초록 ▼

The present invention relates to a trailer hitch storage apparatus for storing a trailer hitch on a trailer having a frame. The apparatus includes a trailer hitch receptacle shaped to receive the trailer hitch. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced-apart side plates. The side plates have first end

The present invention relates to a trailer hitch storage apparatus for storing a trailer hitch on a trailer having a frame. The apparatus includes a trailer hitch receptacle shaped to receive the trailer hitch. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced-apart side plates. The side plates have first ends. At least one of the first ends of the side plates is connected to the trailer hitch receptacle. The side plates have second ends opposite the first ends which extend outwards from the trailer hitch receptacle. The side plates are configured to receive the frame of the trailer between the side plates. The apparatus includes a connector connected to the side plates near the second ends of the side plates. The connector is extendable between the side plates for fixedly securing the frame of the trailer.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A trailer hitch storage apparatus for storing a trailer hitch on a trailer, the trailer having a frame and the trailer hitch storage apparatus comprising: a trailer hitch receptacle that is a tube shaped to receive the trailer hitch;a mount for connecting to the trailer, the mount being u-shaped

1. A trailer hitch storage apparatus for storing a trailer hitch on a trailer, the trailer having a frame and the trailer hitch storage apparatus comprising: a trailer hitch receptacle that is a tube shaped to receive the trailer hitch;a mount for connecting to the trailer, the mount being u-shaped to receive the frame of the trailer, the mount having a pair of spaced-apart side plates, the side plates being configured to at least partially extend about the frame of the trailer, and an end plate extending perpendicular to and integrally formed with each of the side plates, the side plates and the end plate together forming an opening within which the frame is received, the end plate being configured to abut with and at least partially extend over the frame, the mount operatively connecting to and angularly extending outwards from the trailer hitch receptacle; anda triangular truss, one side of the truss being one of the side plates, one side of the truss being a side of the receptacle, and one side of the truss being a brace that is substantially perpendicular to the side plates. 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mount has a closed end and an open end for receiving the frame of the trailer and wherein the mount includes a connector configured to selectively connect to and extend between the side plates near the open end when the frame is so disposed between the side plates. 3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the trailer hitch receptacle is connected to and is angularly disposed in relation to said one of the side plates, the one of the side plates having a first end near the closed end of the mount, the first end of the one of the sides plates connecting to and abutting with the trailer hitch receptacle. 4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the side plates have a pair of apertures and wherein the connector comprises a bolt shaped to extend through the apertures and a nut threadably connectable to the bolt. 5. In combination, a trailer hitch and the trailer hitch storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1. 6. The combination as claimed in claim 5, the trailer hitch having an aperture extending therethrough, wherein the trailer hitch receptacle has at least one corresponding aperture extending therethrough, the at least one aperture of the trailer hitch receptacle being alignable with the aperture of the trailer hitch when the trailer hitch is received within the trailer hitch receptacle, and wherein the combination further includes a pin shaped to extend through both the at least one aperture of the trailer hitch receptacle and the aperture of the trailer hitch for securing the trailer hitch within the trailer hitch receptacle. 7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the end plate is connected to and is angularly disposed in relation to the trailer hitch receptacle. 8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the side plates extend outwards from the trailer hitch receptacle at an angle of between 0 and 90 degrees. 9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the brace connects to and extends between the trailer hitch receptacle and the mount, the brace connecting to the mount via said one of the side plates. 10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the trailer hitch receptacle is connected to and is angularly disposed in relation to said one of the side plates. 11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the trailer hitch receptacle is tubular and is squared-shaped in cross-section. 12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a longitudinal portion of said one of the side plates faces at least a portion of the tube. 13. In combination, a trailer and the trailer hitch storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1. 14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brace is integrally formed with both the mount and said one of the side plates. 15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one of the side plates has a first end and a second end spaced-apart from the first end, the brace being interposed between the first and second ends of said one of the side plates. 16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a longitudinal portion of said one of the side plates faces at least a portion of the receptacle, the longitudinal portion of said one of the side plates being perpendicular to the end plate. 17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mount has a top and a side and wherein the trailer hitch receptacle connects to both the top and the side of the trailer mount. 18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trailer hitch receptacle has a first end and a second end spaced-apart from the first end, the brace connecting to the first end of the trailer hitch receptacle and the trailer mount connecting to the trailer hitch receptacle adjacent to the second end of the trailer hitch receptacle. 19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trailer hitch receptacle has a first end, a second end spaced-apart from the first end, and an opening extending from the first end of the trailer hitch receptacle to the second end of the trailer hitch receptacle, the opening being shaped to receive a trailer hitch therethrough. 20. A trailer hitch storage apparatus for storing a trailer hitch on a trailer having a frame, the apparatus comprising: a trailer hitch receptacle that is a tube shaped to receive the trailer hitch;a pair of spaced-apart side plates, the side plates having first ends, one of the first ends of the side plates being connected to the trailer hitch receptacle, the side plates having second ends opposite the first ends, the second ends of the side plates extending outwards from the trailer hitch receptacle, the side plates being configured to receive the frame of the trailer between the side plates;an end plate extending perpendicular to and integrally formed with each of the side plates, the side plates and the end plate together forming an opening within which the frame is received, the end plate being configured to abut with and at least partially extend over the frame;a connector connected to the side plates near the second ends of the side plates, the connector being extendable between the side plates for fixedly securing the trailer mount to the frame of the trailer; anda triangular truss, one side of the truss being one of the side plates, one side of the truss being a side of the receptacle, and one side of the truss being a brace that is substantially perpendicular to the side plates.