FIGS. 19-25, one embodiment of a system  250  in accordance with the invention may provide a much more readily adjustable and theft resistant configuration. A system  250  or hitch mount  250  may be secured to a receiver or other suitable adapter of a towing vehicle. The apparatus  250  may include a trunnion  12  adapted to slidably fit within a receiver or other suitable adapter in a comparatively snug, supported, locked position. In general, a pin aperture (not shown) or simply an aperture through the trunnion  12  may receive a pin for locking the trunnion  12  with respect to a receiver. The receiver is, however, optional. In fact, a system  250  may be connected to a vehicle via any suitable adapter or structural member of a vehicle. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a system  250  may include a block  252  that is perforated by several apertures  254  having substantially equal diameters. The apertures  254  typically form a row of apertures  254  that extend in a transverse direction  18  along the longitudinal extent of the block  252 . The apertures  254  are configured to receive a pin  256 , which may function as a locking pin  256 . The block  252  also includes slots  258  extending in a transverse direction  18  along opposing faces of the block  252  in substantial alignment with the row of apertures  254 . The slots  258  typically extend in a longitudinal direction  14  a distance substantially equal to the diameter of the apertures  254  and in a lateral direction  16  a distance sufficient to enable slidable engagement of the slots  258  with pivot pins  260 . 
     In the depicted embodiment, the pivot pins  260  extend through the beams  262  and into the slots  258  but do not enter the apertures  254 . Typically, the pivot pins  260  are rigidly fastened or attached to the beams  262 , which permits the pivot pins  260  to slidably engage the slots  258 . Thus, as the pivot pins  260  move along the slots  258 , the beams  262  move freely along the slots  258  in a substantially transverse direction  18 . The beams  262  may be locked into a fixed position with respect to the slots  258 , in the depicted embodiment, by placing a locking pin  256  through the apertures  254  and apertures  264 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 21-22, in certain embodiments, a platform  263  may be rigid or rotatable within the beams  262 . In one embodiment, the platform  263  may be rigidly secured by an appropriate fastener, such as by welding, to the beams  262 , making an integral mount  261 . The mount  261  pivots around the pivot pins  260  between a deployed position and a stowed position. Thus, the beams  262  may pivot between a deployed position and a stowed position. The mount  261  pivots around the pivot pins  260  in a manner substantially similar to the mount  30  as described in connection with FIGS. 19-20. 
     Moreover, the beams  262  may have additional apertures  266 ,  268  for receiving a pin  270  configured to selectively lock a turntable  272 . In the example of FIGS. 23-25, the turntable  272  is secured to rotate about a longitudinal axis  14  in a circumferential direction  20 , supported by a pin  274  extending longitudinally  14  through the platform  263 . A suitable system of linchpins  52 , or other keepers  54  may secure the pins  274  in the platform  263 . 
     As a result of the rotational degree of freedom added by the turntable  272 , the ball hitches  132 ,  152  may be secured to rest against flats  278  formed in the turntable  272 . The ball hitches  132 ,  152  may be secured by any suitable means, and may include a lock washer  280  for securement against unthreading due to vibration during travel. 
     Multiple apertures  266 ,  268  may not be necessary. However, in the illustrated embodiment, in order to improve the structural integrity of the pin  274 , one aperture  268  serves to receive the pin  270  in a deployed position of the turntable  272 , while a second aperture  266  serves to receive the pin  270  when the turntable  272  has been rotated to a stowable or stowed position. By maintaining multiple apertures  266 ,  268 , which may be oriented in any suitable direction within the platform  263  (e.g. vertical, horizontal, etc.), the mass of the pin  274  is maintained, providing additional support for the towing load. 
     Thus, in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 23-25, the ball hitches  132 ,  152  may be rotated a longitudinal axis  14  in a circumferential direction  20  among a first deployed position in which the ball hitch  152  is presented for engagement with a trailer, a second deployed position in which ball hitch  132  is presented for engagement with a trailer, and stowable position in which ball hitches  132 ,  152  are substantially aligned in the plane formed by the longitudinal direction  14  and the lateral direction  16 . Once the ball hitches  132 ,  152  are placed in the stowable position, the beams  262  may be pivoted between the deployed position (see FIG. 23) and the stowed position (see FIG.  24 ). 
     A system  250  may alternatively be configured with a single ball hitch  34  or a conventional ball hitch  34 . The hitch  34  may be connected to the platform  263  of a mount  261 . The hitch  34  of the embodiments depicted may be substantially similar in all material respects to the hitch  34  described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. In certain embodiments, the configuration of a single ball hitch  34  permits the beams  262  to be pivoted between a deployed position and a stowed position without removal or adjustment of the single ball hitch  34 . 
     Once the beams  262  and the ball hitches  132 ,  152  are placed in the stowed position, the system  250  fits substantially within the envelope of the vehicle to which the system  250  is attached. 
     The beams  262  may take various positions, with various of the apertures  254  serving to receive one or more locking pins  256 . In certain embodiments, more than two. apertures  264  in the beams  262  may provide additional options for pivoting, locking, and so forth. 
     Referring now to FIG. 25, an alternative embodiment of a system  250  may include a block  252  that is perforated by a row of several apertures  254  having substantially equal diameters and extending in a substantially transverse direction  18  along the longitudinal extent of the block  252 . The apertures  254  are configured to receive a locking pin  256 . The block  252  of the depicted embodiment also includes slots  258  extending in a substantially transverse direction  18  along opposing faces of the block. In the embodiment of FIG. 25, the slots  258  are preferably offset an arbitrarily selectable distance  282  from the row of apertures  254 . Moreover, the slots  258  preferably run parallel to the row of apertures  254 . The offsetting of the slots  258  from the row of apertures  254  serves to increase the section modulus of the block  252 , which correspondingly increases the load strength and capacity of the block  252 . 
     The block  252  may also include a locking aperture  284 , which is preferably located in substantial alignment with the slots  258 . The beams  262  and mount  261  may be pivoted into the stowed position and may be locked in the stowed position by passing a locking pin  256  through a beam aperture  264  and the locking aperture  284 . 
     In substantially similar fashion to the embodiment of the system  250  depicted in FIGS. 23-24, the slots  258  are preferably in slidable engagement with pivot pins  260 . The slots  258  of the embodiment of FIG. 25 may extend in a longitudinal direction  14  and in a lateral direction  16  a sufficient distance to accommodate pivot pins  260  of suitable size and strength. 
     In the depicted embodiment, the pivot pins  260  extend through and are rigidly connected to the beams  262 . The pivot pins  260  also extend into the slots  258  such that the pivot pins  260  are in slidable engagement with the slots  258 . Thus, the pivot pins  260  may move along the slots  258  in a substantially transverse direction  18  thereby moving the beams  262  in a substantially transverse direction  18 . The beams  262  may be locked into a fixed position with respect to the slots  258 , in the depicted embodiment, by placing a locking pin  256  through the apertures  254  and apertures  264 . 
     The embodiment of the system  250  shown in FIG. 25 may include a mount  261  substantially as described in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 23-24. The depicted embodiment may also alternatively employ double ball hitches  132 ,  152  or may employ a single ball hitch  34 . 
     From the above discussion, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides a pivoting, underslung, stowaway hitch mount that is theft resistant, because the parts of the mount are permanently attached to one another, yet the invention may be compactly stowed out of the way. The present invention also provides for adjustment in two degrees of freedom without release from the receiver or the structural member of the vehicle to which the hitch mount is attached. The present invention further provides for adjustment with the aid of relatively few or no tools. 
     It will also be appreciated that the present invention provides a double ball system that supports the full rated load for each ball size, as if the ball were a conventional hitch ball. A pedestal provides a strong region for receiving a threaded stud from another ball, without compromising the neck supporting the ball itself. The double ball system may be installed on a conventional mount, providing a ready replacement of one size with another without any need for storage elsewhere. Alternatively, the double ball hitch may be secured to a stowaway mount, selected from several available in accordance with the invention. Profiles and clearances may be optimized by a combination of several pivoting members used selectively for stowage and deployment. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.