Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTING AND SWAY CONTROL HITCH
[0001]
Background of the Invention
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to weight distributing
and sway control
trailer hitches.
Background of the Invention
[0003] The increased utilization of rear receiver hitches or bumper
hitches for towing
trailers has increased the demand for weight distributing hitches which are
also designed to
prevent uncontrolled swaying of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle.
Gooseneck or fifth
wheel hitches are typically mounted just forward of a rear axle of a pick-up
truck and thereby
help distribute the load more evenly relative to the towing vehicle. Because
rear receiver hitches
or bumper hitches are mounted in spaced relation behind the rear axle, the
weight of a loaded
trailer bearing down on the hitch functions to raise the front end of the
vehicle and front wheels
relative to the rear wheels which reduces steering control. Swaying of the
trailer relative to the
towing vehicle also reduces steering control.
[0004] Weight distributing hitches incorporating spring arms or bars are
known and used
to take some of the weight off of the hitch ball of the weight distributing
hitch to which the
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trailer is coupled. The spring arms may also be referred to as deflection bars
or beams. In a
typical configuration, a first end of each spring arm is connected to a ball
mount and a second
end of each spring arm is supported, under deflection, on a support surface
connected to a
respective trailer frame. Supporting the spring arm, under deflection, on the
support surface
creates a moment arm which urges the first end of each spring arm and the ball
mount upward to
counteract any downward forces imparted on trailer tongue by the weight of the
trailer and its
load.
[0005] The second end of each spring arm preferably is allowed to slide
relative to the
support surface to accommodate turning of the trailer. In U.S. Patent No.
6,419,257 of McCoy et
al which issued July 16, 2002, the support surface comprises a cam, and a cam
follower is
formed on the end of each spring arm. Abutment of the cam surfaces of each cam
follower
against the corresponding cam resists sliding of the spring arm relative to
the cam follower
unless sufficient force is applied by turning of the towing vehicle relative
to the trailer. The
resistance prevents or resists swaying of the trailer.
[0006] In the weight distributing hitch shown in U.S. Patent No.
6,419,257 of McCoy et
al., the cam is supported below the trailer on an adjustable length cam arm.
The height the cam
is supported below the trailer frame is adjustable using a lift chain
connected to the cam and a lift
unit including a hook which is mounted on the trailer frame. Raising the cam
relative to the
trailer frame increases the deflection of the spring arm and the opposing,
upwardly directed force
exerted on the ball mount head to counteract greater downward forces acting on
the ball mount
head by a heavier trailer. However, raising the cam changes or shortens the
longitudinal spacing
of the cam follower behind the ball mount. The length of the arm supporting
the cam is
adjustable to ensure that the spacing of the cam relative to the cam follower
positions the cam
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surface of the cam follower to engage the cam when the trailer extends
straight behind the tow
vehicle. Other known weight distributing hitches require unbolting and sliding
of a mounting
bracket for each support surface for the spring arms to adjust the position of
the support surfaces
relative to the spring arms which can be difficult and time consuming.
Although the length
adjustable cam support arm disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,419,257 is generally
easier to adjust
than unbolting and sliding mounting brackets as in other existing weight
distributing hitches, the
additional components required add to the cost of the product and increase
installation time.
Summary of the Invention
[0007] In the weight distributing of the present invention, the support
surface is formed
as a shelf connected to the trailer frame by a mounting bracket. The height of
the support surface
relative to the mounting bracket is adjustable using pins extending through
aligned sets of holes
in the shelf and the mounting bracket. A hemispherical projection, or first
mating feature, is
formed on the upper surface of the shelf. A position adjustable block is
secured on each spring
arm or deflection bar near the end opposite the ball mount. A recess, or
second mating feature,
sized to receive the hemispherical projection on the shelf is formed on the
bottom of the position
adjustable block.
[0008] A bore is formed through the block to receive the end of the
spring arm so that the
block can be slid relative to the spring arm. The longitudinal position of the
block relative to the
spring arm can be adjusted by sliding the block relative to the spring arm and
then fixed using set
screws extending through the block and engaging the spring arm. The
longitudinal position of
the slide block relative to the spring arm is adjustable so that the recess in
the slide block mates
with the hemispherical projection on the shelf surface depending on the height
of the shelf and
the degree to which the spring arm must be bent or loaded to support the slide
block connected to
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the spring arm on the shelf. Engagement of the recess in the block with the
hemispherical
projection on the shelf surface resists sliding of the block and the spring
arm relative to shelf
surface until a force applied longitudinally through the spring arm urges the
recess in the block
out of engagement with the hemispherical projection on the support shelf.
[0009] In an alternative embodiment, a notched spring arm is supported
on a roller which
is supported on a roller support which is mounted on a support bracket
connected to the trailer
frame. The height of the roller support is adjustable relative to the support
bracket and the
position of the roller relative to the spring arm is longitudinally
adjustable.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0010] Fig. 1 is a fragmentary, front, perspective view of a weight
distributing hitch
attached to a trailer with portions of a coupler on the trailer broken away to
show a hitch ball of
the weight distributing hitch.
[0011] Fig. 2 is an enlarged and fragmentary cross-sectional view of the
weight
distributing hitch taken along line 2-2 of Fig. I.
[0012] Fig. 3 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the weight distributing
hitch attached to
the trailer.
[0013] Fig. 4 is a partially exploded and fragmentary, right side
perspective view of the
weight distributing hitch attached to the trailer and showing a spring arm on
a right side of the
trailer removed disengaged from a support shelf of the weight distributing
hitch.
[0014] Fig. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a slide block adapted to
be secured to each
of the spring arms.
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[0015] Fig. 6 is a side view of a tool for loading a spring arm and an
associated slide
block onto and off of the respective support shelf.
[0016] Fig. 7 is a fragmentary, right side perspective view of the
weight distributing hitch
connected to a trailer as shown in Fig. 4 and showing the tool in use for
loading the spring arm
and slide block onto the support shelf.
[0017] Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing the tool pivoted for
loading the spring
arm and slide block onto the support shelf.
[0018] Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 showing the tool positioned
for unloading the
spring arm and slide block off of the support shelf.
[0019] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Fig.
9.
[0020] Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 9 showing the tool pivoted to
unload the spring
arm and slide block off of the support shelf.
[0021] Fig. 12 is an enlarged and fragmentary perspective view of the
weight distributing
hitch showing an alternative slide block with a latch assembly for securing
the slide block to a
spring arm.
[0022] Fig. 13 is an exploded and fragmentary perspective view of the
weight
distributing hitch as shown in Fig. 12 with the alternative slide block and
latching assembly and
showing an alternatively shaped projection on the support shelf.
[0023] Fig. 14 is an enlarged, bottom perspective view of the
alternative slide block with
a transverse projection receiving groove formed in a bottom of the block.
[0024] Fig. 15 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing the
alternative slide block
and latching assembly secured to one of the spring arms.
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[0025] Fig. 16 is an enlarged and fragmentary perspective view of the
weight distributing
hitch showing a roller mounted on a roller support for supporting a spring arm
with a fixed roller
engagement member.
[0026] Fig. 17 is an enlarged and fragmentary, bottom perspective view of
the weight
distributing hitch as shown in Fig. 16 having a roller mounted on a roller
support for supporting a
spring arm with a fixed roller engagement member.
[0027] Fig. 18 is an exploded and fragmentary perspective view of the
weight
distributing hitch as shown in Fig. 16.
[0028] Fig. 19 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the weight
distributing hitch as
shown in Figures 16-18 showing a spring arm supported on the roller when the
towing vehicle
and trailer are axially aligned.
[0029] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 19 showing
movement of the
spring arm relative to the roller when the towing vehicle turns relative to
the trailer.
[0030] Fig. 21 is an enlarged and fragmentary, bottom perspective view of
the spring arm
with the fixed roller engagement member secured thereto.
[0031] Fig. 22 is an exploded, perspective view of an alternative roller
support with a
roller mounted on a roller carrier which is slidably mounted on the roller
support.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0032] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are
disclosed herein;
however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely
exemplary of the
invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific
structural and
functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but
merely as a basis for
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the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art
to variously employ the
present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. The
drawings constitute a part
of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present
invention and illustrate
various objects and features thereof.
[0033] Referring to Figures 1 through 4 and 7 through 11, a weight
distributing hitch
assembly 1 is shown which is used to connect a trailer 2 to a towing vehicle 3
(see Fig. 7). The
trailer 2 is typically of the type having two frame members or frame rails 5
and 6 connected to
and extending rearward from a coupler 8. The coupler 8 is removably securable
to a hitch ball
11 connected to the towing vehicle 3. In the weight distributing hitch 1, the
hitch ball 11 is
connected to a ball mount head 13 which is connected to a drop bar assembly 15
which is
removably secureable within a receiver 17 of a receiver hitch mounted on the
rear of the towing
vehicle 3. The drop bar assembly 15 includes a shank 20 which is slidably
secureable within the
receiver 17 and a drop bar 21 with a plurality of holes 22 extending side to
side through the drop
bar 21.
[0034] The ball mount head 13 generally comprises upper and lower,
horizontal flange
plates 24 and 25 projecting rearward and vertical flange plates or clevis 27
welded to and
projecting forward of the horizontal flange plates 24 and 25. A pair of
vertically aligned sets of
mounting holes (not seen) are formed in the clevis 27 for selectively securing
the ball mount
head 13 at one of a plurality of selected heights relative to the drop bar 21.
Mounting pins 30
insertable in aligned mounting holes in the clevis 27 and drop bar 21 are used
to fix the vertical
position of the ball mount head 13 relative to the drop bar 21. The hitch ball
11 is secured to and
projects upward from the upper, horizontal flange plate 24 of ball mount head
13.
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[0035] Forward ends of a pair of deflection bars 32 are pivotally
secured between the
upper and lower, horizontal flange plates 24 and 25 on opposite sides of the
hitch ball 11 and
pivot about a vertical axis or axis extending transverse to the horizontal
flange plates 24 and 25.
The deflection bars 32 may also be referred to as torsion bars or spring arms.
A pivot bearing 35
is secured on the forward end of each deflection bar 32 and is rotatably
secured around a pivot
pin 36 secured between he upper and lower flange plates 24 and 25. The
deflection bars 32
generally extend rearwardly along the outer sides of the trailer frame members
5 and 6
respectively
[0036] As seen in Fig. 7, the distal or rear end 38 of each deflection
bar 32 normally
extends below a respective one of the trailer frame members 5 and 6. The
deflection bars 32 are
sufficiently resilient to allow the rear end 38 of each deflection bar 32 to
be pulled or drawn up
and onto a support shelf 42 connected to each of the trailer frame members 5
and 6 respectively.
[0037] The support shelves 42 are each part of a deflection bar support
assembly 44
connected to each trailer frame member 5 and 6. Each deflection bar support
assembly 44
includes a back plate 46, a vertically oriented support bracket or trailer
frame mount 48 and a
mounting bracket 50 fixedly connected to or formed as part of the support
shelf 42. Each
support bracket 48 is generally U-shaped, including a central web 51 and
laterally projecting legs
53 extending transverse to the central web 51 on opposite sides thereof. A
plurality of pin
receiving holes 55 are formed in each leg 53 in vertical and equally spaced
alignment. Each
support bracket 48 is connected to a respective trailer frame member 5 or 6 by
bolting it to a
back plate 46 with the frame member 5 or 6 sandwiched therebetween and with
the legs 53 of
each support bracket 48 projecting transverse to and outward from the frame
member 5 or 6 to
which it is connected.
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[0038] The mounting bracket 50 for each support shelf 42 extends
transverse to the
support shelf 42 and in the embodiment shown extends vertically above the
support shelf 42 and
on one side thereof. The mounting bracket 50 is also generally U-shaped with a
central web 57
and legs 59 extending transverse to the central web 57 and generally away from
the support shelf
42. As best seen in Fig. 4, a pair of vertically aligned, pin receiving holes
61 are formed in each
leg 59 of the mounting bracket 50. In the embodiment shown, the legs 59 of
mounting bracket
50 are spaced just wider than the legs 53 of support bracket 48. The legs 59
of mounting bracket
50 may be placed in overlapping relationship with legs 53 of support bracket
48 and then pins 63
may be inserted through aligned pin receiving holes 61 and 55 therein to
selectively secure the
mounting bracket 50 and support shelf 42 to the support bracket 48 at any one
of a plurality of
fixed heights relative to the support bracket 48. The mounting bracket 50 is
secured to the
support bracket 48 so that the support shelf 42 projects laterally or
horizontally outward from
the mounting bracket 48, the support bracket 48 and the associated frame
member 5 or 6 when
the frame member 5 or 6 is supported in a horizontal alignment.
[0039] As best seen in Figures 1-5, secured on each deflection bar 32
near a distal end
thereof, is a block 65 which may also be referred to as an adjustable slide
block 65. A bore 67 is
formed in and extends longitudinally through the block 65. The bore 67 has a
cross-sectional
geometry which matches the cross-sectional geometry of the deflection bar 32.
The block 65 is
slid over the distal end of the deflection bar 32 and then selectively secured
in place on the
deflection bar 32 by securement means, which in the embodiment shown comprises
set screws
69 extending through a threaded bore in block 65 and into frictional
engagement with the
deflection bar 32.
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[0040] In the embodiment shown, top and bottom surfaces of the block 65
are generally
planar and formed as hexagons that are wider in the middle and narrower on the
ends with
sloping sides from the middle to the ends. The block 65 therefore has eight
polygonal sides and
is wider at the middle than on the ends. The sides may also be described as
bowing outward
from the ends toward the middle and it is foreseen that the sides could be
curved instead of
inclined planar surfaces.
[0041] As best seen in Fig. 5, a hemispherical recess or second
resistance feature 71 is
formed centrally in the bottom surface of block 65 and is adapted to matingly
receive a
hemispherical projection or first resistance feature 73 formed on or attached
to and projecting
upward from an upper surface of the support shelf 42. As shown in Figure 4,
the projection 73
may be formed separately from the support shelf 42 and secured to the support
shelf 42 by press
fitting or welding or other means. The projection 73 is generally centrally
located between the
mounting bracket 50 and an outer edge of the support shelf 42.
[0042] As shown in Fig. 2, the adjustable slide block 65 is positioned
and secured on the
deflection bar 32 so that when the deflection bar 32 and block 65 are loaded
onto the support
shelf 42, the hemispherical recess 71 is aligned with and receives the
hemispherical projection 73
on the support shelf 42. More specifically, prior to loading the adjustable
slide block 65 and
deflection bar 32 onto the support shelf 42, the set screws 69 are loosened so
that the block 65 is
free to slide longitudinally relative to the deflection bar 32. The adjustable
slide block 65 are
generally positioned longitudinally relative to the deflection bar 32 so that
recess 71 in block 65
is approximately aligned with projection 73 on the support shelf 42. When the
block 65 and
deflection bar 32 are loaded onto the support shelf 42, the block 65 can slide
relative to the
deflection bar 32 to self-align or manually align the recess 71 in block 65
over projection 73.
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The set screws 69 are then tightened to fix the position of the block 65
relative to deflection bar
32 with the projection 73 received within recess 71. Loading of the block 65
and deflection bar
32 onto the support shelf 42 requires the distal end of the deflection bar 32
to be drawn upward
such that when the slide block 65 is seated on the support shelf 42, the
deflection bar 32 and
block 65 exert a downward force on the support shelf 42 creating a moment arm
through the
deflection bar 32 which urges the front end of the deflection bar 32 and the
ball mount head 13 to
which it is connected upward.
[0043] The downward force exerted on the distal end of the deflection
bar 32 and on the
block 65 against the shelf 42 also functions to hold or seat the hemispherical
projection 73 in
mating alignment within the recess 71 in the block 65. Abutment of the
projection 73 against the
portions of the block 65 surrounding the recess 71 in which the projection 73
is received, resists
sliding of the block 65 and the deflection bar 32 relative to the shelf 42.
[0044] A removable retainer bracket 75 is provided and may be connected
between an
outer edge of the shelf and an upper edge of the mounting bracket 50 and over
the block 65
positioned on shelf 42. In the embodiment shown in Figs 1-11, and with
reference to Fig. 4, the
retainer bracket 75 is generally L-shaped with a vertical leg 76 and
horizontal leg 77. A pair of
slots 78 are formed in and extend proximate and parallel to the outer edge of
the shelf 42 and are
adapted to receive tabs or feet 79 projecting downward from the vertical leg
76 of retaining
bracket 75. A tab receiving slot 81 is formed in a distal end of horizontal
leg 77 and sized to
matingly receive a tab 82 projecting upward from the upper edge of the
mounting bracket web
57. A hole is formed in the tab 82 for receiving a locking pin 83 to secure
the retainer bracket 75
to the mounting bracket 50 over and around the block 65. A wear pad 85 is
formed on or
connected to the outer surface of the web 57 of the mounting bracket 57.
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[0045] With the deflection bar 32 and adjustable slide block 65 loaded
onto the support
shelf 42 and the projection 73 on shelf 42 received in recess 71 of block 65,
the block and
deflection bar 32 are restrained from sliding relative to the support shelf 42
which prevents
uncontrolled swaying of the trailer 2 relative to the towing vehicle 3. When
the towing vehicle 3
turns relative the trailer 2, the force directed longitudinally through the
deflection bar 32, on the
side of the trailer 2 to which the vehicle turns, is sufficient to force the
block 65 over the
hemispherical projection 73 so that the deflection bar 32 and block 65 slide
rearward relative to
the shelf 42. At the same time, the longitudinal force drawn through the
deflection bar 32 on the
opposite side draws the associated slide block 65 over and past the projection
72 so that the
deflection bar 32 and block 65 slide forward relative to the opposite shelf
42. The retaining
bracket 75 prevents the deflection bar 32 and slide block 65 from coming off
of the support shelf
42.
[0046] As best seen in Figs. 7-10, loading and unloading of the
adjustable slide block 65
and distal end of the deflection bar 32 onto and off of the support shelf 42
is facilitated using a
loading tool 85 in the nature of a lever. Referring to Fig. 6, the loading
tool 85 includes a handle
or lever arm 87, a slide block cradle 89 and a pivot hook 91 extending from
the distal end of the
cradle 89 opposite the handle 87. A hook receiving slot 93 is formed in the
support shelf 42
between the slots 78 for the retainer bracket feet 79. Hook receiving slot 93
is positioned
proximate the outer edge of the shelf 42 and generally medially between front
and rear ends of
the shelf 42.
[0047] Referring to Figure 7, for loading the slide block 65 and
deflection bar 32 onto the
shelf 42, the tool 85 is positioned with the tip of the hook 91 positioned in
slot 93 and the slide
block 65, extending below the support shelf 42, is supported in the cradle 89.
As best seen in
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Fig. 5, a groove 94 is formed in an outer surface of the slide block along a
lower outer corner and
medially between the ends of the slide block. The groove 94 is adapted to
receive a portion of
the cradle 89 to help maintain the tool 89 generally in transverse alignment
with the block 65 and
medially between he ends of the slide block 65. With the slide block 65
supported in the cradle
89 and hook 91 in slot 93, the user pivots the lever arm 87 and cradle 89
upward and towards the
shelf 42 as shown in Figure 8. The tool 85 is pivoted about the pivot hook 91
in slot 93, until the
slide block 65 slides out of the cradle 89 and onto the shelf 42. The lever
arm 85 is pivoted
toward the shelf 42 until the hemispherical projection 73 on shelf 42 is
received within the
hemispherical recess 71 in block 65. As discussed previously, before loading
the block 65 and
deflection bar 32 onto the support shelf 42, the set screws 69 for connecting
the block 65 to the
deflection bar 32 are loosened, so the deflection bar 32 slides relative to
the block 65 as the
block 65 and deflection bar 32 are loaded onto the shelf 42 which allows the
recess 71 in the
block 65 to slide over and onto the projection 73 on the shelf without the
deflection bar 32
moving the block 65 relative to the projection 73. Once the block is supported
on the shelf 42
with the projection 73 in the recess 71, the set screws are tightened to fix
the longitudinal
position of the block 65 relative to the deflection bar 32.
[0048] With the slide block 65 and deflection bar 32 loaded onto the
support shelf 42, the
retainer bracket 75 is then secured over the slide block 65. Feet 79 of
bracket 75 are inserted in
the slots 78 in shelf 42 and tab 82 is inserted in tab receiving slot 81 in
bracket 75. Locking pin
83 is then inserted in the hole in tab 82 to secure the retainer bracket 75 to
the mounting bracket
50 over and around the block 65.
[0049] Referring to Figs. 9 through 11, tool 85 may also be used to
unload the deflection
bar 32 and slide block 65 from shelf 42 after removing the retainer bracket
75. Pivot bearings 95
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are formed on and project outward from each shelf 42, transverse to and
proximate an outer end
of the shelf 42 with one pivot bearing 95 extending towards the front of the
trailer 2 and the other
pivot bearing 95 extending toward the rear of the trailer 2. At least one
bearing receiving hole 97
is formed in the body or portion of the tool 85 forming the cradle 89. To
unload the deflection
bar 32 and slide block 65 from shelf 42, the tool 85 is positioned against the
front edge of the
shelf 42 so that the forward extending pivot bearing 95 is received within
bearing receiving hole
97, a forward extending end of the slide block 65 is partially received within
the cradle 89. The
back side of the pivot hook 91 is positioned to extend under and engage the
slide block 65 past a
center of the slide block 65 and on the side of the slide block closest to the
respective trailer
frame member 5 or 6. Pivoting of the lever arm 87 about bearing 95, downward
and away from
the shelf 42, pivots the back side of the hook 91 up against the lower distal
edge of the slide
block 65 (the edge closes to the respective trailer frame member 5 or 6) and
away from the shelf
42, lifting the slide block off of projection 73 and into cradle 89. Further
downward pivoting of
the lever arm 87 draws the slide block 65 and deflection bar 32 off of and
away from the shelf
42.
[0050] Unloading of the slide blocks 65 and deflection bars 32 from the
shelves 42
allows adjustment of the position of the slide block 65 relative to the
deflection bar 32 to adjust
the weight distributing hitch 1 to counteract different loads supported on the
trailer 2. As the
load or weight supported on the trailer 2 increases, the counter acting
deflection imparted on the
deflection bars 32 is increased by raising the mounted position of the shelves
42 and associated
mounting brackets 50 relative to their respective support brackets 48. By
raising the shelves 42
the deflection bars 32 have to be bent more to position the slide blocks 65
and deflection bars on
the respective shelves 42. The additional bend imparts increased counter
acting upwardly
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directed forces on the ball mount head 13 through the deflection bars 32. The
additional
curvature imparted on the deflection bars 32 requires the slide blocks 65 to
be secured further
rearward on the respective deflection bar 32 so that the hemispherical
recesses 71 in the slide
blocks 65 will align with the hemispherical projections 73 on the shelves 42
when the deflection
bars 32 and slide blocks 65 are loaded thereon.
[0051] Figures 12-15 show an alternative embodiment of an adjustable
slide block 101
and a modified projection 103 which is elongated and generally forms a rounded
ridge as
opposed to the hemispherical shape of projection 73 of the embodiment shown in
Figs. 4 and 7.
Adjustable slide block 101 is selectively secured to the torsion bar 32 using
a toothed latch
assembly 105 as the securement means instead of set screws 69. The toothed
latch assembly
105 includes a latch base 107 welded or otherwise secured or formed on an
upper surface of the
torsion bar 32 and a pivoting latch member 109 which is pivotally connected to
the adjustable
slide block 101.
[0052] The latch base 107 may be formed from a toothed, rectangular
strip of metal in
the nature of a straight, rack gear. The latch base 107 shown includes a
plurality of teeth 111
spaced apart by grooves or recesses 112 formed in a latch base body 113 in
equally spaced
relationship across an upper surface of the latch base body 113. A latch base
107 is welded or
otherwise secured to an upper surface of each of the torsion bars 32 proximate
a distal end
thereof and with the teeth 111 and recesses 112 extending or opening upward
and transverse to a
longitudinal axis of the torsion bar 32 to which it is secured.
[0053] The adjustable slide block 101 is formed from a U-shaped base
116, a top plate
117 and a pair of spacers 118 positioned between the top plate 117 and upper
ends of sidewalls
119 of the U-shaped base 116 with a passageway 122 extending longitudinally
through the block
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101. The passageway 122 is sized taller than and slightly wider than the
torsion bars 32 to allow
one of the blocks 101 to be slid onto the end of each torsion bar 32. The
passageway 122 in each
slide block 101 is taller than the height of the torsion bars 32 and tall
enough to allow the torsion
bar 32 with a latch base 107 secured thereto to pass through the passageway
122. A slot 124 is
formed in and extends longitudinally through the top plate 117 and opens into
the passageway
122. Pivot mounts 126 are formed on an upper surface of the top plate 117 and
extend
longitudinally adjacent the slot 124 on each side thereof. A pivot pin
receiving bore 128 is
formed in and extends transversely through each of the pivot mounts 126
proximate a first end
thereof and a lock pin receiving bore 130 is formed in and extends
transversely through each of
the pivot mounts 126 proximate a second end thereof
[0054] The latch member 109 is pivotally mounted to the pivot mounts 126
using pivot
pin 132 extending through the pivot pin receiving bores 128 in the pivot
mounts 126 and through
an aligned pivot pin receiving bore (not shown) in the latch member 109. The
latch member 109
is formed from a toothed, rectangular strip of metal in the nature of a
straight, rack gear. The
latch member 109 shown includes a plurality of teeth 134 spaced apart by
grooves or recesses
135 formed in a latch member body 136 in equally spaced relationship across a
lower surface of
the latch member body 136. The spacing between teeth 134 in the latch member
body 136
corresponds to the spacing between the teeth 111 of the latch base body 113
such that the teeth
111 and 134 intermesh when the latch member 109 is positioned over the latch
base 107.
[0055] The latch member 109 is pivotally mounted to the pivot mounts 126
so that it can
be pivoted to extend across the slot 124 in top plate 117 with the teeth 134
extending downward
into the passageway 122. A finger grip or tab 138 is formed on and projects
forward from the
latch member body 136 on an end of the latch member body 136 opposite the
pivot pin 132. The
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tab 138 may be grasped by a user to pivotally raise or lower the latch member
109 about pivot
pin 132 and relative to slot 124. When the latch member 109 is pivoted
downward, across the
slot 132, the tab 138 extends past the distal end of the slot 132 and over the
top plate 117 to
prevent further downward pivoting of the latch member 109 relative to the slot
132.
[0056] As best seen in Fig. 14, a transverse groove 140 is formed in a
floor or bottom
141 of the block 101 and U-shaped base 116. The groove 140 is sized to receive
the projection
103 therein when the block 101 and torsion bar 32 are supported on the
platform 42 including the
alternative, elongate projection 103.
[0057] The longitudinal position of the block 101 relative to the
torsion bar 32 is
selectively fixed using the toothed latch assembly 105. The latch base 107 is
secured to the
torsion bar 32 so that the latch base 107 will extend over the projection 103
when the torsion bar
32 is supported on the shelf 42 regardless of the degree of deflection in the
torsion bar 32 so that
the slide block 101 can be secured on the torsion bar 32 with the transverse
groove 140 aligned
over the projection 103 on shelf 42. Prior to lifting the torsion bar 32 and
slide block 101 onto
shelf 42, and with the latch member 109 raised relative to the slot 124, the
block 101 is slid over
the end of the torsion bar 32 until the slot 124 is approximately centered
over the latch base 107.
Tool 85, as shown in Fig. 6, can be used to lift the block 101 and torsion bar
32 onto shelf 42
with the slide block cradle 89 extending into the transverse groove 140 in the
bottom 141 of the
block 101. When the block 101 is lifted onto the shelf 42, the advancement of
the projection 103
on shelf 42 into the transverse groove 140 in the block bottom 141 will center
the block 101 over
the projection 103.
[0058] With the block 101 centered over the projection 103, the latch
member 109 is
pivoted downward to advance the latch member teeth 134 into the aligned
grooves 112 in the
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latch base 107 and the teeth 111 in the latch base into the grooves in the
latch member 109. A
lock pin 144 can then be inserted through the lock pin receiving bores 130 in
the pivot mounts
126 and above an upper surface of the latch member 109 to secure the latch
member 109 in
engagement with the latch base 107 and thereby fix the longitudinal alignment
of the slide block
101 relative to the torsion bar 32. A recess 145 is formed in each of the
pivot mounts 126
proximate the lock pin receiving bores 130 to receive a segment of a lock pin
ring 146.
[0059] Once the torsion bar 32 and slide block 101 are loaded onto the
shelf 42, the
retainer bracket 75 can be connected between the shelf 42 and the mounting
bracket web 57 to
restrain the block 101 or torsion bar 32 from sliding off of the shelf 42.
Extension of the lock pin
ring 146 into the recesses 145 in pivot mounts 126 prevents pinching of the
ring 146 between the
pivot mounts 126 and the horizontal leg 77 of retainer bracket 75.
[0060] As shown in Figure 15, the bottom 141 of the slide block 101 may
be sloped
upward from the transverse groove 140 toward the front and rear ends to
provide clearance for
the front or rear edges of the block bottom 141 relative to the projection 103
to allow the bottom
141 of the block 101 to pass back over the projection 103 upon straightening
of the trailer 2
relative to the vehicle 3 after the front or rear edge of the block 101 has
been advanced
completely past the projection 101 during a relatively sharp turn.
[0061] Figures 16-21 show an alternative embodiment for the weight
distributing hitch
in which the projection 73, shelf 42 and mounting bracket 50 are replaced with
a roller 203 and
roller support 205 and the adjustable slide block 65 with recess 71 is
replaced with a fixed roller
engagement member 209 with a transverse groove 211 formed in a lower surface
thereof. The
roller 203 comprises the first resistance feature and the grooved roller
engagement member 209
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comprises the second resistance feature. The position of the roller 203
relative to the roller
support 205 is adjustable longitudinally relative to a torsion bar 32
supported on the roller 203.
[0062] A fixed roller engagement member 209 is preferably bolted to a
bottom of each
torsion bar 32 proximate a distal end thereof. The transverse groove 211
extends medially across
the engagement member 209.
[0063] In the embodiment shown, the roller support 205 is formed from a
pair of J-
shaped support members 214 each including a rear leg 216, bottom leg 217 and
front leg 218. A
web 220 extends between the support members 214 and includes a rear panel 221,
bottom panel
222 and front panel 223. Vertically aligned pin receiving holes 225 are formed
in the rear leg
216 of each support member 214 to permit vertically adjustable securement of
the roller support
205 to the support bracket 48 using pins 63. Vertically aligned and
horizontally or longitudinally
extending slots 227 and 228 are formed in and extend through the front and
rear panels 223 and
221 respectively. The roller 203 is rotatably mounted on a roller axle 231
having opposite,
threaded ends extending through the slots 227 and 228 in the front and rear
panels 223 and 221
respectively. Nuts and washers 234 on the threaded ends of the axle 231 are
selectively
tightened against the front and rear panels 223 and 221 to fix the
longitudinal position of the
roller 203 on the roller support 205 and relative to a torsion bar 32
supported thereon. The space
in which the roller 203 is supported by the roller support 205 and axle 231,
between the front and
rear panels 223 and 221 may be referred to as a trough or roller support
trough 235. Drain holes
236 may be formed in the bottom panel 222 extending below the roller 203.
[0064] The roller 203, in the embodiment shown, is spool shaped with a
cylindrical
center section 237 and outwardly sloping, radial flanges 238 on each end which
function to
center the roller engagement member 209 on the roller 203. The transverse
groove 211 in the
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roller engagement member 209 is sized to provide a desired amount of
resistance through
engagement of the portion of the roller engagement member 209 adjacent the
groove 211 with
the roller 203 to prevent the torsion bar 32 from moving longitudinally, fore
or aft, relative to the
roller 203, to prevent swaying of the trailer 2 and until the towing vehicle 3
turns relative to the
trailer 2.
[0065] The torsion bars 32 may be loaded onto a respective roller 203
using a tool similar
to tool 85 and it is understood that structure such as pivot bearings 95 could
be incorporated into
the roller support 205 to facilitate use of a tool, similar to tool 85 for
loading the torsion bars 32
onto a respective roller 203. Prior to loading the torsion bar 32 onto a
roller, the nuts and
washers 233 are loosened to allow the axle 231 and roller 203 to slide
longitudinally relative to
slots 227 and 228 and roller support 205. With the towing vehicle 3 and
trailer 2 extending in
axial alignment, upon loading the torsion bars 32 onto a respective roller
support 205, as the
groove 211 of the roller engagement member 209 is advanced over the roller
203, engagement of
the roller engagement member 209 surrounding the groove 211 with the roller
203 will position
the roller 203 in the desired longitudinal position relative to the roller
support 205. The nuts and
washers 233 can then be tightened to maintain the roller 203 and axle 231 in
this longitudinal
position relative to the roller support 205.
[0066] A retainer bracket, similar in construction to retainer bracket
75, may be used to
prevent the torsion bar 32 from sliding off of the roller support 205. Slots
240, sized and spaced
to receive the feet 79 of the vertical leg 76 of a retainer bracket 75, may be
formed in a
horizontal panel or lip 241 extending between the front legs 218 of the J-
shaped support
members 214 and at upper ends thereof. A tab 242 is formed on the upper edge
of the rear panel
CA 3086868 2020-07-13
221 of the web 220 to extend into the tab receiving slot 81 of the horizontal
leg 77 of the retainer
bracket 75.
[0067] Figure 22 shows an alternative embodiment of a roller support
251, with a roller
252 rotatably mounted on a U-shaped roller carrier 253 which is slidably
mounted on the roller
support 251. The roller support 251 is adapted for use with the grooved,
roller engagement
members 209 fixed to the ends of each torsion bar 32 as with the embodiment
shown in Figures
16-21. The roller support 251 is L-shaped with a planar base 255 and a
vertical leg 256. A pair
of mounting flanges 258 project rearward from the vertical leg 256. Vertically
spaced holes 260
are formed in the mounting flanges 258 and are sized and spaced to permit
vertically adjustable
securement of the roller support 251 to the support bracket 48 using pins 63.
[0068] A longitudinally extending slot 262 is formed in and extends
through the base 255
of the roller support 251. The roller carrier 253 includes a base 264 and two
sidewalls 265. A
roller axle 267 is secured between the sidewalls 265 and the roller 252 is
rotatably mounted on
the axle 267. Two bolts 269 extend through the base 255 of the roller carrier
253 and the slot
262. A washer plate 271 and nuts 272 are secured over the ends of the bolts
269 for selectively
tightening on the bolts 269 against the bottom of the roller support base 255
to fix the
longitudinal position of the roller carrier 253 and the roller 252 relative to
the roller support base
255. Tab 276 on the roller support base 255 and slot 277 in the vertical leg
256 of the roller
support 251 may be used for securing a retainer or retainer bracket (not shown
but similar to
retainer bracket 75) to the roller support 251 for preventing a torsion bar 32
loaded onto the
roller 252 from sliding off the roller 252 and roller support 251.
[0069] Certain terminology will be used in the following description for
convenience in
reference only and will not be limiting. For example, the words "upwardly,"
"downwardly,"
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"rightwardly," and "leftwardly" will refer to directions in the drawings to
which reference is
made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" will refer to directions toward and
away from
respectively, the geometric center of the embodiment being described and
designated parts
thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned,
derivatives thereof and
words of a similar import.
[0070] It
is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have
been
illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific
forms or arrangement of
parts described and shown. As used in the claims, identification of an element
with an indefinite
article "a" or "an" or the phrase "at least one" is intended to cover any
device assembly including
one or more of the elements at issue. Similarly, references to first and
second elements is not
intended to limit the claims to such assemblies including only two of the
elements, but rather is
intended to cover two or more of the elements at issue. Only where limiting
language such as "a
single" or "only one" with reference to an element, is the language intended
to be limited to one
of the elements specified, or any other similarly limited number of elements.
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