Abstract
The present invention relates to an integrally formed apparatus selectively operable for winching and/or towing operations mountable to and removable from a vehicle end-mounted trailer hitch receiver. The integrally formed apparatus comprises a low-profile hitch ball mounting distal portion, a low-profile winch mounting central portion, and a trailer hitch receiver insertable portion. The low-profile ball mount and winch mount adjoin the apparatus with a vertically-spaced interval provided therebetween, wherein no portion of a fastened hitch ball, or coupler lock-mechanism above the ball, impedes or obstructs a tensioning or pull-force exerted on a winch cable extending outwardly principally in alignment with a horizontal axis, or in close parallel alignment with a bed of a trailer coupled to the hitch ball. The low-profile winch mount further provides a minimized vertical moment-arm, and clearance above a mounted winch allowing for up to a full range of hinge-pivoting door(s), lift-gate or tailgate movements.
Claims
1. An integrally formed apparatus selectively operable for winching and/or towing operations mountable to and removable from a vehicle end-mounted trailer hitch receiver, comprising: an angled low-profile hitch ball mount of the integrally formed apparatus, having a lower, normally distal horizontal portion on which a trailer hitch ball is removably fastenable; an elongate horizontal portion of the integrally formed apparatus, intermediate the angled hitch ball mount and a hitch receiver insertable portion of the apparatus, having adjoined with an upper side portion, a low-profile winch mount on which a winch is removably fastenable; the low-profile hitch ball mount and the low-profile winch mount adjoined with the integrally formed apparatus such that a vertically-spaced interval is provided between the two mounts; the vertically-spaced interval located in height such that the height of an upper surface of a fastened trailer hitch ball is at or lower than the upper side of said elongate horizontal portion, such that the fastened hitch ball does not impede, interfere with or obstruct a tensioning or pull-force exerted on a winch cable, of a winch fastened to the low-profile winch mount, when the cable is extending outwardly principally in alignment with a horizontal axis, or in a close parallel alignment with a bed of a trailer coupled to the fastened hitch ball.
2. The integrally formed apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a vertically-spaced interval provided between the two mounts and located in height such that the height of a coupler locking mechanism located adjacent an upper side of a coupler housing employed to couple a ball coupler onto the fastened hitch ball, does not impede, interfere with or obstruct a tensioning or pull-force exerted on a winch cable, of a winch fastened to the low-profile winch mount, when the cable is extending outwardly principally in alignment with a horizontal axis, or in a close parallel alignment with a bed of a trailer coupled to the fastened hitch ball.
3. The integrally formed apparatus of claim 1, comprising: forming one or more portions of the integrally formed apparatus out of a durable lightweight material comprising at least one of a composite metal or alloy, a plastic or polymer material, a reinforced plastic or polymer material, a carbon fiber material, graphene, or a composite material including graphene.
4. The integrally formed apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: positively mounted on the low-profile winch mount a winch of a high pull-force range operable during either or both of: one or more winching operations during which the low-profile hitch ball is not employed; one or more winching operations during which the low-profile hitch ball is concurrently employed.
5. The integrally formed apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: at least one integrally formed apparatus operatively installed on at least one of two respective trailer hitch receivers of a same vehicle, wherein, the at least one apparatus is operatively installed for use proximate or under a rear portion of the vehicle, and/or, operatively installed for use proximate or under a front portion of the vehicle.
6. The integrally formed apparatus of claim 1 comprising: the low-profile hitch ball mount and the low-profile winch mount adjoined with the integrally formed apparatus, a vertically-spaced interval provided between the two mounts and located in height such that a winch mounted on a low-profile winch mount does not impede or obstruct a full-range of movement of a pivotally mounted one or more doors, a hatch, a lift-gate, a tailgate.
7. The integrally formed apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: each of one or more sides of at least a central portion of the integrally formed apparatus having a respective gusset welded to an apparatus side about one or more perimeter portions of a given gusset, or the respective gusset adjoined to or with an apparatus side.
8. The integrally formed apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a low vertical moment arm riser, adjoined intermediate a generally central portion of the integrally formed apparatus and an underside portion of the low-profile winch mount, so as to increase a vertically-spaced interval between the two mounts; wherein, the riser is made of a same material as the elongate horizontal member of the integrally formed apparatus, has a trapezoidal or rectangular side profile shape, and is about two inches or less in height.
9. The integrally formed apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a first, low-profile hitch ball mounting distal portion, a second, low-profile winch mounting central portion, and a third, trailer hitch receiver insertable portion, wherein the three portions are integrally formed end-to-end, between an apparatus distal end and horizontal member receiver-insertion end; wherein, neither the first, low-profile hitch ball mounting distal portion, nor the second, low-profile winch mounting central portion of the integrally formed apparatus, exterior to an inserted and secured trailer hitch receiver insertable portion, is made segmented, jointed or separable from another portion; and, only the trailer hitch receiver insertable portion and a respective trailer hitch receiver have transverse aligned apertures so as to be fastened together by an inserting of, or separable by a removal of, a respective keeper, fastener or pin.
10. The integrally formed apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: the winch mounted on a low-profile winch mount of the integrally formed apparatus such that the lowest height of an operatively engaged winch cable extending outwardly from a lower side of a winch drum, in a generally horizontal manner, is higher than that of an upper side of a trailer tongue pivotally coupled to a trailer hitch ball, or a coupler locking mechanism atop the trailer tongue.
11. The integrally formed apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: the winch mounted on the low-profile winch mount of the integrally formed apparatus such that the height of mounted winch does not impede, interfere with or obstruct a full-range of movement, or a nearly full-range of movement of a pivotally mounted one or more doors, a hatch, a lift-gate, a tailgate.
12. The integrally formed apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a welding employed on or about one or more of the portions and/or gusset(s) of the apparatus, consisting of not less than about a 0.35 wire milled steel weld.
13. A method of providing an unobstructed horizontal tensioning of a cable, of a low-profile mounted winch, extended closely parallel over at least a portion of a bed of a trailer coupled to a hitch ball of a low-profile hitch ball mount of an integrally formed apparatus supporting the mounted winch, comprising: providing a low-profile, hitch ball mount at a normally distal horizontal portion of the integrally formed apparatus, which supports a hitch ball fastened on the low-profile hitch ball mount; providing, adjacently above an elongate horizontal member of the integrally formed apparatus intermediate the distal horizontal portion and a hitch receiver insertable portion of the apparatus, a low-profile winch mount which supports a winch fastened on the low-profile winch mount; and, providing, in an adjoining of the low-profile hitch ball mount and the low-profile winch mount with the integrally formed apparatus, a vertically-spaced interval between the two mounts, such that a winch cable of the mounted winch extending outwardly principally and closely parallel above the bed of the trailer, during a winching operation, is unimpeded or unobstructed by the low-profile mounted hitch ball, or by a coupler locking mechanism securing a ball coupler of a coupler housing of the trailer to the low-profile hitch ball.
14. The method of claim 13 comprising: forming one or more portions of the integrally formed apparatus out of a durable lightweight material comprising at least one of a composite metal or alloy, a plastic or polymer material, a reinforced plastic or polymer material, a carbon fiber material, graphene, or a composite material including graphene.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the coupler locking mechanism is higher than the height of the low-profile mounted hitch ball and comprises one of a latch, a screw handle; providing a vertically-spaced interval between said two mounts such that the winch cable extending outwardly principally and closely parallel with the bed of the trailer, during a winching operation, is unimpeded or unobstructed by the latch or screw handle.
16. The method of claim 13 further comprising: mounting a winch of a high pull-force range securely on the low-profile winch mount and employing the winch in either or both of one or more winching operations during which the low-profile hitch ball is not employed, one or more winching operations during which the low-profile hitch ball is concurrently employed.
17. The method of claim 13 further comprising: installing at least one integrally formed apparatus on at least one of two respective trailer hitch receivers on a same vehicle, such that the at least one apparatus is operatively installed for use proximate or under a rear portion of the vehicle, and/or operatively installed for use proximate or under a front portion of the vehicle.
18. The method of claim 13 further comprising: adjoining the low-profile hitch ball mount and the low-profile winch mount with the integrally formed apparatus, wherein a vertically-spaced interval between the two mounts is provided, such that, a winch mounted on the low-profile winch mount does not impede or obstruct a full-range of movement of a pivotally mounted one or more doors, a hatch, a lift-gate, a tailgate.
19. The method of claim 13 further comprising: providing a low vertical moment arm riser, adjoined intermediate a generally central portion of the integrally formed apparatus and an underside portion of the low-profile winch mount, so as to increase a vertically-spaced interval between the two mounts; wherein, the riser is made of a same material as the elongate horizontal member of the integrally formed apparatus, has a trapezoidal or rectangular side profile shape, and is about two inches or less in height.
20. The method of claim 13 further comprising: reinforcing each of one or more sides of at least a central portion of the integrally formed apparatus with a respective gusset welded, to an apparatus side, about one or more perimeter portions of a given gusset, or the respective gusset adjoined to or with an apparatus side.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers designate like objects, and in which:
[0031] FIGS. 1A-1E are a series of two-dimensional views each depicting a different side of a low-profile hitch ball mount and a low-profile winch mount of a reduced vertical moment arm embodiment of the trailer hitch and winch incorporating apparatus of the present invention. Wherein FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1E are each depicted having a winch mount mounted atop a short riser which in turn is mounted atop an upper side of an elongate tube member, wherein outer sides of the riser and outer sides of a wider portion thereunder (depicted in FIG. 1A) are reinforced by a planar gusset. Wherein FIG. 1A is a side view, FIG. 1B is a front view depicted aligned in height with FIG. 1A, FIG. 1C is a top view, FIG. 1D is a bottom view, and FIG. 1E is a rear view.
[0032] FIGS. 2A-2E are a series of two-dimensional views similar to FIGS. 1A-1E with each view depicting a different side of a low-profile hitch ball mount and a low-profile winch mount of a minimized vertical moment arm embodiment of the trailer hitch and winch incorporating apparatus of the present invention, having no riser, an instead having a winch mount mounted atop an upper side or a reduced-height upper side of an elongate tube member proximate to an upper end portion of a trailer hitch ball mount. Wherein FIG. 2A is a side view, FIG. 2B is a front view depicted aligned in height with FIG. 2A, FIG. 2C is a top view, FIG. 2D is a bottom view, and FIG. 2E is a rear view.
[0033] FIGS. 3A-3B are two three-dimensional figures of a multi-segmented/exteriorly-pinned Prior Art reference Thompson Ser. No. 10/653,810 namely: FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 (respectively). In FIG. 3A the Thompson apparatus is depicted having a J shaped profile. An upper dashed line represents a horizontal axis typical of an outwardly extended portion of a winch cable wherein a letter A and adjacent arrow indicate a winch cable pull-force axis, bracket 100 represents a vertical moment arm having a length relative to an axis of, and longer than, a mounted lower horizontal elongate member.
[0034] In FIG. 3B the Thompson apparatus is depicted having a L shaped profile, wherein the multi-segmented/pinned apparatus acts as a lever arm with C arrow pointing to a fulcrum point.
[0035] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are two side views of an integrally formed low-profile, hitch ball mount and a low-profile, winch mount apparatus, operable for towing and/or winching operations, wherein in FIG. 4A a short riser is located intermediate a lower side of low-profile winch mount and an upper side of a horizontal elongate member, and in FIG. 4B a low-profile winch mount is located adjacent an upper side of a horizontal elongate member, wherein in both embodiments an apparatus comprises a first, low-profile hitch ball mounting distal portion, a second, low-profile winch mounting central portion, and a third, trailer hitch receiver insertable portion, integrally formed end-to-end.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] For improving clarity of understanding and a coherence of features depicted in two or more of the drawing figures one or more reference numerals employed in an earlier drawing figure may be repeated in one or more subsequent figures.
[0037] In reference to the side view of FIG. 1A and the front view of FIG. 1B aligned horizontally therewith, a low-profile hitch ball mount 32 and a low-profile winch mount 44 of a reduced vertical moment arm embodiment of the trailer hitch and winch incorporating apparatus of the present invention is depicted. As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the low-profile aspect of the hitch ball mount 32 provides sufficient vertical spacing between an upper side of a mounted hitch ball 34 (e.g., lower than upper surface 22) and winch cable 46, such that when the latter is extended outwardly from a lower side of a drum of the winch 42, e.g., in alignment with a horizontal axis, the hook 48 and winch cable 46 are unimpeded by the mounted hitch ball. Accordingly, optimal tensionings or pull-forces can then be exerted on the winch cable in alignment with a horizontal axis, due to the winch cable 46 being unencumbered or unobstructed by the mounted ball, or a coupler secured onto the ball (e.g., see FIGS. 4A and 4B). To further optimize tensionings or pull-forces that can be exerted on a winch cable 46, the height of the winch cable when spooling on or off a lower portion of a drum of the winch is kept at or below a reduced vertical moment arm height/length, wherein the reduced vertical moment arm is represented having an M vertical moment length, of about 4 or less, indicated between parallel dashed horizontal lines extending from FIG. 1A into FIG. 1B, wherein the lower dashed line is aligned with an upper side 22 of elongate horizontal tube member 12, and the higher dashed line is aligned with an axis of a winch pull-force when applied to a generally horizontal outwardly extended portion of a winch cable 46. In FIG. 1A winch cable 46 is shown extending outwardly from a lower portion of a winch drum (not shown) of winch 42 e.g., passing through a fairlead housing 16, such that, a winch pull-force applied to an outwardly extending portion of a winch cable 46 e.g., when engaging an object engaged by a hook 48 thereof, is transferred to a lower portion of the winch drum at a height or moment arm of about 4 above the elongate tube member upper side 22. Preferably, the vertical moment height/cable pull-force axis is at, or about at, a height aligned with, or closely in alignment with, one or more seams and/or attachment points of a corresponding trailer hitch receiver mounted to vehicle such that a majority of a generally horizontal pull-force applied to the cable 46 is a horizontal pull-force applied to the mounted vehicle-mounted receiver and a simultaneous downward force thereto is reduced.
[0038] A C shaped dashed outline portion 50 is shown between FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B indicating a side profile portion or partial outline of a vehicle-end bumper e.g., at the front or rear of a vehicle, wherein, due to its low-height profile, the highest portion of winch 42, mounted atop a winch mount 44, which in turn is mounted atop short riser 52, is lower in height than an upper side of the bumper side profile 50, such that, in many cases, a hinged tailgate, lift gate, or one more doors operable above the bumper is/are not impeded or restricted by the mounted winch height. The side view of FIG. 1A further depicts a preferably trapezoidal shaped short riser 38 (a lower side of which is indicated by a horizontal dashed line). Preferably, for increased winch pull-force strength, one or both opposite vertical sides of an intermediate portion of the elongate horizontal tube member 12 and the riser 52 thereabove are each integrally formed with, or welded to, an inward-facing side of a reinforcing planar side gusset 36 wherein a gusset upper portion 38 and gusset lower portion 40 have a side profile generally matching that of the short riser 52 and intermediate portion of elongate tube member 12.
[0039] A distal end 18 of the elongate tube member 12 is preferably integrally formed with, or welded to, a trailer hitch ball mount 32 e.g., of a type configured for releasably fastening a trail hitch ball thereto. Preferably an upper end portion of the trailer hitch ball mount extends upwardly somewhat above the upper side 22 of the tube member 12 which serves as an additional stop reinforcing the mounting of short riser 52. An opposite end portion of tube member 12 proximate end 24 is configured for being inserted into a trailer hitch receiver tube (not shown) and releasably fastened within the receiver tube by suitable fastening means e.g., a lock-pin 56 insertable through a pair of transversely aligned apertures 58 of tube member 12 and of a corresponding receiver tube. Preferably fastening means include releasably fastenable fasteners e.g., a pin keeper 60 may be employed to releasably retain a lock-pin in place (or by one or more other types of fasteners or threaded fasteners).
[0040] In operation, FIGS. 1A through 1E illustrate how a winch hook 48 coupled to an end of a winch cable 46 is available to be extended generally horizontally outward from a lower side of a winch drum to be connected with an object to which a substantial winch pull-force may then be exerted, along an horizontal axis perpendicular to a vertical moment arm of M of about 4 (or less e.g., proportional to a shorter height riser 52). Accordingly, depending on the maximum acceptable pull-force rating of a mounted winch type employed and that of a corresponding vehicle-mounted trailer hitch receiver, or other appropriate winch mounting means, an apparatus of the present invention can be configured to apply winch pull-forces in a range of up to an upper four-figures or low five-figures in pounds (e.g., up to 8,000 or 12,000 lbs.) independently or while simultaneously coupled to a trailer or a towed vehicle (such pull-force ranges also being a function of the limits of the type of trailer hitch receiver employed and the manner in which it is fastened, connected or otherwise adjoined with a respective vehicle). Whereby, a majority of a mounted winch (42) horizontal pull-force can be made aligned with, or within a 4 or less close alignment with, one or more connecting points or seams of a mounted trailer hitch receiver apparatus joining, and/or integrally formed between, the receiver apparatus and one or more substantive portions of a vehicle e.g., one or more frame or chassis locations. Alternatively, an enhanced winch pull-force attributable to a majority of a mounted winch (42) horizontal pulling being made aligned with, or within a 4 or less close alignment with, an axis which in turn is aligned with one or more connecting points or seams of a mounted trailer hitch receiver apparatus is also provided. For example, wherein a generally U-shaped pull-force path transfers a pull-force exerted at a first upper portion of the U such as a winch cable of a mounted winch through a lower horizontal portion of the U path such as through an elongate tube member 12 to a second upper portion of the U path to one or more connecting points or seams of a mounted trailer hitch receiver apparatus aligned at a height similar to, or the same as, the height of the winch cable at the first upper portion of the U shape.
[0041] In reference to the side view of FIG. 2A and the front view of FIG. 2B aligned horizontally therewith, a low-profile hitch ball mount 32 and a low-profile winch mount 44 of a minimized vertical moment arm embodiment of the trailer hitch and winch incorporating apparatus of the present invention is depicted. As seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the low-profile aspect of the hitch ball mount 32 provides sufficient vertical spacing between an upper side of a mounted hitch ball 34 (e.g., lower than upper surface 22) and winch cable 46, such that when the latter is extended outwardly from a lower side of a drum of the winch 42, e.g., in alignment with a horizontal axis, the hook 48 and winch cable 46 are unimpeded by the mounted hitch ball. Accordingly, optimal tensionings or pull-forces can then be exerted on the winch cable in alignment with a horizontal axis, due to the winch cable 46 being unencumbered or unobstructed by the mounted ball, or a coupler secured onto the ball (e.g., see FIGS. 4A and 4B). To further optimize tensionings or pull-forces that can be exerted on a winch cable 46, the height of the winch cable when spooling on or off a lower portion of a drum of the winch is kept at or below a reduced vertical moment arm height/length, wherein the minimized vertical moment arm is represented having an M vertical moment length, of about 1.5 to 2 or less, indicated between parallel dashed horizontal lines extending from FIG. 2A into FIG. 2B, wherein the lower dashed line is aligned with an upper side 22 of elongate horizontal tube member 12, and the higher dashed line is aligned with an axis of a winch pull-force when applied to a generally horizontal outwardly extended portion of a winch cable 46.
[0042] It is noted that M vertical moment lengths indicated in FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B are also determined by the diameter of a lower horizontal roller e.g., within a fairlead housing 16, and a mounting height of the winch mounting plate 44 relative to a horizontal elongate tube member 12 therebelow. So for example, in a preferred one of the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B, a short riser 52 can be made with a decreased height and/or by the diameter of a lower roller in a fairlead housing being somewhat reduced, and in either case the vertical moment arm M will be correspondingly decreased.
[0043] Alternatively, with respect to a preferred one of the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B, an intermediate portion of elongate tube member 12 and optionally an upper portion of trailer hitch ball mount 32 can be configured having a reduced height cutout portion 54 e.g., optionally also having one or more sides thereof reinforced with a gusset, such as a lower elongate gusset 64 (cutout 54 and lower gusset 64 are each shown as a dashed-line outline in FIG. 2A) for example wherein the intermediate portion and optionally the upper ball mount are reduced in height by a quarter or third, in which case the winch mount 44 can be lowered from the height of the elongate tube member upper side 22 shown in FIG. 2A to the height provided by a cutout portion 54, in which case, the vertical moment arm M will be correspondingly decreased. Alternatively, an upper portion of a ball mount 32 and fairlead housing 16 can be configured such that the ball mount upper portion extends somewhat upwardly and inwardly into a lower portion of the fairlead housing wherein an upper end thereof is near, but not in contact with, a lower side of a winch cable 46. In each case, a winch pull-force applied to an outwardly extending portion of a winch cable 46 e.g., when engaging an object engaged by a hook 48 thereof, is transferred to a lower portion of the winch drum at a minimized height or moment arm above the elongate tube member 12. Preferably, the vertical moment height/cable pull-force axis is at, or about at, a height aligned with, or closely in alignment with, one or more seams and/or attachment points of a corresponding trailer hitch receiver mounted to vehicle, such that a substantial majority of a generally horizontal pull-force applied to the cable 46 is applied to a vehicle-mounted receiver and a lesser or residual simultaneous downward force applied thereto is significantly reduced, which in turn, facilitates the combined trailer hitch ball and winch incorporating apparatus of the present invention in attaining higher to highest winch pull-forces such as those nearing or meeting a maximum safe and allowable rating for all of its respective apparatus-related components.
[0044] A generally C shaped dashed outline portion 50 is shown between FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B indicating a side profile portion or partial outline of a vehicle-end bumper, wherein, due to its low-height profile, the highest portion of winch 42, mounted atop a winch mount 44 is considerably lower in height than an upper side of the bumper side profile 50, such that, in many cases, a hinged tailgate, lift gate, or one more doors operable above the bumper is/are not impeded or restricted by the mounted winch height.
[0045] While foregoing descriptions pertaining to an employment of one or more reinforcing gussets have described gussets integrally formed with, or welded to, a corresponding component of the apparatus of the present invention it is not that additionally or alternatively one or more gussets can configured adjoining or fixed to an apparatus component by means of one or more other fastening means including, but not limited to, a series of rivets, bolts, machine screws, pins, or an adhesive, an epoxy, a sonic-welding, and the like.
[0046] In reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, two hand-drawn three-dimensional figures of a Prior Art reference disclosing a multi-segmented/pinned apparatus of Thompson Ser. No. 10/653,810 are shown (which were also briefly described in the Background of the Invention section above), namely: Thompson '810 FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 (respectively). In FIG. 3A of the present application, the Thompson apparatus is depicted having a somewhat J shaped profile or orientation wherein, it can be seen that a combined jointed height of a vertical steel tube 16, a vertically inserted winch mount (generally equivalent in height to vertical moment arm 100 in FIG. 3A), and a winch 15 mounted thereabove are mounted closely laterally spaced from a hinged member pivotally mounted on a vehicle-end (e.g., rear door(s), tailgate or lift gate of a typical vehicle). It can also be seen that the combined jointed and pinned height of the Thompson components extends upward, well into a significant portion of a vehicle-end profile. Thus configured, the hinged vehicle member is substantially restricted in movement by the Thompson approach, if not essentially prohibited from movement, whether hinged for a horizontal or vertical pivoting, and whether the vertically-aligned components of the mounted winch apparatus are dormant, or when the winch 15 is being employed.
[0047] In contrast, it can be seen that if instead, the winch, winch mount and/or winch mount support height were lowered to a height as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1E, or as in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2E of the present invention, a hinged member located at a vehicle-end of many vehicle types would be free to be movably pivoted in a fully typical manner. The same reduced or minimized height/moment arm approaches of the present invention would also be suitable for mounting on many of the aforementioned recessed trailer hitch receivers (wherein the winch itself in part, or entirely, is located under a vehicle-end profile.
[0048] Returning to FIG. 3A, an upper dashed line is provided which represents a horizontal axis typical of an outwardly extended portion of a winch cable wherein a letter A and adjacent arrow indicate a winch cable pull-force or force vector, bracket 100 represents a vertical moment arm having a length relative to an axis of, and longer than, a mounted lower horizontal member 14. FIG. 3A further shows, a type of J shaped lever which upon receiving a pull-force at A transfers a portion of force A downward as B via vertical member 16 which is depicted taller in length than corresponding horizontal member 14, such that the J-shaped lever exerts a substantially downward load at C serving as a type of fulcrum point (i.e., located adjacent the opening of a trailer receiver tube). Because the Thompson vertical member Bup to the height of the winch cableis a vertical moment arm having a length greater than the length of member 14 downward forces exerted at C will be substantially greater, than those exerted proximate a vehicle receiver tube opening by the substantially reduced or minimized moment arms M depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1E, or as in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2E of the present invention.
[0049] For ease of reference, relating to the same A, B and C forces when exerted relative to a generally L-shaped profile or orientation, FIG. 3B of the Thompson apparatus (hand-drawn FIG. 2) is also provided, wherein the multi-segmented/pinned apparatus acts as an L-shaped lever arm with C arrow, pointing to a fulcrum point.
[0050] Accordingly, prior art such as the Thompson reference depicts an exteriorly multi-segmented and multi-pinned apparatus that either, applies substantially greater downward forces at a trailer hitch receiver tube opening transferred through its trailer hitch and winch incorporating apparatus, or potentially even increases such forces due to it incorporating and functioning in-effect as a taller-than-wide lever. In contrast, the present invention instead employs significantly reduced or minimized vertical moment arms upon which its winches are mounted, which substantially reduce or minimize such unneeded and/or potentially damaging downward forces exerted onto a trailer hitch receiver tube opening, a trailer hitch receiver itself and one or more connecting points and/or seams mounting the receiver to a vehicle-end.
[0051] In reference to the side views of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, preferred embodiments of a low-profile, hitch ball mount 32 and a low-profile, winch mount 44 apparatus, operable for towing and/or winching operations, are depicted, each comprising a first, low-profile hitch ball mounting distal portion, a second, low-profile winch mounting central portion, and a third, trailer hitch receiver insertable portion, wherein the three portions are integrally formed end-to-end, between apparatus distal end 72 and horizontal member receiver-insertion end 24 (above bracket 88). Accordingly, no portion of the apparatus exterior to an inserted and secured trailer hitch receiver insertable portion, is made segmented, jointed or pinnable, e.g., having a pair of transverse aligned apertures so as to be fastened together by an inserting of, or separable by a removal of, a respective keeper or pin.
[0052] As can also be seen in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, a winch cable 46, when extending outwardly in alignment with a horizontal axis 86, is employable during winching operations in a manner unimpeded and/or unobstructed by a proximate mounted hitch ball 34, or thereabove, a portion of a locking mechanism employed to pivotally couple a ball coupler 94 of a coupler housing 96 to the ball 34 e.g., a latch 90 depicted lowered in FIG. 4A, or a ball coupler screw handle 100 depicted in FIG. 4B.
[0053] The low-profile aspect of the hitch ball mount 32, preferably comprises, an upper surface of a horizontal portion of the mount, which is lower in height than that of horizontal member lower side 20, employable to support a lower end of a mounted hitch ball 34 such that sufficient vertical spacing is provided between an upper side of the hitch ball (e.g., at or lower than the height of upper surface 22) and a winch cable 46, whereby the cable may be extended outwardly from a lower side of a winch cable drum of a mounted winch 42, e.g., in alignment with a horizontal axis 86, in a manner unimpeded and/or unobstructed by a proximate mounted hitch ball 34, or by an upper portion of a locking mechanism (e.g., 90 or 100).
[0054] As can also be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cable 46 and hook 48 may be extended outwardly, tensioned and/or employed during winching operations in a horizontal axis (e.g., in a higher or highest pull-force manner) (i.) separately without a trailer being coupled to the apparatus, or (ii.) with a trailer being coupled, and the winch cable being employable closely parallel above a horizontal trailer frame 70 and/or flat trailer bed 92, and the like.
[0055] Accordingly, optimal tensionings or pull-forces can be exerted on a winch cable 46 when employed in alignment with a horizontal axis 86, due to one or more of the following: the winch cable being unencumbered or unobstructed by a proximate mounted hitch ball 34, or a locking mechanism of a coupler securing the coupler onto the ball; the low-height of the winch cable 46 extending outwardly from a lower side of a horizontal drum of a winch 42 when mounted atop a low-profile winch mount 44 allowing the tensionings or pull-forces to be aligned, or closely aligned, with a plurality of connecting or attachment points at which the trailer hitch receiver is mounted or secured to a respective vehicle; the height of the winch cable when spooling on or off a lower portion of a drum of the low profile mounted winch, being kept at or below a vertical moment arm height/length of about two inches or less.
[0056] FIGS. 4A and 4B further depict a low-profile, integrally formed hitch ball mount 32 and a low-profile, winch mount 44 apparatus, wherein a winch 42 is mounted on the apparatus such that an upper side surface 66 of the winch is lower than an upper generally horizontal surface of a vehicle bumper. Each dashed-line 50 and 150 in FIGS. 4A and 4B represents an upper, rear and lower cross-sectional contour or profile of an approximately located bumper, wherein a low-profile winch 42 is mountable behind a rearward-facing bumper 50, or in front of a frontward-facing bumper 50, while also having the height of a winch upper surface 66 below the bumper's upper surface. Alternatively, on vehicles having a high ground clearance and a trailer hitch receiver mounted under an end of the vehicle and spaced inwardly away from a bumper 150, a low-profile, integrally formed hitch ball mount 32 and winch mount 44 apparatus 10 can be releasably secured mostly or entirely under the vehicle end, and perform one or more towing and/or winching operations in a similar or identical manner as those performed by the aforementioned winch 42 mounted behind a rearward-facing bumper 50, or in front of a frontward-facing bumper 50.
[0057] Accordingly, a number of towing and/or winching operations may be accomplished by the integrally formed apparatus 10 wherein, during one or more of such, one or more doors or hinged members pivotally mounted proximate a rear end of the vehicle may be opened or closed above a bumper 50 or 150 e.g., over a full pivot range, without being impeded or obstructed by the winch 42 (or upper side surface 66 thereof). Similarly, several towing and/or winching operations may be accomplished by the integrally formed apparatus 10 wherein, during one or more of such, a hinged tailgate may be lowered or raised above a bumper 50 or 150 e.g., over a full pivot range, without being impeded or obstructed by the winch 42 (or upper side surface 66 thereof).
[0058] Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, those skilled in the art should understand that they can make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.
