Power hitch

• US 6,871,868 B2
• Filed: 07/30/2002
• Issued: 03/29/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/30/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Richard Pogue
• Original Assignee: Richard Pogue
• Inventors: Pogue, Richard
• Primary Examiner(s): BOEHLER, ANNE MARIE M
• Application Number:
  US10/207,746
• Publication Number:
  US 20040021293A1
• Time in Patent Office: 973 Days
• Field of Search: 280/477, 280/478.1, 280/479.1, 280/479.2, 280/479.3, 280/468, 280/463, 280/491.23, 280/490.1, 280/478
• US Class Current: 280/479.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/143 characterised by the mounting of the draw-gear on the towed vehicle B60D1/187 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/246 for actuating the hitch by powered means
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/36 for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers , visual guide means, signalling aids B60D1/465 takes precedence; vehicle signalling in general B60Q; optical arrangements specially adapted for viewing trailer-hitches B60R1/003
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/40 involving a temporarily extensible or alignable member B60D1/38 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/465 comprising a lifting mechanism, e.g. for coupling while lifting

Abstract

The improved power hitch of the present invention includes a first cylinder 10 has an extension 9 pivotably mounted at 54 on a transverse cylindrical pin 54 extending between vertical legs 50 and 51 to allow vertical movement, and on a vertical pin 56 to allow limited horizontal movement. Cylinder 10 receives a piston rod 13 extending outwardly therefrom which receives a universal hitch receiver 11. A second cylinder 60 is also mounted on transversely spaced vertical legs 50, 51 at 62. An electric motor 30 pumps fluid from reservoir 32 into cylinder at 64 to move cylinder 12 up and a 66 to move cylinder 12 down.

Claims

1. An improved power high comprising:

a first cylinder having a longitudinal extension extending in a first direction pivotably mounted on a transverse cylindrical pin extending between transversely spaced vertical legs to allow vertical movement, and on a vertical pin to allow limited horizontal movement, said first cylinder having a piston rod extending in an opposite direction which receives a universal hitch receiver;

a second cylinder also mounted on said transversely spaced vertical legs;

a fluid reservoir; and

mains for pumping fluid from said fluid reservoir into said second cylinder to move said first cylinder up and down.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for pumping fluid includes an electrical power source and at least one pump.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said electrical power source comprises at least one battery.

4. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said electrical power source comprises an electrical power source to the site of operation.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said longitudinal extension includes extension reinforcing means.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said reinforcing means comprises an outer top plate and an outer bottom plate interconnected by said vertical pin to form a unitary assembly.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said vertical pin has vertical pin reinforcing means.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said vertical pin reinforcing means comprise a top plate and a bottom plate interconnected by said vertical pin.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said vertical pin reinforcing means further comprise respective top an bottom rings on said top and bottom plates for added stability.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said horizontal pin extends through said vertical legs into respective horizontal pin reinforcing means.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said horizontal pin reinforcing means comprise end rings.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said power hitch includes transverse reinforcing means.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said transverse reinforcing means comprise at least one transverse plate attached to the track frame.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein at least two longitudinally spaced transverse plates are attached to the truck frame.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14 wherein mechanical fastening means are provided to attach said plates to the truck frame.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said mechanical fastening means comprise vertical plates having respective openings to receive fasteners.

17. An apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said transverse reinforcing means comprise diagonal support reinforcing means.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein diagonal support reinforcing means extend from said vertical legs to said outermost transverse support plate.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18 wherein mechanical fastening means are provided to attach said diagonal support reinforcing means to said outermost transverse support plate.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein mechanical fastening means are provided to attach said diagonal support reinforcing means to said outermost transverse support plate and said truck frame.