Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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WEIGHT DISTRIBUTING HITCH ~,
Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to the trailer
towing field and, more particularly, to a new and improved weight
distributing hitch assembly and method of adjusting the tilt angle
of the ball mount head on the hitch assembly bar of such an
assembly.
Background of the Invention
Hitch assemblies for evenly distributing the tongue
weight of a trailer over the front and rear wheels of a towing
vehicle are well known in the art. Present state of the art
designs for round bar weight distributing hitch assemblies include
a hitch bar, for mounting in the receiver box of a hitch receiver
connected to the vehicle, and a ball mount head. The ball mount
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head is fabricated from parallel top and bottom plates welded to a
yoke for receiving the mounting rack of the hitch bar. Two tubes
are welded between the top and bottom plates. Holes are provided
in the tubes for spring loaded pins adapted to retain the round
spring bars in position. The angular adjustment of the ball mount
head is made by stacking washers on a locating pin between the ball
mount head and the hitch bar mounting rack. Reese Products, Inc.,
product numbers 61200, 61202 and 61204 are representative of weight
distributing hitch assemblies of the type just described.
While such a weight distributing hitch assembly is effective
in evenly distributing weight between the front and rear wheels of
a towing vehicle, installation and adjustment of the hitch assembly
is presently somewhat time consuming and inconvenient.
Specifically, the adjustment of this prior art design requires that
the spring bars and associated hardware be removed and that washers
be added or removed from the locating pin. The spring bars and
hardware must then be reinstalled.
It should also be appreciated that in prior art designs
the spring bar retainer pins are held in place by a flat spring.
This flat spring may become overstressed with repeated removal and
reinstallation of the spring bars. Further, when bent, the flat
spring must be replaced. As the flat spring is fastened in place
with a drive screw, the screw must be pried or drilled out to
replace the spring. Again, this represents a significant
inconvenience and an added repair expense to the operator.
Accordingly, a need is identified for a weight
distributing hitch assembly of improved design that is more
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convenient to adjust and install and that secures the spring bars
in position with greater reliability over a longer service life.
Summary of the Invention
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present
invention to provide a weight distributing hitch assembly of
improved design especially adapted for towing a trailer behind a
vehicle.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a
weight distributing hitch assembly incorporating a unique eccentric
adjustment mechanism that allows the tilt angle between the ball
mount head and hitch bar of the hitch assembly to be selectively
adjusted as required to properly distribute the tongue weight of
the trailer equally over the front and rear wheels of the towing
vehicle.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide
a method for distributing the tongue weight of the trailer evenly
over the front and rear wheels of the towing vehicle wherein the
tilt angle of the ball mount head on the hitch bar may be
selectively adjusted in a relatively simple and convenient manner
without requiring the removal of the spring bars or other hardware.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a
weight distributing hitch assembly wherein a unique spring bar
retainer is provided for holding the spring bars in position in the
ball mount head. Advantageously, the retainer provides quick and
convenient visual confirmation of the securing of the spring bars
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in position.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide
a weight distributing hitch assembly including a spring bar
retainer of integral, one-piece design including a pair of
squeeze grips, a pair of mounting tabs for engaging in
cooperating mounting holes in the ball mount head and a pair
of intermediate leg sections for engaging in grooves of the
spring bars to hold the spring bars in position. Such a
retainer is particularly easy to use and always maintained
in ready position on the ball mount head to secure the
spring bars in position.
Additional objects, 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.
According to a broad aspect of the invention,
there is provided a weight distributing hitch assembly for
towing a trailer behind a vehicle, comprising: a hitch bar
for mounting to the vehicle; a ball mount head for mounting
on the hitch bar at a selected tilt angle; spring bar means
for distributing weight of the trailer relative to the
vehicle; adjustment means for selectively adjusting the tilt
angle of said ball mount head relative to said hitch bar;
means for fixing said adjustment means relative to one of
said hitch bar and said ball mount head; a cooperating stop
fixed to the other of said hitch bar and said ball mount
head; and said adjustment means being_characterized by an
eccentric member having (1) a cam surface for engaging said
cooperating stop on the other of said hitch bar and said
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ball mount head in order to provide a fixed relationship
between said hitch bar and said ball mount head and (2) a
pair of spaced, off-center apertures, said fixing means
being selectively received through one of said off-center
apertures whereby it is possible to provide the selected
tilt angle of said ball mount head on said hitch bar for
desired distribution of the tongue weight of the trailer.
According to another broad aspect of the
invention, there is provided a weight distributing hitch
assembly for towing a trailer behind a vehicle, comprising:
a hitch bar for mounting to the vehicle; a ball mount head
for mounting on the hitch bar at a selected tilt angle; an
eccentric washer fixable to one of said hitch bar and said
' ball mount head and having a plurality of cam faces for
engaging the other of said hitch bar and said ball mount
head whereby selective positioning of said washer allows
adjustment of the angle between the ball mount head and the
hitch bar, said washer including more than one opening
therein for receiving one of a mounting bolt and a pin
thereby effectively increasing the number of selected angles
between the ball mount head and the hitch bar.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in
accordance with the purposes of the present invention as
described herein, an improved weight distributing hitch
assembly is provided for towing a trailer behind a vehicle.
The weight distributing hitch assembly includes a hitch bar
of a type known in the art for mounting to the towing
vehicle. More specifically, the hitch bar includes a
mounting post that is received in the receiver box of a
hitch receiver of the type known in the art that is secured
to the frame of the towing vehicle in a known manner.
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The weight distributing hitch assembly also includes a
ball mount head for mounting on the distal or head receiving end of
the hitch bar at a selected tilt angle. Further, a pair of spring
bars are received in cooperating apertures in the ball mount head.
As is known in the art and described in greater detail below, these
spring bars are particularly adapted for distributing the tongue
weight of the tailer relative to the front and rear wheels of the
towing vehicle.
Additionally, in accordance with an important aspect of
the present invention, the weight distributing hitch assembly
includes an eccentric adjustment means or element fixed to either
the hitch bar or the ball mount head. The eccentric adjustment
element has a cam face for engaging the other of the hitch bar or
ball mount head whereby selective positioning of the eccentric
adjustment element allows selective adjustment of the tilt angle of
the ball mount head to aid in proper distribution of the tongue
weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle. Advantageously, by
adjusting the ball mount head to the proper tilt angle and properly
securing the spring bars to the trailer, the trailer tongue weight
or load may be more evenly distributed between the front and rear
wheels of the vehicle to provide a more level, stable ride for
better vehicle control during vehicle operation.
More preferably, the eccentric adjustment means comprises
an eccentric washer and means such as a bolt and cooperating nut
for fastening the washer to either the hitch bar or the ball mount
assembly. Preferably, the washer is six-sided to provide six
adjustment positions. Advantageously, each side is of sufficient
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length to provide secure engagement with the other of the hitch bar
or ball mount head so as to secure the ball mount head at the
selected tilt angle and substantially eliminate any possibility of
slipping. Still more preferably, the eccentric adjustment
mechanism includes a pair of eccentric washers, one on each of the
two sides of the hitch bar and the ball mount head.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, each spring bar of the present assembly includes a
proximal end for receipt in a cooperating aperture in the ball
mount head. Each proximal end includes a groove in the end. A
spring bar retainer fixed to the ball mount head is positionable in
the groove of each spring bar to hold the spring bar in position
relative to the ball mount head. Preferably, the spring bar
retainer is of one-piece, integral construction and includes a pair
of squeeze grips, a pair of mounting tabs for engaging in
cooperating holes in the ball mount head and a pair of intermediate
leg sections for engaging the grooves of the spring bars. Such a
spring bar retainer may, for example, be formed from a single piece
of spring steel.
Advantageously, such a spring bar retainer is maintained in
ready position for use on the ball mount head. Accordingly, it
cannot be misplaced and lost and is, therefore, more convenient to
utilize. Additionally, it is of more durable construction than
many prior art locking pins used for this purpose. Thus, the
retainer provides a long and dependable service life. Still
further, it should also be appreciated that engagement of the leg
sections of the spring bar retainer in the turned grooves of the
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spring bars may be relatively easily visually confirmed.
Accordingly, proper installation of the spring bars can be verified
quickly and easily so as to enhance the confidence and satisfaction
of the user/operator.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a method is provided for adjusting the tilt angle of a
ball mount head relative to the hitch bar. More specifically, the
method includes the initial step of loosening fastening means that
mount an eccentric angle adjusting washer or element to one of the
hitch bar and ball mount head. Next is the step of rotating the
eccentric angle adjusting element into a desired position relative
to the hitch bar and ball mount head. Once properly adjusted there
is the retightening of the fastening means to hold the eccentric
angle adjusting element in the newly established, desired position.
More specifically, the method includes the additional
step of axially shifting the eccentric angle adjusting element on
the fastening means so as to allow clearance for the rotation
thereof to bring the eccentric angle adjusting element into the
desired position. The element is then axially shifted back into a
position where the cam surfaces thereof engage the other of the
ball mount head and hitch bar. The engagement establishes the tilt
angle of the ball mount head relative to the hitch bar.
Advantageously, it should be appreciated that this method of
adjusting the relative tilt angle of the ball mount head with
respect to the hitch bar may be performed without first removing
the spring bars or any other hardware. Accordingly, the adjustment
is simplified over prior art designs. It requires significantly
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less time to complete and is more convenient for the individual
performing the operation.
Still other objects of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in this art from the following
description wherein there is shown and described a preferred
embodiment of this invention, simply by way of illustration of one
of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be
realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments
and its several details are capable of modification in various,
obvious aspects all without departing from the invention.
Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
Brief Description of the Drawing
The accompanying drawing incorporated in and forming a
part of the specification, illustrates several aspects of the
present invention and together with the description serves to
explain the principles of the invention. In the drawing:
Figure 1 is an exploded view of the weight distributing
hitch assembly of the present invention for towing a trailer behind
a vehicle;
Figure 2 is a detailed side elevational view showing the
ball mount head vertically oriented on the hitch bar at a first
tilt angle;
Figure 3 is a cross sectional view similar to Figure 2
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but showing the ball mount head tilted with respect to the hitch
bar at a second tilt angle
Figure 4 is a partial, schematical view showing the
weight distributing hitch assembly of the present invention
connected between the vehicle and the trailer;
Figure 5 is a detailed perspective view of the integral,
one-piece spring bar retainer;
Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view showing he
improved hitch assembly of the invention; and
Figures 7 to 9 show the preferred dimensions of the cam
washer for use in the hitch assembly of the invention.
Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is
illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Reference is now made to Figure 1 showing the weight
distributing hitch assembly 10 of the present invention. As should
be appreciated the hitch assembly 10 includes a hitch bar 12 of the
type known in the art including a tubular, mounting post 14 for
engagement in the receiver box R of a hitch receiver mounted to a
vehicle (see Figure 4, for simplicity the full hitch receiver and
vehicle are not shown). Such a hitch receiver is, for example, a
Class III or Class IV Series 35000 and 36000 hitch receiver
manufactured by Reese Products, Inc. of Elkhart, Indiana, the
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assignee of the present invention.
The distal end of the hitch bar 12 includes a mounting rack 16
having a series of apertures 18 allowing for height adjustment of a
ball mount head 20 as described below. The ball mount head 20 may
be of one-piece, integral construction cast from ductile iron. The
ball mount head 20 is secured to the mounting rack 16 of the hitch
bar 12 by means of two cooperating fasteners shown as bolts 24 and
cooperating nuts 26. As best shown in Figures 1-3, it should be
appreciated that the ball mount head 20 includes a pair of spaced,
10 parallel mounting flanges 28 that form a yoke adapted to receive
the mounting rack 16. When properly mounted, the lower bolt 24
extends through the aligned cooperating apertures 30 in the
mounting flanges 28 and the one aligned aperture 18 in the
interdisposed mounting rack 16. Similarly, the upper bolt 24
extends through aligned cooperating arcuate slots 32 in the
mounting flanges 28 and an aligned aperture 18 in the interdisposed
mounting rack 16. The arcuate slots 32 allow the ball mount head
to be pivoted relative to the hitch bar 12 about the lower bolt
24. As is known in the art and described in greater detail below,
20 this pivotal adjustment of the tilt angle of the ball mount head 20
relative to the hitch bar 12 allows adjustment of the weight
distributing characteristics of the hitch assembly 10 so as to
allow the trailer tongue weight to be evenly distributed over the
front and rear wheels of the towing vehicle.
The angular adjustment of the tilt angle of the ball
mount head 20 may conveniently be made by manipulation of the
indexable, eccentric six-sided washers 34; one washer mounted
11
adjacent to and just outside each mounting flange 28. Each washer
34 includes an off- center aperture 36 through which the upper bolt
24 is extended when the ball mount head 20 is mounted to the hitch
bar 12. As the upper bolt 24 extends through an aperture 18 in the
hitch bar 12, it should be appreciated that in the embodiment shown
each of the washers 34 is fixed relative to the hitch bar.
Each of the six sides of the washers 34 effectively function
as a cam surface 38 that may be selectively positioned to engage
the trailing edge 40 of the ball mounting platform 42 and the stop
43 both on the ball mount head 20. This engagement of the washers
34 on two opposing sides by the edge 40 and stop 43 substantially
eliminates any possibility of slipping and insures that the tilt
angle of the ball mount head 20 is positively maintained at all
times during vehicle operation. Accordingly, consistent weight
distributing characteristics are always provided for best vehicle
control.
By selectively rotating/positioning the washers 34, it should
be appreciated that the relative tilt angle of the ball mount 20
with respect to the hitch bar 12 may be adjusted as desired to a
selected position. For example, as shown in Figure 2, a forward
tilt angle may be provided when the washers 34 are positioned with
the shortest side (eg. the shortest distance from the aperture 36
to the cam surface 38) in engagement with the edge 40 of the
platform 42 and the longest side in engagement with the stop 43.
Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3, the ball mount 20 may be
positioned at a rearward tilt angle (from vertical) relative to the
hitch bar 12 when the longest side (i.e. the cam surface 38 the
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furthest distance from the aperture 36) is placed in engagement
with the edge 40 of the platform 42 and the shortest side is placed
in engagement with the stop 43. It should further be appreciated
that four intermediate positions between these two extremes are
available when the other sides or cam surfaces 38 of the eccentric
washers 34 are rotated/positioned in engagement with the edge 40
and stop 43.
Advantageously, the six-sided eccentric washers 34 allow
the ball mount head 20 to be positioned at six different tilt
to angles with respect to the hitch bar 12. The position selected is
determined by the weight distribution characteristics of the hitch
assembly 10 necessary to equally spread the tongue weight of the
trailer between the front and rear wheels of the towing vehicle.
With the possibility of six different positions, good flexibility
and versatility is provided to meet the needs for weight
distribution in substantially any towing situation. Further, the
six sides are each of sufficient length and depth to provide secure
engagement with the edge 40 of the platform 42 and the stop 43
thereby preventing any slipping and an inadvertent change in the
20 tilt angle that could adversely affect the weight distributing
characteristics of the hitch when under load. Accordingly,
dependable and reliable performance is provided.
As best shown in Figure 1, the weight distributing hitch
assembly 10 also includes a pair of spring bars 44. Each spring
bar 44 is substantially L-shaped and includes a proximal end for
receipt in cooperating apertures 46, 48 in the ball mount head 20.
Further, each proximal end includes a turned groove 50. When the
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spring bars 44 are fully inserted in the apertures 46, 48 of the
ball mount head 20, the turned grooves 50 just extend above the
plane of the ball mounting platform 42.
A one-piece, integral spring bar retainer 52 secures the
spring bars 44 in position relative to the ball mount head 20.
More specifically, the spring bar retainer 52 is preferably formed
of a single piece of spring steel wire and includes a pair of
squeeze grips 54, a pair of mounting tabs 56 for engaging in
cooperating mounting holes 58 in the ball mount head 20, and a pair
of intermediate legs 60 for engaging in the grooves 50 of the
spring bars 44 (see Figure 5). Advantageously, the tabs 56 serve
to secure the spring bar retainer 52 in position on the ball mount
head 20 at all times. Accordingly, as the spring bars 44 are
inserted through the apertures 46, the grips 54 are squeezed to
provide the necessary clearance past the legs 60 to move the spring
bars into place. Once the spring bars 44 are fully inserted and in
proper position, the grips 54 are released and the legs 60 spring
back and are fully received in the grooves 50 to hold the spring
bars 44 in position.
Advantageously, it should be appreciated that the groove 50 is
turned in each of the spring bars 44 above the loaded area of the
bars so that the bars are in no way weakened by this design.
Further, it should be appreciated that the engagement of the legs
60 of the retainer 52 in the grooves 50 is easy to visually
confirm. Thus, proper installation of the spring bars 44 is easily
verified.
Additionally, it should be appreciated that the effectively
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permanent mounting of the spring bar retainer 52 on the ball mount
head 20 prevents the retainer from being misplaced and lost. The
retainer 52 may also be easily manipulated by means of the squeeze
grips 54 when it is necessary to remove the legs 60 from the
grooves 50 and allow removal of the spring bars 44. Additionally,
the retainer 52 is made of a spring steel wire of such a size
(0.125 inches in diameter) that is not easily overstressed.
Accordingly, the retainer 52 provides reliable and dependable
operation. Further, if the retainer 52 is ever bent it can usually
be reshaped to its original effectiveness. Finally, if damaged
beyond repair, the tabs 56 may be snapped out of the retaining
holes 58 and the retainer 52 replaced at a minimal cost. All these
features make the present hitch assembly 10 user friendly and
significantly enhance user satisfaction.
The installation of the weight distributing hitch 10 of
the present invention for towing a trailer behind a vehicle will
now be described in detail. Initially, a towing vehicle and
trailer are lined up on level pavement in a straight-ahead position
while remaining uncoupled. The trailer tongue jack J may then be
utilized to level the trailer T (see Figure 4). Next, the distance
from the pavement to the top of the coupler ball socket S on the
trailer T is measured and recorded. A similar measurement is made
to reference points on the front and rear bumpers of the vehicle
(not shown). Next a "target" uncoupled ball height is determined
for the tow vehicle. For trucks or other stiffly-sprung vehicles,
1/16 inch is added to the measured and recorded height to the top
of the coupler bar socket for each 100 pounds of tongue weight.
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For passenger cars, 1/8 inch is added for each 100 pounds of tongue
weight.
The hitch bar 12 is then inserted into the receiver box R
of the hitch receiver in a manner known in the art. A pin 63 and
clip 65 are installed to secure the hitch bar 12 in position. A
hitch ball 62 is then selected to match the trailer coupler socket
S. The hitch ball 62 is installed so that the shank of the ball
extends through the opening 64 in the platform 42. A nut 66
secures the ball in position.
10 Next the ball mount head 20 is mounted to the mounting
rack 16 of the hitch bar 12. More specifically, the ball mount
head 20 is positioned so that the mounting flanges 28 receive the
mounting rack 16 therebetween. The ball mount head 20 is then
moved up or down until the apertures 30 in the flanges 28 are
positioned aligned with an aperture 18 in the mounting rack 16 with
the ball 62 at approximately the target height. A bolt 24 is then
inserted through the aligned apertures 18 and 30. A lock washer 25
and nut 26 are then utilized to secure the bolt 24 in position.
The nut is not tightened at this time.
Next, the upper bolt 24 is secured into position. More
specifically the upper bolt 24 is first inserted through an
aperture 36 in an eccentric washer 34 then, through the arcuate
slots 32 in the mounting flanges 28 and the aligned aperture 18 in
the mounting rack 16, then through the aperture 36 in the second
eccentric washer 34. The second bolt 24 is then secured in
position with the lock washer 25 and nut 26. Before tightening the
nut 26 onto the second bolt 24, the eccentric washers 34 are
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rotated to bring selected opposing sides or cam surfaces 38 into
engagement with the edges 40 of the platform 42 and the stops 43.
The same, corresponding cam surfaces 38 of the washers 34 are
brought into engagement on each side of the ball mount head 20.
The nut 26 is then finger tightened on the second bolt 24 to secure
the indexable eccentric washers 34 in position.
Next the spring bars 44 are installed in the apertures
46, 48 of the ball mount head 20. As the spring bars 44 are
inserted, the spring bar retainer 52 must be squeezed by the grips
54 to allow the necessary clearance past the legs 60 to move the
spring bars into position. When released the retainer 52 springs
the legs 60 into the grooves 50 allowing the operator to see that
the bars 44 are locked in place. Using the tongue jack J, the
coupler ball socket S is then lowered onto the ball 62 and the
coupler latch L is closed. The front of the trailer T and rear of
the tow vehicle are then raised (eg. two or three inches) by
operation of the tongue jack J. The lift units 68, such as Reese
Products, Inc. product no. 21160, are then installed in a manner
known in the art. More specifically, the spring bars 44 are
rotated parallel to the frame of the trailer T. The chains 70
extending from the distal end of each spring bar 44 are then
extended vertically upward. A lift unit 68 is centered on the
frame of the trailer in vertical alignment with each chain 70 and
then secured in position.
The amount of leveling or load transfer is then adjusted
by engaging different links of the chains 70 with the lift units
68. With the lift unit 68 in the raised and locked position, the
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17
operator pulls straight up firmly on a spring bar chain 70. The
link closest to the chain hook is noted and the next link down is
then marked. The lift unit 68 is then lowered/released and the
marked link is connected to the lift unit 68. During this
procedure it is necessary to make sure the chain 70 is not twisted.
The lift unit 68 is then raised and secured with a safety pin in a
manner known in the art. This procedure is then repeated for the
opposite spring bar 44 using the corresponding link of the other
chain 70. The trailer tongue jack J is then retracted so that the
hitch assembly 10 is carrying the full trailer tongue weight.
The towing vehicle should settle evenly within about 1/2
inch. This can be confirmed by remeasuring the front and rear
bumper reference points. If the front has settled much more than
the rear, the number of chain links between the lift units 68 and
the spring bars 44 should be increased. If the rear has settled
much more than the front, then the number of chain links between
the lift units 68 and the spring bars 44 should be reduced.
In the event the spring bars 44 are not approximately
horizontal when even settling has been achieved, it is necessary to
change the tilt angle of the ball mount head 20. In preparation
for this procedure, the lift units 68 are lowered/released, the
tongue jack J is reextended to lift the tongue weight off the hitch
assembly 10 and the coupler socket S is disconnected from the ball
62.
Next is the loosening of the upper bolt 24 and nut 26
that secure the eccentric washers 34 in position. When loosened
sufficiently, the washers 34 may be axially shifted along the bolt
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18
24 away from the flanges 28 so that clearance is provided between
the cam surfaces 38 of the washers and the edge 40 of the platform
42 as well as the stop 43.
Next is the rotating of the eccentric washer 34 so as to
bring the desired cam surfaces 38 into position for engagement with
the edge 40 and stop 43. The washers 34 are then axially shifted
back to their original position adjacent the flanges 28 with the
selected cam surfaces 38 in engagement with the edge 40 and stop
43. During this process it may be necessary to manually tip or
pivot the ball mount head 20 relative to the hitch bar 12 about the
lower bolt 24. After repositioning the eccentric washers 34 as
described, the upper and lower bolts 24 and nuts 26 are retightened
to hold the washers in the desired position. The spring bars 44
are then reconnected as previously described and adjusted to
provide the proper weight distributing characteristics to allow the
vehicle to be level during trailer towing for maximum comfort and
driver control.
Figures 6 to 9 illustrate an alternative embodiment of
the invention and the same reference numerals have been used to
denote parts which correspond to those of the embodiment of Figures
1 to 5. In this arrangement, each of the cam washers 35 is
provided with a pair of eccentric bores 37 and 39 instead of the
single aperture 36 of the arrangement shown in figures 1 to 5.
This effectively doubles the number of adjustment positions which
are available by selecting which of the bores 37 and 39 is to
receive the bolts 24. As in the previous embodiment, the
orientation of the washers 35 relative to the stop members 43 can
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be selected to give the appropriate height adjustment.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention the
dimensions of the washer are as follows: A: 60 mm; B: 65 mm; C:
60 mm; D: 60 mm; E: 28.5 mm; F: 38.5 mm; G: 25 mm; H: 31.5 mm; I:
21.5 mm; J: 35 mm; K: 27 mm; L: 39 mm; M: 45 mm; N: 33 mm; O: 21
mm; and P: 15 mm.
In summary, numerous benefits result from employing the
concepts of the present invention. The weight distributing hitch
assembly 10 of the present invention is particularly user friendly
and convenient to install and adjust to provide even distribution
of the tongue weight of the trailer over the front and rear wheels
of the towing vehicle. The improved design allows simple
adjustment of the angle of the ball mount head 20 through the
rotated position of the eccentric washers 34. Further, the
adjustment may be completed without removing the spring bars 44 or
any other hardware from the assembly 10. This represents a
significant advance over prior art designs which required at least
removal of the spring bars. Accordingly, installation and
adjustment time are significantly reduced. Additionally, a
particularly effective spring bar retainer 52 is provided that is
always mounted in proper position on the ball mount head 20 to
lock the spring bars 44 in position when installed. Not only is
the operation of this new spring bar retainer 52 convenient but it
allows quick and simple visual confirmation of the locking of the
spring bars in position.
The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of
the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
CA 02148326 2005-O1-13
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description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise foi~n disclosed. Obvious modifications or
variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For
example, the eccentric washers 34 could be fixed to the ball mount
head 2o with the cam surfaces 38 thereof positionable into
engagement with the hitch bar 12. In this way, angular adjustment
could also be provided. Further, it should be appreciated that the
eccentric washers 34 may include fewer or more sides than six and
in fact could be round, oval or of some, other design.
10 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- withiir- the- scope- of~ the
invention when interpreted in accordance with breadth to
which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.
