Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02426873 2003-04-25
WO 02/34043 PCT/USO1/30712
FLAG HOLDER ACCESSORY
FOR A RECEIVER ASSEMBLY
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 60/?~3.~85 tiled October ?6, ?000.
Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to accessories for mounting
on receiver assemblies and, more particularly, to a flag holder accessory for
mounting on an accessory receiver of a receiver assembly and holding and
displaying a flag.
Summary of the Invention
It has long been known to construct towing hitches that are mounted
to vehicles in order to allow the towing of trailers or the like. In recent
years such hitches have been designed to include a receiver boy: hzwing a
rearwardly directed opining or caviy for the receipt of a hitch or draw bar
1 U that carries a hitch ball or other means allow°ing connection to a
trailer.
E?~aITIpIC.'S of SLlch a StI'LlctLlre 111C1Llde the IIlSta-I-IItGl1 II aIltl
CL15tU111 1 Iltch
IZecelver 35365 as manufactured by Reese Products, lnc. of L:llchart.
Indiana. Such a hitch receiver is also disclosed in. for example, LJ.S. Patent
No. 3,765,837 to Recse. owned by Reesc Products. Inc.
CA 02426873 2003-04-25
WO 02/34043 PCT/USO1/30712
Recent efforts to enhance the versatility c>f a hitch receiver have led
to development of various accessories (e.g., both open and closed article
carriers, bike racks, slci racks, tables, winches or other eduipment) mounted
by means oFan accessory mounting bar in the receiver box of a receiver
assembly. Because of their convenience and suitabilityr to the particular
applicationslinterests of the user, such accessories have become very
popular.
fn order to allow for or accommodate trailer towing and accessory
mounting simultaneously, a trailer hitch assembly with both a trailer hitch
1 U receiver and towing accessory receivers has been recently developed and is
the subject of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 6011 ).I,SU?, filed April 3,
?UUU. This new trailer hitch receiver assembly includes a central itarne
member, a mounting bracket carried on each end of the central Frame
member for securing the central frame member to the vehicle, a hitch
receiver box carried on the central Frame member and at least one accessory
receiver for receiving and holding a recreational and/or utilitarian
accessory.
The present invention relates to a flag holder particularly adapted For
mounting in a receiver box andlor accessory receiver oFa receiver
~U assembly. The tlag holder allows the user to fly a selected flag or banner
from his vehicle. Such a llag may be utilized to help identify the vehicle
from a distance, show allegiance to a particular sports team or cause,
display a humanitarian message or For any other useful or desirable
purpose.
?5 Summary of the Invention
In accordance with the purposes ofthe present invention as
CA 02426873 2003-04-25
WO 02/34043 PCT/USO1/30712
3
described herein, an apparatus is provided for mounting a Ilag to a receiver
assembly mounted to or carried on a towing vehicle. The apparatus
includes a pole for receiving and carrying the flag, a body including a bar
for securing the body to the receiver assembly and a mount for receiving
and holding the pole, and a fastener for securing the pole to the mount.
More specifically describing the invention, a pair of aligned
mounting apertures are provided in the bar for receiving and holding a pin
that secures the apparatus to the receiver assembly. Additionally, the mount
includes an opening for receiving and holding the flag pole. The pro~irnal
end of the pule is received in a sachet of a sleeve including a threaded end.
The fastener comprises a cooperating lock nut, threadedly received on the
threaded end of the sleeve, for clamping the flag pole to the mount. In one
possible embodiment of the invention the mount is a ~7ange projecting
upwardly from the bar at an included angle with the bar of between
substantial 1y 10 ° to about 70 ° .
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
waz~ of illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the
~0 invention. As it v~~ill 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 anti not
as restrictive.
Brief Description of the Drawing
CA 02426873 2003-04-25
WO 02/34043 PCT/USO1/30712
~l
T'he accompanying drawings incorporated in and Forming a part of
the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention and
together with the description serve to explain the principles oFthe
invention. In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a receiver assembly to which
the apparatus of the present invention may be mounted;
Figures 2a-2c are partially cutaway detailed front, right side and rear
elevational views of the flag holding apparatus; and
Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus of Figures
?a-?c connected to the receiver assembly.
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 the drawing figures showing a receiver
assembly, generally designated by reference numeral 10, and the flag
holding apparatus of the present invention, generally designated by
reference numeral I I .
-I~he receiver assembly 10 includes a central frame member or cross
'_'0 member l ~ preferably formed ii-om a pair of tubular Steel sections l~
welded to the opposing side walls 16 of a centrally located receiver box I 8
so as to project outwardly in opposing directions. The tubular steel section s
1 ~ may be formed with a round cross section as showrn in the drawing
lig~rres. a square cross section or any other appropriate shape providing the
'S wcessary strength to function as a receiver assembly.
CA 02426873 2003-04-25
WO 02/34043 PCT/USO1/30712
Z-~he receiver box 18 includes a reinforced lip ''0 defining an opening
leading to a hitch bar receiving cavity ??. Aligned apertures ~~ in the
opposing side walls 16 of the receiver box 18 allow the secure connection
a1 a hitch bar in the receiver box in a manner well known in the art by
5 means of a connecting pin and cooperating pin clip (nut shown). A chain
plate 26 of steel material is welded to the receiver box 18 and tubular steel
sections 1~ in order to strengthen the connection. As is known in the art,
the chain plate ?6 includes two apertures ?8. The safety chains of a trailer
may be connected to the chain plate ?6 through engagement in these
1 U apertures ? 8.
Vehicle mounting braclcets 30 are mounted adjacent the distal end of
each tubular section 1~. More specifically, each mounting braclcet 30
includes a notch 32 sized and shaped to receive the trrL~ular section 14. The
brackets 3U are welded to the tubular sections l~ in order to complete the
connection.
The mounting brackets 30 each include a mounting flange 3~ and an
upwardly projecting mounting lug 36, both with apertures 38. Nut and bolt
fasteners (not shown) are extended through these apertures 38 and
cooperating apertures drilled in the frame of the towing vehicle in order to
~0 mount the receiver assembly 10 thereto.
As also shown in Figure 1, the receiver assembly 1U incorporates a
pair of twv hooks or loops ~U, one integrally formed in each mounting
bracket 30. T he tow hooks ~0 may be engaged with a tow line such as a
rope, chain or cable in order to complete certain towing applications. As
'S also shown. the receiver assembly 1U includes a pair ofaccessury receivers
50 carried un the tubular sections I ~ of the central frame member 1 ~. Mach
of the accessory receivers SU is formed from a steel tube that is welded to
CA 02426873 2003-04-25
WO 02/34043 PCT/USO1/30712
the section 14 so that one accessory receiver is positioned botweon the
receiver box 18 and ouch mounting braclcot 30.
As shown, each accessory receiver 50 includes a circular port or
opening 52 and cooperating aligned apertures 5~ in the sidewall thereof to
allow secure connection of a trailer hitch accessory by means of a
connecting pin and pin clip of a type well known in the ar-t such as utilized
to secure the hitch bar in the receiver box I 8. Each of the accessory
receivers 50 is oriented with respect to the contral frame member 1?,
receiver box 18 and the towing vehicle upon which the assembly 10 is
I U mounted so as to be readily accessible by the towing vohicle operator.
More specifically, each falls in a first plane which defines an included
angle of between about 10° to about 30° (e.g. ?0°) with a
second plane
which contains the longitudinal axis of the receiver box 18. Thus, the
accessory receivers 50 have a port or opening 5? that opens upwardly fur
bettor visibility and accessibility that diroctly loads to easy connection of
an
accessory.
As bolt show°n in Figures 2a-?c, the flag holding apparatus 1 1 of
the
present invention includes a pule 60 fur roceiving and carrying a flag,
pennant or like device 62. The pule 60 may be formed from fiberglass,
~0 wood, plastic, aluminum or other appropriate material. T'ho t7ag holding
apparatus 1 I includes a body 63, preferably constructed from aluminum,
plastic or steel, having a bar 6~ for securing the body in an accessory
receiver 50 of the receiver assembly 10 and a mount 6~ fur receiving and
holding the pule 60. As shown. the bar 6~1 has a circular cross section
~5 which is concentrically received and snugly fits within the port 5~ of the
accessory rocciver 50. A pair of aligned mounting aportures 68 are
CA 02426873 2003-04-25
WO 02/34043 PCT/USO1/30712
7
provided at opposed sides of the bar 6~. When the bar C~ is properly
inserted in the accessory receiver 50 the mounting apertures 68 in the bar
are aligned with the cooperating apertures 5~ in the sidewall of the
accessory receiver 50. A pin 70 of a type known in the art is then inserted
through the aligned apertures 5~, 68 and a cooperating pin clip (not shown)
is utilized to secure the pin in position and complete the connection (see
also Figure 3). More specifically, the pin 70 includes a bend 7.I~ at one end
and a pin clip receiving groove adjacent the opposite end. Together, the
bend 7~ and pin clip prevent the pin 70 from being inadvertently removed
from the aligned apertures 54 and 68 in the receiver 50 and bar 6~
respectively so as to complete a secure and positive connection.
The flag pole 60 is secured to the mount 66 by means of a fastener
such as cooperating sleeve 78 and loelc nut 80. More specifically, the
sleeve 78 includes a socket for receiving and holding the proximal end of
the f'7ag pole 60. The connection may be completed by threads, friction fit,
appropriate adhesive or any other means known in the art suitable for the
intended purpose. The sleeve 78 includes a threaded end 84 which is
received in and passes through an aperture in the mount 66. The lock nut
80 is tightened on the threaded end 8~1 so that the mount 66 is clamped
''0 between the lock nut 80 and the sleeve 78. As shown in drawing Figures
~a-''c and 3, the outer wall of the sleeve 78 may be formed in a hexagonal,
nut shape to allow engagement with a wrench. 'I'his aids in the tightening of
the lock nut 80 thereby allowing the completion c~l'a secure and positive
connection between the Ilag pole 60 and the mount G6. Uf course,
~5 substantially any form o~ fastener other than the sleeve 78 and nut 80 may
be used so lung as that fastener performs the intended liznction.
As best shown in drawing Figure fib, the mount 66 may take the
CA 02426873 2003-04-25
WO 02/34043 PCT/USO1/30712
8
form ofa flange which projects upwardly from the bar 6~ and forms an
included angle with the bar ofbetweer~ substantially 10° to
substantially
7U". This provides the flag holding apparatus 1 1 with a swept,
aerodynamic look which enhances user satisfaction.
S The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of this
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, It
is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form
disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the
above teachings. For example, the bar 6-1 could be sized and shaped to be
received in the receiver bo:: 18 if desired. Substantially any shaped bar 6~1
could be used and it could be hollow as shown or solid so long as it allows
attachment to the receiver assembly 10. Further, it should be appreciated
that the apparatus 11 may be mounted to a receiver assembly 1 U that does
not include a receiver boy 18 but, instead, just one or more accessory
receivers 50.
The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best
illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application
to
thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in
various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the
?() particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are
within the scope of the im ention as determined by the appended claims
when interpreted in accordance w ith the breadth to which they are fairly.
legally and eduitably entitled.
