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WO2002034090A1 - Bras de support - Google Patents

Bras de support Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002034090A1
WO2002034090A1 PCT/US2001/030779 US0130779W WO0234090A1 WO 2002034090 A1 WO2002034090 A1 WO 2002034090A1 US 0130779 W US0130779 W US 0130779W WO 0234090 A1 WO0234090 A1 WO 0234090A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support arm
platform
receiver
mounting
latch bar
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2001/030779
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard W. Mccoy
Jason R. Moldthan
Katherine A. Adams
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Horizon Global Americas Inc
Original Assignee
Reese Products Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Reese Products Inc filed Critical Reese Products Inc
Priority to US10/415,065 priority Critical patent/US20040035998A1/en
Priority to CA002426879A priority patent/CA2426879A1/fr
Publication of WO2002034090A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002034090A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/58—Auxiliary devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/01—Traction couplings or hitches characterised by their type
    • B60D1/07—Multi-hitch devices, i.e. comprising several hitches of the same or of a different type; Hitch-adaptors, i.e. for converting hitches from one type to another
    • B60D1/075—Hitch-adaptors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/48—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting
    • B60D1/485—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting mounted by means of transversal members attached to the frame of a vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R9/00—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
    • B60R9/06—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to accessories for mounting on receiver assemblies and, more particularly, to a support arm for a multipositional apparatus for mounting on an accessory receiver of a receiver assembly that may function as an article carrier, table or serve some other desired purpose.
  • towing hitches that are mounted to vehicles in order to allow the towing of trailers or the like.
  • hitches have been designed to include a receiver box having a rearwardly directed opening or cavity for the receipt of a hitch or draw bar that carries a hitch ball or other means allowing connection to a trailer.
  • Examples of such a structure include the Insta-Hitch II and Custom Hitch Receiver 35365 as manufactured by Reese Products, Inc. of Elkhart, Indiana.
  • Such a hitch receiver is also disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 3,768,837 to Reese, owned by Reese Products, Inc.
  • This new trailer hitch receiver assembly includes a central frame member, a mounting bracket carried on each end of the central frame member for securing the central frame member to the vehicle, a hitch receiver box carried on the central frame member and at least one accessory receiver for receiving and holding a recreational and/or utilitarian accessory.
  • the present invention relates to a multipositional apparatus particularly adapted for mounting in a receiver box and/or accessory receiver of a receiver assembly.
  • the apparatus includes a selectively positionable platform that provides multiple functions and because of its versatility is suited to a multitude of useful applications.
  • a support arm for a multipositionable apparatus including a platform and a frame.
  • the support arm includes a body having an arcuate guide surface interrupted by at least two latching notches. The notches allow the support arm and the platform carried thereby to be positively secured and held in two different selected positions.
  • the support arm includes a first aperture at a first end for pivotally connecting the support arm to the platform and a second aperture at a second end for pivotally mounting the support arm to the frame.
  • Figure 1 is a perspectiv e view showing a receiver assembly of the type to w hich a multipositional apparatus incorporating the support arm of the present inv ention may be secured;
  • Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the multipositional apparatus
  • Figures 3a - 3c are side elevational views showing three different positions in which the platform of the multipositional apparatus may be positively secured by receipt of the latch bar in one of three latching notches provided in each of two support arms.
  • FIGS 4a and 4b are detailed side elevational views showing the latch bar respectively, in the latching position and in the release position;
  • Figure 5 is a detailed side elevational view of one support arm.
  • FIG. 1 showing a receiver assembly, generally designated by reference numeral 10 and to Figure 2 showing a multipositional apparatus, generally designated by reference numeral 1 1 , which incorporates the support arm 86 of the present invention.
  • the receiver assembly 10 includes a central frame member or cross member 12 preferably formed from a pair of tubular steel sections 14 welded to the opposing side walls 16 of a centrally located receiver box 1 8 so as to project outwardly in opposing directions.
  • the tubular steel sections 14 may be formed with a round cross section as shown in the drawing figures, a sc ⁇ iare cross section or any other appropriate shape providing the necessary strength to function as a receiver assembly.
  • " fhe receiver box 18 includes a reinforced lip 20 defining an opening leading to a hitch bar receiving cavity 22.
  • Aligned apertures 24 in the opposing side walls 16 of the receiver box 18 allow the secure connection of a hitch bar in the receiver box in a manner well known in the art by means of a connecting pin and cooperating pin clip generally designated by reference numeral 25.
  • a chain plate 26 of steel material is welded to the receiver box 18 and tubular steel sections 14 in order to strengthen the connection.
  • chain plate 26 includes two apertures 28.
  • the safety chains of a trailer may be connected to the chain plate 26 through engagement in these apertures 28.
  • Vehicle mounting brackets 30 are mounted adjacent the distal end of each tubular section 14. More specifically, each mounting bracket 30 includes a notch 32 sized and shaped to receive the tubular section 14. The brackets 30 are welded to the tubular sections 14 in order to complete the connection.
  • the mounting brackets 30 each include a mounting flange 34 and an upwardly projecting mounting lug 36, both with apertures 38. Nut and bolt fasteners (not shown) are extended through these apertures 38 and cooperating apertures drilled in the frame of the towing vehicle in order to mount the receiver assembly 10 thereto.
  • the receiver assembly 10 incorporates a pair of tow hooks or loops 40, one integrally formed in each mounting bracket 30.
  • the tow hooks 40 may be engaged with a tow line such as a rope, chain or cable in order to complete certain towing applications.
  • the receiver assembly 10 includes a pair of accessory receivers 50 carried on the tubular sections 14 of the central frame member 12.
  • Each of the accessory receivers 50 is formed from a steel tube that is welded to the section 14 so that one accessory receiver is positioned between the receiver box 18 and each mounting bracket 30.
  • each accessory receiver 50 includes a circular port or opening 52 and cooperating aligned apertures 54 in the sidewall thereof to allow secure connection of a useful accessory by means of a connecting pin and pin clip of a type well known in the art such as utilized to secure the hitch bar in the receiver box 18.
  • Each of the accessory receivers 50 is oriented with respect to the central frame member 12, receiver box 18 and the vehicle upon which the receiver assembly 10 is mounted so as to be readily accessible by the towing vehicle operator.
  • the apparatus 11 includes a support frame generally designated by reference numeral 60.
  • the support frame 60 includes first and second cooperating mounting tubes 62.
  • Each mounting tube 62 includes a proximal end 64 sized and shaped for receipt in the circular port 52 of one of the accessor)' receivers 50 of the receiver assembly 10.
  • Each proximal end 64 also includes a pair of aligned mounting apertures 66 provided at opposed sides thereof.
  • a pin (not shown) of the type known in the art is then inserted through the aligned apertures 54, 66 and a cooperating pin clip is utilized to secure the pin in position and complete the connection.
  • a platform 76 of e.g. metal, such as steel or aluminum, or molded plastic or fiberglass is carried on and selectively positionable with respect to the support frame 60. As best shown with reference to Figure 2, the platform 76 includes a pair of depending mounting brackets 102. Each mounting bracket 102 may be welded, bolted or otherwise fastened to the platform 76.
  • a linkage, generally designated by reference numeral 78 is provided for displaceably mounting the platform 76 relative to the support frame 60 and positively holding the platform in at least selected first and second positions described in greater detail below.
  • the linkage 78 is a parallelogram linkage including a pair of cooperating linkage sets 80, 82. Only one of the linkage sets 80 will be described in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the linkage set 82 is identical in every respect except one: linkage set 80 has a lefthand orientation while the other linkage set 82 has a right-hand orientation (i.e. the linkage sets 80, 82 are mirror images of each other).
  • the linkage set 80 includes a link arm 84 and a support arm 86.
  • the link arm 84 is pivotally mounted at a first point to the mounting tube 62 of the support frame 60. More specifically, the link arm 84 includes a pair of sidewalls 90 and a connecting wall 92 forming a channel 94. Each of the sidewalls 90 includes a pin receiving aperture. The apertures in the two opposing sidewalls 90 are aligned. The link arm 84 is positioned so that the end of the mounting tube 62 is received in the channel 94 between the sidewalls 90 so as to provide a more stable connection. A pivot pin 98 passes through the apertures in the link arm 84 and aligned apertures provided in the sidewall of the mounting tube 62 to complete the connection. Any appropriate retaining mechanism may be utilized to hold the pivot pin 98 in place.
  • the link arm 84 includes an aperture in one of the opposing sidewalls 90 at a second point allowing mounting of the link arm 84 to the platform 76.
  • a pivot pin 106 is passed through the aperture in the wall of the mounting bracket 1 2 and the aperture in the link arm 84 to complete the connection.
  • Any appropriate retaining mechanism known in the art may be utilized to hold the pivot pin 106 in place.
  • support arm 86 may be made from a planer sheet of steel or other appropriate high strength material.
  • Support arm 86 includes an arcuate guide surface or edge 1 16 at one end thereof. In the embodiment shown the guide surface 1 16 includes three latching notches 1 18, 120, 122.
  • Each latching notch 1 18, 120, 122 allows the platform 76 to be secured and held in a selected position as will be described in greater detail below. Accordingly, the multipositionable apparatus 11 must include at least two latching notches although more than two or the three illustrated could be provided. As shown, each latching notch 118, 120, 122 interrupts the edge or guide surface 116.
  • the support arm 86 is mounted at a third point to the support frame 60. More specifically, the support arm 86 includes an aperture 126 in one end thereof that is aligned with a pair of aligned apertures in the sidewall of the mounting tube 62. A pivot pin 130 is received in the apertures 126 in the support arm 86 and the apertures in the mounting tube 62 to complete the connection. Any appropriate retaining mechanism known in the art may be utilized to hold the pivot pin in place.
  • the support arm 86 is pivotally connected at a fourth point to the platform 76 through the mounting bracket 102. More particularly, a pivot pin 131 is utilized to complete the connection. Specifically, the pivot pin 131 is passed through aligned cooperating aperture 133 in the second end of the support arm 86 and aperture in the bracket 102. Any appropriate retaining mechanism known in the art may be utilized to hold the pivot pin 131 in place.
  • the linkage set 80 together through the link arm 84 and support arm 86, forms a parallelogram linkage between the support frame 60 and more particularly the mounting tube 62, and the platform 76 and more particularly the mounting bracket 102.
  • the linkage set 82 forms a similar parallelogram linkage arrangement between the opposite mounting tube 62 and the opposite mounting bracket 102 at the other side of the apparatus 1 1.
  • the platform 76 may be secured in any one of a multiple number of positions with respect to the support frame 60 by means of a latch bar 134.
  • the latch bar 134 may be constructed from metal, such as aluminum or steel, or even molded from plastic or fiberglass.
  • Each bracket 102 secured to the platform 76 includes an elongated latch bar receiving slot 136. Accordingly, each of the two ends of the latch bar 134 is received in a latch bar receiving slot 136 provided in one of the mounting brackets 102.
  • a tension spring 138 is provided to bias the latch bar 134 from a release position shown in Figure 4b into a latching position shown in Figure 4a.
  • the spring 138 is secured at a first end 140 in an aperture 142 in the latch bar 134 and at a second end 144 in an aperture 146 formed in the bracket 102.
  • a second spring is mounted in the same manner between the other bracket 102 and the other end of the latch bar 134.
  • the latch bar 134 may be utilized to positively secure and hold the platform 76 in any of the three positions illustrated in Figures 3a - 3c. More particularly, when the latch bar 134 is secured in the latching notch 120, the platform 76 is secured in a first or lowered position (see Figure 3a). When the latch bar 134 is received in the latching notch 122, the platform 76 is secured in a second or raised position (see Figure 3b). Finally, when the latch bar is received in the latching notch 1 18, the platform 76 is secured in a third, intermediate height position (see Figure 3c).
  • the edge of the latch bar clears the latching notches 118, 120, 122 and the platform 76 may be displaced between the position shown in drawing Figures 3a - 3c with the edge 135 of the latch bar sliding along the guide surface 1 16 until the latch bar is aligned with the next set of latching notches 118, 120 or 122 in the mounting brackets 102.
  • the apparatus of the present invention is particularly versatile and may be used not only as an article carrier but also as, for example, a picnic or work table. As such, the present invention represents a significant advance in the art useful for an infinite number of varying applications.
  • the apparatus of the present invention could be mounted by a T-shaped adaptor into the receiver box 18 of a standard hitch receiver assembly.
  • the receiver assembly 10 illustrated in the drawing figures includes a receiver box 18, the apparatus 1 1 may just as easily be mounted in a receiver assembly including the pair of accessory receivers 50 but no receiver box 18.
  • accessory receivers 50 illustrated in the drawing figures are hollow and include ports 52, it should be appreciated that those receivers could just as easily be solid rods or bars so long as the ends 64 of the accessory include a complementary mating structure that allow secure interconnection with the receivers.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)

Abstract

L"invention concerne un bras de support (86) destiné à un appareil à positions multiples. Le bras de support comprend un corps doté d"une surface de guidage courbée (16) interrompue par au moins deux encoches de verrouillage (118, 120, 122).
PCT/US2001/030779 2000-10-26 2001-10-02 Bras de support Ceased WO2002034090A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/415,065 US20040035998A1 (en) 2001-10-02 2001-10-02 Support arm
CA002426879A CA2426879A1 (fr) 2000-10-26 2001-10-02 Bras de support

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US24338400P 2000-10-26 2000-10-26
US60/243,384 2000-10-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002034090A1 true WO2002034090A1 (fr) 2002-05-02

Family

ID=22918556

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2001/030779 Ceased WO2002034090A1 (fr) 2000-10-26 2001-10-02 Bras de support

Country Status (2)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2426879A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2002034090A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3669398A (en) * 1970-07-23 1972-06-13 Lear Siegler Inc Adjustable seat supporting assembly
US4072287A (en) * 1977-01-19 1978-02-07 Milsco Manufacturing Company Seat supporting assembly of the resiliently loaded type
US4222543A (en) * 1977-11-07 1980-09-16 Rob. Hammerstein Gmbh Vertical and angular adjustment device for vehicle seats
US5676424A (en) * 1994-08-09 1997-10-14 Gebr. Isringhausen Gmbh & Co. Kg Supported vehicle seat, that is capable of pivoting with an adjustment system for the inclination and/or the height of the surface of the seat

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3669398A (en) * 1970-07-23 1972-06-13 Lear Siegler Inc Adjustable seat supporting assembly
US4072287A (en) * 1977-01-19 1978-02-07 Milsco Manufacturing Company Seat supporting assembly of the resiliently loaded type
US4222543A (en) * 1977-11-07 1980-09-16 Rob. Hammerstein Gmbh Vertical and angular adjustment device for vehicle seats
US5676424A (en) * 1994-08-09 1997-10-14 Gebr. Isringhausen Gmbh & Co. Kg Supported vehicle seat, that is capable of pivoting with an adjustment system for the inclination and/or the height of the surface of the seat

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2426879A1 (fr) 2002-05-02

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