Dual hitch assembly

• US 20070013157A1
• Filed: 07/18/2005
• Published: 01/18/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/18/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Dane Industries, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Dane Industries, Inc.
• Inventors: Wiff, James, Holtan, Paul
• Application Number:
  US11/184,095
• Publication Number:
  US 20070013157A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/47.131
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/00 Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices devices specially adapted for connection between tractors and agricultural machines or implements A01B59/00; fifth-wheel couplings B62D
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/075 Hitch-adaptors
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/465 comprising a lifting mechanism, e.g. for coupling while lifting
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/481 adapted for being mounted to the front and back of trailers, carts, trolleys, or the like to form a train
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/665 comprising supporting wheels, e.g. dollies
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 2001/005 for carts, scooters, or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 51/04 the driver walking
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 53/00 Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains traction couplings other than fifth wheel coupling B60D ; tracked vehicles comprising at least two articulated parts B62D55/0655

Abstract

The present invention is a dual hitch assembly comprising a framework, a travel surface contacting assembly, and a biasing element. The framework includes a first hitch and a second hitch. The biasing element extends between the framework and the travel surface contacting assembly. The dual hitch assembly allows two wheeled carts to be coupled together in a train-like manner by placing the hitch assembly between the two carts and coupling the first hitch to the first cart and the second hitch to the second cart.

Claims

1. A hitch assembly comprising:

a framework comprising a first hitch and a second hitch;

a travel surface contacting assembly; and

a biasing element extending between the framework and the travel surface contacting assembly.

2. The hitch assembly of claim 1, wherein the hitches are at generally opposite ends of the framework.

3. The hitch assembly of claim 1, wherein the first hitch is pivotal relative to the second hitch.

4. The hitch assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first hitch is adjustable along the longitudinal length of the framework.

5. The hitch assembly of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the second hitch is adjustable along a longitudinal length of the framework.

6. The hitch assembly of claim 1, wherein the first hitch comprises first and second plates offset from, and generally parallel to, each other.

7. The hitch assembly of claim 6, wherein at least one of the plates is adjustable along a longitudinal length of the framework.

8. The hitch assembly of claim 6, wherein the first plate is wider than the second plate.

9. The hitch assembly of claim 8, wherein the second plate is located near an end of the framework and the first plate is located between the second plate and a midpoint of the framework.

10. The hitch assembly of claim 9, wherein the first plate is adjustable along the longitudinal length of the framework.

11. The hitch assembly of claim 1, wherein the first hitch comprises a pin.

12. The hitch assembly of claim 1, wherein the travel surface contacting assembly comprises a rolling element.

13. The hitch assembly of claim 12, wherein the rolling element is a wheel.

14. The hitch assembly of claim 13, wherein the travel surface contacting assembly further comprises an axle about which the wheel pivots, and the biasing element is coupled at a first end with the framework and at a second end with the travel surface contacting assembly at a point near to, or on, the axle.

15. The hitch assembly of claim 12, wherein the travel surface contacting assembly further comprises a pivot arm comprising a first end pivotally coupled with the framework and a second end coupled with the roller element.

16. The hitch assembly of claim 1, wherein the framework further comprises a plate portion extending between the first and second hitches and a shaft perpendicularly extending from the plate portion.

17. The hitch assembly of claim 16, wherein a first end of the biasing element is coupled with the shaft and a second end of the biasing element is coupled to the travel surface contacting assembly.

18. The hitch assembly of claim 16, wherein the shaft comprises a handle.

19. The hitch assembly of claim 16, wherein the plate portion comprises a first section and a second section pivotally coupled to the first section.

20. The hitch assembly of claim 1, wherein the biasing element is a gas shock.