Securing device for receiver hitch assemblies

• US 6,609,725 B1
• Filed: 09/25/2000
• Issued: 08/26/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Let's Go Aero, Inc. (LGA Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Let's Go Aero, Inc. (LGA Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Williams, Marty
• Primary Examiner(s): LERNER, AVRAHAM H
• Application Number:
  US09/670,060
• Time in Patent Office: 1,065 Days
• Field of Search: 411/104, 411/85, 280/507, 280/506, 280/504, 280/515
• US Class Current: 280/506
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/06 Ball-and-socket hitches , e.g. constructional details, auxiliary devices, their arrangement on the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/167 consisting of articulated or rigidly assembled bars or tubes forming a V-, Y-, or U-shaped draw gear B60D1/173 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/52 removably mounted B60D1/56 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/60 Covers, caps or guards , e.g. comprising anti-theft devices

Abstract

A spring nut assembly is inserted within the internal cavity of a shank tube until the nut is aligned with opposing side holes in the side walls of the shank tube. The spring maintains the nut in alignment with the opposing side walls. A hitch pin including a threaded portion for engaging the spring nut assembly is inserted through the side holes of the receiver tube and the shank tube until the threaded portion of the hitch pin engages the nut mounted within the shank tube. The hitch pin is then rotated relative to the nut to clamp the shank tube against the receiver tube. A lock or clip can be attached to the end of the hitch pin to prevent accidental or unauthorized removal of the hitch pin from the receiver assembly. A bushing can also be used over the reduced diameter portion of the hitch pin after it engages the nut.

Claims

1. A hitch pin for use with a receiver hitch assembly having a receiver tube with opposing side holes for receiving a hitch pin and a shank tube with opposing side holes for receiving a hitch pin, said hitch pin comprises:

an elongated pin having a proximal end portion, a mid-portion and a distal end portion;

a head portion on said proximal end portion of said elongated pin;

a threaded portion on said mid-portion of said elongated pin;

a nut having a threaded portion for mating engagement with said threaded portion on said elongated pin;

a spring mechanism for holding said nut within the shank tube and aligned with the opposing side holes of the shank tube; and

a locking mechanism for engaging said distal end of said elongated pin to lock said pin on the shank tube and the receiver tube.

2. The hitch pin of claim 1 wherein said spring mechanism for holding said nut within the shank tube includes:

a spring engaging one side of said nut and an inner side wall of the shank tube.

3. The hitch pin of claim 1 wherein said hitch pin includes:

said threaded portion is spaced a distance from said head portion no greater than the width of the combined sidewalls of the receiver tube and the shank tube.

4. The hitch pin of claim 1 wherein said hitch pin further includes:

a bushing for engaging said hitch pin adjacent said threaded portion.