초록 ▼

The vehicle hitch assembly disclosed herein provides a system and method for modifying a vehicle such as, for example, a performance car, to haul or tow a load. As disclosed herein, the system and method provides an aesthetically pleasing towing assembly that cooperates with the vehicle frame to all

The vehicle hitch assembly disclosed herein provides a system and method for modifying a vehicle such as, for example, a performance car, to haul or tow a load. As disclosed herein, the system and method provides an aesthetically pleasing towing assembly that cooperates with the vehicle frame to allow a performance vehicle to tow or haul a load. In one embodiment, a vehicle hitch assembly includes a hitch mounting bracket having a support sleeve, the hitch mounting bracket sized to cooperate with a cavity provided within a vehicle facia. The assembly further includes a hitch adaptor fixedly coupled to the hitch mounting bracket and sized to removably engage a mounting passage provided within the vehicle facia, and a mounting plate configured to removably engage the support sleeve.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention is claimed as follows: 1. A vehicle hitch assembly comprising: a hitch mounting bracket having a support sleeve mounted within the hitch mounting bracket, the hitch mounting bracket sized to cooperate with a cavity provided within a vehicle facia; a hitch adaptor fixedly coupled to th

The invention is claimed as follows: 1. A vehicle hitch assembly comprising: a hitch mounting bracket having a support sleeve mounted within the hitch mounting bracket, the hitch mounting bracket sized to cooperate with a cavity provided within a vehicle facia; a hitch adaptor fixedly coupled to the hitch mounting bracket, the hitch adaptor sized to removably engage a mounting passage provided within the vehicle facia; and a mounting plate configured to removably engage the support sleeve. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate includes a hitch sleeve sized to removably engage a hitch coupler. 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the hitch coupler is attached to an accessory selected from the group consisting of: a ball hitch, a bike rack, a luggage rack and a storage container. 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket includes first and second side panels contoured to conform to the profile of the vehicle facia. 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket includes at least one receiving hole aligned with at least one aperture formed within a frame member of the vehicle when the mounting bracket is positioned within the cavity provided within the vehicle facia. 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket includes a first bumper and a second bumper. 7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the hitch adaptor further comprises an alignment plate for helping to align apertures in a vehicle frame and the mounting bracket. 8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket includes a vehicle license plate mounting frame. 9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the hitch adaptor includes at least one tab configured to engage a receiving channel formed in a frame member of the vehicle. 10. A vehicle hitch assembly comprising: a mounting bracket sized to cooperate with a cavity provided within a vehicle facia, the mounting bracket includes: a back plate; a receiving hole formed through the back plate, the receiving hole aligned with a mounting passage provided in the vehicle facia when the mounting bracket is supported within the cavity; a hitch adaptor with the back plate mounted within the hitch adaptor, the hitch adaptor sized to slideably engage the mounting passage; and a support sleeve; a mounting plate configured to removably engage the support sleeve, the mounting plate including a hitch sleeve; and a hitch coupler sized to removably engage the hitch sleeve. 11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the hitch coupler is attached to an accessory selected from the group consisting of: a ball hitch, a bike rack, a luggage rack and a storage container. 12. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the mounting bracket includes first and second side panels contoured to conform to the profile of the vehicle facia. 13. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the mounting bracket includes a first bumper and a second bumper. 14. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the hitch adaptor further comprises an alignment plate for helping to align apertures in a vehicle frame and the mounting bracket. 15. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the mounting bracket includes a vehicle license plate mounting frame. 16. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the hitch adaptor includes at least one tab configured to engage a receiving channel formed in a frame member of the vehicle. 17. A method of hauling a load with a vehicle comprising: providing a mounting bracket sized to cooperate with a cavity provided within a vehicle facia, the mounting bracket including: a back plate; a receiving hole formed through the back plate, the receiving hole aligned with a mounting passage provided in the vehicle facia when the mounting bracket is supported within the cavity; a hitch adaptor fixedly attached to the back plate, the hitch adaptor sized to slideably engage the mounting passage; and a support sleeve mounted within the mounting bracket; providing a mounting plate configured to removably engage the support sleeve, the mounting plate including a hitch sleeve; and providing a hitch coupler sized to removably engage the hitch sleeve. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein providing the hitch coupler includes attaching an accessory to the hitch coupler selected from the group consisting of: a ball hitch, a bike rack, a luggage rack and a storage container. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein providing the mounting bracket includes: providing first and second side panels; and contouring the first and second side panels to conform to the profile of the vehicle facia. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein providing the mounting bracket includes providing a first bumper and a second bumper fixedly attached to the back plate. 21. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate is configured to fit within the support sleeve. 22. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the hitch adaptor further comprises a vertical alignment plate for helping to align apertures in a vehicle frame and the mounting bracket.