초록 ▼

A quick attach/detach adjustable hitch which allows the operator of a towing vehicle to connect to a trailer without leaving the driver seat. The preferred embodiment includes a lifting carriage connected within a frame by a hydraulic cylinder. Guiding members are used to ensure correct alignment o

A quick attach/detach adjustable hitch which allows the operator of a towing vehicle to connect to a trailer without leaving the driver seat. The preferred embodiment includes a lifting carriage connected within a frame by a hydraulic cylinder. Guiding members are used to ensure correct alignment of the hitch ball receiver and hitch ball, and a hold-down bar is used to prevent accidental detachment of the trailer from the towing vehicle. The preferred embodiment also includes an alarm to inform the operator when the hitch ball receiver and hitch ball are in correct alignment.

대표청구항 ▼

I claim: 1. An adjustable hitch for attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle, said towing vehicle operated by an operator, wherein said trailer includes a hitch ball receiver having a cavity, said adjustable hitch comprising: a. a lifting carriage movable up and down, including i. a hitch ball, ii.

I claim: 1. An adjustable hitch for attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle, said towing vehicle operated by an operator, wherein said trailer includes a hitch ball receiver having a cavity, said adjustable hitch comprising: a. a lifting carriage movable up and down, including i. a hitch ball, ii. a hold-down bar, said hold down bar positioned above said hitch ball and adapted to hold said hitch ball receiver on top of said hitch ball so that said hitch ball is trapped inside said cavity of said hitch ball receiver; b. a lifting means, said lifting means attached to said lifting carriage and adapted for raising said lifting carriage in the vertical direction; and c. wherein said hold down bar is configured to be movable between a downward position in which said hold down bar is proximal to said hitch ball and a forward positioning which said hold down bar is distal to said hitch ball, and wherein said hold down bar is spring biased to be maintained in said downward position above said hitch ball. 2. The adjustable hitch of claim 1, wherein said lifting carriage further comprises a first guiding member and a second guiding member, said first guiding member and said second guiding member positioned on opposite sides of said hitch ball. 3. The adjustable hitch of claim 1, wherein said adjustable hitch further comprises an alignment alarm adapted to notify said operator when said hitch ball receiver is aligned with said hitch ball. 4. The adjustable hitch of claim 2, wherein said adjustable hitch further comprises an alignment alarm adapted to notify said operator when said hitch ball receiver is aligned with said hitch ball. 5. The adjustable hitch of claim 1, further comprising a cable, said cable attached to said hold down bar and adapted to position said hold down bar in said forward position when said cable is under tension. 6. The adjustable hitch of claim 2, further comprising a cable, said cable attached to said hold down bar and adapted to position said hold down bar in said forward position when said cable is under tension. 7. The adjustable hitch of claim 3, further comprising a cable, said cable attached to said hold down bar and adapted to position said hold down bar in said forward position when said cable is under tension. 8. The adjustable hitch of claim 4, further comprising a cable, said cable attached to said hold down bar and adapted to position said hold down bar in said forward position when said cable is under tension. 9. The adjustable hitch of claim 1, further comprising a hitch frame, said hitch frame adapted for attaching said adjustable hitch to said towing vehicle. 10. The adjustable hitch of claim 1, wherein said lifting means comprises a hydraulic cylinder. 11. The adjustable hitch of claim 1, wherein said hold-down bar is rotatably attached to said lifting carriage so that said hold-down bar has a normal vertical orientation, and said hold-down bar rotates clear of said hitch ball when said hitch ball receiver is brought into alignment above said hitch ball. 12. An adjustable hitch for attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle, wherein said trailer includes a hitch ball receiver having a cavity, said adjustable hitch comprising: a. a frame attached to one of said trailer or said towing vehicle, b. a lifting carriage movable up and down within said frame, said lifting carriage including a hitch ball, c. a lifting means, said lifting means attaching said lifting carriage to said frame and adapted to raise and lower said lifting carriage within said frame; and d. a hold-down bar, said hold down bar positioned above said hitch ball and adapted to hold said hitch ball receiver on top of said hitch ball so that said hitch ball is trapped inside said cavity of said hitch ball receiver. 13. The adjustable hitch of claim 12, wherein said hold down bar is configured to be movable between a downward position in which said hold down bar is proximal to said hitch ball and a forward positioning which said hold down bar is distal to said hitch ball, and wherein said hold down bar is spring biased to be maintained in said downward position above said hitch ball. 14. The adjustable hitch of claim 12, said lifting carriage further comprising a first guiding member and a second guiding member, said first guiding member and said second guiding member positioned on opposite sides of said hitch ball, said first guiding member and said second guiding member together configured to direct said hitch ball receiver into alignment with said hitch ball as said hitch ball receiver moves toward said hitch ball.