Tow bar having a single, centrally-located ball-and-socket joint for accommodating pitch, yaw and roll movements between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle
원문보기
IPC분류정보
국가/구분
United States(US) Patent
등록
국제특허분류(IPC7판)
B60D-001/54
B60D-001/00
출원번호
US-0851930
(2004-05-24)
발명자
/ 주소
Schoonover,Donald R.
출원인 / 주소
Schoonover,Donald R.
인용정보
피인용 횟수 :
11인용 특허 :
36
초록▼
A tow bar having a first connection mechanism with a forward projection for connecting to a conventional receiver hitch of a towing vehicle, a second connection mechanism for connecting to a towed vehicle, and a third connection mechanism having a ball member rotatively captured with a socket member
A tow bar having a first connection mechanism with a forward projection for connecting to a conventional receiver hitch of a towing vehicle, a second connection mechanism for connecting to a towed vehicle, and a third connection mechanism having a ball member rotatively captured with a socket member and a pair of towbar arms pivotally-connected to an exposed portion of the ball member for connecting the first connection mechanism to the second connection mechanism. The tow bar also includes a securing mechanism for locking the tow bar in a stowed configuration on the rear of the towing vehicle.
대표청구항▼
What is claimed and desired to be covered by Letters Patent is as follows: 1. A tow bar for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the tow bar comprising: (a) a first connection mechanism connected to the towing vehicle, the first connection mechanism defining a longitudinally-oriented axi
What is claimed and desired to be covered by Letters Patent is as follows: 1. A tow bar for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the tow bar comprising: (a) a first connection mechanism connected to the towing vehicle, the first connection mechanism defining a longitudinally-oriented axis that is fixed relative to the towing vehicle; (b) a second connection mechanism connected to the towed vehicle, the second connection mechanism defining a transverse horizontally-oriented axis that is fixed relative to the towed vehicle; and (c) a third connection mechanism connecting the first connection mechanism to the second connection mechanism, the third connection mechanism defining a third connection mechanism center point, the third connection mechanism including: (1) a one-piece spherically-shaped ball member having a radius and a ball member center point; and (2) a socket member having a main cavity with a main cavity center point and a radius of curvature, which is slightly greater than the radius of the ball member, and (3) wherein the ball member is rotatively captured within the socket member with the ball member center point and the main cavity center point coinciding with the third connection mechanism center point; and (d) wherein the third connection mechanism is configured and structured to allow pitch, yaw and roll movements, including any and all combinations thereof, of the transverse horizontally-oriented axis, defined by the second connection mechanism, relative to the longitudinally-oriented axis, defined by the first connection mechanism, and wherein the pitch, yaw and roll movements between the transverse horizontally-oriented axis, defined by the second connection mechanism, and the longitudinally-oriented axis, defined by the first connection mechanism, occur at the third connection mechanism center point. 2. The tow bar as described in claim 1, wherein the first connection mechanism includes a forward projection which is structured and configured to be received by a conventional receiver hitch of the towing vehicle, wherein the forward projection is fixedly connected to the third connection mechanism. 3. The tow bar as described in claim 1 wherein the third connection mechanism further includes: (a) an exposed portion of the ball member extending rearwardly from a rear surface of the socket member; and (b) a rearward projection fixedly connected to the exposed portion of the ball member. 4. The tow bar as described in claim 3 wherein the third connection mechanism further includes at least one towbar arm having a forward end and a rear end, the forward end being pivotally connected to the rearward projection and the rear end being connected to the second connection mechanism. 5. The tow bar as described in claim 4 wherein the at least one towbar arm includes two towbar arms, each having a forward end and a rear end, wherein the rear ends thereof are spaced apart and connected to the second connection mechanism, and wherein the forward ends thereof are not spaced apart and are pivotally connected to the rearward projection. 6. The tow bar as described in claim 5, wherein the forward ends of the two towbar arms can each move about a towbar arm-separating axis relative to the rearward projection. 7. A tow bar for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the tow bar comprising: (a) a first connection mechanism connected to the towing vehicle, the first connection mechanism: (1) including a forward projection structured and configured to be received by a conventional receiver hitch of the towing vehicle, and (2) defining a longitudinally-oriented axis that is fixed relative to the towing vehicle; (b) a second connection mechanism connected to the towed vehicle, the second connection mechanism: (1) including at least one bracket attached to the towed vehicle, and (2) defining a transverse horizontally-oriented axis that is fixed relative to the towed vehicle; (c) a third connection mechanism connecting the first connection mechanism to the second connection mechanism, the third connection mechanism including: (1) a ball member having a ball member center point and an exposed portion, (2) a socket member fixedly connected to the forward projection, the socket member having a rearward portion with a rear surface and a forward portion, the rearward and forward portions cooperatively forming a spherically-shaped main cavity having a main cavity center point therein, the main cavity being structured and configured to rotatively capture the ball member therein wherein the exposed portion of the ball member extends rearwardly from the rear surface of the rearward portion, the rearward portion abutting the forward portion along a plane that passes through the main cavity center point, (3) a rearward projection fixedly connected to the exposed portion of the ball member, and (4) two towbar arms each having a forward end and a rear end, wherein the rear ends thereof are operatively spaced apart and the forward ends thereof are not spaced apart and are movably connected to the rearward projection about a towbar arm-separating axis; and (d) a securing mechanism structured and configured to secure the third connection mechanism in a stowed configuration, the securing mechanism including: (1) a first securing device connected to the rearward projection, (2) a notch in the rearward portion, the notch being structured and configured to accommodate the rearward projection as the ball member is rotated within the socket member in order to place the rearward projection in an upright orientation, and (3) a second securing device connected to the socket member; and (e) wherein the third connection mechanism is configured and structured to accommodate pitch, yaw and roll movements, including any and all combinations thereof, of the transverse horizontally-oriented axis, defined by the second connection mechanism, relative to the longitudinally-oriented axis, defined by the first connection mechanism, and wherein the pitch, yaw and roll movements, between the transverse horizontally-oriented transverse axis defined by the second connection and the longitudinally-oriented axis of the first connection mechanism, occur at the main cavity center point and the ball member center point; and (f) wherein as the ball member is rotatable within the socket member to dispose the rearward projection upwardly within the notch, the first securing device in conjunction with the second securing device releasably securing the third connection mechanism in the stowed configuration. 8. A tow bar for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the tow bar comprising: (a) a first connection mechanism connected to the towing vehicle, the first connection mechanism defining a longitudinally-oriented axis that is fixed relative to the towing vehicle; (b) a second connection mechanism connected to the towed vehicle, the second connection mechanism defining a transverse horizontally-oriented axis that is fixed relative to the towed vehicle; (c) a third connection mechanism connecting the first connection mechanism to the second connection mechanism, the third connection mechanism defining a third connection mechanism center point, the third connection mechanism including: (1) a one-piece spherically-shaped ball member having a radius and a ball member center point; and (2) a socket member having a main cavity with a main cavity center point and a radius of curvature, which is slightly greater than the radius of the ball member, and (3) wherein the ball member is rotatively captured within the socket member with the ball member center point and the main cavity center point coinciding with the third connection mechanism center point; and (d) a securing mechanism structured and configured to secure the third connection mechanism in a stowed configuration; and (e) wherein the third connection mechanism is configured and structured to allow pitch, yaw and roll movements, including any and all combinations thereof, of the transverse horizontally-oriented axis, defined by the second connection mechanism, relative to the longitudinally-oriented axis, defined by the first connection mechanism, and wherein the pitch, yaw and roll movements between the transverse horizontally-oriented axis, defined by the second connection mechanism, and the longitudinally-oriented axis, defined by the first connection mechanism, occur at the third connection mechanism center point. 9. A tow bar for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the tow bar comprising: (a) a first connection mechanism connected to the towing vehicle, the first connection mechanism defining a longitudinally-oriented axis that is fixed relative to the towing vehicle; (b) a second connection mechanism connected to the towed vehicle, the second connection mechanism defining a transverse horizontally-oriented axis that is fixed relative to the towed vehicle; and (c) a third connection mechanism connecting the first connection mechanism to the second connection mechanism, the third connection mechanism defining a third connection mechanism center point, the third connection mechanism including: (1) a one-piece spherically-shaped ball member having a radius and a ball member center point; and (2) a socket member having a main cavity with a main cavity center point and a radius of curvature, which is slightly greater than the radius of the ball member, wherein the socket member includes: (A) a forward portion having a rearwardly-facing hemispherically-shaped forward cavity with a radius of curvature, which is slightly greater than the radius of the ball member, and a center of curvature; (B) a rearward portion having a forwardly-facing truncated hemispherically-shaped rearward cavity with a radius of curvature, which is identical to the radius of curvature of the forward cavity of the forward portion, and a center of curvature; and (C) fastening means; and (D) wherein assembly of the forward portion, the rearward portion and the ball member with the fastening means forms the main cavity wherein the centers of curvature of the cavities of the forward and rearward portions and the ball member center point all coincide with the third connection mechanism center point, rotatively capturing the ball member therein, and (d) wherein the third connection mechanism is configured and structured to allow pitch, yaw and roll movements, including any and all combinations thereof, of the transverse horizontally-oriented axis, defined by the second connection mechanism, relative to the longitudinally-oriented axis, defined by the first connection mechanism, and wherein the pitch, yaw and roll movements between the transverse horizontally-oriented axis, defined by the second connection mechanism, and the longitudinally-oriented axis, defined by the first connection mechanism, occur at the third connection mechanism center point. 10. The tow bar as described in claim 9 wherein, after assembly with the fastening means, the rearward portion abuts the forward portion along a plane that passes through the third connection mechanism center point. 11. The tow bar as described in claim 9, wherein the first connection mechanism includes a forward projection structured and configured to be received by a conventional receiver hitch of the towing vehicle and wherein the forward projection is fixedly connected to the forward portion of the socket member. 12. A tow bar for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the tow bar comprising: (a) a first connection mechanism connected to the towing vehicle, the first connection mechanism defining a longitudinally-oriented axis that is fixed relative to the towing vehicle; (b) a second connection mechanism connected to the towed vehicle, the second connection mechanism defining a transverse horizontally-oriented axis that is fixed relative to the towed vehicle; and (c) a third connection mechanism connecting the first connection mechanism to the second connection mechanism, the third connection mechanism defining a third connection mechanism center point, the third connection mechanism including: (1) a one-piece spherically-shaped ball member having a radius, an exposed portion, and a ball member center point, (2) a socket member having a main cavity with a main cavity center point and a radius of curvature, which is slightly greater than the radius of the ball member, and (3) a rearward projection fixedly connected to the exposed portion of the ball member, the rearward projection including: (A) the ball member having a threaded partial bore in the exposed portion thereof, and (B) a bolt threadably secured in the threaded partial bore, and (4) wherein the ball member is rotatively captured within the socket member with the ball member center point and the main cavity center point coinciding with the third connection mechanism center point, the exposed portion of the ball member extending rearwardly from a rear surface of the socket member; and (d) wherein the third connection mechanism is configured and structured to allow pitch, yaw and roll movements, including any and all combinations thereof, of the transverse horizontally-oriented axis, defined by the second connection mechanism, relative to the longitudinally-oriented axis, defined by the first connection mechanism, and wherein the pitch, yaw and roll movements between the transverse horizontally-oriented axis, defined by the second connection mechanism, and the longitudinally-oriented axis, defined by the first connection mechanism, occur at the third connection mechanism center point. 13. A tow bar for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the tow bar comprising: (a) a first connection mechanism connected to the towing vehicle, the first connection mechanism defining a longitudinally-oriented axis that is fixed relative to the towing vehicle; (b) a second connection mechanism connected to the towed vehicle, the second connection mechanism defining a transverse horizontally-oriented axis that is fixed relative to the towed vehicle; (c) a third connection mechanism connecting the first connection mechanism to the second connection mechanism, the third connection mechanism defining a third connection mechanism center point, the third connection mechanism including: (1) a one-piece spherically-shaped ball member having a radius and a ball member center point, (2) a socket member having a main cavity with a main cavity center point and a radius of curvature, which is slightly greater than the radius of the ball member, an exposed portion of the ball member extending rearwardly from a rear surface of the socket member, and (3) a rearward projection fixedly connected to the exposed portion of the ball member, and (4) wherein the ball member is rotatively captured within the socket member with the ball member center point and the main cavity center point coinciding with the third connection mechanism center point; and (d) a securing mechanism structured and configured to secure the third connection mechanism in a stowed configuration, the securing mechanism including: (1) a first securing device connected to the rearward projection, (2) a notch structured and configured to accommodate the rearward projection as the ball member is rotated within the socket member in order to place the rearward projection in an upright orientation, and (3) a second securing device connected to the socket member, and (4) wherein, as the ball member is rotated within the main body to dispose the rearward projection upwardly within the notch, the first securing device in cooperation with the second securing device releasably securing the third connection mechanism in the stowed configuration; and (e) wherein the third connection mechanism is configured and structured to allow pitch, yaw and roll movements, including any and all combinations thereof, of the transverse horizontally-oriented axis, defined by the second connection mechanism, relative to the longitudinally-oriented axis, defined by the first connection mechanism, and wherein the pitch, yaw and roll movements between the transverse horizontally-oriented axis, defined by the second connection mechanism, and the longitudinally-oriented axis, defined by the first connection mechanism, occur at the third connection mechanism center point. 14. The tow bar as described in claim 13, further including a removable notch-reinforcing mechanism. 15. A tow bar for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the tow bar comprising: (a) a first connection mechanism connected to the towing vehicle, the first connection mechanism defining a longitudinally-oriented axis that is fixed relative to the towing vehicle; (b) a second connection mechanism connected to the towed vehicle, the second connection mechanism defining a transverse horizontally-oriented axis that is fixed relative to the towed vehicle; and (c) a third connection mechanism connecting the first connection mechanism to the second connection mechanism, the third connection mechanism defining a third connection mechanism center point, the third connection mechanism including: (1) a one-piece spherically-shaped ball member having a radius and a ball member center point; and (2) a socket member having a main cavity with a main cavity center point and a radius of curvature, which is slightly greater than the radius of the ball member, the socket member including: (A) a forward section having a rearwardly-facing spherically-shaped forward depression with a radius of curvature, which is slightly greater than the radius of the ball member, and a center of curvature; (B) an intermediate section having a cylindrically-shaped cavity therethrough with a radius, which is greater that the radius of the ball member, and a centerline; (C) a rearward section having a shoulder defining a rearward-facing opening in a rear surface of the rearward section, the shoulder having a radius of curvature, which is slightly greater that the radius of the ball member and which is identical to the radius of curvature of the forward depression, and a center of curvature; and (D) fastening means; and (E) wherein assembly of the forward section, the intermediate section, the rearward section and the ball member with the fastening means, with the intermediate section sandwiched between the forward section and the rearward section, forms a central cavity wherein the centers of curvature of the forward depression, the shoulder of the rearward section and the ball member center point coincide with the third connection mechanism center point on the centerline of the intermediate portion, which centerline is perpendicular to the rear surface of the rearward section, the assembly rotatively capturing the ball member therein; and (d) wherein the third connection mechanism is configured and structured to allow pitch, yaw and roll movements, including any and all combinations thereof, of the transverse horizontally-oriented axis, defined by the second connection mechanism, relative to the longitudinally-oriented axis, defined by the first connection mechanism, and wherein the pitch, yaw and roll movements between the transverse horizontally-oriented axis, defined by the second connection mechanism, and the longitudinally-oriented axis, defined by the first connection mechanism, occur at the third connection mechanism center point. 16. A tow bar for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the tow bar comprising: (a) a first connection mechanism connected to the towing vehicle, the first connection mechanism defining a longitudinally-oriented axis that is fixed relative to the towing vehicle; (b) a second connection mechanism connected to the towed vehicle, the second connection mechanism defining a transverse horizontally-oriented axis that is fixed relative to the towed vehicle, the second connection mechanism includes a least one bracket secured to the towed vehicle; and (c) a third connection mechanism connecting the first connection mechanism to the second connection mechanism, the third connection mechanism defining a third connection mechanism center point, the third connection mechanism including: (1) a one-piece spherically-shaped ball member having a radius and a ball member center point; and (2) a socket member having a main cavity with a main cavity center point and a radius of curvature, which is slightly greater than the radius of the ball member, and (3) wherein the ball member is rotatively captured within the socket member with the ball member center point and the main cavity center point coinciding with the third connection mechanism center point; and (d) wherein the third connection mechanism is configured and structured to allow pitch, yaw and roll movements, including any and all combinations thereof, of the transverse horizontally-oriented axis, defined by the second connection mechanism, relative to the longitudinally-oriented axis, defined by the first connection mechanism, and wherein the pitch, yaw and roll movements between the transverse horizontally-oriented axis, defined by the second connection mechanism, and the longitudinally-oriented axis, defined by the first connection mechanism, occur at the third connection mechanism center point.
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이 특허에 인용된 특허 (36)
George ; Jimmie ; Tyson ; Charles P., Adjustable trailer hitch.
Heider Merle J. (203-12th St. SW. Humboldt IA 50548) Heider Dale J. (1108 8th Ave. SW. Humboldt IA 50548) Heider Leon J. (1107 Third Ave. SW. Humboldt IA 50548) Heider Craig J. (812 S. Taft St. Humbo, Trailer coupler assembly.
Hahne,Merton; Penlerick,Mark; Crippen,Anthony, Tow bar having a single moving part for operatively accommodating pitch and roll movements between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle.
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