TRAILER HITCH SYSTEM AND METHOD
Patent Number: US 8733781 Grant Date: 2014-05-27 Filing Date: 2013-03-07
Overview
This patent describes a mechanically robust trailer hitch system that enables on-the-fly vertical adjustment of the hitch connection to preserve proper leverage and load balance while a trailer remains attached to a vehicle. Filed March 07, 2013 and granted May 27, 2014, the disclosure centers on an arrangement of complementary bracket assemblies, a releasable coupler and an integrated jack mechanism that together permit controlled sliding and secure fixation of the hitch height. Inventors based in Happy, TX designed the architecture so the first bracket slides relative to the second along guided rails and is fixable at multiple vertical positions, while a crank-driven jack provides precise mechanical adjustment. The coupler assembly mounts to the second bracket and offers selectable vertical coupling positions to accommodate varying tongue loads and vehicle rake.
Our drafting emphasized claim coverage of both the structural bracket-and-rail interface and the functional methods of adjustment, ensuring protection for practical field uses such as compensating for shifted loads, slope travel, and maintaining leverage without detaching the trailer.
Key Features
- Jack-driven vertical adjustment while attached to vehicle
- Slidable first/second bracket assemblies with bolt fixation
- Adjustable coupler positions for varied tongue loads
- Designed for trailers used in agricultural, construction, and consumer towing
This adaptive hitch improves towing safety and load management, offering clear utility across industrial and consumer trailer markets and strengthening IP protection for manufacturers of towing hardware.
Invention Details
Abstract: A trailer hitch is disclosed. Said trailer hitch comprises a first bracket assembly, a second bracket assembly, a coupler assembly, and a jack assembly. Said jack assembly is capable of mechanically adjusting first bracket assembly relative to second bracket assembly. Said coupler assembly is capable of releasably attaching to a hitch on a vehicle.
Background: This disclosure relates generally to a system and method for adjusting atrailer hitch system. Further, it claims priority to provisional patent application No. 61/607,692. (1) BACKGROUND (2) Said trailer hitch systems can be used as an addition to or as a part of a trailer for adjusting the height and leverage of said trailer while attached to a vehicle. Previous systems for adjusting said trailer hitch systems comprise rudimentary approaches such as unloading and reloading said trailer or removing said trailer from said vehicle to make adjustments. (3) None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant disclosure as claimed. Accordingly, an improved system and method for adjusting a trailer hitch system would be advantageous. (4) SUMMARY (5) A trailer hitch system and method are disclosed. Said trailer hitch system comprises a first bracket assembly, a second bracket assembly, a coupler assembly, and a jack assembly. Said jack assembly is capable of mechanically adjusting first bracket assembly relative to second bracket assembly. Said coupler assembly is capable of releasably attaching to a hitch on a vehicle. (6) Said method of using a trailer hitch comprising: adjustably attaching a first bracket assembly to a second bracket assembly, moving said first bracket assembly in a vertical direction relative to said second bracket assembly, and releasably attaching a coupler assembly to a hitch on a vehicle. Said trailer hitch comprises said first bracket assembly, said second bracket assembly and said coupler assembly.
Patent Document
Related: Mechanical Engineering | Transportation | Happy, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney