Load leveling weight distributing hitch

• US 6,629,701 B1
• Filed: 01/12/1998
• Issued: 10/07/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/12/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Camco Manufacturing Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Colibert Enterprises
• Inventors: Colibert, Floyd A.
• Primary Examiner(s): DePumpo, Daniel G.
• Application Number:
  US09/005,670
• Time in Patent Office: 2,094 Days
• Field of Search: 280/405.1, 280/406.2, 280/432, 280/455.1, 280/511, 280/407
• US Class Current: 280/455.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/065 characterised by the hitch mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/247 for improving weight distribution
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/248 for measuring, indicating or displaying the weight
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/345 the springs being of the bar or leaf type torsion bars per se F16F1/14, leaf springs per se F16F1/18

Abstract

A load leveling weight distributing hitch which provides enhanced flexibility of attachment and removal is described. This invention is directed to load leveling weight distribution hitches with enhanced strength and which are easy to install and adjust, without the use of special tools or equipment. This invention addresses the attachment of the spring bars commonly used with load leveling hitches by presenting a quick connect/quick disconnect which permits the user to easily install the spring bars without the use of special tools. Additionally, this invention provides a thumb screw adjustment for modifying the pitch angle of the ball hitch. This invention also provides a spring bar lift which provides a novel locking mechanism as well as a chain retention device for maintaining the chain tension during sway.

Claims

1. A load leveling weight distributing hitch system comprising:

(A) a hitch head, having a bottom and further comprising a sway control plate fixed to said bottom of said hitch head by a bolt in a vertical orientation;

(B) a first T socket post, having a T socket installation slot, attached to said hitch head;

(C) a first T socket having a tube opening for receiving said first T socket post;

(D) a first spring bar, having a first end, a second end and a hole at said second end, said first spring bar attached to said first T socket at said first end of said first spring bar; and

(E) a spring bar lift attached to said first spring bar by a chain said chain being mechanically fixed to said first spring bar through said hole in said second end of said first spring bar.

2. A load leveling weight distributing hitch system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said T socket post further comprises:

a tapered end, a bolt hole opening and a T socket rotation slot generally midway between said tapered end and said bolt hole opening.

3. A load leveling weight distributing hitch system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said first T socket further comprises springed retainer pin.

4. A load leveling weight distributing hitch system, as recited in claim 2, wherein said first T socket further comprises a T socket pin opening.

5. A load leveling weight distributing hitch system as recited in claim 1, wherein said first spring bar further comprises a tapered end to permit a quick connection with said T socket.

6. A load leveling weight distributing hitch system as recited in claim 1, wherein said first spring bar further comprises a retainer pin slot to permit a quick disconnect with said T socket by rotating said spring bar.

7. A load leveling weight distributing hitch system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said spring bar lift further comprises:

(1) an inverted U-shaped element; and

a chain retention loop fixed to said inverted U-shaped element, to maintain chain tension;

(2) a pivotable chain latch, having an opening for receiving a locking post, to permit the selective increase in chain tension; and

(3) a lift lock attached to said pivotable chain latch by said locking post.

8. A load leveling weight distributing hitch system, as recited in claim 7, wherein said lift lock further comprises:

(a) an exterior body having a generally cylindrical shape with a tapered end;

(b) a pivot pin positioned within said exterior body, said pivot pin being held in place by an internal spring; and

(c) a post attached to said pivot pin and which permits a user to pivot said pivot pin thereby unlocking said lift lock.

9. A load leveling weight distributing hitch system, as recited in claim 8, wherein said lift lock further comprises a single piece shaft with an increase in internal dimension to retain a spring and a guide pin, thereby controlling said post.

10. A load leveling weight distributing hitch system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said hitch head further comprises:

(1) a mount for attaching said hitch head to a hitch shank;

(2) a ball hitch fixture attached to said hitch head to provide an attachment to a trailer; and

(3) a thumb screw adjustment, comprising a threaded opening within said hitch head and a thumb screw installed in said threaded opening, the thumb screw having a head end configured to press against the shank, so as to control the pitch of said ball hitch fixture.